Agape Baptist Church - Sermons

Are we the most divided people, ever? Some might say so. But even if we aren't, surely we do see the fractures and divisions along political, ethnic, social, religious lines (and many more).What can we do about these divisions? Is there any hope beyond basic tolerance for one another? Will we ever see true unity among diverse people?Pastor Johanan gives us an answer from Ephesians 2:11-18, in UNIFIED. Listen in - as we learn how we are NOT THE SAME because of Jesus!

Hypocrisy. Most people feel guilty of it, but Christians feel this guilt even more acutely. Over time, this guilt disillusions and discourages us from continuing in faith. How do we move from hypocrisy to a glad pursuit of holiness?Pastor Johanan begins a new 3-part series: NOT THE SAME: The Church's building blocks from Ephesians 2. Join us as he answers the questions above in his first sermon, “ENLIVENED” from Ephesians 2:1-10.

How will you respond when grief overwhelms you? What can you do when your world seems to crumble? How do you cope when despair threatens to drown you?In our struggles, we often seek refuge in methods, strategies, or coping mechanisms. Yet, the real solution lies in shifting our hope to the solid rock of Christ and discovering who Jesus is in the trenches of everyday life. In this stand-alone sermon, “Who is Jesus?”, Pastor Too guides us through John 20:1-18, showing us how Mary Magdalene's grief and despair transformed into immense joy and hope when she heard Jesus' voice and saw Him again.

This Easter Sunday, we're confronted with the deep longings of our hearts—for healing, for wholeness, for hope. In a world filled with brokenness, many of us ask: When will life be whole again?Through the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus, and the bold declaration of Christ's resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, we discover that true wholeness begins with being born again. It's not a change we can make ourselves, but a transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. And it is possible because Jesus not only died but rose again.If Christ is alive, then nothing is impossible—not even wholeness for the most broken parts of our lives. This is the hope of Easter.

One people, one nation, one Singapore”—a familiar phrase sung almost every National Day, reminding us of our shared Singaporean identity. But as Christians, we are also part of a spiritual holy nation. What does it mean to be a holy nation? Join Daniel Loke to explore 1 Peter 2:9-10 in “Chosen, Royal, Holy, Possession” and discover the richness of this spiritual national identity.

WHO WE ARE Series 06/04/25

Christianity is all about getting the golden ticket to heaven.'Ever heard that before? Ever thought that before?Learn how faith in Jesus is so much more! Pastor Johanan brings us ENDOWED from Ephesians 1:11-14. Website: www.agape.org.sgFacebook: @agape.sgInstagram: @agapebc

When it comes to “planning”, what is the principle you ‘die-die must' live by?'Fail to plan, plan to fail'?'Play the long game'?'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'? Pastor Johanan unpacks how God thinks about His plans - in CHOSEN from Ephesians 1:3-10.

The Church is ___. How would you fill in the blank?“WHO WE ARE: The Church's Building Blocks from Ephesians 1”. We begin a new series to discover how the Bible fills that blank!Ps Johanan begins with the first sermon, BLESSED from Ephesians 1:1-3. Hear just how good it is to be the people of God!

False security or true freedom?In Galatians 4:21-31, the Apostle Paul tells an incredible story from the Old Testament about two women who represent these two radically different approaches to life. Amidst the tension, this story leads us to discover our true God-given identity. Through this passage, Pastor GL uncovers three essential renewals we need to stand in gospel freedom.Don't miss this last sermon in the Galatians series, The Story of Two Women.

It is highly possible for someone to believe the gospel theoretically, yet still drift away from it practically. How do we guard against such gospel drift? In Galatians 4:8-20, Paul expresses concern for the Galatians that they have drifted from the gospel they once cherished. Through this passage, Pastor GL draws out three diagnostic questions that we can use to examine our own hearts.Don't miss this sermon, Do Not Turn Back Again!

We start a new three-part sermon series, Galatians 4: Adopted into God's Family.In this first sermon based on Galatians 4:1-7, Pastor GL unpacks how the Apostle Paul's illustration of ancient Roman adoption reveals the beauty of the gospel. Through this sermon, we will learn how this overarching gospel story can shape the many stories we tell about our own lives.Don't miss this sermon, From Slave to Heir.

Jesus. Is. KING.This Sunday, we gather to make our Gift To The King. Are you ready? We give as a response. We give to declare that our devotion is His. Our giving is our way of saying, “As You are jealous for me, I want to be jealous for You.”Ps Johanan bring us the final instalment of the series: “DEVOTED: Let the walls come crashing down”. Join us as we hear how good it is, to be A Devoted People unto God (from Joshua 8).

