Weekly sermons from Houston Chinese Church
There are only two outcomes for most scenarios in life. Win. Or lose. Trying to get your child into a popular school is difficult. Those able to enroll their children win. Those who are not able to enroll their children lose. Thousands of people enter a lottery to see the Wave in Arizona. But only 4-8% of those who apply are granted entry. They win. The other 90 plus percent lose. When we win, it's easy to rejoice. When we lose, it's easy to rumble. But for those who have placed their faith in Christ, there is no such as a no-win scenario. In Christ, every scenario is a win. This enables believers to rejoice often. https://youtu.be/UvUC5Pk9Ilg
There are only two outcomes for most scenarios in life. Win. Or lose. Trying to get your child into a popular school is difficult. Those able to enroll their children win. Those who are not able to enroll their children lose. Thousands of people enter a lottery to see the Wave in Arizona. But only 4-8% of those who apply are granted entry. They win. The other 90 plus percent lose. When we win, it's easy to rejoice. When we lose, it's easy to rumble. But for those who have placed their faith in Christ, there is no such as a no-win scenario. In Christ, every scenario is a win. This enables believers to rejoice often. https://youtu.be/UvUC5Pk9Ilg
The opponents of the gospel plotted to imprison Paul, assuming chains would hinder the gospel's advance. Little did they know that chains merely served to unleash the power of gospel preaching – undeterred by the opposition or false motives of either enemies or friends. Sermon Notes https://youtu.be/uLPZD1a8t68
The opponents of the gospel plotted to imprison Paul, assuming chains would hinder the gospel's advance. Little did they know that chains merely served to unleash the power of gospel preaching – undeterred by the opposition or false motives of either enemies or friends. https://youtu.be/uLPZD1a8t68
If you read through the book of Philippians it is easy to sense how hopeful Paulis throughout the entire book. You can see his emotions really come out in hisletter to the Philippians. As you read the book of Philippians, you should walkaway with such feelings as well. In our passage today, and throughout thebook, we can see the joy Paul has and what causes him to have this joy.Specifically, a joy that is created by the Gospel. https://youtu.be/0P1TDvVVJNA
If you read through the book of Philippians it is easy to sense how hopeful Paulis throughout the entire book. You can see his emotions really come out in hisletter to the Philippians. As you read the book of Philippians, you should walkaway with such feelings as well. In our passage today, and throughout thebook, we can see the joy Paul has and what causes him to have this joy.Specifically, a joy that is created by the Gospel. https://youtu.be/0P1TDvVVJNA
God has given us the gift of life. May we not squander it by believing that we are the master of the universe, but instead, believing that God is the master. We are created uniquely by God to fulfill God's purpose, which is always for His glory and for our good. Sermon Notes https://youtu.be/28yBIVDpuvM
God has given us the gift of life. May we not squander it by believing that we are the master of the universe, but instead, believing that God is the master. We are created uniquely by God to fulfill God's purpose, which is always for His glory and for our good. Sermon Notes https://youtu.be/28yBIVDpuvM
Belief in the Sovereign Self bleeds over into the issue of ethnicity and identity. In an effort to create our own identities, we're tempted to either reject our given ethnicity with a sense of shame or revere it with a sense of superiority. But either reaction fails to recognize the goodness of our given ethnic heritage and its purpose in the mission of God. Sermon Notes Here https://youtu.be/lVaO7qd_Izc
Belief in the Sovereign Self bleeds over into the issue of ethnicity and identity. In an effort to create our own identities, we're tempted to either reject our given ethnicity with a sense of shame or revere it with a sense of superiority. But either reaction fails to recognize the goodness of our given ethnic heritage and its purpose in the mission of God. Sermon Notes Here https://youtu.be/lVaO7qd_Izc
This series is aimed at challenging the modern idea of the Sovereign Self. The idea that we have within ourselves the authority to create our own reality. In other words, I can fashion my identity as I will, even if it means rejecting the givenness of my nature. But many aspects of human nature are stubborn and unbending. Consider our mortality – how our bodies age, decline, and eventually die. We can try to deny this reality or delay it, but we can't change it. Biblical wisdom directs us instead to number our days, face our mortality, and learn from it. Sermon Notes: Numbered Days https://youtu.be/_M2dcwNMIU0
