The book of Romans tells us that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. But what are we saved from? Are we saved from feeling empty, like a therapist might say? Are we saved from suffering, like a prosperity gospel teacher might say? Or are we saved from the destructive effects of sin, like many popular pastors might say? Listen as Pastor Josh explains the Bible’s answer and the difference it makes to our lives.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Romans 1:18
Series: Romans
These two verses have been called “the thesis” of the entire book of Romans. They formed the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, changing Western Civilization as we know it. And yet, they aren’t about cultural renewal or political upheaval, but about personal salvation from God’s judgment. Listen as Pastor Josh explains how these verses reveal the gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Romans 1:16-17
Series: Romans
What does faith look like? Our culture simply defines it as belief in a higher power. It speaks of “faith leaders” and “faith communities” full of people who “practice their faith”. But the Bible speaks of something more. It speaks of a dynamic faith produced by the gospel that is visible, community-shaping, and world-changing. Listen as Pastor Josh teaches on the difference that the gospel makes to our faith.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Romans 1:8-15
Series: Romans
As the Book of Ruth draws to a close, we see many of the same themes in this final chapter that have been present throughout the story. The hidden hand of God’s providence. The enduring legacy of kindness and steadfast love. The beauty of welcoming strangers. All of this merely sets the stage, however, for the main message of the book: the King has come! He has come first through David, and then through his descendant Jesus, who would be the Messiah, the Saviour, and the King of Kings. Listen as Pastor Josh explains how His steadfast love for us transforms us into people who show steadfast love to others.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Ruth 4:1-22
Series: The Providence of God in the Darkness of Life
In Ruth 3, we reach the most significant turning point in the story. Naomi devises a risky plan to bring Ruth and Boaz together in marriage. It works! Boaz happily agrees to redeem Ruth and marry her. This sets off a course of events that would lead to the births of David – the greatest King in Israel’s history – and of the Son of David, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Saviour of sinners.
None of this would have happened, however, if not for a few key events. Listen as Pastor Josh explains how God works through our risks, our integrity, and our steadfast love.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Ruth 3:1-18
Series: The Providence of God in the Darkness of Life
In Ruth 2, we begin to see the fortunes of Ruth and Naomi begin to turn. Ruth meets a righteous man named Boaz, a potential “kinsman redeemer” who could help them recover their economic and social stability. Listen as Pastor Josh shows us what this teaches us about God’s providence, and how it all points to Jesus as the ultimate redeemer.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Ruth 2:1-22
Series: The Providence of God in the Darkness of Life
The Book of Ruth begins with a bitter woman named Naomi. She has lost her husband. She has lost her two sons. But she has gained a daughter-in-law named Ruth. The problem is that she doesn’t appreciate her very much, because her bitterness has consumed her. Listen as Pastor Josh helps us understand what bitterness does to us, and how trust in God’s providence is the key to breaking free.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Ruth 1:1-22
Series: Ruth
William Blackstone wrote, “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” We know that it is a grave injustice for someone to be punished for something that they did not do, and yet this is what Jesus was willing to do for us on the cross. He bore the false witness of His accusers in silence, laying down His right to justice so that those who trust in Him could be saved from God’s justice. Listen as Pastor Josh preaches on how Jesus’ silence speaks a tender word of love to all who come to Him.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Matthew 26:57-27:50
Series: Good Friday
How should we view the church? Is it simply where we’re supposed to go if we are to be “good Christians”? Is it an optional add-on to our personal spiritual lives? Is it just a flawed human institution? This text teaches us that the church is the precious bride of Christ. He loved her. He died for her. He cleansed her. He nourishes and cherishes her like he would his own body. Listen as Pastor Josh teaches on why this is enough to help the Christian love the church despite its flaws and imperfections.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Ephesians 5:22-33
Series: Standalone Sermon
How would you end a book on enduring as a Christian? A few final instructions? A summary of all that you’ve already said? Some encouragement and expressions of affection? The book of Hebrews ends with what is most important: prayer. Prayer is the fuel for our endurance. In this powerful final prayer, Pastor Josh teaches us some important lessons about how we should pray, why we should pray, and what we should pray.
Speaker: Pastor Josh Tong
Passage: Hebrews 13:18-25
Series: The Supremacy of Christ for the Endurance of the Saints
