“A Real Christian” (Acts 2:1-13)

 

On the Day of Pentecost

[Dramatized Reding – Credit to Paula Lilley]

Whenever you hear the word “wind” blow and make noises like the wind – Whoosh! Whenever you hear the word “fire”, wave your hands! Whenever you hear the word “spirit” raise your hands into the air, and say, “Oh, yes!”

Here is the story: I was there, though I was only a little child.  I was with my mother and father.  Many of Jesus’ friends were all together in Jerusalem.  We were all waiting for something, but we didn’t know what it was that we were waiting for.  Jesus had died, and risen and he appeared to us many times before he ascended into heaven.  He had promised that we’d receive the Spirit to be with us and guide us.

     But how would this happen?  Would it be like a strong wind?  Would it be like a blazing fire?  Nobody knew.

     Well, that day, we were all gathered in a house in Jerusalem.  Suddenly, we heard a noise, like the rush of a violent wind!  It filled a whole house! Then, we saw something that looked like flames resting on each of us—it was like a raging fire!  Everyone was filled with the Spirit!

     But the most amazing thing of all was that everyone started to talk.  We talked in languages we didn’t even know as we experienced the Spirit!

     Somehow, word of our experience of the Spirit spread like wild fire fanned by the wind.  Jerusalem was full of people visiting from other countries.  They heard us, and they were amazed and surprised to hear their own languages spoken.

     “What does this mean?” everyone wanted to know.  Some people laughed, saying that the adults in our group must be drunk!

     That’s when Peter stepped forward.  “We’re not drunk!” he said.  “It’s only nine o’clock in the morning.”  He told all the people the story of Jesus.  His miracles and teachings, right up to his death and the Resurrection. “God raised Jesus from death,”  I heard him say. 

    You should have been there!  Right then and there, about 3,000 people decided to follow Jesus!  They caught the Spirit, like a wind blows a fire!  That’s why we say that the church was born that day-on Pentecost, long ago, when we experienced the joyful gift of the Spirit!

 

Reversal of Babel

So what happened on Pentecost Day? We can say, Pentecost is the reversal of Babel. You might remember the story of Babel from Genesis. God had commanded people to spread out and fill the earth. But they disobeyed. Instead, they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.” (Gen 11:4 NLT) Sin had entered and polluted the human heart. “Sin is anything that separates us from God and from one another.” That’s what happened at Babel. That day, the people wanted to be like God. That day, they became separated from God and from each other. Confusion entered. Communication broke down. Hostility grew. The wall of hostility was erected.

 

Jesus and Pentecost

But our God is able! When the time had fully come, God sent His Son Jesus. Jesus broke down the wall of hostility – in his own body on the cross. By his blood, we have been reconciled to God, to each other, and even to ourselves. On the day of Pentecost, as promised, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within His people. The confusion was gone, Relationships was restored, and communication was made new. That day, God united Jews and Gentiles into one people. That day, with one voice, they praised God and loved each other. And the story continues. The Pentecost moment continues.

 

Aldersgate Day

Let me share a story about John Wesley—the founder of the Methodist movement. Though he was already a priest, he struggled deeply with doubt. He wanted to believe, but something inside still felt uncertain.

In 1735, he went on a mission trip to America. He hoped to convert others and strengthen his own faith. But things didn’t go as planned. The mission felt like a failure, and on the way back to England, his ship was caught in a terrible storm. The waves crashed, the wind roared, and many thought they were going to die. Wesley was terrified. But then he saw something surprising—on the deck, a small group of Moravian Christians, including women and children, were calmly singing hymns. No fear. Just peace. After the storm, Wesley asked one of them, “Weren’t you afraid?” The man replied, “Thank God, no.” Wesley said, “But what about your women and children?” And the Moravian answered, “They are not afraid to die.” That moment stayed with Wesley. He realized they had something he didn’t—a deep assurance, a Spirit-filled confidence.

Later, Wesley spoke with a Moravian leader named August Spangenberg. Spangenberg looked him in the eye and asked, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” Wesley answered, “I know He is the Savior of the world.” Then the man asked, “But do you know He has saved you?” Wesley hesitated and said, “I hope He has died to save me.” That “I hope” showed his honest doubt. He wanted to believe, but he still wasn’t sure.

Then another friend and mentor, Peter Böhler, gave him wise counsel. Wesley told him, “I don’t have the faith I preach.” And Böhler said, “Preach faith until you have it. And when you have it, then you will preach faith.” That’s beautiful advice. Keep walking toward the light until the light fills your heart.

And then came Aldersgate Day—May 24, 1738. Wesley reluctantly went to a small meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. Someone read from Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans. As Wesley listened, something happened. He later wrote in his journal, “About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation. And an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine.” That was his Pentecost moment. The Holy Spirit came—not with wind or fire, but with peace, love, and blessed assurance.

 

Miracle of Love

The Pentecost story continues. The other day, I had a privilege of visiting Pastor Kwan Lee and listening to his faith story. He shared his Pentecost moment, which happened five years ago, when he suffered a major heart attack. He was rushed to the hospital, and the situation was critical. As he lay on the hospital bed, he overheard two surgeons debating whether to proceed with quadruple bypass surgery. That night, in the quiet hospital room, Pastor Lee prayed like never before. As he cried out to God, he heard a gentle voice ask, "What is a Christian?" Startled, he answered, "I have been a minister all my life. I’ve preached, taught, baptized, and led people to Christ." The voice gently responded, "You taught people about Christianity. But what is a Christian?" He tried again. But the voice repeated the question: "What is a Christian?" Finally, the answer came not from his lips, but from the voice itself: "A Christian is someone who loves like Christ."

