Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 2nd November, 2025
Passage: Acts 15:1-41
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 26th October 2025
Passage: Acts 14
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 19th October 2025
Passage: Acts 13
Sermon Summary:
We’ve seen the fulfillment of Jesus’ proclamation to the disciples in Acts 1:8, starting with the church in Jerusalem who first received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (2:1-11). Stephen’s death scattered the believers throughout Judea and Samaria, (8:1) and Philip brought great joy to Samaria when he proclaimed the Messiah to its residents (v.5). He even had the chance to speak Jesus to an eunuch from Ethiopia! (v.35) But it doesn’t stop there: we saw the first Gentile believers in Cornelius and his household (10:47), and the first Jew-and-Gentile church in Antioch. (11:19-21)
And yet, God still isn’t done! As the Holy Spirit asks for Barnabas and Paul to be set aside (13:2), He sends them on the first missionary journey to the island of Cyprus (v.4) and the city of Pisidian Antioch (v.14) (a city different to the Antioch they departed from). Here we see vastly different responses to the gospel: we see resistance from Elymas the sorcerer (v.8) and the jealous Jews in Pisidian Antioch. (v.45) Sergius Paulus the proconsul shows amazement (v.12), and the other Jews and devout converts to Judaism are curious. (v.43) The Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch stand out, as they received the gospel with gladness (v.48)!
Although Paul and Barnabas were chosen to do this good work, we must remember that it’s the Holy Spirit who chose and sent them out. (v.2, 4) The Spirit showed them how to react, and what to say. (v.9, 43) He enabled them to shake the dust off their feet, despite the abuse that was heaped on them (v.45) and their expulsion from Pisidian Antioch. (v.50) Paul and Barnabas are filled with joy because they are filled with Him. (v.52)
Do you know that the Holy Spirit has set you aside for the work He has called you to? Can you hear Him calling? Will you respond? And when you do, will you depend on Him, or yourself?
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. Gabriel Wong
Date: 12th October 2025
Passage: Acts 12
Sermon Summary:
What can we say apart from praise be to God, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think? (Eph. 3:20) The sharing from our Congo team set the scene as they talked about God’s supernatural providence with a specific SSD part that was missing, and doors opening for future opportunities to better care for and educate the people of the region. This week’s passage of Acts 12 echoes the same sentiment, as the apostle Peter was broken out of prison (at such a leisurely pace that he had time to dress himself and put on his sandals!) by an angel of the Lord (v.8), when neither he nor the early church expected to see each other again. (v.16) Although it can be hard to remember that the book of Acts is about real things that happened to real people because it is so action-packed and dramatic, Luke and our Congo team’s sharing remind us of the true power of faith and prayer.
At the same time, Luke cautions us against the dangers of pride through Herod Agrippa I. Herod imprisons Peter after killing the apostle James because he saw how James’ death pleased the Jews (v.3). He wanted more fame and acclaim for himself. Unfortunately for Herod, he’s outwitted by God (v.18-19) and even meets his gristly end at the hands of an angel of the Lord (v.23), eaten by worms because he did not give God the glory.
Our Congo team talked about how faith is a “life cheat”, but how many of us truly think or believe that? When we come across difficulties, is our first instinct to “stop, drop, and pray”, like Peter and the early church, or do we try to solve things using our means? When God answers our prayers, are we quick to give Him the glory, or do we enjoy a (literal or metaphorical) worm-y end by pointing back to ourselves?
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 5th October 2025
Passage: Acts 11:19-30
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 28th September 2025
Passage: Acts 10:1-11:18
Sermon Summary:
In Isaiah 55:8-9, the prophet records God’s declaration that His thoughts and ways are nothing like ours. They are far beyond anything we could imagine! Acts 10 shows us an example of this as God orchestrates an encounter between Cornelius the centurion and the apostle Peter.
Prior to this incident, the Holy Spirit has yet to fall on Gentile believers. Although Cornelius is a devout and God-fearing man, he and his household have yet to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Imagine his surprise when the Spirit falls on him and all those gathered with him as Peter shares with them the gospel! (v.44) They begin to speak in tongues and extol God, and they are baptized in the name of Christ. (v.47-48) What Moses dreamt of and hoped for a few thousand years ago has now become a reality: that the Spirit of the Lord would fall on the people, and they would receive it. (Num. 11:29)
Nobody saw this coming, least of all Peter! In fact, Peter receives a strange vision as he is praying, before he receives the summons from Cornelius. In it, God commands him to eat of animals, reptiles, and birds that the Law had deemed unclean and forbidden. (Acts 10:11-15) Perplexed and confused, Peter has no idea what is in store as he responds to Cornelius’ request to meet him in Caesarea, but he comes to recognize his internal prejudice and bias towards the Gentile believers. (v.34) His understanding that God shows no partiality and favoritism is what launches him into a mini-sermon, and his sharing of the gospel acts as the catalyst for this outpouring of the Spirit. (v.44)
Peter still struggles with the same sin and bias fourteen years later (Gal. 2:11-14), and we continue to see how he is a work in progress. He isn’t perfect, and neither are we. But he and Cornelius show us how God sees and hears, and how His heart is always for those who seek Him. (v.35)
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. Gabriel Wong
Date: 21st Sep 2025
Passage: Acts 9:32-43
Sermon Summary:
What’s your reaction when you come across accounts of healing in Scripture, such as Aeneas who was healed from his paralysis, or Dorcas who was risen from the dead? Perhaps it’s yearning or longing for an injury to be healed, or relief for a friend or family member battling disease. Maybe it’s skepticism, because you prayed once—but God didn’t seem to listen or answer, so you’re left wondering if He even heals anymore.
