Category: Sermon

Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 

When we purchase something, we have expectations about it. So here is my mobile phone. When I bought this, I expect it to be good at connecting calls with other people. In The Westminster Shorter Catechism, the first question is the most essential purpose of human beings. The Human’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy the Creator forever. When God created humans, the purpose was to make the world beautiful and bring glory to God. But what will the Creator think if humans do not live according to that purpose?

Now, let’s think about it from the perspective of a farmer. In Vancouver, I grew plants by sowing seeds in pots every year. I planted flowers one year, lettuce the following year, and tomatoes last year, but they did not bear fruit well. The tomatoes turned out the best, and I gave them as gifts to my neighbors when I moved to Red Deer. Of course, there is a reason why it does not bear fruit. It is because of the farmer who is not skilled. Honestly, I am clumsy at farming. However, as in Jesus’ parable today, he speaks of a fig tree that does not bear fruit.

First, it is the perspective of Jesus and the vineyard’s owner. There was a fig tree in front of my home. The tree produced fruit well without much care. However, fig trees are easy to grow, but they soon attract other insects once they bear fruit. So it gets easily damaged. So, once it bears fruit, it must be sold immediately. It grows exceptionally well in West Asia, such as Türkiye and Israel. Sometimes, Costco sells sun-dried figs, which are grown there.

Conversely, what about grapes? Grapes require a lot of care from farmers. Pests easily damage it. It spoils well and is greatly affected by temperature changes. So farmers need to fertilize and manage it well. Also, once the grapes bear fruit, they have a lot of uses. The fig tree can be used to make various products, including jam. It has good storage properties so that it can be moved across the country. Profitability is also good.

However, the fig tree has not produced fruit for three years. This isn’t common because fig trees usually bear fruit the year they are planted. However, even if the master waited three times, he could not see the figs. The vineyard owner may feel like he has wasted time and money. He may regret planting the vine there instead.

Second is the perspective of a vineyard manager. I presume that the vineyard manager is someone who the landowner trusts. So, I think the owner did not fire the person caring for the fig tree, which had not produced fruit for three years. He did his part. The point is that the vineyard was well managed. And he asks the owner, who criticized the fig tree again. ⁸ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

If he had been an unfaithful farmer, the owner would not have respected his words upon hearing this. However, what I want to pay attention is the heart of the vineyard farmer. ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.

Please give me one more chance. It sounds like a lawyer speaking in court. Give him one more opportunity. I will become his guardian and take good care of him.

Third is the fig tree’s perspective. Since Jesus spoke in parables, let us think we are a fig tree. Strangely enough, a fig tree was planted in the vineyard. The owner expected that he would be able to get the fruit quickly. But the fig tree feels unfair. ‘Everyone is a vine except me.’ We can think it may have been confused about its own identity. When a fig tree sees grape vines, it may mistakenly believe I am a vine. Why can’t I bear grapes? It may frustrate the tree. I’m healthier than the vines, so why aren’t the grapes growing? Maybe I will get cut off. The tree can feel anxious.

Today, I am giving a sermon in a different way than usual. I think of God, Jesus, and humans in the images of the vineyard owner, farmer, and fig tree. When we look at the vineyard owner, we can think of God being upset. God created humans and sent them to this earth because the Creator wanted them to be happy with him, but they did not live according to that purpose. Sometimes, he judged them by flooding through massive waters. They were kicked out of their homes, ruled by other countries, and had their freedom taken away. However, it does not meet God’s desires and expectations. However, at that very moment, Jesus, like a vineyard farmer, is positioned as a mediator between God and humans. He is trusted by God just as the vineyard owner trusts him. He does his best to serve humanity. It’s 100 percent dedication. And he says it to God. Please give them another chance.

Perhaps we humans are like the fig tree and do not even know what we did wrong. Someone can say it like this. “I just feel wronged. I just lived the way I was born.”  Without knowing the purpose of being born on this earth, human beings can live in this world, looking for what they are comfortable with and like. People can just be happy and follow other people’s trends. For the sake of humankind, Jesus is taking steps toward the cross today, one step at a time. Like the farmer who does his best for his fig tree, we can see God’s plan for us here.

God expects us to bear the fruit of faith. The Creator expects us to bear the fruit of hope. The love of God expects us to bear the fruit of love. Now, we have been guaranteed another opportunity through Christ let us spread the gospel to people like the fig tree who have forgotten the purpose of living in this world. The end will be a happy ending that we can all enjoy together. Amen.