Money is so important. But if you think about it, money in itself is useless. Money is the means to something else. Something that's important to us. Something we value.Jesus once said, “Where your heart is, there your treasure (your wealth) will be also.” How we use our money, reveals what we are devoted to.What are you devoted to? Is there anything problematic with being devoted to anything? Or is it just “different strokes for different folks”? Should Christians be any different in what they're devoted to? Ps Johanan brings us The Devoted Things from Joshua 7.

We all have something we want killed: A bad habit. A persistent sin. A toxic relationship. A debilitating obstacle. Whatever it is, we want it destroyed. But how do we do that? We begin a new sermon series from Joshua 6-8, titled “DEVOTED: Let the Walls Come Down”. Ps Johanan brings us the first sermon: Devoted to Destruction from Joshua 6.

Jesus told his disciples to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). How can Agape be Jesus's witness in 2025? How will you personally be a witness for Jesus in 2025? Pastor Stephen Tan from Regeneration Church Monash (Melbourne, Australia

Nothing worthwhile comes without suffering. This is generally true for almost all things in life. And it's no different when it comes to living for Jesus: There is no worthwhile pleasure presented to Jesus, that does not come with some suffering. Yet why do we resist and avoid suffering for Jesus? Pastor Johanan answers this critical question in The Glorious Reward from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18.

Have you found that less and less people are making New Year's resolutions, with each year? Have you also brushed aside any thought of making any resolutions for 2025? Was it perhaps because of how past years ended almost no different from how they began? There is a greater sense of jadedness and cynicism that has settled into our society - and even among us Christians. How do we break out of such pessimism and fight for a 2025 that is NOT JUST ANOTHER YEAR? Pastor Johanan brings us The Good Soldier from 2 Timothy 2:3-6, to find much needed answers.

Happy New Year!

What do you wish for in 2025? A dream job? Better health? A restored relationship? As we stand at the edge of a new year, our deepest wishes reveal what we truly value. But what if even our best desires point to something greater? This Sunday, we'll explore Psalm 137 with Daniel – a raw and honest prayer about loss, longing, and finding our highest joy. Listen to Pursuing Joy While In Exile!

Hope is one of the biggest themes in the Bible. Yet, it is often misunderstood. Many people recognise the importance of hope in life but fail to apply it correctly. Pastor GL addresses the topic of hope in his sermon, Hope for the Hurting Heart. He will unpack Matthew 12:15-21 to show how Jesus brings the ultimate hope that all of us need in this broken world.

As we approach Christmas, we begin a new two-part evangelistic sermon series, What Are You Searching For? Pastor GL addresses the topic of rest in his sermon, Rest for the Weary Soul. He will unpack Matthew 11:25-30 to show how Jesus provides the deep rest that all of us in Singapore ultimately need.

We live in a world that encourages a “me-first”, “live in the now” kind of attitude. So it can be quite natural for us to apply our gospel-given courage in an immediate, therapeutic, and ultimately self-centered way. We need a bigger vision for our courage. Pastor Johanan closes the series on David: Unusual Courage with Facing Future from Psalm 63.

We often pray when we need something. But isn't it strange that when we need help to clear our self-made sinful messes - we often become silent? It takes courage to pray - especially when we feel we have no right to ask God for a thing. How do we find that courage in the midst of guilt-fuelled fear? Pastor Johanan brings us answers with Facing Fear from Psalm 3.

When was the last time you really felt you needed courage? David's courageous exploits are famous. But there is a dimension to his courage that is unusual and often overlooked. This aspect of his courage is most apparent when David was at his lowest, weakest, and most pathetic. This is a courage we all need. And it's a courage we need most days. Pastor Johanan begins a 3-part sermon series “David: Unusual Courage”, with Facing Fault from 2 Samuel 16:5-14.

In times of crisis, people cry out for help. When nothing seems to work, we cry out to God. This is true even for people who do not believe in God. Why? Because crisis exposes the limitation of finite human beings and the need for the infinite God. Ps Too closes the 2-part sermon series “A Faithful God for Unfaithful People” with “A Deep Cry for Help” from Judges 6:1-10. We will see that sometimes what we cry for is not really what we need.

In the book of Judges, we see the people of God worshipping idols of their culture and getting trapped in a repeated downward cycle of disobedience and spiritual decline. This ancient book is relevant to us in Singapore because we are also tempted to follow the idols of our culture to our own detriment. In this 2-part sermon series titled “A Faithful God for Unfaithful People”, Ps Too begins with the first sermon, “An Unexpected Victory” from the story of Deborah and Barak in Judges 4, God fights for us when victory is totally unexpected.

