New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast

"One of the most common arguments raised against the existence of God is the problem of suffering: “If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow injustice?” But when we turn to Scripture—especially Ecclesiastes 4:1–3—we see that this argument actually backfires.Without God, suffering and oppression can only lead to despair. If life is nothing more than “under the sun,” then Solomon's conclusion is inescapable: the dead are better off than the living, and it would be better never to have been born. This is the hopelessness of atheism.But the Bible gives us another perspective: God is the righteous Judge who will bring every deed into account (Eccl. 3:16–17). His judgment is not only terrifying to the wicked—it is also a comfort to the oppressed. And through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are promised final vindication and everlasting life.

"In this opening message from our series on Galatians, we see that Paul's greeting is much more than a formality—it is a preview of the gospel itself. Paul emphasizes that his apostleship comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ who rose from the dead. And the heart of his message is this: “Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of God our Father, to whom be glory forever and ever.”The letter to the Galatians is one of the clearest, strongest defenses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here Paul proclaims the doctrine of justification by faith alone and insists that there can be no compromise. To lose this truth is to lose Christ himself.In this sermon we consider:Why Paul defends his apostleship so stronglyHow the greeting previews the entire letterThe inseparable connection between Christ's death and justification by faithWhy the gospel is not from man but from God himselfGalatians was central to the Protestant Reformation, and its message is no less urgent today as many seek to redefine or distort the gospel. Our hope and salvation rest in Christ alone, who gave himself for our sins and delivers us from this present evil age.✝️ May God strengthen His church to hold fast to the gospel once for all delivered to the saints.#Galatians #JustificationByFaith #Reformation #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Gospel #ChristianFaith"

"In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon lays out two radically different ways of thinking about life: one that denies God and sinks into meaninglessness, and one that recognizes God and finds true purpose. In a world full of injustice, your perspective on God will determine whether life is empty or eternally significant. Discover how rejecting God reduces humanity to mere beasts—and why only faith in Christ restores our true dignity and hope.#Ecclesiastes #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Sermon #GospelTruth #WisdomLiterature #GodsJudgment #FaithInChrist #MeaningOfLife #ChristianLiving"

"Salvation is not earned—it is all of grace. In this sermon, we look at how Christ redefines greatness in His Kingdom and how the story of Jacob meeting Esau displays the astonishing reversal of God's grace.Jesus taught that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first. True greatness is not found in ruling over others but in serving, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.Jacob's life is a vivid illustration of this truth. Once a deceiver striving to grasp blessings by his own strength, Jacob is humbled, transformed, and brought to the end of himself. In his reconciliation with Esau, he bows, serves, and gives rather than takes—and in doing so, he finally shows the marks of grace. At last, Jacob confesses God as his God and worships Him: “El Elohe Israel—God, the God of Israel.”

"Solomon teaches that when God is ignored, people do whatever seems right in their own eyes, leading to evil and meaninglessness. But when we recognize God's sovereignty, our work and daily lives gain eternal significance. Everything has its proper time, and God has placed eternity in our hearts. By trusting Him and walking in His ways, we can rejoice, do good, and find true purpose in Christ. This message explores man's work in time, God's eternal work, and how all our labor connects to His divine plan.Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:9–15Hashtags:#ChristianSermon #GodsSovereignty #Ecclesiastes #MeaningfulWork #DoGood #FaithAndWork #EternalPerspective #BiblicalTeaching"

