Gospel Light Christian Church
di Gospel Light
Leading generations into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Episodi del podcast
Faith & Works [James 2:14-26]
By Pastor Jason Lim Martin Luther, who began the Protestant Reformation, commented that the letter of James is a "letter of straw", meaning it had little value because he could not find the gospel there. Luther claimed James “mangles the Scriptures and thereby opposes Paul and all Scripture.” This is in no small part due to the statements in chapter 2 which we are looking at today. So, does James actually teach that a man is justified by works (Jas 2:21,24)? This sermon seeks to answer the question. It looks into what true salvation is all about, and what it takes for a man to be saved. It reveals the relationship between faith and works. It provides clarity as to who is right- Paul James, both, or none! But more than that, it helps you see what true faith and true religion is, so that you may live wisely and lay up for yourself a good foundation for the judgment that is to come. Do God's will, and when the storm of Final Judgment arrives, your house will stand.
Faith & Favoritism [James 2:1-13]
By Pastor Jason Lim Jesus breaks down age-old barriers to form a united people—the church. There is now no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, in terms of how we should treat one another. Therefore, favoritism (which is unfair and preferential treatment of one person while despising another, due to self-interest and/or pride) is contrary to the work of God. Instead of loving one another and showing mercy to the needy, favoritism is rooted in self-centeredness. This self-centeredness may reflect an unregenerate heart. A person may call himself a Christian and believe he is a Christian, but he may not actually be one. He may be practicing a false, empty, and vain religion. This sermon will help individuals examine their lives and encourage true believers to grow in love and good works.
Righteousness In Trials [James 1:19-27]
By Pastor Jason Lim Instead of being angry and living in sin because of the pains of trials, the people of God should exude righteousness. But what does this righteous life look like? How can you and I practically live it? And why does this matter at all? James teaches about living in righteousness during trials here: 1. Instructions - True faith is shown through obedience, not anger. A believer forsakes sin and pursues righteousness in speech, service, and sanctification. 2. Illustration – James compares a person to a man looking in a mirror. The wise see their flaws and change; the foolish ignore them and remain in sin. 3. Implications – True faith is not just professed but demonstrated. A genuine believer controls his tongue, serves the needy, and remains unstained by the world. In trials, resist sinful desires, receive God’s Word, and live in obedience. This is true, undefiled religion—the path to eternal life. Let us rejoice, request, reflect, receive, and respond!
Theodicy In Trials [James 1:13-18]
By Pastor Jason Lim One of the easiest ways to deal with our mistakes is to blame others. And we can even blame God for our sins. James writes to those who blame God, or who are going to blame God, for their sin when they go through trials. He says that no one should do so, and he furnishes 3 reasons why. 1.Incorruptibility of God. God cannot be tempted with sin, and He Himself tempts no one. We sin because of our own evil desire. God is not to be blamed for our sin. 2. Invariability of God. God invariably gives good and perfect gifts to His people. He doesn't change. He will not tempt you to sin. 3. Intentionality of God. God's will from the beginning is for your glory and beauty. He will not sabotage His own will by leading you to sin. James defends that God is righteous even in the presence of evil and suffering. This is theodicy. So why does God allow sin and evil? Is He truly good? And is He truly great? Even when sin abounds?
The End Of The Beginning [Genesis 50]
By Pastor Jason Lim Genesis 50 speaks of 2 deaths - of Jacob and Joseph. It is like an echo from the Garden of Eden when God said, "In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." But even though the book of Genesis ends with death, it looks forward to life beyond death! Genesis 50, together with the rest of Genesis, points to the Promise, Providence & Power of Faith. 1. Promise. The promise of the savior is the golden thread that runs through the entire book of Genesis. God is a promise-maker and a promise-keeper. Though man dies, yet those who believe in the savior will live. 2. Providence. God purposely ordains and works all things to fulfill His promises and purposes. Nothing is left to chance. Even painful and sinful things can be and are used for God's purposes. 3. Power of Faith. There are people who believe in God and His promises, and those who do have their lives changed as a result. These are the main themes of Genesis 50, and also the whole book of Genesis. In fact, these are the main themes even of the whole Bible! So here we are, having explored the seedlings of Promise, Providence, and the Power of Faith in the book of Genesis (beginnings).