Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran)

On the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Allan Ng showed how our words and lives often fail to match. Yet God's Word is more than human talk: the Gospel of Christ, who delivers us from judgement, works in believers through the Holy Spirit. Paul proclaimed this Word with integrity, sacrifice, and a father's care. Lord Jesus, help us receive Your living Word in faith, that it may work in us and through us.

On Reformation Sunday, Reverend Allan Ng showed how serving God can become serving ourselves when we seek applause and approval. Our self-centred hearts stand under God’s judgement, yet Christ gives Himself for us, freeing us to love without seeking praise. Paul, despite opposition, sought to please God rather than people, gently sharing not only the Gospel but his own life. Lord Jesus, turn our hearts outward to serve others with gentleness and love.

On the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Brother Lim Geok Seng showed how Jesus turned a question about Caesar's taxes into one of rightful ownership. Coins bear Caesar's image, but we bear God's image and are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Yet we willingly give our hearts and best efforts to worldly pursuits, leaving God only the leftovers. Lord Jesus, turn our hearts back to You, that we may faithfully render our whole lives to the One to whom we belong.

On the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Reverend Allan Ng showed how conflict, anxiety, and our desire for control turn our hearts into battlefields. We cannot make the peace we need. Yet Christ, who humbled Himself to death on a cross, gives us peace beyond understanding that guards our hearts and minds. Lord Jesus, teach us to rejoice in You, pray with thanksgiving, and live in gentleness and reconciliation, assured that the God of peace is with us.

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 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.