"Genesis 32:22–32 | Wrestling with God — When Trials Lead Us to Prayer and TransformationIn this sermon, we dive into the climactic moment in Jacob's life—the mysterious all-night wrestling match with God that marks his true conversion. After years of deceit and exile, Jacob faces his past and God's grace in a powerful encounter that changes his name and identity forever.We explore:The significance of wrestling with God in prayer during life's greatest trialsThe identity of the “man” Jacob wrestled with — a prefiguration of Christ and the Angel of the LORDThe meaning behind Jacob's new name, Israel, and what it teaches us about spiritual transformationHow this ancient story resonates with every believer's struggle, surrender, and ultimate blessing in ChristThis narrative reminds us that true conversion comes not through human striving, but through persistent wrestling with God until we receive His blessing. Like Jacob, we are called to hold on to God in prayer, trusting in His grace to make us new creations.If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and encouragement!#Genesis32 #WrestlingWithGod #JacobAndGod #BibleSermon #ChristianTransformation #AngelOfTheLord #PreIncarnationChrist #SpiritualWrestling #PrayerAndFaith #ChristianLife #NewCreation #FaithJourney #GodsGrace #SermonSeries #BibleTeaching"

"In this sermon, we explore Ecclesiastes 3 and Solomon's profound declaration: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”We unpack how life finds true meaning only in light of God's sovereignty. While life apart from God is vanity, recognizing His providential care gives purpose to every event—from birth to death, weeping to laughter, and even love and hate.This message challenges us to:Submit to God's will in every season of life.Recognize the moral duties embedded in God's timing.Conform our lives to Christ, the perfect example of obedience to God's appointed plan.Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8Main Points:God's sovereignty over all thingsThe moral duties of His timingLiving in submission to God's providence#Ecclesiastes #Sermon #GodsSovereignty #ChristianLiving #Faith #BibleTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #Wisdom #ChristianSermon #GodsProvidence #Ecclesiastes3"

"Sermon Outline: Genesis 32:1-21 — Unworthy of the Blessings Received by GraceProp: God often brings us to our end to soften our hearts to the gospel.Introduction:Jacob's story is a powerful conversion narrative revealing God's sovereign grace.Before doing good or bad, God's election stands: “the older will serve the younger.”Jacob seems unworthy through all his deception, raising the key question: When will Jacob truly worship God?Jacob's exile and return mirror Israel's exile and restoration in Christ, the true “Way, Truth, and Life.”Jacob's Predicament:Jacob flees Laban after deceit and conflict, then faces imminent threat from Esau, who still wants to kill him.Jacob is vulnerable, trapped between fear and no escape—his back is against the wall.Change of Disposition:In deep distress, Jacob begins spiritual transformation, humbling himself before both Esau and God.“Propitiation” means to turn away wrath — Jacob seeks to appease both his brother and God.Like gold refined by fire, Jacob's heart becomes malleable in God's hands.Jacob's Plan to Propitiate Esau (vv. 3-8, 13-21):First gift attempt confirms fear; Esau approaches with 400 men.Jacob divides his camp, prepares gifts to appease Esau.Though Esau should serve Jacob (older serving younger), Jacob humbles himself and submits.True exaltation in God's eyes comes through humility and service, not worldly status.Jacob's Plan to Propitiate God (vv. 1-2; 9-12):Jacob sees angels, prays humbly to God, acknowledges unworthiness of God's mercy.After a life of striving and deception, Jacob rests fully on God's grace and promises.His petition is for deliverance from Esau, trusting only God's power.Conclusion — God's Grace in the Gospel:Salvation is sovereignly given and requires humility, the opposite of natural human pride.God often brings us to our end so we might see our need for mercy.We are all “unworthy of even the least blessing” and cannot propitiate God ourselves.Christ's humble obedience and sacrificial death is our true propitiation and hope.Those who humble themselves and trust Christ are saved.Hashtags:#Genesis32 #GodsGrace #JacobStory #SovereignGrace #GospelHumility #ChristianHumility #Propitiation #ExaltedThroughHumility #FaithJourney #BibleSermon #ScriptureReflection #Messiah #ChristOurHope #SalvationByGrace #WrestlingWithGod #ExileAndReturn #TrustGod #SermonOutline #GospelTruth #ChristianTeaching"