That revelation pierced his soul. Pastor Lee was raised in a very conservative tradition and held tightly to theological correctness. But that night, he saw clearly how often he had judged others rather than loved them. “I realized,” he said, “Being loving is more important than being right. Who am I to judge? Christ alone is the Judge. My part is to love like Him.” That was his Pentecost moment. Since then, he has developed a simple but powerful spiritual rhythm. Each morning, he prays, "Lord, help me not to hurt anyone today—not through my words, actions, or silence." And each night before bed, he prays, "Lord, if I’ve wronged anyone, knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive me."

 

A Real Christian

John Wesley was once asked, “What is a Methodist?” He replied, “A Methodist is one who has the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit.” This echoes Romans 5:5: “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” That’s the definition of a real Christian: someone who has God’s love poured into their heart by the Spirit.

When I do life review interviews, I always ask, “How would you like to be remembered?” If I were asked, my answer would be, “He was a loving person – a loving dad, a loving husband, a loving pastor.” That is my prayer. We may not the largest church in town, but my prayer is that our church become the most loving place in town. May God give us the desire and strength to love Him and love our neighbors with all our hearts. So be it. 

“Preparing the Ground” (Acts 1:15-26)

More Haste, Less Speed
In the early 1920s, architect Frank Lloyd Wright was building the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. As the design neared completion, the hotel directors questioned a key feature— a reflecting pool in its central courtyard. They asked, "Why not eliminate the pool and save 40,000 yen?" But Mr. Wright stood firm. That pool, he said, wasn’t just decoration. It was the building’s last line of defense in case of a major earthquake and the fires that often followed. Despite pressure, Wright refused to compromise. In the end, the pool stayed. And two years later, when the Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Tokyo, that very pool helped save the hotel from being engulfed by fire.[1]

Wright knew something we often forget: when making important decisions, shortcuts can be costly. There are foundational principles that cannot be compromised, no matter how tempting the alternative may seem. Today, we turn to the Book of Acts. We’ll see how the early church made important decisions under pressure. Jesus’ disciples had gone through a lot. Perhaps one of their strongest feelings was “loss” or “grief.” They had lost their Master in the most scandalous way – crucifixion. Temporarily, their sorrow was comforted when the risen Christ appeared to them. But now, he was gone again. Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus gave them an instruction: “Don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.” Yet perhaps they felt lost, unsure what to do next. In addition, they had just experienced betrayal and defection by someone who had once been very close to them. Such pain can leave us embittered. Under Peter’s leadership, the early church handled these challenges and crises wisely. Let’s learn from them.

Scripture
As Jesus’ disciples navigate their next steps, discerning God’s will and making decisions, they applied four fundamental principles: scripture, community, prayer, and surrender.

First, they began with the Scripture. They accessed where they were and where they should be headed based on God’s Word (vv. 15-20). Peter interpreted the Psalms (Ps 69:25; 109:8), saying, “Friends, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas…” Peter and the congregation began to see Judas’ betrayal, not as a random human act, but through the lens of God’s sovereignty. Then they realized it was necessary to replace Judas’ place. In the Old Testament, the twelve tribes represented Israel, and in the New Testament, the twelve apostles represent the “new” Israel – the church. After Judas’ betrayal, the circle of the Twelve had been broken. Replacing Judas was essential groundwork to restore that circle and prepare for the new community, born of the Holy Spirit. Peter and the congregation received this guidance from the Scripture: “Let another take his position of overseer.” (Acts 1:20; cf. Psalm 109:8). So they proceeded accordingly.

Community
Second, they discerned God’s will in community. Verse 15 tells us “Together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons.” Bible teacher Howard Marshall suggests that the reason why the number is mentioned here, because under Jewish law, 120 men were required to form a community with its own council.[2] In other words, there were numerous enough to establish a new community. Their decisions would be valid and representative.

Peter then suggested the qualifications for apostleship: “one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us” (vv. 21-22). The key qualification was this: someone who had belonged to the community from the beginning – a “faithful witness”. Then, the two names – Joseph and Matthias – were proposed by the whole community. That’s why we have an Administrative Council in our church. That’s why our Dream Team is so important as we discern together.

Prayer
Third, they prayed. “Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place”” (vv. 24-25).

Luke and Acts are full of references to prayer. In fact, “prayer” is mentioned 31 times in Acts. We see prayer comes before every major decision or crisis in life of Jesus and the early church. Before making any decision, the most important part is to prepare our hearts. Prayer gets our hearts ready and in tune with God. Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing his twelve apostles. So now the disciples followed his example. So they prayed and prayed. Verse 14 says, “All there were constantly devoting themselves to prayer together…” Their prayer was united. Their prayer was persistent.

In 1844, George Müller began praying daily for five friends to come to Christ. He wrote, “I prayed every day without one single intermission, whether sick or in health, on the land or on the sea, and whatever the pressure of my engagements might be.” After 18 months, one was saved. Five years later, another. Six years after that, a third. But the last two showed no change. Still, Müller prayed—every single day—for over 36 years. One came to faith just before Müller died. The fifth? A few years after his death. Müller didn’t live to see all his prayers answered, but he never stopped trusting that God would.[3]

Often great prayer movements start with a few individuals who have a burden to pray. They keep on praying until revival comes. That’s how our “730 prayer” movement began. It’s not a temporary special church program. We will follow the early church’s example. Let us keep on praying until the blessing comes.

