Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran)

On the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Dr William Chang showed that we do not climb our way to God; in baptism, God comes down to us with His promise and brings us home to our Heavenly Father. Baptism is His gracious action, joining water with His Word, giving forgiveness, new life, and a new identity as His children. Lord Jesus, anchor us in Your promise and teach us to receive Your gift in love and faith.

On the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Allan Ng showed how our sinful hearts curve inward, looking to our own interests and continually reaching for the higher place. Yet Christ, though truly God, emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross for us. Now the risen and exalted Christ works in us. Lord Jesus, shape in us Your mind, turn us outward from ourselves, and teach us to look to the interests of others in love.

On the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Brother Lim Geok Seng warned against the entitlement trap that turns service into calculation and envy. Yet God, the generous Landowner, gives His grace freely and values differently from the world. In Christ, we receive not wages earned, but the gift of being God’s children, fellow-heirs, with our names written in the Book of Life. Lord Jesus, teach us to serve from grace, not for reward.

On the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Allan Ng reminded us how easily differences become courtrooms when we sit in the judge’s chair. Yet Christ, the true Judge, bore our judgement, forgave us, and made us stand by grace. Because our identity is received, not achieved, we can welcome those Christ has welcomed. Lord Jesus, get us out of the judge’s chair, that we may forgive, bear with, and love one another.

Following from last Sunday’s theme, God’s Word, Our Transformation, we welcomed Pastor Simon Neo and his team from Breakthrough Mission. We had the privilege of hearing the Breakthrough Brothers share their life testimonies. They also sang heartfelt songs of thanksgiving composed by the brothers themselves. Pastor Simon Neo, Executive Director of Breakthrough Mission, then preached a powerful sermon on BREAKTHROUGHS IN LIFE: breakthrough from sin, from bondage, from hatred and from death. John 3:16 — Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” As we have received the blessings of the Lord, so let us go into all the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in season and out of season! Teach others to listen to God and give their lives to Jesus.May we each experience a life of breakthrough in Christ.

On the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Dr William Chang showed how Saul, once a fierce persecutor, was confronted by the living Christ and transformed into Paul, His chosen instrument. God’s living Word does more than inform us; it cuts between soul and spirit, exposes our innermost thoughts and desires, and transforms us. Lord Jesus, let Your Word engage us deeply and draw us into a deeper relationship with You.

On the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Brother Lim Geok Seng showed how Jesus opened the Gospel door beyond Israel, revealing that Gentiles too are welcomed by grace. The Canaanite woman came with no claim but mercy, and her persistent faith exposed the disciples’ narrow hearts. Through Christ’s cross and resurrection, the way is now open to all nations. Lord Jesus, we thank You for this good news; give us faith to respond to Your mercy.

On the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Allan Ng reminded us that obedience to Christ does not guarantee a storm-free life, and fear can distort our vision. Yet Jesus comes as Lord over the storm, takes hold of sinking sinners, and brings them home. Our peace rests not on our grip on Him, but His grip on us. Lord Jesus, when we are sinking, teach us to cry, “Lord, save me.”