In this sermon, we explore Solomon's sobering reflections on the vanity of all human labor apart from Christ. Life is full of weariness and frustration, and no matter how hard we work or what we build, death ultimately claims it all. Solomon shows how toil under the sun is filled with sorrow because what we labor for will be left to others—often to those who may squander it. Yet, amidst this seeming futility, there is hope and meaning found in fearing God and receiving His gifts with thanksgiving.Key Themes:The weariness and vanity of labor in a fallen worldHow death renders all toil fleeting and often fruitlessThe curse of working hard only to leave the fruits to anotherThe difference faith in God makes for meaning in life and workEncouragement to find joy in God's provision and to live for His eternal kingdomReflection Quote:“I hate life, yet I am afraid to die.” — Voltaire (echoing Solomon's honest struggle)What you'll learn:Why all labor is ultimately “vanity” without GodHow fearing God and keeping His commandments unlocks true meaningThe biblical perspective on work, rest, and eternal hopeHow the wicked's toil benefits the righteous in the life to comeJoin us as we wrestle with life's biggest questions and discover lasting hope in Christ.#Ecclesiastes #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #BibleStudy #ExpositoryPreaching #VanityOfToil #MeaningOfLife"

In this sermon, we explore the gripping narrative of Jacob's return from exile and God's merciful preservation of His undeserving elect. Despite Jacob's ongoing deceit and struggle, God's faithfulness remains steadfast, protecting and guiding him back to the promised land.Key themes include:The tension of Jacob still not fully owning God as his own, even after God's promise (Genesis 31:42, 53)God's providential removal of Laban's household as a refuge, pushing Jacob toward grace and dependence on HimThe ongoing pattern of deceit between Jacob and Laban, showing human weakness contrasted with divine mercyGod's intervention protecting Jacob from harm despite his unworthinessRachel's theft of Laban's idols as a subtle mockery of false gods and a reminder that salvation belongs to the one true GodThe covenant between Jacob and Laban marking a turning point—Jacob is caught between enemies but under God's careApplication: How God often humbles us through trials to reveal our need for His grace, just as He did with JacobThis passage reminds us that God's grace is sufficient for undeserving sinners and that He will go to any lengths to save His elect, even while they are still far from Him. May we, like Jacob, come to see the wonder of God's mercy in our own lives.“It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” — Psalm 119:71"

"""How the wise dies just like the fool!”In this sobering passage, Solomon considers whether wisdom—so highly prized by the world—can provide lasting meaning in life. He concedes that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. Yet both the wise and the foolish face the same end: death. Both are forgotten in time. So what lasting advantage is there to even the best-ordered life lived “under the sun”?This message explores Solomon's reflections on the futility of human wisdom when divorced from the fear of the Lord. Drawing connections with Genesis 3 and the effects of the Fall, we see that all human striving—whether in pleasure or prudence—is subject to the curse of vanity.But there is a wisdom that transcends this world: the wisdom that begins with the fear of God and finds its fulfillment in Christ. He is the Wisdom of God, the One who gives eternal life to all who trust in Him.Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 2:12–17Theme: Worldly wisdom cannot escape the vanity of death.Key Verse: “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” (Ecclesiastes 2:15)

"How is it that God often blesses us even through means that are unwise, sinful, or seemingly foolish? In this message, we explore Jacob's strange and morally murky path to prosperity while serving Laban. This passage shows us that God works through sinful means to accomplish His holy ends.Jacob's peculiar breeding practices, Laban's deception, and the ongoing competition between the two men create a chaotic backdrop—but behind it all stands the sovereign grace of God. Jacob's wealth does not come from his own wisdom or skill. In fact, his methods are laughable by any standard. And yet, God blesses him anyway—not because of Jacob, but in spite of him.In this sermon, we consider:

"In this sermon, we examine Solomon's sobering reflections on his pursuit of pleasure. With more power, wealth, and wisdom than any before him, Solomon conducted a thorough and honest experiment: Can meaning be found in laughter, luxury, wealth, work, or worldly delights? His conclusion is striking and clear—all is vanity and a striving after the wind.Solomon's wisdom is not theoretical. He pursued every pleasure under the sun and found it all empty. This is a message deeply relevant to a culture drowning in materialism and entertainment. The pursuit of worldly pleasure, even to its fullest extent, cannot satisfy the soul. But there is hope: true and lasting joy is found not in the gifts, but in the Giver—in God himself.

