A Relationship with the Lord

Sermon by Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim

The Good News Promised in the Holy Scriptures

Romans 1:2

“which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,” (Rom 1:2, NKJV)

“Wait—the gospel didn’t just start with the New Testament? You’re saying the Old Testament is actually packed with stories about it? That’s really confusing. I mean, if that’s true, why didn’t the Pharisees and scribes accept the gospel? They knew the Old Testament better than anyone. If it really explains the coming Messiah, how did they miss Jesus standing right in front of them? Doesn’t that mean the Old Testament is actually far from the gospel? Maybe we shouldn’t read it too much—it might even get in the way of understanding the gospel.”

Before addressing these questions, a fundamental issue must be considered: Did the Pharisees and scribes really know the Old Testament well? Did they approach the Word with sincere hearts? In reality, their highest value was not Scripture—it was rabbinic tradition. The countless rules they worked so hard to keep, taught to others, and used to judge and control others did not originate from Scripture itself. Instead, these were doctrines created by selectively taking parts of the Bible and twisting them to fit their own standards. This is precisely what the Lord condemned as the “tradition of men.”

The tradition of men—by its very nature, it does not come from God. Therefore, there can be no gospel within it. No wonder that when the Pharisees and scribes encountered Jesus, they felt no warmth toward Him but instead hated Him. What filled their hearts was not the Word of God, but strict and harsh rules designed to rule over and control people. Under this system, people were crushed by a life that was miserable, sorrowful, and devoid of hope. Within this confined religious system, the most vital element was missing: communion with God.

If the Pharisees and scribes had truly honored the Scriptures, they would have recognized Jesus, even if only dimly. This is because the Scriptures consistently spoke—through countless prophecies—about the coming of the gospel, what the gospel would be, and who its central figure would be. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Remarkably, these words were not written by disciples who witnessed Jesus Christ firsthand, but by the prophet Isaiah approximately seven hundred years before Jesus came.

When Paul preached the gospel, many Jews spoke against him, saying, “This man is going against Moses,” and, “He speaks of things that aren’t even in the Scriptures.” In response, Paul proclaimed the gospel all the more clearly—that it was something God had promised beforehand in the Scriptures through His prophets. And that gospel has now been delivered to us. For the sake of those so small and insignificant that they could disappear from the earth without anyone noticing, God has been running toward us since long ago to give us this gospel. No matter how enticing the world may appear, and no matter how frightening its threats may be, let us not turn away from the gospel. Let us remain in it to the very end and enjoy the happiness of God forever.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Lord’s Day Service on September 14, 2025

The Seed of David, The Son of God

Romans 1:3-4

“concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Rom 1:3-4, NKJV)

Suddenly, a violent storm broke out, and the night sea began to rage. The old man heard that several young men who had come from out of town had not returned from the water, and he rushed to the pier. His wife tried to stop him, but he insisted. He gathered people and launched a boat. They reached the spot where the young men’s signal had gone silent. They swept the area again and again with a searchlight, circling the dark sea—but found nothing. The boat nearly capsized several times. About two hours passed. Then, at last, they saw heads barely above the surface of the water. Lifelines were thrown. Every one of them survived. A few days later, the young men said, “Good thing you came out to check your traps that night. Guess we got lucky.”

What goes through your mind when you hear this story, and how do you think the old man felt when he heard those words? What he did that night was not something he happened to do while already out at sea. From the very beginning, he went out to save them. He stepped into a storm-tossed night sea, despite his wife’s objections, with that single purpose. Before boarding the boat, he made careful preparations. Out on the water, he struggled against dangers that threatened his own life and endured severe hardship. The young men were saved because of that sacrifice. And yet, they treated his sacrifice lightly, and even dismissed the very heart of the man who fought to keep them alive.

What is heartbreaking is that this kind of attitude is not unfamiliar even within our faith. “Didn’t the Son of God come into the world to humble Himself before God? And saving people—wasn’t that just something He did along the way? It’s not like He came here for us from the start, but still… I guess it worked out for us.” Yet the One who is equal with God took on flesh and showed us grace. The One who knew no sin went as far as dying on the cross to bear our sins. If words like those come out of our mouths, can we honestly say that we truly know the gospel?

Why did Jesus come into this world? The answer is clear. He came to die for us. The One who is equal with God did not become man simply to humble Himself before God. He became man in order to save us. Our salvation was not an accidental byproduct of His incarnation; it was the very purpose God had planned from eternity. He came to give us the life of God, to rescue us from sorrow and despair, from the snare of curse and death. Even if it meant bringing about a permanent change from which there would be no turning back, He came with one resolve—to save us.

