Paul was profoundly transformed by this understanding of Christ’s supremacy. As a former Pharisee, he was zealous for the law, believing that strict adherence to religious rules would bring him close to God.
Rev. Chong (10/6/24 message)
But his encounter with the risen Christ changed everything. It shattered everything he knew and understood about who and what God was. He was completely changed.
He realized that Jesus was not just a teacher or prophet but the very image of the invisible God—the One who holds all authority and power over creation. This revelation shattered Paul’s old beliefs and reshaped his entire life. Instead of relying on his own righteousness, Paul embraced Jesus as the only way to know and please God. This drove him to dedicate his life to proclaiming Christ’s preeminence over all things, emphasizing that nothing else—neither the law, religious rituals, nor human wisdom—could compare to the supremacy of Jesus.
And this should be our story as well. Many of us may have grown up in the church but have never truly met Jesus personally. I pray that each of you will experience this in your life and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Without this relationship, Jesus becomes just a concept or idea. We won’t connect with the sermons we hear, and our hearts won’t be moved
In all our uncertainties and struggles, we have a Savior who fully understands our human experience. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the ultimate proof of God’s faithfulness.
Rev. Chong (9/29/24 message)
Through Christ, we have access to God’s unending mercy and steadfast love. His sacrifice on the cross ensures that nothing can separate us from God’s love. When we are faithless, He remains faithful.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In Him, we find the assurance we need to navigate the uncertainties of life. His resurrection is the guarantee of God’s promises fulfilled.
From the very beginning, God’s response to humanity’s failure reveals His unchanging nature. His holiness demanded justice—sin had to be addressed. But His mercy made a way for redemption. Even in the darkest moment of human history, when sin first entered the world, God was already pointing to hope, already making a way for salvation.
Rev. Chong (9/22/24 message)
His justice and mercy are not opposites—they are both part of His perfect, unchanging character.
God’s plan of salvation is constant, even when our circumstances change. His love for us remains firm, and His desire to draw us back to Himself never wavers. Let this be a reminder that even in our most difficult times, God’s unchanging character is our hope and assurance.
So, when you face trials, remember this promise. No matter how senseless or painful life may seem, God is at work behind the scenes. Even in the moments when you feel abandoned or confused, He is weaving every detail into a grand tapestry of grace. You may not understand it now, but one day, you will look back and see how even the most difficult seasons were part of God’s loving and perfect plan.
Rev. Chong (9/15/24 message)
This is why we can rest in the certainty of Romans 8:28. Even when life is hard and the good seems hidden, God is never absent. His hand is always at work, and His plan for us is not only good but perfect. And that is a hope we can cling to, no matter what comes our way.
Each of us knows what it feels like to be caught in the cycle of sin. We’ve experienced the pain of brokenness, the struggle to , the fear of repeating the same mistakes again and again.It can feel suffocating, as though we are powerless to break free from the past—from our habits, from our failures, from the wounds we carry deep within.
Rev. Chong (9/8/24 message)
But here’s the truth that I need you to hear today: Jesus Christ came to break that cycle. He didn’t just come to forgive you for a single moment of failure; He came to shatter the chains of sin that have kept you bound. Where Adam’s disobedience brought death, Christ’s obedience brings life—and not just any life, but abundant, eternal, and free life.
In a world where so many people feel lost, unloved, and purposeless, we are called to be instruments of God’s love. This might mean reaching out to those who have been marginalized or forgotten, just as Mike and Sharon did. It could mean offering forgiveness and grace to someone who has wronged us, or standing up for justice in a world that often seems indifferent to suffering.
Rev. Chong (8/25/24 message)
Our care for others should be a reflection of God’s purpose. Whether it is through adopting a child, mentoring someone in need, or simply showing kindness to a stranger, we are called to demonstrate the same intentionality and purpose that God has shown toward us.
Ultimately, living out God’s purposeful love means recognizing that every action we take, every word we speak, has the potential to reflect His glory and bring life to others. When we love with purpose, we become conduits of God’s redemptive work in the world. We participate in His mission to restore all things to Himself.
Jesus’ silence is not a sign of indifference; rather, it is a test of her faith. It’s as if Jesus is drawing out the depth of her belief, seeing if she will continue to pursue Him even when it seems like He’s not paying attention.
Rev. Chong (8/11/24 message)
In our own lives, we might encounter similar moments when it feels like God is not listening, when our prayers seem to go unanswered. But just as with the Canaanite woman, these moments are not about God’s absence—they are about the testing and refining of our faith.
As we reflect on the story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9:1-7, we are reminded of the profound truth that our weaknesses are our strengths in Christ. Unlike the human tendency to view suffering as mere punishment or the result of sin, our faith teaches us to see suffering through a different lens.
Rev. Chong (8/4/24 message)
For Christians, our reliance on God sets us apart. Our weaknesses drive us to depend on His strength, which is where true power lies. This perspective is not simply about cause and effect; it is about understanding God’s purpose in the midst of our trials.
We all have “four friends” in our lives–people who have lifted us up in our most vulnerable and powerless times and brought us to Jesus. We have most likely only recognized a few of them. But if we look back over the years, we will see many, many of them and be able to give thanks for them.
Rev. Chong (7/28/24 message)
We’ll also be able to see times when we found ourselves before the Lord without knowing how we got there. Even then, there were “four friends” who helped us, even if we were not aware of their presence in our lives.
Just last Friday night, our Korean and English Ministries gathered to pray for our church members who are going through illness. It was a beautiful example of the church community being like the “four friends.”