This series is aimed at challenging the modern idea of the Sovereign Self. The idea that we have within ourselves the authority to create our own reality. In other words, I can fashion my identity as I will, even if it means rejecting the givenness of my nature. But many aspects of human nature are stubborn and unbending. Consider our mortality – how our bodies age, decline, and eventually die. We can try to deny this reality or delay it, but we can't change it. Biblical wisdom directs us instead to number our days, face our mortality, and learn from it. Sermon Notes: Numbered Days https://youtu.be/_M2dcwNMIU0
The dominant cultural narrative today teaches that happiness comes from discovering your true self and then having the courage to give expression to that identity. You may have to reject societal norms and expectations along the way. But no price is too steep. For authenticity is now considered the highest virtue. But in contrast, the biblical narrative teaches that happiness comes from discovering how your Creator made you and then appreciating the goodness of givenness. Sermon Notes Here
The dominant cultural narrative today teaches that happiness comes from discovering your true self and then having the courage to give expression to that identity. You may have to reject societal norms and expectations along the way. But no price is too steep. For authenticity is now considered the highest virtue. But in contrast, the biblical narrative teaches that happiness comes from discovering how your Creator made you and then appreciating the goodness of givenness. Sermon Notes Here
Salvation through Christ is not just for Israel, but for all people. God shows nopartiality. Peter receives a vision from God, telling him that the Good News isfor Gentiles as well as Jews. He goes to the home of Cornelius, a Roman officer,and tells him about Christ. Cornelius and his family believe and are converted. https://youtu.be/3W2ywZcU6iQ
Salvation through Christ is not just for Israel, but for all people. God shows nopartiality. Peter receives a vision from God, telling him that the Good News isfor Gentiles as well as Jews. He goes to the home of Cornelius, a Roman officer,and tells him about Christ. Cornelius and his family believe and are converted. https://youtu.be/3W2ywZcU6iQ
Palm Sunday commemorates the royal welcome Jesus received when he entered Jerusalem at the start of that fateful week. The words of praise shouted by the people that day were stanzas from an ancient song heavily used in Israel's liturgical tradition. Those words reveal the people's messianic expectations but also foreshadow their confusion as to what this kingly figure had come to do. This Palm Sunday, instead of studying the narrative itself, we seek to understand the song behind the story, so that it might prepare us to celebrate Holy Week. Click here for Sermon Outline https://youtu.be/KLTaGVcbtro
Palm Sunday commemorates the royal welcome Jesus received when he entered Jerusalem at the start of that fateful week. The words of praise shouted by the people that day were stanzas from an ancient song heavily used in Israel's liturgical tradition. Those words reveal the people's messianic expectations but also foreshadow their confusion as to what this kingly figure had come to do. This Palm Sunday, instead of studying the narrative itself, we seek to understand the song behind the story, so that it might prepare us to celebrate Holy Week. Click here for Sermon Outline https://youtu.be/KLTaGVcbtro
Pursuing and preserving unity is tough work. We see it in the world. Countries break away from unions. It's difficult to get a group of leaders to work together on a common cause. We see it in the workplace. Everyone has a different idea on how to complete a project. Analysts disagree on what caused the dip in profits this quarter. We see it in families. Spouses have different plans for vacation. Children ignore parental advice. Despite all its trouble, people desire unity. God put a desire for togetherness within us. How does God plan to bring people together? Sermon Notes https://youtu.be/Wx06VaWPNts
Pursuing and preserving unity is tough work. We see it in the world. Countries break away from unions. It's difficult to get a group of leaders to work together on a common cause. We see it in the workplace. Everyone has a different idea on how to complete a project. Analysts disagree on what caused the dip in profits this quarter. We see it in families. Spouses have different plans for vacation. Children ignore parental advice. Despite all its trouble, people desire unity. God put a desire for togetherness within us. How does God plan to bring people together? https://youtu.be/Wx06VaWPNts
