As we celebrate VPC 33^rd anniversary

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).

             Victory Presbyterian Church is the Lord’s church.  And the Lord is building His church.  He is building this church on the Rock Jesus Christ.  And we must participate in His work of building this church.  In order to do that, at least we must make commitment in 3 things:

              First, let us all grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                Look 2 Peter 3:18 - “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen”  The Bible clearly commands us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Therefore, we must humbly obey this command.  We must commit ourselves to know who our Lord Jesus Christ is.  In order to do that, we need to get to know the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.  Thus, we must consider everything a loss.  We must consider them rubbish (Phil. 3:8).  Then, what must we do to know Jesus Christ more?  Look Romans10:17 – “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  In order for us to get to know Jesus, we must hear the word of Christ.  Then, not only that we will grow in the knowledge of Christ, our faith will grow as well.

        Second, let us all imitate our Lord Jesus Christ.

      Look 1 Thessalonians 1:6 - “You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”  The Bible clearly teaches us to welcome the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.  Whatever hardship or suffering we may go through, we must receive the word of Christ with the joy of the Holy Spirit.  Not only that we must receive the word of Christ, we must obey His word.  And as we keep His word, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him.  As we do so, our life will be changed.  And the Lord will build us up as the imitators of Jesus Christ.  As we do so, not only that we will become a model to all the believers(1 Thess.1:7), we will be able to shine the light of Jesus Christ in this world.

        Third, let us all proclaim our Lord Jesus Christ.

       Look Mark 16:15 - “He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”  Jesus clearly commands us – “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”  All of us must obey His command.  Wherever we go, we must be eager to proclaim the gospel to people whom we meet (Rom.1:15).  We must not be ashamed of the gospel (v.16).  What is the reason?  The reason is because the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (v.16).  When this gospel was proclaimed to the Thessalonians through apostle Paul, it came to them not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (1 Thess. 1:5).  Likewise, when you and I proclaim the gospel, it will come with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

          Let me conclude this message.  Today, as we are offering our church 33rd year anniversary worship to God, we have received His message in three ways.  It is my hope and prayer that all of us be able to commit ourselves in knowing Jesus and imitating Jesus more and more.  And I want to bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ that all of you may proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ wherever you go.  May God bless you all!

Be victorious VPC!

James Kim