In one more week, it will be Agape's momentous 40th anniversary celebration on 3 November! To prepare our hearts to celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness to Agape on Anniversary Sunday, we are in the midst of a two-part sermon series, The Heritage of Agape. In this sermon Pastor Tom will guide us through the passage of Psalm 136, reflecting on his personal journey and the lessons learned as a pastor and member of Agape Baptist Church.

We are just over two weeks away from Agape's momentous 40th anniversary celebration on 3 November! To prepare our hearts to celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness to Agape on Anniversary Sunday, we are starting a new two-part sermon series, The Heritage of Agape. In this series, Pastor GL and Pastor Tom will guide us through two different passages from Psalms, reflecting on Agape's heritage from their unique perspectives as pastors in our church. Pastor GL delivers the first sermon from Psalm 103:1-5, titled "A Church that Blesses the LORD".

Have you ever felt like you were searching for something, but couldn't quite grasp it? We'll look at the human longing for fulfilment and see how the Gospel offers a truth deeper than any philosophy. In Acts 17, we'll discover how Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, engaged with a city full of philosophies and idols, revealing the truth of a God who created us and wants to be known by us. He shows us the power of the Gospel to bring hope and meaning to every corner of our lives, even in the midst of uncertainty. Our guest preacher Pastor Huai Tze brings us “Gospel to the City”.

What do you think about our city? What are we called to do in this city? How do we find hope for tough city-living? Ps Johanan begins a new 2-part series Catalyst in the City. Join us as he brings us answers in the first sermon: “Exiles in the City” from Jeremiah 29:4-14.

Everyone loves something. Love is what keeps us going and what gives us hope and meaning. Did you know that the love that grows from the desires of your heart is taking you to places? Because whatever your heart desires deeply has the power to chart the course of your life. Is your life on the right path? Is it going towards the right destination? Are you walking increasingly towards freedom or slavery? Ps Too brings us a standalone sermon titled “Dangerous Love”, based on Exodus 20:1-6. He sheds light on how to redirect and reorder the desires of our heart so we may walk in freedom.

We've talked about the relationship between the eyes and the memory, with courage. This Sunday we'll talk about the heart. Courage is fundamentally a matter of the heart. And the heart that is not rested in God, cannot truly experience courage. Pastor Johanan brings our series on Joshua 3-5 to a close, with Covenanted Heart from Joshua 5:1-12.

We live in a world that's all about “progress”. But when we pursue progress at the expense of our roots - we end up lost, aimless, and anxious. Pastor Johanan brings us the second ingredient to courage: Dedicated Memory from Joshua 4.

It has become impossible to survive in our world today, without courage. There may have been a slower, less connected, less pressurising time in the past where courage felt optional. But not any more. Courage is indispensable in such an anxious world. Where do we find such courage? Pastor Johanan begins a three-part series On Jordan's Stormy Banks: Joshua 3-5 and the Ingredients to Courage. Join us as he brings us the first installment, ”Consecrated Eyes”, from Joshua 3:5-13.

One of the most beautiful and distinctive realities of the Christian faith is that it is built on God's promise. In Galatians 3:15-29, Paul explains how the Galatians are heirs of the promise as sons of Abraham. This is made possible through Abraham's offspring, Jesus Christ. This passage has profound implications for our lives today. Only when we appreciate that we are heirs of the promise can we live out the gospel by faith in Christ. Don't miss this sermon, Heirs of the Promise, as Pastor GL brings this Galatians sermon series to a close!

In Galatians 3:1-14, Paul sends a very strong message to the Galatians, rebuking them for their folly in returning to relying on the works of the law for acceptance before God. In this sermon, Pastor GL will explore how Paul's sharp rebuke of the Galatians in this passage gives us fresh insights on how we are meant to live by faith in Christ. Don't miss this sermon, Don't Be Foolish!

How does believing the gospel translate into living out the gospel? What stops us from effectively living out the gospel? In this second round of the Galatians sermon series, Grace Unchained (2) - Walking in Gospel Freedom, Pastor GL will share with us how God's grace practically fuels our walk by faith. He will draw out 4 important lessons on living out the gospel from Galatians 2:11-21.

”Worship matters.” Few Christians would disagree with this statement. But what we struggle with is: Does it matter how we worship? Isn't it enough to worship on principle - do we also need to get emotional? Isn't it more God-honouring to worship despite how we feel, versus to worship with how we feel? Ps Johanan answers these questions with Heartfelt Worship from Psalm 28.

