Weekly Sermon Reflection Questions

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.

Life’s challenges can drain our joy, but Apostle Paul teaches that true joy and contentment are possible in all circumstances by focusing on Christ, not our situations. Philippians 4:4 encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Rev Alvin Chan discusses discipleship in the marketplace, emphasising spiritual transformation and the Prophet Isaiah’s call. He highlights that representing God requires more than willpower; it needs God’s holiness to empower us for ministry.

We are all spiritually hungry, with a deep longing for identity, purpose and significance. The word of God addresses such a hunger. Jesus speaks of never being hungry– because He was referring to the spiritual food He gives. He declared to the crowds, following Him, that “I am the bread of life, those who come to me will never hunger and never thirst”.

God’s people should have an excellent work ethic as did Daniel! Naturally, the world values excellence too. But it was not the core value that Daniel and his friends had. It came second to their identities as exiles. All Christians should be ‘exiles before excellence’ to avoid becoming just like everyone else and caught in the values of the world.

A recent study done in Singapore shows that only five in 10 Singaporeans are prepared to talk about death. People plan for birth and marriage much more than they plan for death. People put off planning for death till they are ill or retired, most begin to think about end of life matters after 50.

King David wrote Psalm 4 while he was in one of his deepest emotional valleys. He was experiencing deep anguish at his son Absalom’s betrayal and was hiding in desperation and fear for his own life.

The gifts of the spirit come together to provide different kinds of service for the church of Christ. These gifts are required for the different activities and ways of delivering the service.

The Church is the body of Christ, and every believer is a part of it. Diversely gifted by God, every member must unite as one body to love and care for each other.