"This sermon explores the deeply flawed origin story of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rather than a tale of noble founders, Scripture records a story of jealousy, rivalry, polygamy, and spiritual blindness. And yet—through it all—God is at work.As Jacob's household spirals into dysfunction, God opens barren wombs, humbles hearts, and advances His promises. He brings life and blessing not because of human merit, but in spite of human sin. It is through Leah, the unloved wife, that the line of Judah—and ultimately the Messiah—will come.In this message, we consider:

"In this sermon on Ecclesiastes 1:12–18, we explore the sobering conclusion of Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived: even the pursuit of wisdom, apart from God, is vanity. Though many today still believe that knowledge, reason, or philosophy can solve the world's deepest problems, Solomon exposes this as a “grasping for the wind.”

"In this powerful passage, Jacob—the one who deceived his father and brother—is now himself deceived by Laban. But behind the earthly injustice is the divine hand of providence and justice. God's perfect justice brings Jacob face to face with his own sin, as the deceiver becomes the deceived.This sermon explores:

"In this sermon, we explore the sobering message of Ecclesiastes 1:1–11, where Solomon proclaims: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Why does life feel so futile? Why do all things seem to pass without lasting significance? Solomon tells us the reason: death makes all things under the sun meaningless when considered apart from God.We consider:The deep human longing for meaning.The failure of atheism and existentialism to provide that meaning.How the fleeting nature of life and inevitable reality of death prove the vanity of all things “under the sun.”The weariness of life as a result of the fall (Genesis 3) and the curse of death.Why even the pursuit of “newness” or remembrance cannot solve the problem of meaning.Ultimately, Solomon's goal is not despair but direction: to drive us to the only source of true and lasting meaning—God Himself. The book ends not with nihilism, but with a call: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all.” (Eccl. 12:13)

"In this rich and typological passage, we see Jacob arriving in exile and meeting Rachel at a well—a meeting that mirrors other “bride-at-the-well” narratives in Scripture and ultimately points forward to Christ.Jacob, though exiled due to his own sin and fleeing for his life, arrives at a well and feeds the flock—doing what others could not. He becomes a picture of the bridegroom who cares for the sheep, a type of Christ who comes to His bride in the wilderness, provides water for His people, and woos them to Himself.In this sermon, we explore:

"What are we to make of a book that opens with the bold claim, ""All is vanity""?In this sermon, we begin our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes by considering its opening words and the man who spoke them: Solomon, son of David, king in Jerusalem. Though often misunderstood as a work of pessimism or contradiction, Ecclesiastes is a deeply theological reflection on life “under the sun”—a life disconnected from God.Historically attributed to Solomon, this book represents the reflections of a man who had everything—wisdom, wealth, power, pleasure—and yet found it all empty apart from God. By exploring the historical context and internal evidence for Solomonic authorship, we find that Ecclesiastes is not a contradiction to the wisdom of Proverbs but its necessary complement. It is the mature confession of one who once wandered and came to see the futility of life without God.This message is especially relevant for our modern age, where the pursuit of success, beauty, knowledge, and pleasure often takes center stage. But the Preacher tells us, as does Christ himself through these inspired words: Only in God is there true meaning.

Guest sermon from Brian Tsui.

In this final sermon on the book of Revelation, we hear the concluding appeal of Christ Himself: “Behold, I am coming quickly.” This message, found in Revelation 22, is not merely a closing remark—it is a climactic exhortation that brings together all the themes of the book and presses them upon the heart of the Church.

In Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob has a vision of a ladder whose top reaches to heaven. It is a vision of heaven itself and shows that God is gracious to Jacob despite his sins. The question that hangs over entire narrative is whether or not God will be the God of Jacob. Here we get the beginning of the answer: yes, by His grace.