Surrender
So how did the early church prepare the ground before making important decisions? Peter began with the Scripture. The whole community participated in the discerning process and proposed the two names. Then, they all prayed – united and persistent.

Finally, they cast lots. And the lot fell on Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles. There was no intrinsic or magical power in casting lots. No! But it was a traditional way of surrendering to God’s will in the Old Testament Judaism. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Specifically, in this case, the believers had found two equally qualified candidates. But qualifications alone were not enough. Only God knows the hearts of people, so they asked for God’s help. This is the last time in the New Testament we see casting lots to determine God’s will, because now the Holy Spirit has been given to us.

The key is surrendering to God’s will wholeheartedly. In Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Judah came to see Jeremiah and asked for God’s guidance, saying, “Let the Lord your God show us where we should go and what we should do… Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God.” So Jeremiah prayed, and after ten days, the Word came to him: “If you remain in this land, you will live. But if you go to the land of Egypt, there you shall die.” But the people replied to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie!” They had already decided to go to Egypt, even before asking. They simply wanted affirmation. They were not truly willing to listen or surrender to God’s will. So they perished in Egypt.

Jesus once said, “Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own” (John 7:17). In other words, if someone says, “God, show me your will—and I’ll think about whether I want to do it,” God may not reveal His will. That heart is already set on its own way. But to those who come like an empty, clean vessel, God will teach His way.

Hoisting Sails
Revival is the sovereign work of God. We cannot make it happen. A sailor has no control over the wind. But a good sailor knows the wind and how to set the sails when the wind blows. We cannot make wind blow, but we can hoist our sails to catch it.

Let us hoist our sails each day by beginning with the Scripture. Let us never cease to pray – alone and together – until God sends the wind of revival. Let us join the early church in singing wholeheartedly:

I surrender all

I surrender all

All to Thee, my blessed Savior

I surrender all

------------
[1] Edward Tenner, How Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel Survived a 1923 Earthquake (April 1, 2011), https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/04/how-tokyos-imperial-hotel-survived-a-1923-earthquake/73306/
[2] John Scott, The Message of Acts (The Bible Speaks Today Series) . InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition. Location 826 of 8328.
[3] Ajith Fernando, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary Book 5) (p. 34). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.

“Immanuel Love” (Acts 1:1-11)

The Power of Personal Witness
I still remember the day when I concluded God is dead. That was during my senior year of high school. As a pastor’s kid, I always grew up in the church and attended all the church activities. But the older I got, the more skeptical I became. Praying to God felt like talking to a wall. Reading the Bible seemed like reading fairy tales. It became painful to listen to my father’s sermons. There were even times even when I left during the service. I was restless, wandering and searching. I felt like a hypocrite.

Finally, one day I shared my feelings with my mother. She was wise. As a pastor’s kid herself, she understood. After listening to my story, she shared her own faith journey – how she came to believe. She told me about a person who had harmed the church and particularly her family. She was deeply upset and angry. She couldn’t forgive him or what he had done. So she prayed. While praying, she saw a vision – at first, that man’s face appeared, then his face turned into the face of Jesus. Eventually, God gave my mother the strength to love that person. She also received the gift of speaking in tongues that day. After hearing her story, I thought myself, “Okay. I will keep trying, because the person I love and respect most said so.” Eventually, God restored my soul and drew me close to him. And so – here I am today.

To Theophilus
Starting this Sunday, we will explore the Book of Acts. This book is the second volume written by Luke. Both books – Luke and Acts – are dedicated to one particular individual: Theophilus. In other words, these books are Luke’s personal witness.

Who is Theophilus? Luke begins both his Gospel and Acts with a greeting to him, “Most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3). Though we don’t have much information about him, many scholars suggest that Theophilus was a real person – likely a Roman official. To this influential figure, Luke now begins to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Luke’s version of the Gospel can be summed up in three simple statements: God came to our place, God took our place, and God will take us to his place.

Christ Has Come
First, Christ Jesus the Savior has come to our place. “Look! The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). When the time had full come, God’s Christ came to our place to live among us. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (MSG)

Recently, I was inspired by the story of Ben Carson. He is known for leading the first successful surgical separation of conjoined twins. But when Dr. Carson was young, he was called the class dummy. Many, including himself, doubted he would ever amount to anything. But his mother, Sonya Carson, believed in him before he believed in himself. Her faith, discipline, and resilience shaped his life more than anything else. Although Ms. Carson was not formally educated, she did her best to encourage Ben, helping his homework, taking him to the public library, and walking alongside him. She gave herself to her son. What she gave him was the present of presence.

That’s what Jesus did for us. Though he was God, Jesus gave up his divine privileges and became human! He was not only born as a human being – He was born in a lowly manger to embrace all humanity. Jesus, God-in-flesh-and-blood, still comes to our place, loving us just as we are. The greatest gift Jesus gives us is the present of presence. Immanuel, God with us!

Christ Has Died
Christ came to our place. But he not only was with us – He also took our place. This is God’ way to fix our broken relationship with him. Sin is when people try to take God’s place and act like they are in charge instead of him. That was what happened in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve wanted to be like God. But salvation is the opposite—when God lovingly took our place by sending Jesus to die for us. We tried to be like God, which we shouldn’t have done. But God chose to become like us and take the punishment we deserved. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV) Jesus became our sin, so we could be his righteousness.

The prophet Isaiah describes Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes our place in this way (53:3-6, MSG):

He was looked down on and passed over,

a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.

