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Sheep Gate Fellowship
Sheep Gate Fellowship is the English Ministry of Yang-Mun Presbyterian Korean Church located in the Downsview Park area of Toronto, Canada.
We exist to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples; to love God and to love our neighbours; and to worship God forever.
This podcast is a collection of church teachings and sermons for the purpose of education and growth.
AUDIO WARNING
This Sunday was our church's annual outdoor service, where we gathered at the park to worship God and enjoy a time of picnicking with our congregation.
Due to the wind, the audio is very low quality and can get loud.
Posting late due to technical difficulties from 2 weeks ago. Sermon from guest preacher Sherman Wong.
Jesus takes his disciples to Gethsemane to pray and there he tells them to keep watch and pray. They do neither. Jesus however can be found in deep prayer as his death looms. His flesh is afraid, His spirit is willing. Yet again we see that Jesus accomplishes obedience that no human can, and it is this obedience that is our hope.
The Lord breaks bread and speaks of it as his body, shares wine and calls it his blood. This is the establishment of the Lord’s Supper, a pointer to his death on the cross. But the story does not end in death because Jesus promises his return. Although man will make empty promises, Christ never will.
Jesus and His disciples’ preparation to celebrate the Passover reveals twin truths that seem to be at odds with one another: the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. We are told that although Judas’ plan to betray Jesus was his plan, it was ultimately a necessary part of the Father’s plan of redemption–yet Judas was still morally responsible for his sin. Thus what Mark is showing us in this text is that God’s plan of redemption unfolds, despite the sins and failures of mankind.
Two plots to kill Jesus sandwich a story of a woman who prepares Jesus for his burial by giving up what was costly to her. What is being juxtaposed for us is the sacrifice element. What Mark is showing us then is that there are two types of sacrifices being shown in these characters and it is worthy to understand their differences so that Christians would know which model to follow.
After the things that mark darkness, there will be hope in the form of light that enters into that darkness. We are told here that what follows devastation is the coming of the Son of Man. There is a time that is coming when all hope will feel like it is lost, and in that time hope will come to us.
Jesus gives more details of the destruction of the temple and what things will occur. What is apparent is that there will be reason to hide and fear is to be anticipated. What Jesus is describing can seem foreign to us but what lays under the text is this call to trust in God for He has chosen his own and will protect them into eternity.
After his dialogue with the Jewish leaders Jesus exits the temple and looking upon it he once again predicts its impending end. Jesus of course taught already that his body is the true temple and that although it will be destroyed, unlike the physical temple, he will rise three days later.
The Lord delivers a powerful teaching on humility as he contrasts the pride of the scribes to the lowly offering of a poor widow. What seems valuable in our eyes is not the case in God’s kingdom.
After teaching the two great commandments to love God and to love neighbour, Jesus focuses on correction of the scribes. He tells us in today’s passage that the Christ is not a son of David and he suggests to us something more regarding the nature of the Christ.
Jesus tells us that there is one great commandment above all, to love God with all heart, mind, and strength. The second he says, is to love neighbour as yourself. Today we will learn what this teaching means.
Jesus is approached by the Sadducees who sought to trap Jesus with a question regarding marital relationships and the resurrection. Jesus does not entertain their question, rather he rebukes and corrects them on the things they know not. Let us learn together from Christ's teaching.
Augustine taught that true freedom is not choice or lack of constraint, but being what you are meant to be. Humans were created in the image of God. True freedom, then, is not found in moving away from that image but only in living it out. We will learn this from Mark 12:13-17 today as Jesus is tested by the Pharisees and the Herodians on the issue of Roman taxation.
Psalm 118 speaks of the stone which the builders rejected but that stone became the chief cornerstone. Jesus is our cornerstone and in today's passage we will learn of what that means and why he was rejected in the first place.
The authority by which Christ did the things he did is challenged in today's text by the so-called authority of the Jewish religion at the time. But instead of plainly answering them, Jesus instead asks them a question and the motives of their hearts are revealed. But as Christians we know the authority that had and we will examine that today.
Jesus's entry into Jerusalem is described as being triumphant but his entry into the temple is not so much the case. What Jesus finds in the temple courts disturbs him, and he begins to clear it out. What many fail to grasp is why and that is where our attention will be drawn as read from today's passage.
Join us as we celebrate Christmas Day 2023 and join together in worship and remember the Christ who came to us. Merry Christmas to you all and have a great day!
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a memorable and famous event for most Christians. It is widely viewed with celebration and prestige. Not untrue but Mark’s rendition sobers some of that zeal and instead sets our sights towards Christ.
Jesus enters Jericho as He continues His journey towards Jerusalem for His passion. He encounters a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, who sees Jesus for who He truly is and cries out to Him for mercy. Utterly dependent on Him, Bartimaeus asks to regain his sight. Jesus restores Bartimaeus' sight because of his faith in Him, and in gratitude Bartimaeus follows Jesus into Jerusalem. In stark contrast to the disciples of Jesus, Bartimaeus exemplifies what true discipleship looks like.
