RHCCC DTM Latest Sermon

Esther: For A Time Such As This

A Call to Action

Speaker: Rev. Shu-Ling Lee

Scripture: Esther 3-4:14

Sermon Notes

Esther: For A Time Such As This

A Behind-The-Scenes God

Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui

Scripture: Esther 1-2:23

How do you live in a culture that holds values opposed to your own? How do we live faithfully as God’s people in a hostile world?

The Book of Esther was written to help us

BIG IDEA: Often, God may place us in situations where we may not know or understand the purpose until we respond to His call to action.

Observations:

no mention of God

no miracles

no spiritual practices

We see two key themes emerging in the first two chapters of Esther:

1. Nothing is a coincidence (God’s providence is often hidden)

The Book of Esther teaches us how to spot the activity of God.

2. Everything is under his control (God’s love is unwavering)

The Book of Esther teaches us to lean on the love of God.

a. God reverses the expected

b. God uses the imperfect

Sermon Notes

Re-energize Your Ministry:

Do you love what you do?

Speaker: Pastor Stephen Hsu

Scripture: 1 Cor 12:12-31

Any Questions? Email me: [email protected]

How to have Life in the Spirit:

1. It’s not about ME (12:12-14)

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.—1 Corinthians 12:14 NRSV

2. It’s about WE in Christ (12:15-30)

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.—1 Corinthians 12:22 NIV

3. PURSUE love (12:31-14:1)

[31b]And yet I will show you the most excellent way…[14:1a] Pursue love AND strive for the spiritual gifts,—1 Corinthians 12:31b, 14.1a NIV/NRSV

And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:5

Big Idea: To have life in the SPIRIT, it’s not about ME, it’s about loving WE in Christ.

Sermon Notes

Re-Energize Your Ministry:

For the Glory of God and the Good of Neighbour

Speaker: Pastor Angela Luk

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

—1 Corinthians 10:31

1. For The Glory of God

For, ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

—1 Corinthians 10:26

2. For The Good of Neighbor (1 Cor. 10:23-30)

• The gospel-centered approach: loving your neighbor leads to glorifying God.

• We are called to think about the choices and decisions we make in light of what is good for our neighbours.

3. The Grace of our Glorious God (1 Cor. 10:31-11:1)

• We are called as Christians to follow after Jesus’ example to serve with an others-centered, self-giving love.

• Living for Christ requires us to surrender our rights because we love and follow a savior who did it first!

Reflection: When we serve others, how do our actions bring ultimate glory to God?

For the City: Shalom in the City

Speaker: Rev. Colin McCartney

Scripture: Jeremiah 29: 4-7, Matthew 5:13

For the City: P.E.A.C.E.

Speaker: Rev. Shu-Ling lee

For the City

Speaker: Pastor Colin McCartney

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12

For the City: For the City

Speaker: Pastor Angela Luk

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Why? Mission begins with who God is, & His greatest commandments (even before the great commission).

1. The triune God of love is one.

[28] One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” [29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

2. Love God with all of your muchness.

[30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

3. Love your neighbor/city as yourself.

[31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

APPLICATION: To love God starting with His Word/Prayer & then to love your neighbor/city as yourself.

Easter Sunday 2024: Into the Light

Speaker: Rev. Shu-Ling Lee

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

When was the last time you were confronted with a claim that - if true - would change your life?

In this story: there are two contradictory claims: 1. Jesus died and has stayed dead 2. Jesus died but was raised to life

Staying in the dark (ie. Treating Jesus as if he were dead):

1. Denying the Miracle of the Resurrection (Jesus lives)

Jesus wasn’t reincarnated, nor reanimated:

• Reincarnation: human soul is transported to another body

• Reanimation: human body is revived, only to die again

Don’t treat Jesus like any other person in history!

2. Defying the Message of the Resurrection (Jesus saves)

Two signs you’re living as if Jesus didn’t have to die:

a. You live with bitterness

b. You live in fear