One look at him and people turned away.

We looked down on him, thought he was scum.

But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—

our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.

We thought he brought it on himself,

that God was punishing him for his own failures.

But it was our sins that did that to him,

that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!

He took the punishment, and that made us whole.

Through his bruises we get healed.

We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost.

We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way.

And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong,

on him, on him.

Christ Will Come Again
Jesus has died on our place. He was buried. And he was raised from death on the third day. Just as the Scripture says, the risen Christ appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days, eating with them and talking with them again! Afterwards, Jesus ascended into heaven. The disciples stood there, staring into the empty sky. Then they heard two men in white robes say, “Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, CEB)

We live in the last days, because all of God’s promises have been fulfilled – except one. Jesus has come, Jesus has died, Jesus was risen, Jesus has ascended into heaven. Only one promise is left: Jesus will come again. Daniel in his vision saw one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence (7:13). Jesus himself promised, “When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.” (John 14:3, CEB) Jesus is coming soon.

God with Us: Here and Now
But in the meantime, we are not alone. Before Jesus was taken into heaven, he said to his disciples, “Don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait for what the Father promised.” Then he continued, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NRSV)

One day we will see Jesus face to face. But until then, Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit. He gives us power to live boldly and faithfully as his witnesses here and now. He gives us power to face any future uncertainties. When Corrie Ten Boom was a child, she struggled with the idea that her farther would die one day. Corrie burst into tears, “I need you! You can’t die! You can’t!” The father sat down on the edge of her bed and said gently, "Corrie, when you and I go to Amsterdam-when do I give you your ticket?" She sniffed and said, "Why, just before we get on the train." The father said, “Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need – just in time.”

In her eighties Corrie had a major stroke and became bedridden and mute for about five years. In her final months on earth, Corrie was virtually helpless. She needed assistance just to turn over in her bed. She could barely speak. She had become skin and bone. One day, all of sudden, Corrie surprised her caregiver by saying a word in Dutch (her native language): “Blij” (“Happy,” more literally, “joyful”). Her caregiver, Rosewell, asked, “Are you happy, Aunt Corrie?” “Ja [yes]” she replied. On the morning of Corie’s ninety-first birthday, April 15, 1983, she breathed her last. Today, her grave is marked with her name, her birth and death dates, and three simple words: “Jesus Is Victor.”

Corrie’s life is a shining example of how Jesus is with us, giving us strength to live abundantly and face any future uncertainties. The Apostle Paul describes life with the Spirit here and now this way: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Then he adds, “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Jesus Christ is with us always – He came to our place, he took our place, and he will take us to his place. Let us treasure Christ, honor him, savor him, and make much of him. “If we look at the world, we’ll be distressed. If we look within, we’ll be depressed. If we look to Jesus, we’ll be at rest.” Amen.

“I Am a Disciple” (John 21:12–19)

Breakfast with Jesus

Saturday morning at eight o’clock—that’s when my family gathers around the table to enjoy homemade pancakes. Often, my children ask on Friday evening, “Are we going to eat pancakes tomorrow?” We just love Saturday morning pancake breakfasts—not just because we particularly like pancakes, but because we cherish the atmosphere of our time together. I turn on good classical music, and we share the highs and lows of the week.

Abe and I used to make pancakes and prepare the table together. Now Grace, Esther, and Hannah take turns and enjoy their “Dad and me” time. Lydia and Abe still join us once or twice a month. Even so, they too look forward to our Saturday family pancake breakfast. It’s all about the memories.

There is something special about eating together. In today’s Scripture, Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples. Peter and six others had toiled all night but caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus appeared to them on the shore and said, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” When they did, they caught so many fish they couldn’t haul in the net. When they landed, they saw a fire with fish on it and some bread. Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast.” This scene must have stirred many memories for the disciples. For three years, Jesus and His disciples sat down and shared meals together every single day—breaking bread, sharing the highs and lows of the day.

Follow Me

When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He asked the same question three times, and Peter answered three times, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Then Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” He continued, “When you were younger, you tied your own belt and walked wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will tie your belt and lead you where you do not want to go.”

After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.” These were the very words Jesus had spoken to Peter when they first met. Peter was younger then. He knew little of what would be involved, but he followed. Now the same command came again: “Follow me.” How deeply these words had grown in meaning! Peter was there when Jesus fed the five thousand. Peter was there when Jesus prayed fervently in Gethsemane. Peter was there when Jesus was crucified at Golgotha. He had denied Christ. But now, Jesus called him again. What depth of meaning these words now carried: “Follow me.” All of our life as disciples lies in these two words—“Follow me.”

All In

From what Jesus said to Peter in verse 18, we see three essential qualities of discipleship. The first is being all in. When you are young, you come and go. You quit. You deny. But as you grow older, you become steadfast. You won’t budge. You become immovable like a rock. You are all in.

One day, Jesus said to His disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:44–46, NIV).

We could paraphrase the parable this way: One day, a man walking downtown spots the most beautiful pearl he has ever seen in a shop window. He knows he must have it. He rushes inside and asks the clerk, “How much is that pearl?” The clerk replies, “How much do you have?” The man says, “I have $100 in my pocket.” “Good, I’ll take that. What else do you have?” “Well... I have a car parked outside.” “I’ll take that too. What else?” “I have some savings—maybe $10,000.” “Good. I’ll take that as well. What else?” This goes on until the man gives up his house, his family, everything. Finally, the storekeeper says, “Alright. The pearl is yours.” The man is thrilled and turns to leave, but the storekeeper stops him. “Wait. One more thing. Your family? I don’t need them—I’m giving them back. But they’re mine now. Take care of them for me. Your house? You can live in it. But remember, it’s mine. Same with your car, your savings, even the $100. It’s all mine now. Use it well—for me.” That’s what it means to be all in—I’ve decided to follow Jesus, my pearl, my all in all! No turning back.

