The Blessed Walk | Psalm 1:1-6 | Manny Pereira

Beginning at ground-level, Psalm 1 raises us to the grandeur and glory of our highest purpose. In brilliant tones, it vividly sketches the simple seriousness of faith as a matter of the mind’s life. It calls us to a holy resolve of direction and hope that tastes in the present the sweetness of the future for those who love God. It speaks of distinguishing delight and serves to recalibrate our hearts’ desires. As a pastoral New Year’s address, this sermon summons us to the blessed walk.

Our Galactic God’s Magnificent Choir | Psalm 148:1-14 | Premend Choy

Psalm 148 warmly invites everyone—whether it's the vast galaxies or tiny creatures—to come together and praise God. It has two movements indicated by the words, “from the heavens” (verse 1), and “from the earth” (verse 7). An extraordinary aspect of Psalm 148 is that it beckons praise not merely from all that breathes, but also from everything that exists. It beautifully shows that every voice matters in worship, regardless of where they are or how big or small they are. Worship is a universal call that highlights God’s majesty and reminds us of each person’s special part in His heavenly choir. Along with this worldwide call, the church has a special role: heralding the Gospel. This psalm urges believers to reflect on the profound truth that if such boundless praise is owed to God eternally, then our zeal for missions must be equally passionate. The immediate resolution, then, is to transition from a human-centered obligation to a divine-centered zeal dedicated to glorifying His name among all peoples. This way, worship becomes the heart of all missionary work.

The Man Christ Jesus | 1 Timothy 2:5 | Manny Pereira

The deepest abiding wonder of Christmas centers on the man Christ Jesus. The message of God’s gracious and merciful love is realized in a Mediator. Scripture declares that human sin irrevocably separates man from God. No one in heaven or on earth, whether divine or created, could reconcile the righteous God and rebellious man. Yet reconciliation was necessary for the praise of God’s glorious grace and our salvation. In man’s hopeless condition, the eternal Son freely came, taking a body prepared for Him, assuming our nature into union with His divine person. In this way, Christ Jesus as the only God-man, truly God and truly man, became uniquely fit to stand between God and sinners to offer just satisfaction for sin. Christmas, then, is the celebration of this holy undertaking: the incarnation of the one Mediator, whose humble coming affords the only possibility of reconciliation with God and invites faith to behold the excellencies of His glory.

Witnessing the Worth of Christ | Acts 7:54-60 | Manny Pereira

More than an example of bold and courageous Christian witness, Stephen embodies a prophetic and pivotal role for the proclamation of Christ. By him the most direct and Christ-centered indictment is delivered to Israel. Stephen stands in a legacy of messengers who have seen the manifest glory of God. But unlike those who came before him, a new depth of vision is revealed. The presentation and presence of God are now personally witnessed in the resurrected and reigning Christ. The first Christian martyr is marked supremely as one witnessing the worth of Christ at the cost of his life.

Righteous and Rejected | Acts 7:39-53 | Manny Pereira

Stephen stands before an unjust court. The rulers of Israel are not seeking righteousness. Those claiming to be zealous for Moses and the Law set up men to bear false witness and accuse Stephen of thrusting Moses and the Law aside.  But it is they that have thrust Moses and the Law aside. The tables are turned. Leading representatives of Israel find themselves indicted. Israel is on trial. In prophetic style, Stephen serves as a messenger of God indicting Israel for patterns of rejection that culminated in the rejection of the one and only truly Righteous One—Christ Jesus.

The Presentation and Presence of God | Acts 7:1-38 | Manny Pereira

Stephen answers the charges against him. His life now hinges on words. The defense he gives is for Christ and not himself. In powerful, Spirit-borne words, Stephen sweepingly yet selectively expounds the Law of Moses to show that the true and better substance and glory of the presentation and presence of God are in His son, Christ Jesus.

The Echo of Christ | Acts 6:8-15 | Manny Pereira

The witness of Jesus as the Christ advances against all opposition. Intensity has been mounting against the messengers of the gospel message. Now an unexpected turn of events leads to an expected but tragic episode. Stephen introduces us to martyrdom—the ultimate price of bearing witness to the worth of Christ. The glory of Christ stands behind the end of Judaism. And to this Stephen bears witness. Here the shadows of the Old fade away by the light of the New Covenant. It is a pivotal scene in the formation and distinction of the early church. And all is powerfully demonstrated in the likeness and echo of Christ.

The Growth of Godward Fear | Manny Pereira

The fear of the Lord derives from a right view of His glorious perfections and excellencies. It is the consequence of beholding and thus knowing Him as holy, just, and gracious. Godward fear is realized in all its goodness and gladness to the redeemed in Christ. But it is not something that can be acquired by human effort. It is a divine grace. Yet the redeemed are still responsible to steward the means of grace to grow in Godward fear. This last sermon in the series focuses on our responsibility to grow in Godward fear.

The Danger of Distraction | Acts 6:1-7 | Manny Pereira

A rich digression is featured to highlight the danger of distraction in the church. Many are the needs that the church must attend. But never to the distraction of knowing and making known the surpassing worth of Christ. The church increases though under attack, and the assaults are felt from some outside the church and now again from some inside. The cycle continues but with intensifying force. Pressures test priorities.

The fear of the Lord derives from a right view of His glorious perfections and excellencies. It is the consequence of beholding and thus knowing Him as holy, just, and gracious. Godward fear is realized in all its goodness and gladness to the redeemed in Christ. But it is not something that can be acquired by human effort. It is a divine grace. Yet the redeemed are still responsible to steward the means of grace to grow in Godward fear. This last sermon in the series focuses on our responsibility to grow in Godward fear.