After the Flood, God is starting over. But things are not the same as before. He is committed to preserving the earth and protecting humanity, but the effects of the Fall are so entrenched that even a deep cleanse like the Flood was not enough. A better solution awaits. Sermon Outline
Noah and the flood is one of the best known stories in Scripture. Children know it by heart. Picture bibles and toy arks with pairs of toy animals have shaped their imagination. But let's not lose sight of its main point, that being divine judgment. The story is about God's grief over the utter sinfulness of man and his intent to cleanse his world and start over. Sermon Notes: Cleansing Flood https://youtu.be/pNXerMdvuJc
In Genesis 4, we get a glimpse of life east of Eden. Life outside of Paradise. Life in a fallen world. Suffice it to say, it doesn't look good. Sin is on the loose. Violence is on the rise. Relationships are broken and hurting. But grace is there. And hope will follow. Sermon Outline
Sin causes people to treat us differently. If the IRS audits our tax returns anddiscovers that we fudged the numbers, then they'll demand payment of losttaxes and scrutinize our future tax returns. If we “conveniently” forget to sendpayment to our friend to pay for our portion of dinner, then we may notreceive a future dinner invite. If a friend discovers that you disclosed theirsecret, then they may not share another secret with you. If we know thatpeople treat us differently when we sin against them, then how does God treatsinners? Paradise Lost Sermon Notes https://youtu.be/-vTIUM3sNYI
The events dominating the headlines this past week are a stark reminder that we live in a world marked by bloodshed, violence, and war. It's always been that way. Though, at times, we can be lulled into a false sense of peace and stability. The source of all this pain and suffering – whether on the world stage or in our own lives – is found in a singular event in ancient history that involved a couple, a snake, and a curse The Curse: Sermon Notes
Any worldview or religion worth any consideration needs to offer an explanation for what's wrong with the world. Why is there so much suffering? Why do people hurt each other? Why are we so selfish? If your story doesn't have an adequate answer for why bad things happen, then perhaps you're in the wrong story. Perhaps it's time to consider the Christian story and its explanation for what's wrong with the world. Sermon Notes: The Fall https://youtu.be/2uCGB2CTyEY
Marriage holds little appeal for many because they've gone through the pain of picking up the pieces after the dissolution of their own marriages (or that of their parents). So nowadays people don't know what marriage should look like. But, thankfully, we have the Word of God. Genesis 2 is like the picture on the box of a puzzle. Without it, we're left with a mess of jumbled pieces. But, by studying the Genesis 2 picture of marriage, now we know where to start in building a marriage or repairing one. https://youtu.be/booAdJh3xvk Sermon Notes: Two Become One
Our mission is to build God's kingdom on earth. God has created us to worship and to work. It is not only on Sunday that we worship the Lord. Every day can be meaningful for us to worship God. Often we do not associate our faith with work. However, we need to see work as an opportunity to worship. For us, work is worship. However, we should not worship work. Sermon Notes: Work and Keep https://youtu.be/bsneK9XOQPc
The creation scene is set and God's about to rest. As we near the end of the creation narrative, we hear one final assessment of God's work and He declares it to be, “very good.” This is so because man has been given his responsibility to bring the rule and reign of God to the ends of the earth. But we don't go at it alone, but we go in the blessings of God. God has blessed us to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion. Sermon Notes: Fill and Subdue https://youtu.be/VJ_puOZEjUE
As we paused last week in Genesis 1 to reflect of the significance of the imago dei in relation to race and racism, today we want to draw out further implications as it relates to life and abortion. Forty-nine years ago, the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion-on-demand. It is arguably one of the greatest affronts to human dignity and an egregious violation of human rights. Persuasive arguments rooted in logic and natural law could be made, but the Christian's base conviction is the belief that every human being – no matter what stage of development – bears the divine image of our Maker. Sermon Notes: Life and the Imago Dei https://youtu.be/LOHUADBMADQ