Obedience

The second quality of discipleship is obedience. When you are young, you go wherever you want. Your preferences take top priority. As you mature, you learn to trust and obey over time.

One day, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Matt. 16:16). Immediately after this, Jesus began to explain that He must suffer, be killed, and be raised again. The same Peter—young and impulsive—took Him aside and rebuked Him: “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” His own ideas, convictions, and preferences were more important to him than God’s will. In contrast, Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Matt. 26:39).

In The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Following Jesus requires more than intellectual assent; it calls for the surrender of our will, no matter the cost. At the time, Bonhoeffer witnessed the German church compromising its faith and becoming a political cult aligned with the Nazis. He warned, “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” Bonhoeffer openly criticized Hitler and was in grave danger. Though he briefly escaped to the U.S., after 26 days he returned to Germany, saying, “I must live through this difficult period of our national history with the people of Germany.” That decision led him to the resistance—and ultimately cost him his life. When Jesus calls us, He bids us come and die. Grace is free, but costly. So is discipleship.

Dependence

The third quality of discipleship is dependence. When you are young, you have your own way. You are independent and self-sufficient. But as you grow older, you learn to depend on God and others.

The other day, I visited John Trask in the hospital. He is now 94. He was a pilot. He traveled to many places. He used to go wherever he pleased. I asked him, “John, what was your favorite place?” “Spain,” he replied. “I love the people and the food there.” Then I asked how his day was. He said, “Long.” His day starts at 4 a.m. with bloodwork. He often watches the parking lot through the window. Workers with leaf blowers arrive before 6 a.m. People come and go. He watches the trees sway in the wind. He is learning to be patient. He is learning to depend—fully rely on God.

Our Lord Jesus is the humble Christ. He was born a baby—totally helpless and dependent on others. He needed to be fed, washed, held. And at the end, on the cross, He again became completely vulnerable and dependent—unable to move. Yet He never lost His divine dignity.

Follow Me… Again

For many, this narrow path—the path of discipleship—is not appealing. A sense of duty alone won’t sustain the path of being “all in,” of “obedience,” or “dependence.” But love makes all things possible. Christ’s love compels us. He died for us, so that we may no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died and was raised again (2 Cor. 5:14–15)!

What does it look like to follow Jesus? For Peter, it meant being literally crucified with Christ. According to early church tradition, Peter requested to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same way as Jesus. By this, he glorified God.

What does it look like to follow Jesus today? If we hold fast to the Gospel of Christ—Christ crucified for sinners—this message will be a stumbling block to the proud. If we uphold the high moral standards of Jesus—honesty, integrity, purity, fidelity, self-denial, and self-sacrificial love—many will call it “old-fashioned rubbish.” If we speak the truth in love against injustice in this polarized world, we may be ridiculed or ostracized. And for some of us, following Jesus means enduring pain, staying the course faithfully, and learning to be dependent even in suffering.

Jesus says to each of us, “Do you love me?” “Feed my sheep.” “Follow me!” May we joyfully and willingly respond, “Yes, Lord, I love you.” “Yes, Lord, I will follow you.”

Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

“Resurrection and After” (John 20:19–23)

 

Resurrection

No resurrection, no Christianity.

Resurrection is what sets Christianity apart. This is what the Bible teaches. This is what the Church has always believed.

Jesus’ birth was natural, but His conception was supernatural. His death was natural, but His resurrection was supernatural.

So, what is the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection according to the Bible?

First, the tomb was empty. His body was gone. Archaeologists have discovered two possible tomb sites with biblical evidence—one is the traditional site, and the other is the so-called Garden Tomb.

Second, Jesus’ graveclothes were left behind—undisturbed. His body was gone, but the strips of linen were lying there, collapsed in place. They looked like a discarded chrysalis from which a butterfly had emerged—untouched and unfolded.

Third, Jesus was seen. The risen Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene, to other women, to Peter, and to the disciples.

Changed Lives

But perhaps the most convincing evidence is changed lives.

In today’s Scripture, the disciples were hiding behind closed doors, because they were afraid. But after encountering the risen Christ, their hearts were filled with joy and hope—and later, with the power of the Holy Spirit.

How do we explain Peter in John 18, where he denied Jesus three times, and the same Peter in Acts 2, boldly preaching before three thousand people? It’s the same man. What changed? He met the risen Christ and was filled with His Spirit.

How do we explain Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and Paul standing in chains preaching boldly before King Agrippa (Acts 26)? He, too, encountered the risen Christ—and it changed everything.

I remember one of the most moving moments during our Holy Land pilgrimage in 2022. We visited the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem—the place where Jesus’ body may have lain for three days. But what moved me most was the testimony of the guide at the Garden Tomb.

He shared the biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection and explained the historical background of the site. At the end, he said something unforgettable: “Friends, I am physically blind, but spiritually, I now see everything clearly.”

He shared how he had been angry, lost, and searching for meaning because of his visual impairment. But by God’s grace, he heard the Good News and believed. The resurrection of Jesus became real to him. He began to sense the presence of the risen Christ in his own life. He became a new person—with direction, purpose, and joy. I just could tell joy permeated his face and his whole being.

