Gospel Light Christian Church

Gospel Light Christian Church

por Gospel Light
The Mystery of Suffering [Job 8-14]
By Pastor Jason Lim Job’s friends accused him of sins that caused his suffering. Job disagreed, yet none of them understood the real reason — though we, the readers, do. They wrestled with the “mystery of suffering” that we still face today. We may not always know why we suffer, but we know who stewards our suffering. Danger — Do not assume every suffering is directly caused by personal sin. Discernment — Examine yourself honestly. Suffering is not always caused by sin, but sometimes it may expose it. Pause, pray and ponder. Deliverance — Job looked toward renewal beyond death. We look to a clearer hope because of Jesus. So do not assume why others suffer. Examine yourself, trust God, and look to the final hope in Christ.
It Had To Be You! [Job 3-7]
By Pastor Jason Lim When Job lamented after months of suffering, his friends accused him of causing it through his own sin. They wrongly applied “retribution theology” to him. Retribution theology teaches that God repays people according to their deeds: do good and receive blessing; do evil and receive punishment. Scripture affirms this principle (Rom. 2:6; Gal. 6:7), but with important caveats: Do not assume it explains every suffering. Do not assume all justice is settled in this lifetime. Do not assume that doing good means God owes us anything. The greatest news is that although divine judgment is real, Jesus became our substitute. On the cross, He bore the punishment our sins deserved, and freely gives us instead His righteousness and eternal life.
The Steadfastness of Job [Job 2]
By Pastor Jason Lim “Given the right price, everyone can be bought.” Satan believes Job will compromise and curse God. 1. APPROVAL FROM GOD Satan receives permission to strike Job again. 2. AFFLICTION BY SATAN Job’s suffering becomes truly severe, as later passages reveal. 3. ALLEGIANCE OF JOB Even when his wife urges him to curse God and die, Job remains steadfast. Acknowledgment: everything he has came from God by grace; God owes him nothing. Acceptance: the God who gives may take away, yet remains good, great and trustworthy. God is still worthy of worship—even unto death. May we follow Job’s steadfastness, seeing God’s goodness in creation and supremely at the Cross, where the greater Job, Jesus, suffered sinlessly and accomplished far more.
The Easter Song [Psalm 22]
By Pastor Jason Lim God's Easter Song is found in song number 22 in the book of Psalms. It speaks of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1. THE PLIGHT We read of Jesus forsaken by God and by man. He was forsaken, that we may be forgiven. He was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2. THE PAIN Jesus was encircled by His enemies, and subjected to the cross. His sufferings on the cross were miraculously prophesied a 1000 years before in this Psalm. 3. THE PRAISE Jesus did not remain dead, but a sudden announcement of resurrection life introduces us to His new role as our worship leader in this Psalm. He praises God in the midst of the congregation, and leads a global movement of praise. Psalm 22 is not ultimately a sad song of abandonment, but a glad song of salvation & God’s global glory through the death & resurrection of God’s Son.
Blessed Be Your Name [Job 1]
By Pastor Jason Lim Job 1 moves from earth to heaven and back, revealing a great man, meeting, massacre, mourning, and magnifying. 1. PERSPECTIVE IN SUFFERING Worship in suffering begins remembering all we have is grace. Nothing is earned or deserved. When entitlement fades, anger, bitterness, and complaint lose grip. 2. PROVIDENCE IN SUFFERING God is not absent or powerless in suffering. He remains good and sovereign, using suffering to accomplish His purposes. 3. PROVING THROUGH SUFFERING Suffering reveals faith. The question is, “Is God worthy of worship?” Job answers, “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” God is worthy. See the cross, where Christ, the greater Job, suffered sinlessly, trusted the Father perfectly, and displayed God’s glory.
Worthy of Worship : An Introduction to Job
By Pastor Jason Lim Job is God’s gift to help us see suffering rightly. Though set amid suffering, the book is ultimately about worship. 1. SORROW Job shows sorrow has a place. Grief is not sinful and can coexist with joy in the Lord. 2. SEARCH In suffering, we ask, “Why?” “Where are You, God?” “Do You love me?” Job lives with these questions without a clear answer, yet remains steadfast and never turns from God. 3. SEE Job moves from questions to seeing God. He learns that God is worthy of worship even amid loss. Job asks: Is God worthy of worship when His ways are beyond understanding? Satan says no. God says yes. What about you?
Spiritual Warfare in Hostility [1Peter 5:8-14]
By Pastor Jason Lim 1. RECOGNITION OF THE BATTLE The Devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy our faith through fear, doubt, suffering and sin. We must neither obsess over his attacks nor remain ignorant of them. 2. RESISTANCE IN THE BATTLE Christians must be sober-minded, watchful and firm in faith. We resist by standing in God’s gospel grace and obeying the commands Peter gives throughout his letter. 3. RESTORATION AFTER THE BATTLE One day, suffering and conflict will end. God Himself will restore, strengthen and establish His people, bringing them to glory. The Devil may roar, but remains tethered. Therefore, stand firm in God’s grace and live faithfully amid hostility, for His glory.
Humility in Hostility [1 Peter 5:5-7]
By Pastor Jason Lim As elders lead humbly by example, the flock is called to submit. The church must be clothed with humility in suffering. 1. ENGAGING WITH HUMILITY Submit to elders, even when you disagree. 2. ENROBING WITH HUMILITY Put on humility like a servant’s apron. Let servanthood shape our posture, practice, and identity. 3. ENCOURAGING HUMILITY Peter cites Proverbs 3:34. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 4. ENDURING IN HUMILITY Accept difficult circumstances under God’s mighty hand, trusting Him while awaiting Christ’s return. 5. ENTRUSTING IN HUMILITY Cast every anxiety upon God, practising the ABCDs explained in the sermon. In suffering, trust and obey God. Follow Jesus in humility, inviting sinners to cast their sins upon Him.
Shepherds for Suffering Saints [1 Peter 5:1-4]
By Pastor Jason Lim Healthy shepherds are needed for the suffering church to live out holiness in hostility, so God may be glorified. 1. MEANING. Elders are mature men of faith leading the church, also called overseers and shepherds. The Bible speaks of a plurality of elders in each church. 2. MINISTRY Elders shepherd the flock through oversight: feeding, leading, guiding, guarding. Three contrasts mark their ministry: not for praise, profit, or power. 3. MOTIVATION Elders look to the unfading crown of glory at Christ's return. As someone said, "Elders may not be paid much, but the retirement is out of this world!" May God bless our elders, raise up more, and stir your calling. May sinners look to Christ, our Shepherd, for salvation.
The Glory of the Cross [Hebrews 9:22-28]
By Pastor Chee Keen Seethor The sermon on Good Friday at Gospel Light Christian Church emphasized the significance of Jesus' sacrifice as detailed in Hebrews 9:20-28. The speaker explained the Old Testament sacrificial system, highlighting the high priest's role on the Day of Atonement. Jesus' sacrifice was presented as superior, offering eternal forgiveness of sins. The sermon contrasted the temporary nature of Old Testament rituals with Jesus' once-and-for-all sacrifice. It underscored the urgency of accepting Jesus for salvation, warning of the fearsome judgment without His sacrifice. The message concluded with a call to believe in Jesus for eternal life and to eagerly await His return.
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