Jesus gives his third and final passion prediction in today’s text only to be met with a very disappointing response from two of his disciples. They sought their own great honour and demonstrated their self seeking heart. This is not distant from our own hearts today and so this text teaches us yet again that in the kingdom the so-called great are those who are willing to lay those interests down and become a servant of all. This is what Christ models for us.
On this day the church gathers as the Lord directs and invites. Our passage today gives us teaching that will reflect on our commitment and sacrifice to the Lord. All this in light of Christ's own commitment and sacrifice for us. Our works are always in the shadow of his, so let us gather and be reminded of how great our saviour is.
As we continue in Mark we are taught today that fortune in any form is but a hindrance to one’s total allegiance and faithfulness to Christ. Fortune itself is not singular nor is it a sin to be wealthy, but there exists an obstacle of great sacrifice for those who are found in wealth, again in any form. Only God can bring these barriers down so we are to place our faith in Him and His power.
Jesus continues his teaching on what it means to be a follower of him. To follow Jesus means to let go of everything, this is easier said than done because our hearts lust after so many things that are not God. The young rich ruler that speaks to Jesus may have done a lot, but he could not do the one thing that was most required of him.
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to those that are like the children. He calls for the children to come to him. And he also tells us that we must receive the kingdom like that of a child in order to enter it. A child receives gifts with a faith that is absent of the adult’s corruption. We are not to be childish but childlike in our receiving of the kingdom. That is what warrants entry, trust in the hand that gives.
Marriage and divorce are hotly debated issues in the world and church today. We see a debate in today's text around this very matter between Jesus and the Pharisees but where one looks for permissibility the other looks to the highest honour. Instead of pointing to that which is the lowest passable action, Jesus teaches us to pursue the highest degree of obedience unto God. That is what love of God drives us towards.
Jesus gives to his disciples today a second passion prediction with a clear emphasis on the divine hand of God. Many times we think that a good and gracious God would only want good things for us in our lives but even in the life of his Son we see that His will is to have His Son delivered into the hands of men so that those who place their faith in Him would be saved by grace.
There is mystery in God's Word to the human mind, for we struggle at times to grasp beyond the limits of our human thought. Today's text teaches us the age old lesson that truly God is beyond all that we are and infinitely so. He must be the object of our prayer in all that we do, that it may be done in honour and glory of Him.
The transfiguration of Jesus is but a glimpse into the future reality of his resurrection in which he will appear in glorified form. But remember that resurrection necessitates death, and so the Son of Man cam and died for us. He conquered death and sin so that those who believer in Him would have eternal life. Let us read from our passage in Mark 9 today and be fed by its truth.
Our passage today seems like a familiar one, a miracle we have seen before. Perhaps we lose some lustre due to its repetitive nature. At times the works of God can seem mundane to us when they aren’t something new. But Mark 8 shows us something far more miraculous than bread being multiplied and it centers on Christ and His compassion. Let us gather today to worship our God and praise Him for the sending of the Son of God.
The Lord is one who is worthy and deserving of praise, the one who alone is truly to be worshipped. Every week the church gathers to do just that, to worship our God. Our passage for today teaches us of the transfiguration of Christ. This is a pivotal representation that those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, will have everlasting life in him.
As we gather in the house of the Lord to worship Him today, may we remember the risen Christ and the Son of God that came to us. Our reading today comes from Mark 8:31-38 where Jesus gives us proper definition to Christ and proper definition to disciple of Christ. Join us in worship today.
Christ is risen and this glorious truth reminds us of the glorious truth about Christ that he is truly God. He came to save us from sin and pay the price of sin on our behalf as our mediator. As Mary realizes this incredible victory over the grave, we are in awe along with her this day as this historical event continues to compel hearts to faith all over the world.
Today the church gathers to read from Mark 8:27-30 where Peter makes the confession that Jesus is the Christ. Christ is Greek for Messiah, the promised saviour of God's people. Let us be in awe that the Lord is gracious in regenerating the lost to come to see Jesus as the Christ.
The Pharisees were so eager to discredit Christ and his claims, and they would go so far as to demand signs from him. Signs that they felt he could not provide. Is this not the default state of the human mind and heart towards God? We were once his enemies, but he still died for us. Let us gather in worship of our Lord, as we are reminded of how saving grace has changed us all to see that Christ is indeed who he said he was. We look forward to seeing you at church.
The Pharisees were so eager to discredit Christ and his claims, and they would go so far as to demand signs from him. Signs that they felt he could not provide. Is this not the default state of the human mind and heart towards God? We were once his enemies, but he still died for us. Let us gather in worship of our Lord, as we are reminded of how saving grace has changed us all to see that Christ is indeed who he said he was. We look forward to seeing you at church.
Pastor Richard Min preaches from Mark 11 to teach us of Jesus' triumphal entry which may appear not so impressive to the human eye, but the intended purpose was to show the humility of the incarnate Christ. What we see as unimpressive is seen as most impressive in heaven's view.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for all and it sees no distinction in any human measurement of qualification. Where humans tend to seek qualifiers, there is but one and that is the grace of God upon any sinner to come to faith and repentance. Mark 7:24-30 will teach us this lesson today and it will remind us that the gospel puts all sinners on same ground. Let us gather today to worship the Lord.
