Date: 24-08-25
Preacher: Ps Lam Yuen Foong
Title: Kingdom of God

Kingdom of God

This morning’s biblical reference was taken from John 3:1-16 and it documented the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus. 

Ps Lam took pains to share Nicodemus’ background with the congregation. He was a Pharisee, teacher and council member. In other words, someone held in high regards in those days and he visited Jesus in the night with a burning question on the kingdom of God which Jesus had already anticipated. The Christians in those days expected a majestic Messiah much like in the vein of King David and most wondered how Jesus would fit that role. Perhaps that was Nicodemus’ idea too. 

Jesus cut short Nicodemus’ questioning and his response was pointed as He must have felt the supreme importance of His reply to Nicodemus. However, he wasn’t able to understand Jesus’ answers on being born again in order for a person to see the kingdom of God. It was here that Jesus also gave a hint of his own sacrifice when He said ‘Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’ The snake in the wilderness signifies the sin of man.

Ps Lam then pointed to the congregation that for one to see the kingdom of God, that person must be born again after receiving the Holy Spirit. He then remarked that eternal life is a bonus for all born again Christians.

Under God’s love, Ps Lam spoke about the weapon that all Christians can use to conquer the world and that is sacrifice. 

Then he shared about his trip to Timur Leste and the church planting activities there. He remarked that although the country was recorded to have 90% Catholics, most were still indulging in paganism and idol worship. Those who were doing God’s work were much persecuted. However, Ps Lam shared that much like what Jesus hoped, the spirit of unity must reign among Christians both in church and beyond. Hence, he was encouraged to note that the Christians who were actually doing God’s work in Timur Leste, were sacrificial and often directed aids to other churches they felt needed that help more. 

That to him is what should happen in the kingdom of God where the ‘born agains’ run the country with love using sacrifice as a weapon.