When the One who is God became man through the line of David, in accordance with prophecy, His becoming the Son of God was clearly proclaimed in history. This was the exact fulfillment of the plan God had promised through the prophets. Our salvation is not an accident; it is the fruit produced by God’s love. Let us not take this love lightly. Let us discover who we are within this confession: “The Son of God came for me.” We must not become people who push Christ away simply because life in this world feels hard. Moved by the love of the One who gave up everything and came for us, let us receive Him with our whole being.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Lord’s Day Service on September 21, 2025

The Son of God with the Power of the Resurrection

Romans 1:3-4

“God’s love? Honestly, I don’t really know. God is up there, high in heaven, and I’m down here on the ground, struggling through life every single day. Does God really know the pain of my life? And even if He knows—does He truly care?” Many people think this way. But here is a truth that completely shatters that doubt. The Son of God laid aside all the glory He had enjoyed from eternity and became a man. God becoming man was not a temporary gesture—it was an irreversible, complete transformation. Is God’s love abstract? No. Because of that love, God Himself came all the way down to this very place—the ground we are standing on right now.

Why would the One who was originally equal with God choose to come to this earth at all? He stripped Himself of every divine privilege and glory and humbled Himself to the position of a Son who obeyed even to the point of death. This was not a formal or symbolic gesture. He grew weary as we do, felt hunger as we do, and suffered pain as we do. More than that, He saw the sorrow, the heaviness, and the deep disappointments of human life. He saw the countless lies woven along the road of life, and He knew how fragile and tragic human existence is—an existence that cannot survive apart from the grace of God. Have you been doubting such a God until now? He knows our lives more deeply than we know them ourselves.

“Even so, how can we believe that this is really true?” That is an understandable question. Yet here is the decisive evidence: the resurrection. The power to conquer death belongs to God alone. Only the One who creates life can pass through death and overcome it. Though people nailed Jesus to the cross and put Him to death, He rose again on the third day. At that point, all doubt is put to rest. He truly is the Son of God. He truly is the One who can deal with our sin. He truly is the One who can give us eternal life. The resurrection is the conclusive and utmost evidence that Jesus Christ is God.

What is even more astonishing is that although the Son of God became man, He never ceased to be God. There was a time when He slept deeply on a boat tossed by waves, utterly exhausted like any ordinary person after a long day of ministry. Yet when He commanded the storm, “Be still!” the sea became calm. When He was nailed to the cross, bleeding in unbearable agony, He still spoke to the criminal beside Him and said, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise,” granting eternal life in the midst of suffering. Because He is fully human, He understands every pain of our lives; and because He is fully God, He is able to save us from every one of those pains.

To the question, “What does God have to do with me?” God has given this answer: the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus—He is the Savior who offered Himself as a sacrificial offering to save us from sin. Christ—He is the great High Priest who resolved the problem of sin once and for all through a single sacrifice. Our Lord—He is the King who guards us forever and leads us into His eternal kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ is not One who looks upon our lives with indifference. Do not say, “Still, I don’t think this applies to me.” God became man for you. He died for you. He rose again for you. This is the gospel.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Lord’s Day Service on September 28, 2025

Obedience to the Faith

Romans 1:5

“Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,” (Rom 1:5, NKJV)

“Isn’t it true that if I believe in Jesus, I’m already saved? I think putting too much emphasis on obedience sounds a bit legalistic. Sure, living an obedient life would be great, but obedience isn’t really tied to salvation, right? I’m satisfied just knowing that I’m saved. I don’t want the burden of having to do more in my faith life.” Many believers think this way. However, such thinking does not show what true faith is. Through the gospel, what God has given us is not merely the grace of redemption. Regardless of how great or small our abilities are, He has called each of us and sent us to do His work.

Having received both conversion and vocation through the gospel, we must have a faith that obeys—the obedience that comes from faith. Those who have truly received the grace of redemption will never regard obedience as a mere option. We often say that someone has been “saved,” but in other words, it means “to lead them to believe and obey.” This obedience of faith has been passed down through the apostles, through Paul, and through countless believers—and finally, it has been delivered to us through the overseer of the church. Now, we too have the responsibility to pass on this “obedience of faith” to the next generation.

Unfortunately, many Christians have received a distorted and corrupted gospel—and they, in turn, are preaching the same. The gospel they preach takes the sweetness but throws away the responsibility that comes with it. Their lives say, “I have received grace, but I won’t follow.” They talk about obedience persuasively, yet their lives are stained with disobedience. This is because they were never truly redeemed in the first place. Anyone can talk about faith. But unless it is proven through one’s life, it remains nothing more than a theory. In the truest sense, being “saved” is equal to having “obedience to the faith.”

But why should we obey? Because the One who gives grace is the Lord who rules over all things. To be redeemed is to enter into a relationship of obedience to Him. Yet some say, “I only obey the Lord. Don’t tell me to obey the shepherd.” But this is a contradiction in itself. The Lord commanded, “Teach them to observe all things that I commanded you!” and “Feed My sheep!” and the Holy Spirit has made the overseer to shepherd the flock. You say you are guided by the Lord, yet you ignore the order of the church and reject the guidance of the overseer? In the end, such a person simply follows their own thoughts and feelings.