Corporate worship has played a big part in Agape's 40-year history. But has our posture & the priority given to worship, changed? Are we still excited to come together to worship? Do we still have a shared purpose, a shared vision for our corporate worship? Ps Johanan begins a new series on WORSHIP, with the first sermon “Heavenward Worship”. Looking into the famous ‘heaven' passages from Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, we will be brought back to the fundamental purpose of worship.

Should the wife submit to an abusive husband? What does the Bible mean when it calls for a wife's submission to the headship of her husband? How does this biblical call play out in today's world with wives just as capable (or even more so) than their husbands? This final sermon on Marriage/Unmarriage, Ps Guna will unpack Eph 5:18-22 to explore the wife's role in a marriage for its flourishing.

The dating scene today is highly complex. Changes in technology. Changes in expectations. Changes in the ways we pursue romance. Does God's unchanging word have anything to speak into the changing ways we pursue romantic relationships today? Calling especially all singles & those romantically-interested! Listen in as Ps Johanan bring us Romantic Relationships Outside Marriage from 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.

Does the Bible encourage a husband's authoritative leadership at home? What does it mean when the Bible says the husband is the head of the wife? Is this biblical call still relevant today? Ps Guna unpacks Ephesians 5:22-33 to show how the husband's biblical role brings flourishing to a marriage in the first of a three-part series, Marriage/Unmarriage.

What does it mean to be “radical”? Some would say being radical is about living an extreme life. Or about pursuing your feelings to the extreme. Jesus is without question, one of the most radical figures in human history. What does He think being ‘radical' means? This Youth Sunday, Pastor Johanan brings us RADICAL from Luke 11:37-41.

Is homosexuality a sin? How can one still be a Christian if one is struggling with same-sex attraction? How is the Gospel good news for all who struggle with sexual desire and sin? In this standalone sermon, Wilson will touch on the sensitive topic of sexuality. Preaching from Romans 1:18-32, he will lead us to see what the Bible has to say on this topic, and more importantly, how we are to respond in light of God's redemptive plan for us.

Human relations are fraught with challenges and brokenness. While some of us are blessed with loving relationships, there are still too many relationships in families, churches, communities and nations which are filled with more hate than love. What is the solution? Conventional wisdom teaches us to write off our enemies or even plot against them. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges Christians to counter hate with love. He teaches His followers to display God's radical love for mankind which includes loving our enemies. Listen to the fourth and final sermon in the series, as Pastor Too brings us "Radical Love” from Matthew 5:43-48.

Empty promises leave us disappointed and erode trust. In Jesus' day, casual oath-taking was a cultural norm, causing a crisis of integrity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks directly into this issue with a radical teaching. What was the core problem he identified? And what is his surprising solution for living with wholehearted integrity? Check out the third sermon in the series, "A Matter of Yes and No" by Daniel Loke from Matthew 5:33-37. Find out why it's so difficult to simply let your "yes" be yes, and God's plan for your human flourishing.

God's desire is for our human flourishing, but many times, we experience longings that are contrary to His will and plans for us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out one such area, specifically regarding adultery. He reveals that at its root, adultery is driven by a certain kind of longing, which is far more pervasive and dangerous than we commonly imagine it to be. Listen to the second sermon in the series, as Pastor GL brings us "Adultery Revisited” from Matthew 5:27-30.

How does one experience human flourishing? What does the Bible teach us on this topic? In this new 4-part sermon series, “The Wisdom of Jesus on Human Flourishing”, we will consider what Jesus Himself teaches on this topic in selected portions of His famous Sermon on the Mount. Pastor GL will brings the first sermon, “A Righteousness Beyond Expectation” from Matthew 5:17-20. Come and hear what Jesus thinks about the life that we should all dream of living.

The mission of the church hasn't changed since the birth of the church but the expression of missions has dramatically evolved. However, the church must remember the power of the Message, the persistence of the Messengers and the priority of the Mandate. Pastor Thomas brings us the preached word from Matthew 28:18-20 in The 3M's of the Great Commission.

Most of us are quite comfortable to be with people who are alike but we are not so comfortable with people who are quite different. This uneasiness hinders relational unity wherever we are, including our families and our churches. Ps Too will conclude the “Grace Unchained” sermon series with the sermon, “Unity in Freedom” (Galatians 2:1-10). We will learn how gospel freedom results in uncanny unity in human relationships.