Mark 7 instructs us on the importance of looking within at the heart yo truly see where defilement comes from. Our desire as believers is to see a transplant of the heart and not just a correction of conduct. May we gather today and be brought to the light of today’s text.
There is blessing in the house of the Lord, and for those who enter it. Today we are called yet again to join together in the sanctuary of God. Where we sing, pray and read from God's holy Word. Mark 7 teaches us today that the traditions of men are not to confused with the doctrines of God. How we distinguish these is important and we ought to caution ourselves in making the same mistakes as the Pharisees and Scribes.
The Sabbath is a gift from God to the saints to spend in worship, fellowship and rest with God and His people. May this day be a day upon which you gather with the saints, sing with the saints, pray with the saints and lift songs with the saints. And may the Word of God this day be a blessing to your mind and heart. The concluding verse of Mark 6 is where we will read from today and learn of Christ's true healing ministry.
The Lord's Day is upon us and what a glorious day it is on which the saints gather to worship and fellowship in the Lord. Our union with Him is also union with one another. Today, we read from Mark 6:45-52 and we read of Jesus walking on water. A story that has incredible truths about Jesus and his gospel. May the Spirit work in us today to teach us of Christ, His nature, His gospel and His grace for us. Praise be to God this day.
There is immense hope in Christ our Lord for He died for our sins and rose from the grave. The saints gather this day to remember Him and to honour Him with our worship of God who saved us. Join us as we read from Mark 6 in which Jesus feeds the Five Thousand. We hope to see you.
The Lord’s Day is a glorious day each week when the saints gather to give honour, praise and worship to our God. May we gather our hearts and bodies together to read from God’s Holy Word and gain its teaching as the Spirit wills in us. Today we will read of the death of John the Baptist and learn what it means as a foreshadow if things to come.
The church gathers this day as we remember Christ and His sacrifice on our behalf. What a beatiful reminder it is, to be reminded of the gospel we believe. May the Lord enrich and bless your soul this day as we turn to Mark 6 and read of Christ’s sending of his disciples.
On this Lord's Day the church gathers to praise and worship our one true living God. It is always an honour and privilege to worship together as we lift songs and prayers to Him. Our scripture reading comes from Mark 6:1-6 today as Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth. He is met with an unexpected reaction from those who would seemingly know him best. May this text teach us and inform us more about our faith in Christ.
As we gather in the house of the Lord this day we will be reading from Mark 5:21-43. Here we read of two healings that occur, one of a woman with a bleeding condition and the other of a deceased girl. The miracle of Christ's healing power should not surprise us, but what is most evidently told to us is the importance of faith in the divine work.
This Sunday we gather together to praise God and give worship to His name. Our reading is Mark 5:1-20 where Jesus heals a man who is demon-possessed. After calming a storm on the sea, he calms a storm within. May this word be a blessing to you all.
Join us in the house of the Lord as the saints gather to sing to the Lord, lift prayers, and read from His holy word. We hope that this time would be honouring to the Lord and pleasing to Him. We also pray that it would be a blessing to those who attend. We invite Pastor Kyle Hackman to share God's Word with us and we look forward to his preaching from John 3:1-20.
We gather today in the house of the Lord to worship Him. We invite you all to join us as we read from Mark 4:35-41 to conclude our time in the fourth chapter of Mark. This passage is well known as it depicts Christ's command over a storm that caused fear over his disciples. What we gain from this text will be beneficial as it nourishes our souls.
Today is the Lord's Day on which the saints gather to worship our God. May He be lifted, honoured, and glorified. Our scripture reading come from Mark 4:26-34 today, where Jesus teaches of the kingdom of God. May this teaching from His Word be a blessing unto you.
Today is the Lord's Day and so we, the church, gather to worship our one true living God. We will read from Mark 4 today and learn that light of God came to the world so that it would shine light into the darkness of this world. Join us in singing, praying and reading all unto the glory of God.
Brothers and sisters, the Lord's Day is a special day each week on which the saints gather to praise and worship God. For He is truly worthy. Let us therefore gather this day and may we lift glory to our God. We look forward to having you in church and joining your family in Christ, as we worship God together.
Our church will gather today to sing hymns, lift prayers and read from God's Word. Our worship of God is something we revel in and look forward to each week, as we come together in remembrance of Christ's coming, His death and His resurrection. It is an honour to be in the presence of our Lord, may all glory be unto Him.
Join us this afternoon church as we gather together to sing and read from God’s Holy Word. We look forward to seeing you all and we also look forward to hearing the message preached to us by our brother Richard Min. See you all today.
Beloved, we gather in this Lord’s Day to read from Mark 4 and be ministersd to by the Spirit of God. May He work in us to understand this text and be transformed by it. We look forward to singing and praying with the saints.
Today we again join our hearts and bodies together to worship our one and only God. We also have the pleasure of hearing the Word shared to us by Pastor Lyndon Jost from Christchurch Toronto. Join us today as we learn from Titus 1.
