Weekly Sermon Reflection Questions

READ | SERMON NOTES (Sermon notes and recording available after 25 Feb 2025.) PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Wesley Methodist Church was founded in 1885. Dr James Thoburn preached the first Methodist service in Southeast Asia based on Zechariah 4:6 — Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. Since then, the church has blossomed and grown. This is the work of God as we are only His instruments.

Wesley Methodist Church was founded in 1885. Dr James Thoburn preached the first Methodist service in Southeast Asia based on Zechariah 4:6 — Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. Since then, the church has blossomed and grown. This is the work of God as we are only His instruments.

A tomato is both a fruit and a vegetable, illustrating life’s contradictions. Similarly, our mission involves being rational yet believing in the supernatural, and being contentious yet blameless in presenting the Gospel.

The most powerful story of transformation is the hope in darkness. Acts 19 shows Paul’s mission in Ephesus, challenging idols, transforming lives and revealing God’s power, inspiring the Church’s mission.

READ | SERMON NOTES (Sermon notes and recording available after 4 Feb 2025.) Summary 1) The Spirit of Mission (V1-13) Acts 2 begins with the story of the Holy Spirit descending unexpectedly on 120 believers including Peter and the 11 apostles

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ, moving in power, bringing the presence, purpose and passion of God to us. Acts 2:1-4 relates how the Spirit fell upon the early church on the Day of Pentecost. (Shavuot), which was one of the seven Jewish festivals occurring 50 days after Passover. It was a harvest festival of first fruits promising more to come. Therefore, it was deeply symbolic as God foretold that by His Holy Spirit countless more souls would be added to the Kingdom.

Society’s view of freedom contrasts with the freedom that Jesus speaks about – a freedom that is spiritual, wholistic and transformative. The freedom that Jesus gives is integral to the theology of mission.

Jesus’ mission was to redeem mankind from sin, and free us for joyful obedience to God. Find out how we can fulfill our mission as His disciples in society.

Being missional is integral to who we are as Christians. Isaiah 49 provides a snapshot of what God’s people are supposed to be, and where we are currently at.

God’s servant is His agent, called to do His work in the world. This passage in Isaiah also pertains to us, as we are also called to proclaim His message of hope and restoration to our society.

Scripture passage records Moses’ parting words to the generation that was about to enter the promised land as he handed over the leadership to Joshua. The people felt privileged and very special as they were going to possess the promised land and claim their blessings.

Rev Gladwin Lee elaborates on what it means to be a People of God in today’s society.

Mission is at the heart of our Christian faith because God is a missional God. It’s not that the Church has a mission, but the Mission of God has the Church (Chris Wright)

Mission is at the heart of our Christian faith because God is a missional God. It’s not that the Church has a mission, but the Mission of God has the Church (Chris Wright)

God’s promised blessing bestows eternal abundance and fullness of life. Should we not consider the impact of His blessing upon persons and creation around us? Is blessing the goal of our faith, or the means of our mission? Either view will determine the way we live.

Today we put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples of Jesus and reflect on who is Jesus to us.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and Mary with life changing messages. Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth would bear a child in her old age and he was to name him John. The angel visited Mary later to pronounce she had found favour with God and would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. The child will be Jesus, the long-awaited Son of God, the Messiah.

Expectations can shape so much of our lives. It influences how we approach our relationships, jobs, holidays and faith. When our expectations are unmet, it can leave us feeling disappointed, frustrated and even doubting God.

Advent marks the start of the church’s liturgical year, beginning the first Sunday of December and continuing through Christmas Eve. It is a time of awaiting and reflecting on the coming of Jesus—remembering His first arrival, celebrating His Spirit, and anticipating His return.

Most of the book of Zephaniah is focused on woes and warnings to the people of God. However, in chapter 3, hope shines forth. God has not forgotten His people. He will restore them and hence, there can be rejoicing.

This second Sunday in Advent, we read the story of Jesus in the Gospels. Jesus’ birth is a miraculous event. There is the miracle of the Virgin Birth, followed by multiple appearances of angels delivering messages to God’s people.

We often wonder whether we have arrived in our Christian discipleship journey but every Advent we are reminded that we have not! Christ has not yet returned and so our sanctification continues.

How intentional are we in seeking God’s guidance? Often, there are two extremes. One extreme is not seeking God’s guidance at all, and relying on our own wisdom and ability. The other extreme is either “Bible dipping”, where we dip into scripture and spiritualise it as guidance applying to us; or “fleece seeking” in asking for superficial signs.

Shame is a feeling that many of us would be familiar with and experienced in our lives. It can paralyse us, destroying our relationships with God and others.

The account of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus is surprising in some ways. Read on to find out why.

Slow down or our bodies will make us rest because God knows we need it. Burnout is not incompatible with the Christian faith. Christians do burnout with panic attacks or struggle to keep mentally balanced.

Pastor Ben, a parent, faces trials like childhood illnesses and caregiving exhaustion. Trials vary, including health, grief, mental health, family issues, finances and work demands. James, Jesus’ brother, offers five lessons from chapter 1 on facing trials.

Disciples live with repentance and integrity, choosing salvation over wealth. All sinners matter to God. Jesus’ strategy involves blessing, belonging, and believing. Disciples are missional, seeking the lost and choosing salvation opportunities over comfort, transforming through obedience.