Luke 9: 37-43, Psalm 27, and Philippians 3: 17- 4:1

 

Today’s Gospel of Luke includes Jesus’ various intentions for us. Among them, I see Jesus coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration and rebuking the disciples and the Boy’s father for their lack of faith. Verse 41 also has significant meaning. Through these words, Jesus foretells that he will not be with the Israelites long. Of course, it is not enough to precisely interpret that there was a prediction of Jesus’ passion and resurrection. However, through these comments of Jesus, we can realize that Jesus knew God’s will and plan more clearly during prayer. The third thing is that Jesus rebuked the impure spirit. By the power of God, demons were driven out. What can we learn from this very brief, dramatic scene?

First, we can imagine the situation in Israel at that time. We remember that Jesus performed many miracles. Among them, the ministry of casting out demons appears everywhere. Even today, casting out demons occurs in some countries. However, these places generally lack medical facilities. This phenomenon is common in societies suffering physically and mentally from war, famine, and poverty. At this time, it is natural to invite the highest religious leader in the society to seek a solution. Looking at Israel’s situation at the time, it was a colonial life under the continuous rule of the Babylonian Empire, the Persian Empire, and Rome. In the meantime, some people resisted for the country’s independence. However, what came back was an even more devastating military suppression. The lives of people ruled by other countries are tough. Politics and economy are unstable. There isn’t enough food either. Also, taxes are very high. There is no strong friend country that stands on Israel’s side. This is the sorrow of a weak country. Citizens of these countries suffer from diseases big and small. It isn’t easy to receive treatment in time. Not only are there a shortage of doctors, but there is also a shortage of medications to prescribe them. So there were no groundbreaking alternatives other than basic methods such as applying olive oil or keeping clean. There must have been a lot of resentment built up in the hearts of these people. Even if they resist social problems, they cannot solve them. Some of them are physically ill and fall into wrong thoughts. Sometimes they have delusions and even threaten people. What they need more than anything is plenty of food, comfort, love, and hospitality.

The case is a little different, but a guest who wasn’t familiar with the Soup mission came to visit last week. And he ate soup with us. Under the guidance of a church member, he went down to the lower hall and ate soup. I don’t know how many bowls he ate. He also had some tea and a snack and left quietly. I remember his face before he came to church and when he left the church. At first he seemed very tired. It was hard to feel vitality in his face. However, after eating together and being welcomed by church members, I saw him leave with great confidence on his face. Although it is a tiny thing, our church is doing these things. Although we are not Jesus and cannot drive out the impure spirit, we can drive out the darkness in a person’s heart. It is through faith and love. And we too can handle the Lord’s ministry and have the Lord’s hope. We know the service you do throughout Red Deer. In addition, I remember and bless your precious spirit of service and support through the church. And we experience that the light of hope can shine into a person’s life through us. That’s how we become miracle makers. This is possible through faith in God.

How about David who wrote Psalm 27? Before becoming king, he had to fight on the battlefield. He received both jealousy and threats from opposing forces, including King Saul. He suffered enough to record wicked and enemies in the Bible. But he was not discouraged. Instead, he relied on and trusted God more. As verse 1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” The Lord, who is light, guided David. And Creator leads us. Let us now shine the light we received back into the world like a mirror. Let us trust like David in the Lord, who is the power of life. Ultimately, we will experience verse 13. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Recently, the president of a country offered to sell a gold card that would lead to citizenship for $5 million. Of course, I don’t know if it’s worth it. However, citizenship defines where I belong and my identity. As I spoke during my recent visit, Canadians, Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese take pride in their countries. Many countries in East Asia are not friendly with each other. Among Westerners, military strategists often worry that China, Japan, and South Korea might ally. But that is not possible. Cooperation is difficult because both parties have extreme pride and self-esteem. What power does citizenship have? The country begins with protecting its citizens. Canada’s strength comes from projecting its capabilities to rescue its citizens when they are in trouble abroad. During the coronavirus pandemic, when citizens on a cruise in Japan were detained, a charter flight was sent to rescue them. It also rescued Pastor Hyeonsu Lim of Toronto, detained while traveling to North Korea.

What is the power of heavenly citizenship? It is the peace of knowing that I am under the influence of God’s kingdom. It is a belief that God protects me with his almighty arms. It is the joy that She gives me as a gift. You don’t have to worry about this happiness being taken away from you. There is no need to be anxious. Therefore, we need to understand the kingdom of heaven and how it defines us. As citizens of heaven, we learn and use the language of heaven. It is the language of love. It is a language of encouragement. It is a language that cares for and saves our neighbors in need. Also, as citizens, we must follow the law. What are the laws of the kingdom of God? It’s simple. This is how to love God and love your neighbors. And it was refined into 10 detailed provisions.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stand firm in the Lord in this way! The Lord, who is light, will heal us all, give us strength, and guide us all on His path. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Amen.