Today Jesus makes an interesting statement regarding his family. There is a contrast made between his family on earth and his true family in heaven. This speaks to the nature of our own true family as well. We will examine today what this text intends to teach us about family. Join us in worship.
As we gather today in the house of the Lord with God's people, we will be examining the unforgivable sin. Something that could conjure fear and doubt in the hearts of those who heed the warning of this text, but a proper understanding will yield hope for those who know Christ and are known by Him.
It is yet another glorious Lord's Day on which we will gather to sing praises to His holy name and to read from His Holy Word. We invite you all to join us in worship as we learn about the house of God and the unity we share in our faith in Christ Jesus.
There is a simple yet complex truth to who Jesus is and for what purpose He came. This is fundamental to all believers of the Christian faith, for our following of Him cannot rest on personal gain but it must rest on who He is and what He accomplished on our behalf. Join us for worship today.
We look forward to starting this new year of 2023 in worship of our Lord. Join us in our gathering as we lift songs and prayers to God. May we gain from His Holy Word today in our reading and study of Mark 3. We look forward to His mercies anew this day. Happy New Year to you all.
Join us as we celebrate Christmas Day 2022 and join together in worship. We reflect on Galatians 4:4-5 and remember the Christ who came to us.
Join us today as we gather as the saints for worship. We will read from Mark 2:23-28 and read of the Son of Man the Lord even of the Sabbath. See you at 2PM.
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We gather today again to worship the One True Living God. Please join us as read from Mark 2:18-22 and reflect on the new wine that has come.
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Join us today as we gather in worship. We read from Mark 2:13-17 to see the call of Levi and the feast Jesus has with tax collectors and sinners. This will reveal to us much if the nature of God’s mercy and grace.
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Sunday service for October 2, 2022.
Sermon:
Jesus and the Roman Soldier
Matthew 8:5-13
By Richard Min
Church today we gather to give an offering of worship to our holy God who so deserves all such things. To all glory be to His name.
We conclude our study of Malachi today with a look at the fourth chapter. We find here a plea from God for the Israelites to turn from their apathy and a warning to not continue down the path they are walking. Simple yet an important reminder both to them and to us today, for we are prone to commit the same sins.
Malachi 3 concludes with a stern warning to the arrogant and proud. Their conclusions of God were unwarranted and incorrect. Their warning is coming judgment if they do not fear the Lord. It will be wise for us to take heed to this warning as this text reveals much about our own state as well.
In today's text Israel is told that it is not God who has turned away from the covenant promises, but that it them who need to return to the Lord. They have forsaken the Lord in their greed and in their self righteousness. May we be cautioned of the same things today.
Malachi speaks against the people who were accusing God of rewarding the wicked and going absent on the so-called faithful. There is a coming judgment for all in which all will judged righteously, so we must not be proud to think we are any better than any other. We must instead be faithful to God.
Malachi rebukes the Judeans on their deviation from God's commands in regard to marriage and family covenants. Let us take heed to this rebuke.
God rebukes the priests on their failure in their duties as the priests of Israel. A failure on their end is highly consequential. God calls out this failure and warns them of a coming curse.
In this week's passage Paul outlines, through the use of imperatives, an exhortation for the Corinthians to be reminded of. They teach us the basic virtues and principles that are to be kept in mind as we live out our lives in faith.
1 Corinthians 16:5-12 teaches us that there is an unbreakable solidarity between the family of Christ. Paul is adamant here that he would love to see his brothers in Corinth but he will do as the Lord wills.
Paul teaches the church on the importance of giving and being considerate of one another.
As we gather today in our reading of the Word we will read from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 to conclude the 15th chapter. Here, Paul will teach us that there is reason to live and work in hope in the Lord because of the resurrection reality. There is victory in Christ. Join us for singing, praying and study of God' Word today.
Today we will read from 1 Corinthians 15:45-50 where Paul teaches us that our earthly bodies are rooted in our likeness to Adam. But that the last Adam, Jesus Christ, is in whom we can find our heavenly bodies. Where one body will return to dust, the second will resurrect into glory. Join us today in our worship of the Lord.
Today Paul teaches us through the use of analogies, the reality of earthly and heavenly bodies. The glory contained within them and the purpose that God has in them. But most importantly Paul teaches us that the resurrection is an act of God and by His power alone we can be raised into glory.
Made Alive in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
Paul continues to argue for the necessity of faith in the resurrection of Christ by outlining its connection to all those who are found in Christ. There are only two outcomes for any human life; death in Adam or life in Christ.
Today Paul teaches us five consequences for not believing in the true resurrection of Christ from the grave. This belief may not be something we struggle with, but there is still relevancy in this teaching in that it reminds us of just how important it is to ground ourselves in a proper understanding of the one true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul concludes his teaching on the spiritual gifts by remind us of the original source of truth and why we stand on level ground together as members of Christ's body.
Today we look at John 11 to learn about Jesus' fifth "I am" statement, that he is the resurrection and the life.