In this sermon, we continue our journey through the closing vision of the book of Revelation—a breathtaking depiction of the New Jerusalem, the bride adorned for her husband. Building on Old Testament promises from Ezekiel, Isaiah, and elsewhere, John shows us a city not merely constructed of gold and jewels, but built upon the redeemed people of God.

In Genesis 26:34-35; 27:46-28:9 we see the contrast between Esau's marriages and Jacob's pursuit of a wife. We learn that Christians are only to marry "in the Lord."

As we near the conclusion of the Book of Revelation, we arrive at one of the most glorious promises in all of Scripture—the vision of the new heavens and the new earth. In this week's sermon on Revelation 21:1–8, we are given a glimpse of consummated salvation—the glorious fulfillment of all that God has promised to His people.

In Genesis 27:27-29 we see the blessing given to Jacob. Though this blessing was attained through sinful means, ultimately it will be used to advance the holy purposes of God. In these verses it is prophesied that Christ will have a universal reign over all people, that this will be the means by which the blessing of the nations comes, that He will be exalted above all the people of God, and that the entire world will be divided on the question of whether or not one blesses Christ.

Guest sermon from elder Ben Walters.

Guest sermon from elder Ben Walters.

Guest sermon from Mr. Frank Wang.

Guest sermon from Mr. Frank Wang.

Revelation 20:7-15 we see the defeat of Satan and the great white throne judgment. Ultimately, there is no opposition to Christ that can succeed and on last day Satan himself will be thrown into lake of fire along with everyone whose name is not found in book of life. God's judgment will be perfectly just, giving to each one according to his works. Therefore, exhortation is clear: flee to Christ that you might be saved.

In Genesis 27:1-45 Jacob deceives his father and steals Esau's blessing. Everyone in this narrative seems to be sinning constantly, except God, who overrules all sin to His own holy and gracious ends.

Revelation 20:4-6 is one of the most controversial passages in the Bible. What does the millennium refer to? In this sermon, Pastor Grasso defends the amillennial position but also highlights the pastoral concerns of the passage. If the "first resurrection" refers to entrance into heaven upon death, the point is that ultimately death is pathway to life for the Christian, for he will be with Christ. This precious truth is meant to give strength to the weak and comfort for the oppressed in the midst of a weary life since our light and momentary afflictions are preparing an eternal weight of glory.

In Genesis 26:12-33 Isaac faces conflict in the Promised Land. Though he has received the blessings of his father Abraham he still suffers in this life. What are we to think about this? God tells him twice in this chapter that He is with Isaac, and this is something we are to remember as well: God is with us when we suffer.

In Revelation 20:1-3 Satan is bound for a thousand years. What does this refer to? Who does the binding? What does it mean that Satan is bound? Pastor Grasso addresses these questions, as well as others, in this sermon. Ultimately, it is the binding of Satan, accomplished by Christ, that sets the stage for the ingathering of the nations, which has been happening since Pentecost.

In Genesis 26:6-11 we see that Isaac has not only inherited his father's blessings but also his father's sins. This is a sobering warning to all of us. There is a generational nature to sin just as there is a generational nature to blessings. Let us, therefore, strive to live holy lives.

In Revelation 19:11-21 we see a picture of the last day. What will happen? Though many parts of the book of Revelation are difficult to interpret, the basic message here is clear: Christ will return and defeat His enemies. Every enemy will be defeated. What should you do then? Endure suffering faithfully if a Christian. Turn to Christ if you are not.

In Genesis 26:1-5 we see that Isaac inherits the blessings of his father. What we see established in the book of Genesis is that God's promises are often generational. This ought to inform our prayers and our work as parents. May God grant that our children would call upon God according to His grace, that He would be their God as well as ours.

In Revelation 19:9-10 we see John falling down before an angel; however, he is told to get off the ground because the angel is merely a servant like John. It is the testimony of Jesus, not angels or Mary or the saints, that is the spirit of prophecy.