Luke 4:1-13; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; and Romans 10:8b-13

 

It’s the first Sunday of Lent. Jesus Christ prayed on a mountain and was tempted in the wilderness before his public ministry. And as we meditate on the various episodes and his ministry that will follow, we will meditate on his actions until Easter. We invited our neighbors over for Shrove Tuesday and shared a meal. We plan to hold the Imposition of Ashes ceremony today. Many Christians think of themselves as sinners before God and indebted to the gospel. At the same time, we confess that we are beneficiaries of Jesus Christ’s endless love and grace. At this point, it is meaningful that we invited the apartment residents across the street and shared time with them last Tuesday.

Inviting or reaching out to someone is not easy these days. I have to make time for it and share my gifts, including my talent and money. No matter how hard we try, results are not guaranteed. Therefore, spreading the gospel becomes increasingly tricky as society becomes more prosperous and advanced. But God has commanded us to do this mission. And this is what Jesus Christ himself showed. I am just grateful that our church is being used for this work. We can respond to requests from our neighbors. So I am happy and thankful for my ministry at Knox. I hope you all are twice or three times as happy as I am.

In Romans verse 10, Paul says: “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Paul, who preached the gospel to Gentiles, emphasized faith repeatedly. He stressed the importance of faith wherever he went. He emphasized faith in God and Jesus as the Christ to members of the regions he visited. He sowed the seeds of the gospel in this way. It was a very long journey, and it is said that if they acknowledge and believe in Jesus as Lord, He will enrich them and provide salvation. This is a straightforward principle. However, there may be some people who have difficulty accepting this. Faith in God means accepting it with your heart and confessing it with your mouth. So you can experience the gifts and help of the Holy Spirit and gain confidence.

When we face a financial or emotional crisis, we remember those who help us. Some people value me enough to risk their lives for me. There is no need to show that much kindness to us, but that person always gives us more love than we deserve. I don’t have enough energy to raise two children. By the way, even though he has many children, he has no shortage of love to give them. Even if their children ask for many things, they do not show any displeasure. That’s why I love this person, but on the other hand, I always feel sorry. I live with the grace He gives me. His name is Jesus; sometimes, he is a good friend and a great gift. So I preach this person’s story every Sunday morning. During my preaching class, the professor said this. Many sermons today do not contain Jesus Christ. The point is that Christ-centered sermons have been lost in the flood of sermons. We all have Jesus together. We remember that love and carry it with us in our lives. Just as a mother spends 40 weeks embracing her child, we also want to spend the 40 days of Lent praying for someone in our lives with the love of Jesus. I want to remember them for that person’s salvation and provide good service for 40 weeks. In this way, we sow the seeds of the gospel and look forward to sharing the joy of salvation with Him, Jesus, and us at Christmas later this year.

Next, confession of faith is always accompanied by tests. Jesus goes into the desert full of the Holy Spirit. He remains there for 40 days. The wilderness and the number 40 are intentionally written, as Israel escaped from slavery in Egypt and entered the land of Judah after 40 years in the wilderness. There he was tempted by the devil. We can think about it. Do the devil or Satan have so much power that they can stand against the Son of God? However, knowing who led Jesus into the wilderness is essential before this question. The Holy Spirit led Jesus there. The point is that Satan was active amid God’s guidance and plan. Jesus was innocent and had divine power. That is why he was sent into the wilderness to experience the various temptations and tests humans experience. He was crucified as a representative of humankind. He paid the price for humanity’s sins. Because Jesus defeated Satan, anyone who believes in Jesus has now been given the ability to overcome Satan.

Looking at the temptation Jesus faced, we can see human weakness. In the wilderness, the difference in temperature between day and night is significant. He also fasts. It’s time to continue to feel physical difficulties. At that time, devil said to him. “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”(3) “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.”(6,7) “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.”(9)

The first test tempts him to make bread from a single stone and eat it. Tests always start from something small like this. Before enlisting in the military, I worked part-time at a convenience store warehouse for about six months. At that time, there was an incident where the police caught five workers. When they were thirsty, they secretly drank beverages from the storehouse. This was the start. Next, they stole expensive cookies, and then they bribed a truck driver to steal a large quantity of alcohol and other items, and were caught. Like this, temptation starts small.

