by David Zhang

Sermons

The Gospel Wins (Reprise) by Patrick Cho

• A reflection on this year’s theme of “The Gospel wins”. Come check out the Biblical support for the unstoppable force of God’s words!

True Conflict Resolution by Tim Carns (Ephesians 4:31-32)

• Come check out Pastor Tim’s  sermon on the attitude corrections we need to become peacemakers.

Special Features

Here are some key points from Pastor Patrick’s Spark that addresses some things you may be contemplating for the New Year:

• IT IS GOOD TO HAVE A GOAL. It’s good to think things through and have a plan. It would be foolish to set forth to do anything without first thinking through what it would take. For many in the world, the goal is the end in itself. But as Christians, we need to remember that our personal goals are a means to an end. For believers, it is more than about pursuing personal improvement. We are not just seeking to be better people. We want to be better worshipers. As such, it’s important to remember that there is something greater that we live for and that our goals ought to be oriented around that greater purpose. Keep in mind the thought from Proverbs 16:9 – “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
• PURSUE THE RIGHT THINGS. Since we ourselves are not the ultimate goal, but we have a greater purpose as worshipers of the Lord, we need to make sure that we are setting the right kinds of goals. These are goals that are in line with the truth of God. I think of passages like Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Our constant desire as believers in Christ is to come into conformity with His will and to pursue His purposes for us. His desires become our desires (Ps. 37:4-5). His will becomes our will. Consider the example of Christ who constantly submitted to the will of His heavenly Father (Matt. 26:39; John 8:28).
• KEEP WATCH OVER YOUR MOTIVES. But for Christians, it is not enough to simply pursue the right goals. We also need to look past the goal itself to the motive driving the goal. We keep in mind that the Lord considers the intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12). It is possible to pursue the things the Lord wants for us and intends to be blessings to us, but in a way and with a mindset that is displeasing to Him. Be careful about making plans to read through the Bible in a year only to be noticed by men. Be careful about setting goals of personal discipline chiefly to feed personal pride.