Today we read from 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 and examine Paul’s continual teaching on the spiritual gifts. He uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate how the body of Christ is a unified mechanism composed of many parts. Our diversity flows out of our unity. We hope this word will be a blessing to you.
"Come Together and Eat"
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
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This is a notoriously difficult and misunderstood text in the church due to the perceived sensitivity of the subject to modern readers. What does Paul mean in saying that women ought to cover their heads? Is this still a practice that the church should be following? We will attempt to unpackage and understand this text.
There is no greater pursuit in the life of the believer than the pursuit of a life lived unto the glory of God. Paul teaches us today that we are to do all things for the glory of our God. Let us gather and worship this day.
Paul brings to us the example of Israel as a typology of the church. And in this parallel he teaches of the warning that Israel presents, that we are not to follow the transgressions of Israel's past. The church is to live not in presumption and despair, but in humility and hope.
Paul makes a defense in this chapter on the nature of the apostle and the rights of the apostle. On this matter, Paul exercises another right, the right to deny support. And in that he demonstrates a gospel focused ministry.
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In today's text Paul teaches about the importance of the Christian virtue of love. Love is the supreme virtue that fuels every practice of the Christian life, so may we not be arrogant in our knowledge but loving in our practice.
Paul gives us a teaching on the posture of those who are engaged. And in this teaching we learn that Paul continues to teach to remain as we are, but not for personal ascetic reasons, but for the purpose of devoting to God.
Paul teaches the primary principle for all Christians in whatever context of life, that we are to continue to walk in the manner in which we are called. God has ordained our lives and we are to gratefully live it out for His glory.
Paul has yet another lesson for us in that we are to set ourselves on God above all things and to glorify Him in all things. That includes our sex lives, our marriages and our singleness.
The Corinthians have loosely dealt with their sexually immoral activities on the premise of faulty theology. Paul looks to correct their misguided ways in today's passage and teach them to flee from their immoralities.
Paul rebukes two brothers in the church today on their legal battle ensued in a secular Roman court. What he rebukes is the internal handling of such disputes between two people who are Christian. Paul is adamant that the Christian life is transformative in every aspect of our lives and in the handling of all things especially within the community of faith.
Paul teaches us today that no sin is to go unnoticed or tolerated within the church. Sin, like leaven in bread, can affect the whole community to become relaxed with evil. There is no room for sin in the church, and so we are to build each other up so that we may grow to be like Christ.
In today's passage Paul appeal the Corinthians to heed his words and turn from their ways. He also challenges those who oppose him to seek power, not just hollow words.
Paul urges the Corinthians to see their pride that blinds them from seeing their faults. He argues today in classic rhetorical fashion that the church is not one that seeks glamour in this world but seeks to be like Christ.
Paul teaches us today that the ministers of God are servants of Christ and Stewards of God's mysteries. They are to be exceptional in the area of trustworthiness and the church is to trust in the judgment of God.
Paul's teachings today are headed by the words "let no one" and they are as follows: let no one deceive themselves and let no one boast in men. We explore the text today to better understand how these teachings reveal a sinful tendency within all of us to bring glory to ourselves.
Paul teaches us in today's passage that the church is God's building. It is to be built wisely on the foundation of Christ. It is the holy temple of God and its identity is in the Spirit of God.
The Christian is the one who is in the Spirit. The Corinthians were under the impression that they were a spiritual elitist group and this was a source of boast for them. Paul states however, that they are like those who are not of the Spirit. This is an eye-opening and heart punching rebuke that is needed for the professing Christian, even today.
Paul shifts his attention to arguing for the pursuit of true wisdom; wisdom that reveals the mystery of the cross. This is a revelation that only comes from the work of the Spirit in us to bring forth a mind of Christ that leads our life to be more Christ-like.
Paul now draws our attention from the substance of what he preached, to how he preached it and the posture he maintained. All these things work in unison to present the truth of the gospel and they hinge on being Christ-centred.
The end of chapter 1 in 1 Corinthians reveals an honest and powerful reminder to the church of the nature of our calling, the humility of the believer, and the reality of our union with Christ.
Today we examine 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and read of the juxtaposition between the foolishness of man and the power of the gospel.
Today we will read of Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church. Paul addresses the issue within the church, identifies the visible problems, and then most importantly identifies the core issue at hand.
The opening to Paul's first letter to the Corinthians consists of a greeting and thanksgiving. But contained within this seemingly simple message is an important insight into the teachings of the rest of Paul's letter. Today we learn about the context of this letter and gain some insight into the important theological themes of this book.
This is our final sermon on the Book of Judges which completes a 7 month journey in the 21 chapters of this book. We will learn today that the grave depravity of men deserving of utter destruction is only and can only be preserved by the grace of God. His will upholds the unrighteous and gives faith to faithless.
Judges 20 teaches us about the ramifications of sin and the result of unresolved sin. The community of Israel seeks the Lord and seeks to address the evil of Gibeah, but they are met with opposition by the Benjamites. This leads to God's judgment upon them, demonstrating the need for God's righteous judgment upon sin.