This is his story. This is our story: “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”

Because of Jesus’ resurrection, lives are still being transformed today.

On this Easter Sunday, all three of our churches are welcoming new members: Robert Victor, Sirong Wang, Vernell Strecker, and Lillian DeCola* (*Lillian completed the class but could not attend today due to illness).

During our new membership class, I had the privilege of hearing their faith stories.

Nell shared how, in her youth, she was rebellious. Until her late 30s, she attended a very liberal Unitarian Church. She believed all religions led to the same place and thought she had a ticket to heaven. But when she turned 39, a friend shared the Gospel with her: humble yourself, seek, knock, repent, confess, believe, receive Jesus. And she did.

She described her conversion like this:

“I stopped ignoring Jesus knocking on the door of my heart. I opened it with a sincere prayer. It was like 'heart surgery.' I confessed my disobedience and rebellion, then asked for forgiveness. All the junk in my heart was lifted out, and in its place, God put the portion of Himself, reserved for me, bathed in everlasting, unconditional love. That date was April 30, 1981.”

What about Rob? He grew up in the church but left at 14 because of his parents’ divorce. After that, he wanted nothing to do with the church. He went through two painful divorces and suffered from depression. But in his early 50s, he began to read the Bible and listen to a Christian radio station in Monticello, ME. Eventually, he moved from Connecticut to Maine, began a new life, joining the church today.

And what about Sirong? He came to New Brunswick, Canada, for graduate studies. There, he found a welcoming church community and was baptized. Today, he’s joining Houlton UMC. His parents will be baptized and join the church on Pentecost Sunday in June.

Sirong humbly said he had nothing special to share. But if we look at his story, it’s clearly the supernatural work of God. Coming to faith, believing, being baptized—these are all miraculous signs of the risen Christ at work. His parents’ journey to baptism is another sign of resurrection power.

New Garden

This morning, we sang with joy:

“He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me... You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

Because of the risen Christ, we live and move and have our being. His resurrection is not just a historical fact. The disciples were changed. We are being changed.

But there is even more!

The resurrection gives us an undying hope for tomorrow. Jesus’ empty tomb in the garden points to the New Garden—the renewed Garden of Eden—in Revelation 21–22.

If there were no resurrection, there would be no hope beyond this life. If there were no resurrection, our faith would be in vain. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. He is the first fruits, the trailblazer, the waymaker to eternal life. In Him, we have a guaranteed, glorious future in the New Garden.

In a way, our life now is like watching a rerun. On Friday, my family watched Pilgrim’s Progress. The first time we watched it, we were anxious whenever Christian got into trouble. But now, no matter what he faces, we’re not afraid—because we know how the story ends.

The same is true for us. No matter what comes, we can say, “It is well with my soul.” Christians, by nature, are eternal optimists.

End Is Beginning

None of us here are immune to suffering. Some of us are walking through hardships, illness, or grief right now. But none of these can change God’s redemption story. None of these change the ending.

God will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4). And one day, there will be a great family reunion in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Nathalie Sleeth, a church organist and composer, once wrote a poem inspired by T. S. Eliot’s words: “In the end is my beginning.” Shortly after writing it, her husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This poem was sung at his funeral:

In our end is our beginning 
In our time, infinity 
In our doubt, there is believing 
In our life, eternity 
In our death, a resurrection 
At the last, a victory 
Unrevealed until its season 
Something God alone can see!

Because Christ is risen, we can face tomorrow. No matter what comes, life is worth living—because we know how the story ends: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Thanks be to God. Amen.

“The Way” (Luke 19:24-46)

 

*The path from the Kidron Valley to the Old City of Jerusalem. (Feb 2022)

Into Jerusalem
In 2022, I had the sacred opportunity to join a pilgrimage to Israel, led by Bishop Devadhar, who is now with the Lord. There was a moment during that journey that still lives in my heart. We were walking down a concrete path in the Kidron Valley, approaching the Old City of Jerusalem. It wasn’t a dusty road, and there were no palm branches or shouting crowds. But I paused for a moment, closed my eyes, and used my imagination to step into the story. I pictured Jesus riding a donkey down this very path. I imagined the people shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” I imagined the joyful parade—but I also imagined Jesus’ face. Not just smiling, but weeping.

Luke tells us that as Jesus drew near and saw the city, he wept over it. Not long after, he entered the temple and began to cleanse it. Jesus wasn’t just entering Jerusalem—he was walking the road to Calvary. He wasn’t only taking our place—he was setting a pattern for us to follow. The life of a disciple follows this pattern: Rejoicing. Weeping. Cleansing. So now, let us follow in the steps of Jesus.
 
Rejoicing
Jesus deliberately planned his procession into Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 says, “As the time approached when Jesus was to be taken up into heaven, he determined to go to Jerusalem” (CEB). He carefully planned how he would enter the city. He gave two disciples a task, asking them to bring a colt. Why? What is he doing? Why does he want a ride into Jerusalem on a donkey? Jesus had never done anything like this before.

Matthew tells us why: “Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, ‘Say to Daughter Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the donkey’s offspring’” (21:4–5). This was a direct quote from Zechariah 9:9. Jesus was intentionally fulfilling prophecy. He was declaring, “Yes, I am the King. I am the Messiah.” But in his first coming, he did not ride in on a white warhorse with a sword. He came humbly. He came not to judge, but to save. Today is the day of salvation.

The people welcomed their king. They laid down their cloaks, waved palm branches, and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!” Their hearts were filled with laughter, their mouths with songs of joy. Likewise, when we receive Jesus as our King, our hearts are filled with joy.