On this MLK Jr. holiday weekend, we want to pause in Genesis 1 to reflect on the beauty of the imago dei and the ugliness of racism. We should be thankful that, in our day, the vast majority would wholeheartedly support Dr. King's dream to be judged by the content of his character rather than the color of his skin. But does the vast majority understand the theological underpinning for that dream? Do we realize that, without the belief that every human being is made in the image of God, ethnic harmony will remain a pipe dream? Sermon Notes: Race and the Imago Dei https://youtu.be/bVXJMxLdcEU
Our treatment of people reveals how much we value them. We shout at the representative of our internet service provider when the internet goes down for longer than we expect. We treat co-workers as tools to get the job done rather than value them as people. We disregard the opinions of young people because we believe they lack life experience. Yet God is gracious to people regardless of background. Why does God value people? Sermon Notes: In His Image https://youtu.be/IzhfcT_Uz3o
The book of Genesis is a book of beginnings. It's mainly focused on the beginning of a story about a covenant family that grows into a covenant community spanning the globe. But chapters 1-11 stretch even further back to tell the story about the beginning of our world and the universe itself. Genesis 1 presents five fundamental truths about creation and its relationship to God. Sermon Notes: In the Beginning https://youtu.be/GBmjIR6DSAE
As we stand on the cusp a new year, it is high time for self-evaluation and a reconsideration of our priorities in life. Sermon Notes: Re-Prioritizing Your Life https://youtu.be/34vWkJ2WuJ0
Since Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, the people of God endured 400 years of spiritual darkness. 400 years of divine silence. But Malachi himself prophesied in hope that one day “the sun of righteousness shall rise” and God would visit his people again. 400 years later, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, recognized, in the birth of his son, a glimmer of light before the messianic dawn. In Christ Jesus, the morning sun has risen and now radiates the resplendent mercy of the Lord's salvation. Sermon Notes: The Benedictus https://youtu.be/NHyKCsEX140
The Magnificat refers to the song Mary sings after visiting Elizabeth, who herself is miraculously with child. Magnificat is the Latin word for magnify, as in “My soul magnifies the Lord.” In this song, the Lord's grace and power are magnified through a Great Inversion – where things that are down will be lifted up and up things will be knocked down. All because of this baby in Mary's womb. Sermon Notes: The Magnificat https://youtu.be/RIMpgKwoptw
In Christian tradition, the Annunciation refers to that event where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would miraculously conceive and give birth to the long-expected Messiah. Now Christmas Day typically receives greater attention, but one could make a case for Annunciation Day being a more important holiday. Since the Incarnation of the Son of God actually took place then – nine months prior! So there is much we can learn from this glorious event. Sermon Notes: The Annunciation https://youtu.be/1XLo32YD0xg
We occasionally experience seasons of disappointments in our lives. We go out on dates regularly, but we have a hard time finding someone who is girlfriend or boyfriend material. We keep trying to conceive, but every pregnancy test results in disappointment. We keep inviting a non-believing friend to church, but they keep finding reasons not to attend. We keep experiencing a reoccurring health issue and no treatment seems effective. What do we do when we experience seasons of disappointments? https://youtu.be/uSrgbUI1hNg
In a final meal with Jesus, his disciples experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Fear and confusion are replaced by joy and worship after a surprise encounter with the Risen Lord. Similarly, a transformative encounter can be experienced by us today if we share their eyes of faith and see the following gospel realities. Sermon Notes: One More Meal https://youtu.be/9Xga-DAiv8M
Because of the Emmaus' disciples' incomplete understanding about the coming Messiah, their hope was shattered when they saw Jesus being crucified. Their hope was rekindled when Jesus used Scripture to show them that the coming Messiah must suffer before being glorified. Sermon Notes - Breaking Bread, Opening Eyes https://youtu.be/3SaYjZnv16A
The sacred meal that Jesus ate with his disciples on the eve of his arrest is traditionally known as the Last Supper. It was the last time he would eat the Passover meal with them before he died. But this occasion was also the first time Jesus would celebrate Holy Communion, aka the Lord's Supper. So this Last Supper was really a first supper in a new tradition that continues to be observed by churches today in remembrance, in fellowship, and in hope. https://youtu.be/l3atbOyi4ig