God desires deeper healing for our souls. Our bodies are temporal, but our souls are eternal. We may not understand why God allows suffering, but through faith, we gain a new perspective and reoriented priorities. God sometimes makes us weak so that we realize His strength.
Rev. Chong (7/21/24 message)
Christ’s suffering on the cross provides a profound example of how God can use pain for a greater purpose. Through His suffering, Christ redeemed humanity, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. Our sufferings, when united with Christ’s, can also take on superpower. They can bring us closer to God, deepen our faith, and even serve as a witness to others of God’s love and power.
Rev. Chong (7/14/24 message)
Therefore, when we face suffering and pain, let us take them with joy, knowing that the ultimate healing is on its way. Through our obedience, we will fully enjoy and experience God’s ultimate plan for us.
Naaman’s story reminds us that our struggles are not without purpose; they are avenues through which God’s grace and power are revealed. As we trust and obey, even in the face of adversity, we can be confident that God is working all things for our good and His glory.
Let us remember that the good work God has begun in us will be brought to completion. Our faith is a gift, our journey is part of God’s plan, and our lives are continually being shaped by Him. The surpassing worth of knowing Christ surpasses all earthly achievements. Let us value our relationship with Jesus above all else and trust in His promise to complete the work He has started in us.
Rev. Chong (7/7/24 message)
Living out grace means embodying the love and mercy we have received. It means extending forgiveness, showing kindness, and seeking to serve others selflessly. It means being patient with one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and striving for unity within the body of Christ.
Rev. Chong (6/30/24 message)
In Christ, your past does not define you. Your new identity is found in your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is this relationship that grants you the promise of eternal life and a restored relationship with God. So, no matter your background, your mistakes, or your previous life, in Christ, you are a new creation, and your old self has passed away. Embrace this new identity and live in the freedom and grace that comes from being a child of God.
Rev. Chong (6/23/24 message)
[The world] tries to embrace everyone’s needs and everyone’s brokenness, often without addressing the core problem: our sinfulness and the need for a Savior. Rather than turning to the teachings of Christ, the world often seeks to solve its problems by removing spirituality and attempting to embrace all forms of brokenness as norm.
Rev. Chong (6/16/24 message)
. . .
Fathers, today I urge you to follow the example of Joshua. Just as in the time of Joshua, our children face many idols dressed in different forms. These are the fashionable and trendy things. Fathers are called to be like Joshua in our homes, declaring that “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Fathers need to bring wholeness and be the beacon of truth in a broken world.
Divine transformation impacts how we relate to others. With a new heart, we extend grace, love, and forgiveness. We seek reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ. Our transformed lives become a witness to the world, drawing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This outward act of initiation is followed by a deeper, internal change. God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit.
Rev. Chong (6/9/24 message)
In a world that constantly urges us to define ourselves by our achievements, failures, or social status, Paul reminds us that our true identity is found in our union with Christ. This union means that Christ’s death is our death, and His resurrection is our resurrection. Our old self, dominated by sin and bound by the law, is put to death, and in its place, a new self emerges—a self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Rev. Chong (6/2/24 message)
He is the master craftsman who can take the broken pieces of our lives and put them back together. Where the law condemns us, Christ’s grace brings redemption and new life.
Rev. Chong (5/26/24 message)
. . .
We are not in the business of deconstructing and breaking down people. Although it can be a powerful feeling to believe we are right and possess the truth, God has not given us this truth to break others. Instead, we are called to the work of reconstruction and redemption. Our mission is to build up, restore, and bring healing through Christ’s grace and love. Just as God has redeemed us, we are to extend His redemption to others, guiding them toward transformation and new life in Him.
Sometimes, the most formidable enemy we face is not external but internal—ourselves. Self-criticism, guilt, and internal conflicts can be powerful adversaries. Sin has profoundly changed how we view ourselves.
Rev. Chong (5/19/24 message)
. . .
And this is kingdom living. We must understand the grace of God—the unfair kindness from God. We must allow the restoration of the Imago Dei, the image of God, and love ourselves through the restoration brought by the Holy Spirit. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to enable us to do the impossible, which becomes possible through His help.
Paul was able to encourage the Philippian Church to be joyful because his mind had been completely transformed. He did not fix his eyes on worldly things, as they did not hold any meaning for him. He had complete faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Lord who would bring renewal and salvation to earth. Therefore, he had a completely different interpretation of life on earth.
Rev. Chong (5/12/24 message)
We may not want Jesus to see certain corners of our house that we’d rather keep hidden, but we must let Jesus transform us inside out if we truly desire transformation.
Rev. Chong (5/5/24 message)
Although it can be challenging, we must allow God to be the center of our universe and let Him lead us where He will. This is what true faith is all about—it’s not just a matter of believing that there’s a supreme being out there; rather, it’s about surrendering ourselves to His will and letting Him guide us along life’s journey.
Rev. Chong (4/28/24 message)
But Paul introduces a revolutionary idea. He doesn’t call us to die physically as Christ did; instead, he calls us to a daily, living death–a death to self, to our desires, and to the world’s patterns. This is a sacrifice of a different kind that requires continual renewal and transformation–holy and acceptable to God. When we offer our body, God intends it to be a holy and acceptable sacrifice because our bodies now belong to Him. The sacrifice is living because it is brought alive to the altar. The sacrifice is living because it stays alive at the altar; it is ongoing.
Rev. Chong (4/21/24 message)