Blaise Pascal, a famous scientist and philosopher, once had a powerful encounter with the living Christ. He wrote in his journal that day (November 23, 1654):

FIRE. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of philosophers and scholars. Certitude, heartfelt joy, peace. God of Jesus Christ. God of Jesus Christ. “My God and your God.” . . . Joy, Joy, Joy, tears of joy. . . Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. May I never be separated from him!”

Each of us has a unique story of receiving Christ—some gradual, some radical. But every true conversion shares something in common: a sense of freedom from guilt, a sense of joy, purpose, and the feeling of finally being home. So we join the crowd and cry out in rejoicing: “Hosanna!”

 
Weeping
But then, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, he wept. It seemed the people were finally recognizing and welcoming their King—so why the tears?

Jesus tells us: “If only you knew on this of all days the things that lead to peace” (v. 42). The people had the wrong idea of what peace is and how it comes. They wanted a political king—someone to overthrow Rome. But Jesus came to bring true peace between God and humanity. They expected Jesus to fix their outward problems. But he came to heal their hearts, to restore what was broken at the root: sin and separation from God.

So Jesus wept—not in anger, but in deep sorrow. He wept because they refused the peace he offered. They missed their moment of divine visitation.

Today, we see a tragic parallel in our world. In Switzerland, there’s a phenomenon called “suicide tourism.” People from around the world travel there—not for beauty or healing—but to legally end their lives. They come looking for peace, but they find death. One company Exit International offers a device called the Sarco 3.0, often referred to as the “Tesla of euthanasia.” In just 60 seconds, it replaces oxygen with nitrogen to bring what it calls a “safe, painless, and speedy” death. With features like portability and a detachable coffin, it promises ease and control.[1]

But death is not easy, speedy, or convenient. It demands endurance, faith, and surrender. Jesus saw something similar in Jerusalem. The people were praising with their lips, but their hearts were far from true peace. They were longing for freedom from Rome—not freedom from sin. They were using God for their own glory instead of surrendering to him. And so, Jesus wept.

As disciples, we are called to weep, too—to weep over what is broken in our world, our communities, and even in our own hearts. We are not to bypass pain or rush to comfort. Scripture says, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Let us learn to love deeply enough to weep.
 
Cleansing
Rejoicing. Weeping. Then, cleansing.

After entering Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple. He drove out the people selling animals for sacrifice and said, “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of robbers’” (v. 46).

In John’s Gospel, when questioned about this, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” He wasn’t speaking of the physical building. He was speaking of his own body.

How does Jesus cleanse the temple? By destroying His own body. He didn’t pour out judgment on the people—He bore it in himself. When Jesus made a whip, he would later take the whip upon his own back. When he overturned the tables, he would allow his own body to be torn down. By His death and resurrection, Jesus cleanses the temple of our lives and makes our hearts new.

Jesus is our Wounded Healer. In one of the Talmud stories, Rabbi Yoshua ben Levi came upon Elijah the prophet… He asked Elijah, “When will the Messiah come?” Elijah replied, “Go and ask him yourself.” “Where is he?” “Sitting at the gates of the city.” “How shall I know him?” “He is sitting among the poor covered with wounds. The others unbind all their wounds at the same time and then bind them up again. But he unbinds one at a time and binds it up again, saying to himself, ‘Perhaps I shall be needed: if so I must always be ready so as not to delay for a moment.’[2]  In this story the Messiah, the Wounded Healer, is sitting among the poor, binding his wounds one at a time, so he can look after his own pain and suffering, and at the same time, he can be prepared to heal the wounds of others, while the others are preoccupied with their own wounds and problems.

Jesus is that Wounded Healer. He is among the poor and broken, healing others even as he himself suffers. And as Scripture declares, “By his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

 

Jesus Is Coming

Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem—rejoicing.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem—weeping over their hardened hearts.
Jesus cleansed the temple—their hearts—by offering up his own body.

This is the path Jesus walked. And this is the pattern we are called to live—until the day he comes again: Rejoicing. Weeping. Cleansing.

Christ has come. Christ will come again. And one day, by God’s grace, we will stand among a multitude no one can count—from China, Philippines, France, USA, Korea, and every nation, tribe, and tongue—cleansed by Christ, with palm branches in our hands, singing praise to the Lamb, “Hosanna in the highest!”

Until then, may we rejoice in the God of our salvation. May we weep over what is broken and what God himself weeps over. May we seek to cleanse, to heal, to restore—beginning with our own hearts. And most of all, may we always be ready to welcome our King, saying: “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

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[1] A. Trevor Sutton, “O Death, Where Is Your Pod?” Christianity Today (April 9, 2025),  https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/04/assisted-suicide-pod-sarco-switzerland-ethics/

[2] Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society, (The Crown Publishing Group), 81-2.

 

“Jesus Calling” (Luke 16:1-13)

 

If I Knew

One of my favorite pomes is If I Knew by Kimberly Kirberger. Part of it goes like this:

 

If I Knew 
I would listen more carefully to what my heart says. 
I would enjoy more... worry less...
I would play more, fret less… 
I wouldn't be afraid of acting like a kid. 
I would be braver. 
I would look for the good qualities in everyone and enjoy them for those… 
I would take dance lessons… 
I would enjoy kissing. Really enjoy it. 
I would be more appreciative and grateful, for sure. 