The second test is humans’ desire for authority and splendor. Recently, I had this thought while having a conversation with a doctor. It is about the extent of a person’s desire for advancement and achievement. There is a man. He has been fighting cancer for a long time. Now that he is terminally ill, he has little time left to live. By the way, he was appointed as the highest police officer in a country. What choice would you make at this time? The doctor told me that this was the time to let go of everything and take the time to heal fully. But the man put off treatment, got promoted, and faced a health crisis.

However, Jesus overcame all these temptations and tests. I cannot say that it is very easy to overcome many temptations if you believe. However, by relying on Psalm 14 today, I hope we can overcome when we are tested. ““Because you love me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue you; I will protect you, for you acknowledge my name.” Amen.

Luke 9:28–43a, Psalm 99, and 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

 

What has been the most significant change in your life? By far, the biggest change in my life was when I had the dream of becoming a pastor. Since then, there have been significant and small episodes, but I spent my time studying at a seminary, serving in the military, and then working as a pastor. I cannot explain my life without God in this journey. Has your life changed before and now after believing in Jesus?

Today, Jesus takes his disciples up the mountain to pray. And in verse 29, Luke writes: “As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” The fact that his face changed is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, but is missing from the Gospel of Mark. Rather than simply saying his face changed, adding the Greek expression eidos emphasizes an apparent change in the face and entire body. A noticeable change occurred when he prayed.

In elementary school, there were many Bible Conference Movements in my hometown. I often followed my mother. I felt like the faces of the church members who gathered to learn the Bible and pray were like angels. Also, towards the end of the conference, the church gave us rice cakes. It’s a pleasant memory for me. A life that brings us closer to God through the Word and prayer is blessed. Our face changes when we confess Jesus as the Christ and live a life of faith. Why is that so? Because our lives are changing. We can let go of our competitive spirit and control our desires to exceed what is necessary. What do we start with? Verse 35 contains the answer. “A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”” Yes. It is listening to and following the words of Jesus. It is something that we do by faith. This is what God commanded us. It is simple. This is what we all know very well. All we have to do is believe and follow Jesus’ words.

Second, if we have faith, we become free. This is verse 17 of 2 Corinthians. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” God gives us faith and shows us a new path to salvation. Through Jesus, the Creator saves and forgives us. And God is creating the highways of Zion for us in our lives. This is a high-speed and convenient route, like a highway. Therefore, we are invited to go beyond the religious life bound by the law symbolized by Moses. Paul continues to emphasize: It explains that you are not bound by laws that will disappear like the Veil. A life controlled by the Law is tough. More than 613 Laws weighed down the Jews in the past. They had to follow the law or face a penalty. There were even many harsh provisions for low-income people who worked daily to earn their living expenses. However, God fulfills that law through Jesus. And then he destroys it. The Creator does not allow people to become slaves of the law. God shows us how to enjoy freedom as a child of light. We don’t have to be nervous about whether we might have broken the law. This freedom is God’s gift to us. We have received this through Jesus Christ. Through this way of life, we enjoy freedom from everywhere the Spirit of the Lord is. Jesus is the origin of light and life. Through him, we can cast off the veil of misunderstanding and inconvenience and turn from death to life. After the era of the Law, we can now enjoy freedom through the power of the gospel.

Finally, through Transfiguration, we can become new people. We can build a new life. This is verse 18 of Corinthians. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” We believed in the gospel and were set free. And we become a witness of the new covenant. Salvation is no longer limited to one class or race but extends to everyone. The gospel does not discriminate against people. It grants everyone, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, the same opportunity for salvation. It’s up to us whether we take that chance or not. And it is our responsibility to encourage our neighbors to take advantage of that opportunity. It is as if we, who were sent to this earth first, raise our children with faith.

Paul described this glory as the glory of the Lord and said that we will remove the veil and see clearly. Just as Moses reflected the glory of the Lord when he took off the veil before the Lord, when we take off the veil, which is a spiritual obstacle, we reflect the glory of the Lord with a face that is not covered. Those who have joy in their religious life display the glory of the Lord. Last week, two members went to the condo across from the church to invite them to the Pancake Tuesday event that will be held this Tuesday. A member of our church spoke to me with great excitement and encouragement. We are delighted to invite people from the region like this. Although not a Christian, one of the residents was thrilled to be asked by our members from the church. In this way, we live in the power of God every day, consciously or unconsciously. We are experiencing new life and spreading God’s love. We are so grateful that our church is used in this ministry. Let us all become new people who magnify the glory of Christ. The Holy Spirit will renew us daily. Let’s praise God who gives us the strength to live a new life. Amen.