Judges 19 serves as an emphatic and harsh reminder to us all that outside the grace of God, we live in a totally fallen world with totally fallen people. And we are no different. This chapter is uncomfortable but maybe what we need as we live in the comforts of sin is a shake up.
This week's question: What is the virtue of modesty? What does it look like to uphold it as a church?
Micah and the tribe of Dan have something in common. They are thieves. They both take as they wish and do as they wish in hopes of gaining something they so do not deserve. And what is gleaned from their nonsense is false religion and false worship of God. There is a lesson contained in this for us all in Judges 18.
Today we read from chapter 17 of Judges and will turn to a stark contrast in this book. The contrast in narrative begins the final section of the Book of Judges where we will read of Micah and his nominal spirituality. Micah is a great reflection of our own hearts today.
The story of Samson has been one that has shattered our understanding of what it means to be a servant of the Lord. Samson is at best an unconventional leader and certainly one that breaks the biblical mould. In the final chapter on Samson we are taught about weakness and strength.
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Samson is confronted by both the Philistines and his own countrymen. They both oppose God, a non-believing and believing community. What is concerning is the attitude before God and our tendency to make God our enemy. But the beauty of God is revealed in that those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
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This chapter is a very odd narrative with lots of mystery and indirect messages. We need to read carefully to understand that what we are learning is something important about our sinful nature and God's power and providence.
Judges 13 is the nativity narrative of Samson, perhaps the most famous of Israel's judges. What we read today does give us insight into this birth story, but more importantly it reveals deep lying sins within us, and the magnitude of God's grace and awesomeness. Let us come before Him in awe.
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This week's question: When we are called to do all things for the glory of God, what does it mean to make choices that honour God in career steps? What are some ways we can keep ourselves from falling into selfish ambition in our intentions for good stewardship?
Judges 12:8-15 gives us a very brief notation on three of Israel's judges. The verses are easy to overlook and disregard but upon close examination, the record of these men reminds us of an important fundamental understanding that all believers must have.
This week's question: What are some questions we can ask ourselves to be better stewards of our time and resources? Finding a balance between being too lazy or too busy?
We are very eager to make senseless or foolish vows with God in hopes of attaining something for our gain. What we should be focusing on is trusting in God, and pursuing a heart that yields to the will of God no matter our circumstance. Jephthah's vow is a huge error, and it teaches us to be careful in following his steps.
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In the 11th chapter of Judges we learn of Jephthah, the ninth judge, who engages in a discourse with the Ammonites regarding disputed land. But in this section we learn of how he was rejected by his own brothers only to be looked to for deliverance. We too reject Christ but we must turn to him for salvation.
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In this chapter of Judges we are taught about the tendency within the human heart to cheapen God's grace by assuming that it is a right. We treat forgiveness as something we are owed but God does not owe us anything. Let us be reminded of the nature of God's grace.
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We are reminded of two important primary teachings: that evil leads to more evil, and that God will punish all sin. We are to treat evil as God treats it, with no allowance. We must learn to hate what God hates because it is killing us.
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This week's question: Would the existence of alien life more intelligent than humans contradict Christianity?
Gideon's unfortunate ending cast a shadow on the immediate future of Israel and his family legacy. His desire for power, wealth and passion was inherited by his offspring; and his swaying from God resulted in the swaying of Israel from God. Leadership is important. Let us examine what God's Word teaches us today.
Gideon stands as a stern warning for us all to be faithful to the end. What seems to be going well, does not indicate the same reality in our spiritual lives. May we finish the race.
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This week's question: A close family friend is in a homosexual relationship. Our family friend group expects them to get married shortly. Should I attend the wedding? Our group has had tough conversations about this and got nowhere..
Happy Easter! Today we are turning to Judges 8 and learning about the weaknesses in us that cause division in our faith community. We are prone to look for reasons to divide, instead of focusing on the unity found in Christ. This Easter, let us be reminded of this truth.
We are all prone to be proud and prone to give credit to ourselves for the accomplishments of our lives. But we are taught today, through Gideon's narrative, that God is concerned for our humility and will necessitate weakness to magnify his strength to us.
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The latter part of Judges 6 teaches us two important lessons: repent and believe, and be assured in God. We are so weak, like Gideon, to have faith in God's Word, but our faith is to stand strong on his word that is everlasting and ever powerful. We pray that this word would reach you well and be a blessing to your soul.
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In the sixth chapter of Judges we are introduces to Gideon and his call into the service of the Lord. But contained within the details of this narrative is an important lesson on the correction of God's word in our life, and the security of God's word in our life. Let us learn from today's word.
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The book of Judges is full of historical information and legacies of the judges of Israel's past. But it also teaches through song and in Judges 5 we have a song of celebration by Deborah in remembrance of God's deliverance of Israel. It teaches and reminds us of God and His faithfulness.
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Today we will read about Deborah, a female judge, and the only one at that. There is a rich lesson of valuable benefit to those who can read and understand Judges 4 as a lens into the human condition as sinner, and to God as a righteous judge but also a loving saviour. This is a fascinating and compelling narrative, but one that reiterates a lesson much too familiar in scripture.