 

This poem reminds us how precious – and at the same time, how fleeting – our lives are. It’s a gentle yet powerful wake-up call. And wake-up calls, though often painful, can be profoundly beneficial if we receive them well – whether they come through a near accident, a health crisis, the loss of a loved one, or even a financial crash. These moments force us to stop, step back, and ask: “Why am I doing all this?” “Where am I heading?”

 

The Parable (vv. 1-8)

Jesus often used parables as wake-up calls. Today’s parable – the story of the dishonest manager – is a powerful wake-up call, rather than just moral teachings and examples. Through today’s story, Jesus is calling us to “Live with the end in mind.”

 

In the story, a dishonest manager is informed that he can no longer serve. This is his wake-up call – he’s being fired. Now he is forced into deep self-reflection, and comes up with a clever plan.

 

In Jesus’ time, Jewish law prohibited lending money with interest. But many people got around that by lending commodities – like oil and wheat – instead of money. These were everyday essentials. In the story, it’s likely the manager reduced the bills by removing the interest that the master had added.[1] This way, once he lost his job, he would be welcomed into the homes of those who benefited from his shrewdness. While the master didn’t affirm the manager’s dishonesty, he commended his cleverness and foresight. He was so quick, so artful, so smart preparing for the future.

 

So what is Jesus teaching his disciples and us in this story? What can we take away from this strange but powerful parable?

 

Money (v. 9)

First, be faithful in how you use money. In verse 9, Jesus says, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it’s gone, you will be welcomed into the eternal homes.” (CEB)

 

All that we have today – our money, our possessions – have been entrusted to us for a time. We are stewards, not owners. We own nothing; Jesus owns everything. So we must use our possessions to gain eternal friends. Yes, giving generously is important. Tithing (giving 10%) is a good spiritual discipline. But ultimately, it’s not about the 10%. It’s about what we do with the 100%.

 

Money comes and goes. But one thing is sure: It will go somewhere. The question is, where? We are merely stewards of our material wealth. God is the owner. Martin Luther lived with this perspective. He wrote: "We should treat everything we have in this life like a traveler staying one night at a hotel. We use what we need for the journey—food, shelter—but we don’t act like we own the place. In the same way, our possessions aren’t really ours. We should use what we need and share the rest with others. This life is just a short stay; our true home is with the Father in heaven." (paraphrased)[2]

 

We should travel light – with a purpose – using our money to advance God’s kingdom. The only lasting wealth is what we give away in love for Jesus and his good news. So let’s ask ourselves: “Is my use of money drawing me and others closer to God?”

 

Imagine the joy: one day, arriving in heaven and being greeted by our eternal friends, who heard the gospel because of our faithful giving!

 

Little Things (vv. 10-12)

Second, be faithful with little. In verse 10, Jesus continues, “Whoever is faithful with little is also faithful with much, and the one who is dishonest with little is also dishonest with much.” (CEB)

 

In his 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas, Admiral William McRaven shared ten life lessons he had learned from Navy SEAL training. His first one was: Make your bed.

 

He said, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right… If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”[3]

 

Recently, I felt overwhelmed and inadequate in my pastoral role. The world around us is so chaotic. The challenges facing the church are so complex. I didn’t know where to begin, and how to navigate. But then, Matthew 24:45 jumped out at me: “Who then are the faithful and wise servants whom their master puts in charge of giving food at the right time to those who live in his house?” (CEB) I felt God speak to my heart: “It’s not your job to worry about the food and resources. Everything will be provided. Your job as a steward is to faithfully feed my people. Be faithful with little.” We live for eternity by being faithful with in the little things – right here, right now.

 

All In (v. 13)

Third, be faithful to God alone. In verse 13, Jesus concluded, “No household servant can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to the one and have contempt for the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (CEB). There is no middle ground. We must choose – either we’re all in or all out.

 

Eric Liddell, the Olympic gold medalist, chose faithfulness to God over fame, comfort, and wealth. After winning in the 1924 Olympics, he gave up a promising athletic career to serve as a missionary in China. He even refused to run his best race because it was on a Sunday, honoring the Lord above public pressure.

 

Later, during WWII, he was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp, where he poured out his life for others. He was a man of many talents. He gave all his strength and gifts to serve others. He taught Bible classes, math and science, organized sports for the children, gave away his food to those weaker than him. Even in his final days – tired, sick, and dying – he was discipling. He died in the middle of a one-on-one Bible study. Eric Liddell used all his gifts, time, and energy for God’s glory. He lived “all in.” His life still speaks today. May we also live with that kind of faithfulness.

 

Remember

There is a time for everything – a time to be born, and a time to die. On every tombstone, there are two dates—our birth and our final day. But what truly matters is how we live the dash in between.

 

If Solomon were alive today, I think he might sum up today’s parable (the story of the dishonest manager) by quoting from Ecclesiastes:

 

“Life is temporary. Life is fleeting. There is a time for everything. Seize the day. Enjoy every moment. Appreciate the gifts God has been entrusted to you – your family, your work, your talents, your wealth. But remember – remember your Creator before the Day comes. Honor God with your life.”

 

May we be faithful:

Faithful in our use of money,

Faithful with the little things,

Faithful to God.

 

May we live today – and each day – with the end in mind. Amen.

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[1] N.T. Wright, Luke for Everyone: 20th Anniversary Edition with Study Guide (The New Testament for Everyone) (p. 220). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.

[2] R. Kent Hughes, Luke (2 volumes in 1 / ESV Edition) (Preaching the Word) (p. 585). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

[3] William H. McRaven, Make Your Bed (p. 77). Grand Central Publishing. Kindle Edition.