In Genesis 25:27-34 Esau famously sells his birthright to Jacob, who shows himself to be one who connives for the sake of personal gain. Neither character is worthy of God's grace, but in the end Jacob will receive it. How does this work? Why does Jacob receive grace? It is not because he is worthy, since then grace would not be grace.

In Revelation 19:1-10 we see the two ends of two different women: Babylon and Jerusalem. The one is the great harlot who is judged on the last day. The other is Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, who enters into the wedding of the lamb. Such is the end point of all history, the point to which everything is moving. May it be that God would grant you to be part of that pure woman, made holy through the blood of Christ.

In Genesis 25:19-26 the Jacob narrative begins. At the beginning of each story about a patriarch in Genesis we see some form of revelation from God that governs our understanding of the whole. What is the basic message of the Jacob narrative? Salvation is by grace alone according to God's inscrutable predestination.

In Revelation 18:9-24 we read predominantly of the lamentation for Babylon. Those who loved the world and the luxurious, sensuous living it offered, lament that she has fallen. The elect, however, rejoice, for the fall of Babylon means their vindication. How would you respond to the fall of all the institutions that promote living for the pleasures of this world? Would you lament or rejoice? The answer to this question reveals the basic allegiance of your heart.

In Genesis 24:1-67 Abraham sends out his servant to find a wife for Isaac. There are a number of practical things we can learn from this about how to look for a spouse biblically. Pastor Grasso explains what these are along with the importance of pursuing a spouse in a godly way. Ultimately, the church is greatly helped when it is filled with godly couples starting families.

In Revelation 18:1-8 we read of the fall of Babylon. The message for the people of God is clear: come out of her. This is the call that always goes out in the gospel: Babylon, associated with all kinds of worldliness, will be destroyed. Those who are wise will flee to Christ for refuge.

In Genesis 24:1-67 Abraham sends his servant out to find a wife for Isaac. He is not to look for a wife for Isaac from Canaan but from Abraham's family. This story is significant in the overall narrative of Genesis because Genesis as a whole focuses on a particular lineage which ultimately culminates in the Messiah. In order for this lineage to continue, Isaac needs a wife. The servant runs into Rebekah at a well, beginning a theme that we see a number of times in the OT, ultimately culminating in Christ himself meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

In Acts 2:14-41, in the first Apostolic sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter proclaims the glory of Christ's Kingdom in connection with His resurrection from the dead. Through union with Christ, every believer triumphs with Christ, being seated with Him in the heavenly places, overcoming their sins in this life, and reigning with Christ in the world to come having overcome death itself in victory. Such is the hope of the gospel, and such is Christ's victory as King in His resurrection from the dead.

In Matthew 27:27-54 Christ is put to death. Everything in the narrative is ironic as Christ is mocked and humiliated for being the "King of the Jews." In reality, however, all that happens to Him, even in His death, proves His Kingship. Christ is the King who reigns from the cross.

In Revelation 17:1-18 Pastor Grasso explains the significance of Babylon, the great harlot, who rides on the beast. Babylon stands for the religious arm that persecutes the people of God in connection with the state. Surprisingly, in the end the beast will cast off this alliance and claim all power for itself in the person of the antichrist. Evil always ends up fighting against itself, and this will be true in the end as well.

In Genesis 23:1-20; 25:7-11 we read of Abraham purchasing a piece of land for a burial for Sarah. Then he himself dies and is buried in this place. This is significant because this is the only piece of land in Canaan that Abraham ever owned even though God had promised to give him the land. When, then, will Abraham receive what was promised? In the resurrection.

In Revelation 17:1-18 Pastor Grasso explains the significance of the beast on which Babylon rides. The beast and Babylon have an alliance in the fight against the people of God, which will be abandoned in the end. With the description of the beast in Revelation 17, we are introduced to the concept of a final antichrist who will arise to make war on the saints before the last day.