Sometimes, we wonder if we have true faith that saves our souls. We wonder: do we truly have a relationship with God? Yes. We believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. We believe that he ascended into heaven. Yet when we look at our lives, we find little change. We find little love for God. We find bible reading stale. Our prayers seem rote. Our love for others has grown cold. How do we know that we have true faith? How do we know if we have invited Jesus into our lives as an esteemed guest? Sermon Notes: The Guest of a Great Sinner https://youtu.be/3kzhOXZ3aYU
In the Gospel of Luke, meals with Jesus serve as occasions for the Lord to clarify his mission – to heal the sick and seek the lost. Shared meals are also opportunities to reveal his heart. In today's text, we see the joyful heart of God. Anytime the lost are found – anytime a sinner repents – God rejoices and celebrates with all the host of heaven. Sermon Notes: Eating with the Lost and Found https://youtu.be/yJc5V3x7Mqo
Even though Christianity is still the predominant faith in America; why is our influence for Christ in the world fading and so weak? One reason is that we have presented Christianity and discipleship as all benefits with no cost. Costless Christianity leads to imbalanced discipleship, cheap grace, and cultural Christians. In today's text, we learn that while becoming a disciple of Jesus costs us nothing, being one will cost us everything. But even so, our Lord encourages us to embrace the cost of discipleship in light of the cross. Sermon Notes: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship https://youtu.be/ZyqPHQka3ds
When we find ourselves spending time with people, we naturally fellowship with people like us. When we do, we become members of a clique. We become insiders in our social groups. We enjoy people within our social groups because they reciprocate conversation. They reciprocate hospitality. One week, we invite them to lunch. Next week, they invite us to lunch. Such relational dynamics are so natural to us that we never stop to consider: Who does God want us to invite into fellowship with us? Does God solely want us to extend an invitation to those like us? What does God have to say about this topic? https://youtu.be/aLYWsxlT0xs
In Luke 14, Jesus accepts an invitation to dine with a prominent Pharisee but finds himself under watchful eyes. His opponents hope to expose his faults. But Jesus turns the table and uses a healing and a parable to expose their selfishness and self-conceit. Lord-willing, this meal with Jesus will produce a similar effect in us – that being a merciful and meek heart. Sermon Notes: The Parable of the Wedding Feast https://youtu.be/UoMc3xpBE0M
In another episode involving another meal with Jesus, we see how a desire to practice hospitality can quickly sour into feelings of resentment and self-pity. This occurs when the busyness of serving for Jesus distracts us from Jesus. Don't read this story as a rebuke of Martha for serving too much, but do read it as a warning if serving is done at the expense of listening to the words of Christ. Sermon Notes: A Visit with Martha and Mary https://youtu.be/t--1RavQPJw
An impossible situation gives Jesus an opportunity to show His compassion and power as the Messiah, who meets both the physical and spiritual needs of man. https://youtu.be/vMI84_5kBsw
The recent disruption of our normal rhythms of life – both personally and congregationally – has either prompted or exasperated a spiritual apathy in the hearts of many. We may still believe in God and give the bare minimum that devotion requires, but our love has grown cold. Here, in another meal with sinners, the Great Physician helps us to diagnosis an apathetic heart, to discover its root cause, and to determine an effective treatment. Sermon Notes: Dining with a Pharisee https://youtu.be/na3OBOrmCGw
In the Gospel of Luke, meals with Jesus function as a plot device for character development. Each occasion reveals more of Jesus's heart and demonstrates the kind of person he is willing to befriend. As we study these occasions in our new sermon series, we pray that you will hear Christ's call, reflect his heart, and continue his mission. Sermon Notes: Feasting with Sinners https://youtu.be/1bUzjhB8YXo
The story of Daniel and the lions' den is another scriptural reminder that, while the nations rage and plot in vain, the LORD remains faithful to his own. Like Daniel, you could very well face a situation where you must choose between your allegiance to God or another. So like Daniel, if you press on and refuse to break faith with the living God, you too will witness his great faithfulness. Sermon Notes: Daniel and the Lions https://youtu.be/_dChDeIF0MA
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