Having received the grace of redemption, we are those who are called through the obedience of faith. Though we were completely unworthy, we have been rescued from the dominion and punishment of sin. Now, belonging to Jesus, we are under His protection and care and have become new creations by receiving His life. Therefore, instead of exalting ourselves, we must humble ourselves completely and become a new class of people in character. Even though we have received grace, the nature of a sinner does not disappear overnight; thus, we must obey all the more in humility. If we truly acknowledge that the gospel we have received is the perfect gospel, let us prove it through the obedience of faith. And let us fulfill the ministry of the church—to lead others into obedience to the faith.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Lord’s Day Service on October 5, 2025

They Who Are the Called

Romans 1:5-7

“Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 1:5-7, NKJV)

“I know I’m supposed to live for the glory of God…but honestly, I’m ashamed. I have nothing to show for it. If anything, I feel like I’m getting in the way of His glory. Maybe quitting what I’m doing right now would actually help. I mean, God probably regrets giving me this work in the first place. Things would probably run smoother without me around, don’t you think? Pastor, I know you’re called by God to do this work. But me? I was just filling in until someone more qualified came along. I’m not even sure I belong here. It feels like I’m just ruining God’s work, and that thought tears me apart.”

God’s calling is irrevocable. He never fails—and neither will those called according to His purpose. Even in the darkest circumstances, all things work together for good. God’s calling has never been about our position or ability—it is part of His great work to glorify His name. Every small act of obedience by those who once lived in bondage under the devil’s power, every step that overcomes selfish desire, reveals God’s goodness and lovingkindness to the entire universe. These moments are precious in His sight. Therefore, He will never give up on those He has called according to His purpose.

God has called us because we are His beloved. While worldly love always comes with conditions, God’s love does not. Scripture reveals this love—a compassion and lovingkindness the world has never truly known. What sets this love apart from worldly love is that it bears responsibility and acts upon it. People may feel pity for someone yet keep their distance from suffering. But not God. He searches out the very root of the pain and resolves it, bringing relief to those who are broken. We do not deserve to be His beloved, yet through Christ, God has opened the way for us to receive His love.

So who are we who have received such wondrous love and an irrevocable calling? We are not merely churchgoers—we are set apart, called to be saints. “Saint” is a glorious title, specially reserved for those who live for God’s glory. Despite our weaknesses, through this calling, we have received a royal priesthood to participate in God’s redemptive work. Each of us has been entrusted with the precious work of dealing with sin and leading souls to salvation. This calling was given to us not because of our merit, but purely by grace. Therefore, let us not hide because of weakness, but embrace who we are—set apart to exalt the name of Christ.

Those who are beloved of God and called to be saints receive a blessing—grace and peace. Through this blessing, we persevere in this world and press on toward eternal victory. But do you still wonder, “Would God really call someone like me?” That very longing in your heart—the desire to believe in Jesus, to turn from sin, to love the Lord, and to pursue holiness—that is evidence that God is already working within you. His calling is never in vain. Whatever you are facing right now, be faithful where God has called you. We are the most joyful souls in the universe—the ones God will never, ever abandon.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Lord’s Day Service on October 12, 2025

God Whom I Serve with My Spirit

Romans 1:8-10

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.” (Rom 1:8-10, NKJV)

“Well, while I’m studying Romans, I should finally get salvation straight—the steps, the process, the method. Since Romans is about the gospel, I can learn what I need for evangelism systematically, right? Plus, it’ll help me grasp the principles of Christian living. This time I’m really mastering it once and for all.” In the life of faith, understanding the principles of faith is indeed important. Yet there is something even more—something truly more—important. It is our relationship with God. Without a personal fellowship with Him, no amount of study can lead to a true understanding of the gospel.

Everyone lives by certain principles that drive their life. The same is true in serving God. Some pursue their own righteousness. Even when God’s work is at risk, they place greater priority on preserving their own sense of righteousness. Others serve out of fear of rejection. Some seek honor, while others chase power to lord it over others. Yet what God seeks is a sincere mind that desires to please Him. Paul was the very one who bore such a pure motive. He desired to offer his life to God—and he held on to that motive to the very end.

Satan continually assailed Paul with opponents. They were fleshly, self-centered, selfish, jealous, and full of hatred. They opposed him, sowed division, accused and slandered him, struck him, and made threats. Yet Paul never abandoned his pure motive. It was because his relationship with God was firm and unshakable. His conviction was this: “I exist for the Lord who called me!” To him, even his very life and existence belonged to the Lord. Because he clearly knew this relationship with God, Paul considered it only right to become a servant of the Lord who gave Himself for all humanity.

People often say, “If I don’t do it, someone else will.” But Paul was different. He regarded the Lord’s work as his own. If the gospel was to be preached to the ends of the earth, he believed he must be the one to bear that work. He prayed unceasingly for the churches far away and longed for the chance to visit them, so that they might stand firm and grow strong in God’s love. He was the first to open his heart to them and approached them with sincerity. If his motives had been fleshly, in such a hostile age, he would never have chosen such a harsh and perilous road.

Paul, too, once served according to the flesh, just like other Jews. He believed that keeping the regulations of the Law in the flesh was the way to serve God. But within the gospel, he became one who served God with his spirit. For him, what mattered now—more than the righteous cause he once upheld—was his personal relationship with God. To know the heart of God and to offer his life willingly for what pleases Him—this became his true act of service to God. The very God whom Paul served is the God we serve today. We, too, are in the gospel. Now, with our spirit, with our sincerity, let us serve God.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Lord’s Day Service on October 19, 2025