Luke 6:27–38; Psalm 37:1–11, 39–40; and 1 Corinthians 15:35–38, 42–50

 

Team Canada became champions after beating the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off. I felt the Canadian passion when I saw three fights in last week’s game. So, on the one hand, I have been concerned about recent American leaders and their policies. Of course, in my home country, there are jokes like this. When Korea and Japan play football, the Korean team must win. Adults say we should not lose to Japan, even in rock, scissors, paper, and shoot. I often feel this way when I watch ice hockey games. And I think about hope and desire.

David confesses. In verse 9, “but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” What are your hopes? When I first arrived in Canada, I wished to complete my studies well. I thought pastoring a Canadian church was a distant future. About ten days ago, two alumni pastors from the United Church visited our church. They came to Canada long before me but serve in a more rural area. And they looked at me with such wonder. Of course, their tendencies are closer to the Presbyterian church than the United Church. At the same time, they praised me for pioneering a new path in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. When I moved to Red Deer six months ago, I was heartbroken to discover that there was no Presbyterian church east of Red Deer to the Saskatchewan border. When we last looked at Alberta Christian statistics, there were about 20,000 Presbyterians in our province, or 1% of all Christians. Of course, we can make the world more beautiful with just a few meaningful people. But I hope more. It is a thought about the hope of sharing the same values, having healthy discussions with direction, and living a life of faith and serving. And I thought I should serve the church beautifully here. I had hoped that there would be a growing Presbyterian Church in central Alberta. No, I had a desire. And then I prayed. I thought it would be nice if Knox church were like a reservoir. Reservoirs send water to places it is needed and maintain its abundance daily. I dream that our church will become a reservoir of grace like that, helping those around us, retaining abundant grace, and becoming a hope and model for many churches. Thankfully, I feel joy as many church members actively try many things and dedicate themselves to creating a beautiful community of faith together. And this is top secret. My wife loves our church members and loves Red Deer, so she often looks at houses on real estate websites and hopes to purchase a house as a long-term plan. Of course, I think I will buy it someday. She will take the land because she hopes and loves the Lord.

Secondly, if David walked the path of hope, Jesus Christ presents us with the path of love. Love is about taking on challenges. Jesus’ perspective shows that love transcends all boundaries. It goes beyond just taking care of people who are comfortable with us. So, in verse 32, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And this love is expanding its scope even further. Jesus advises us to love even our enemies, those who hate us. Maybe these words of Jesus are also words of hope. We know very well how difficult this can be. What about loving the person who bullied my child? Or would it be easy to love those who gave my parents a hard time? However, it is not easy. What about embracing the person who breaks our hearts? Jesus’ words today are very challenging. It’s hard. Nevertheless, there is a reason why Jesus speaks to us and asks us to do so. Why is that so? That’s because Jesus did it. Because God did like it. He sent His beloved Jesus Christ to this earth to save people who had become distant from God due to sin. Through him, God built a bridge between God and humans. Jesus was used as a peace offering. As we all know, God proved His love for us by spending a time of extreme suffering on that cross. He says that he loves us humans so deeply and sincerely. Jesus Christ also prays to God for those who have crucified and condemned him. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34)

Most people cannot sleep comfortably when someone insults or humiliates them. What if something unfair happens to us? I feel very stressed. What about when someone I trust betrays me? That sense of betrayal comes as a great pain in proportion to the trust you had placed in it. However, Jesus now prays for those who have gone far beyond this and perhaps caused even more suffering than the enemy. “Father, forgive them.” The principle of faith is simple. It is to imitate Christ and follow his words. So let us follow this path. Just as Jesus said, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you. ³⁶ Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Let us forgive and try to forgive again. The more we try to understand someone, the better God will treat us.

Lastly, let us live in hope of God’s kingdom. Paul explains to us the resurrection of the body and the new world. He provides detailed information about his perspective on existence after death. He explains that it returns to new life only when a seed dies. If it remains only as a seed, it will not change into any future being. Likewise, humans can live as altruistic beings only if we die from selfish desires. Your horizons can expand from a life where you only thought about things on earth. You can look at the sky and see the world through God’s eyes. Finally, with this hope of the kingdom of God, we can become heavenly people. God spoke the way through Jesus Christ and Paul. My beloved, let us walk this way together. The way of love, the way of hope, and the way of service. Through this, I believe that God will accomplish His plan and work. Amen.