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Once gain Israel is found to do evil in the sight of the Lord and so God punishes them to turn them to repentance. And so they cry out to God and He delivers them through the second judge, Ehud. The story is a peculiar one and one that has vivid details and imagery. But we cannot lose sight of what it teaches us about the dangerous pattern of sin in our lives, but also the hope of the pattern of deliverance that comes from God.
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Today in Judges 3:1-11 we read of the first judge, Othniel. This deliverance of God provides a paradigm that the rest of the Book of Judges will follow. We gain great insight on God's providential reign over all things to bring sinners to repentance and faith.
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In Judges 2:11-23 we learn of the rampant idolatry of Israel as they fell into the worship of other gods because they were tempted into their practices. The Lord burned with anger against Israel, and sometimes we view this act of discipline with the wrong lens. Let us instead, read more carefully and understand the love that lies behind the wrath of God.
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As we continue to look at the Book of Judges we are given a flashback to Joshua's death, and then an analysis of the new generation of Israel that grew not knowing the Lord, and not knowing His works. This is a valuable lesson for us all as we must seek to know God, and know His works; to make Him known, and to make His works known.
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The second chapter of Judges opens with a rebuke against Israel of their unfaithfulness and compromise. There is a lot we can learn from God's rebuke, Israel's response and the warning that comes from their example. As a church, we are prone to the same errors of Israel, let us be wise and cautious in our faith lives to obey God wholeheartedly.
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The end of the opening chapter of Judges can seem mundane and repetitive to those that simply glance over this section of the text. It could just look like geographical details of Israel's missteps in conquering the Canaan territory and driving out its inhabitants. But there is a purpose in the way that this scripture is written and there is a certain lesson we are to key in on. Let us examine the text and learn what the Bible teaches about evil that is left untreated.
Today's passage in Judges gives us a narrative on Achsah and her request to her father for a field and spring waters. What we can uncover from this text is a template for prayer from which we can draw a right heart, attitude and expectation. Let us take a look Achsah and learn from her example.
Welcome to 2021! We wish you all a happy new year. We begin the new year with a new sermon series. Today we begin with the Book of Judges and study the Israelites as they go through a dark period in their history. What does it mean to trust and walk with God? What does Judges teach us about ourselves and our God? Let us learn from this text.
We must fully comprehend the nature of Christ's identity and ministry in order to have a proper expectation of what benefits are actually given to the believer's life. Let us not pursue minor solutions while ignoring the major one.
We conclude the month and the year with a teaching on the Second Coming of Christ. A teaching that for many of us is rare and foreign. It is important for Christians of all generations to seek, long and hope for his imminent return. It is always better to be with Christ than without. May we yearn for him more.
The resurrection of Christ is not merely a paranormal event or some momentary magic trick. The resurrection is a powerful sign of hope; hope now and hope forever. It is the precursor of our own resurrection, in which our bodies will be made new. We examine the resurrection today and learn of this fundamental Christian belief.
Today we examine the cross and Christ's accomplished work in dying for the sins of many. In today's text, we see the mockery and taunting of the world towards Christ, a mockery that his followers continue to experience today. As believers, the cross is central to our faith, hope and life. Let us learn and be reminded of this fundamental truth; the event and its impact.
Just some quick thoughts on this short excerpt. Hope it can be a thought provoker and a source of prayer material. Give thanks to God!
The last month of 2020 has come upon us and that means we are on our final “figure of scripture” in our annual sermon series. We conclude this year with a study of Jesus: his birth, his death, his resurrection and his return. Today we begin by looking at Luke’s account of Christ’s birth. We hope and pray it would be a blessing to you all.
Today we conclude our sermon series on the teachings of the Apostle John. This final sermon teaches us the nature of Christ's cleansing blood, his atonement and his self sacrifice. He teaches his disciples to do the same, to act in humility and to serve others. Let us look to Christ as our great example.
Today we continue learning from the Book of John and we turn to chapter 11 and the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. This story also contains Jesus' fifth "I am" statement that he is "the resurrection and the life." There is a lot to gain from this teaching that Christ is both our life now and forever.
Our faith is secured and found favourable to God in Christ alone. Our union with Christ is the key to our salvation. He is our door and he is our good shepherd. May we trust and have faith in him always.
Today we study John 6 where Jesus feeds the multitudes, but just like last week in John 4, the narrative teaches something more important than simply the provision of physical nourishment. It teaches us who Jesus is and what the correct response to this knowledge is. Let us examine the text.
We begin the month of November with our first sermon on the Apostle John. We begin in John 4 with the the narrative of the "Samaritan Woman at the Well." This story is rich in Christology and rich in its presentation of the new life that can be found only in Christ and what that new life entails. May we be blessed by this lesson today.