Whatever your response, it can be hard to remember that the Bible is a collection of real-life accounts that happened, of people who existed and did the things written about them 2,000 years ago. We can sometimes approach Scripture the way we approach fairy-tales, like it’s too good to be true—but we know God does listen, and He does heal! Jackie and Florence’s testimonies point to the truth of that.
More importantly, while God does choose to heal physically, we have to remember that physical healing is not the end-all and be–all of all things. Yes, Aeneas was healed of his paralysis. Yes, Dorcas was risen from the dead. But they passed away eventually, as all must do on this side of heaven. What really matters, what really lasts, is the way that all the residents of Lydda and Sharon witnessed Aeneas’ healing and turned to God. (Acts 9:35) The way that Dorcas’ resurrection became known throughout Joppa, so that many believed in the Lord. (v.42)
We know that miracles serve the message.The signs and wonders that Jesus and His apostles performed point to the very reality of who He is, what His Kingdom is like. Historically, the Church has not done a good job at tackling the issue of miracles and healing, but let us say this: the physical restoration of healing, of wholeness, points to a day where every tear will be wiped away. (Rev. 21:4) Come to Jesus for healing,friends—for He is faithful and mighty to save. (Zeph. 3:17)
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang & Sam Leung
Date: 14th Sep 2025
Passage: Acts 9:1-19
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 7th Sep 2025
Passage: Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Summary:
This week’s account of the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40) shows us what can happen as we remain obedient and responsive to the Holy Spirit. It involves Philip, who we last saw bringing the word to Samaria (v.6-8; 14-17), and an Ethiopian eunuch, who seems to be searching for spiritual satisfaction in life. The Ethiopian was an official at the royal court in charge of all the queen’s treasure. (v.27) He likely castrated himself to reach his current level of power, as the royal family would not have trusted him otherwise.
Although he seemed to have everything—at least wealth and power—and had sacrificed much to get where he was, something was still missing. He still felt dissatisfied, so much so that he willingly journeyed from Ethiopia to Jerusalem. The journey would have been around five to six months, and he would have risked being replaced at the royal court whilst he was away. But all this would have been for nothing, as there was a huge possibility he would have been barred from entering the Temple due to his physical dismemberment. (Deut. 23:1)
So imagine how distraught and rejected he would have felt, as Philip encountered him on the road back to Ethiopia! Imagine, at the same time, how loved he would have felt when Philip was whisked away, when he realized that God had organized this surprise encounter specifically for him! (v.39) Although we struggle greatly with the logistics of how we can scatter, sometimes being paralyzed by fear and anxiety, Philip shows us that it’s as simple and easy as being obedient to the Holy Spirit. The eunuch shows us that it’s worth the cost. We go wherever He takes us, and we share whatever He puts in our mouths.
So, church: will you go? Will you practice being familiar with God and His Spirit? Will you follow the Spirit’s guidance, and will you be obedient to speak as He works through you?
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 31st August 2025
Passage: Acts 8:1-25
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. Gabriel Wong
Date: 24th August 2025
Passage: Acts 6:8-7:60
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 17th August 2025
Passage: Acts 6:1-7
Series: Questions About Faith
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 10th August 2025
Passage: Romans 8:18-30
Series: Questions About Faith
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 3rd August 2025
Passage: Romans 1:19-22a
Series: Questions About Faith
Preacher: Ps. Gabriel Wong
Date: 27th July 2025
Passage: Isaiah 43:1-13
Series: /
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 20th July 2025
Passage: Mark 4:35-41
Summary:
How familiar are you with the account of Jesus calming the storm? You might remember how He steers His disciples across the Sea of Galilee, but falls asleep at the crucial moment. (Mk. 4:35-38a) His disciples panic and try to shake Him awake—and they were filled with great fear after witnessing Jesus rebuke the wind and the waves. But do you remember how He rebuked them for their lack of faith? Did you notice the other boats caught in the storm with them? (v.36)
As we reflect on this week’s passage, we realize that we can mistakenly assume the Jesus way to be like the first half of Psalm 23. It should involve lying down in green pastures and being refreshed beside quiet waters (v.2). The Good Shepherd is here to take care of us! However, we forget that following the Good Shepherd includes being led through the valley of the shadow of death. The only difference between us and those who don’t yet know Jesus is that He promises He will be there for us. His rod and His staff comfort us. (v.4)
Just like the disciples, we panic when we shift our gaze away from Him. In their desperation, they questioned if Jesus even cared that they were about to die (Mk. 4:38b). The truth is that they were always safe because Jesus was in the boat with them. When God asks His people to be still in Psalm 46:10, He means not for them to leisurely make space, to quiet down and be still. Instead, He’s asking them to freeze, to stop, to drop everything and focus on Him. That is when we have peace, because we know He is God.
But what about the other boats caught in the storm? What, then, will they do? That is a question we must ask ourselves, church, as we re-evaluate what it means to be caught in the storm with Jesus, and whether we truly have our eyes fixed on Him.
Series: Questions About Faith
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 13th July 2025
Passage: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Series: Questions About Faith
Preacher: Ps. Johnny Wong
Date: 6th July 2025
Passage: John 14:1-7
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. Gabriel Wong
Date: 29th June 2025
Passage: Acts 5:12-42
Series: The Birth of the Church (Acts)
Preacher: Ps. James Tang
Date: 22nd June 2025
Passage: Acts 4:32-5:11