Today marks the 503rd anniversary since the unofficial, yet official, beginning of the Protestant Reformation. On this day, 503 years ago, a German Monk/professor in Wittenberg, Germany posted 95 theses statements challenging the Roman Catholic Church. Thus beginning the preservation and proclamation of Christ's gospel in the hearts of many and a revival/restoration of the truth of that gospel as taught by the apostles and Jesus Christ himself. We are beneficiaries of what this day marks and it is appropriate to take some time to remember and pray this day.
The doctrine of justification by faith is central to the Christian's understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is here in Romans 3 where we will unpackage this doctrine that has become to important to believers everywhere.
We continue on our series with the Apostle Paul to Athens where he preaches his famous sermon on Mars Hill to the Greek thinkers of his time. It is here in Acts 17 we are reminded of the urgency of sharing the gospel, wherever we are found, to whomever we are with, and at whatever the cost. Paul is precise and loving in his execution, let us see how.
We continue in our study of the Apostle Paul with Acts 16. Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned. But instead of responding with despair, they respond with prayer and praise; full of joy and rejoicing greatly. Let us gather in worship today and read His word faithfully.
We begin this new month with our October figure of scripture; Paul. In Acts 9 we read of his conversion from Christian persecutor to faithful Christ follower. The legacy of Paul and how we remember him is far from the man he once was. Let us examine the text to learn more about the nature of God's effectual calling and the power of God's sovereignty.
This is our last sermon on the figure of Peter. Today we look to John 21:1-17 and learn about the reconciliation between Peter and Jesus after his denial. But this scene is epic in many way, and preserves an important lesson for us to all gain.
Today we examine Peter's greatest moment of failure recorded in scripture. His denial of Christ. It is a story that reveals much more about the reality of our tendency to fail in our faith. But it also teaches us that, we cannot sustain our faith on our own, but only through the work of the Father, Son and Spirit in us, can our faith not fail.
We conclude with Paul's final greetings to the Colossians and reflect on the teachings of this letter. May these lessons be of service to your heart and mind as we fulfill the ministry the Lord has given us.
In Matthew 14:22-33 we examine Peter's famous scene of walking on water as Jesus calls him out. What begins with faith ends in fear. But what is the lesson within this narrative?
Our conduct should be consistent with our faith, so that it may open opportunities for the preaching of the gospel.
We start a new month with a new figure of scripture: Peter. For the next few weeks we will examine some key instances in Peter's life and ministry as he becomes a follower of Jesus and an apostle of Christ. We start today with the calling of Peter.
Our one true master is the Lord and we are to serve Him faithfully by being faithful where He places us.
Sunday Service (08-30-2020)
We conclude our series on Daniel with one of the most important visions in the Old Testament that reveal to us the nature of the Trinity, the promise of the Messiah, and a glimpse into the end of days on which all will be judged. It is both a warning for us to repent, and a call to those who hear to believe.
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The family is an institution of God that is built on gospel truths and meant to reflect them.
Love is the hallmark outward feature of the believer and of the church, may we be known by it.
Our union with Christ in his death and resurrection is our only assurance and means of justification and salvation.
Daniel yet again demonstrates his faithfulness, integrity and honour of God over all things and in all circumstances. God is honoured through our dedication and perseverance for him, and his faith is sustained by God for His glory.
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Do not let the elementary principles of the world fill your mind, but rather the truth of Christ.
Do not be swayed or persuaded by the arguments of this world when we have the full richness of Christ and the treasures of his knowledge and wisdom.
We are made new in Christ, once dead but now are found. May we rest our hope in Him always.
In Daniel 3 we observe the famous narrative of the fiery furnace. The uncompromising faithfulness of Daniel's three friends in the midst of a social and political "fiery furnace" that was the king's decree to idol worship. They were unwilling to hinder and there is much to gain from their narrative.
With a new month we begin a new study on the figure of Daniel. As we dive into the book of Daniel we are met with a narrative of faithfulness and non-compromise in the midst of political, religious, social and cultural pressure. This is a message that reigns throughout the generations and is timeless in its application.
Our last sermon on Isaiah for the month of July concludes with the most prolific chapter of the entire Book of Isaiah, if not the entire Old Testament. Specifically in regards to gospel proclamation. We pray and hope this word would be a blessing to you all.
"A Man of Sorrows" (Isaiah 53:1-12) By Max Park
@Sheep Gate Fellowship Service 07/26/2020
This is our third lesson on Isaiah as we continue to examine the prophet and his teachings. This week we learn about a messianic prophecy in chapter 11 regarding the character of this messianic king, his kingdom and his glory. We pray that it will bless you abundantly.
"A Signal for the Peoples"
By Max Park
"Is It Because There Is No God?" (2 Kings 1:1-16) By Max Park
@Sheep Gate Fellowship Service 06/21/2020
"How Long Will You Hesitate?" (1 Kings 18:17-40) By Max Park
@Sheep Gate Fellowship Service 06/14/2020
"The Lord is God" (1 Kings 17:17-24) By Max Park
@Sheep Gate Fellowship Service 06/07/2020
We had Gordon and Jess in today to talk a little bit about the health care worker perspective on the virus locally, and also some general thoughts on some elements of this pandemic that intrigued me. Hope it is of some use to you all.