The Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-3:6)

The Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-3:6)

Sermon by Rev. David Ryu, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Diaspora Church. The sermon text comes from Mark 2:23-3:6. We see yet another conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. The point of contention here concerns the Sabbath. What is its purpose? And what is lawful on the Sabbath? The Pharisees saw Jesus as a breaker of the Sabbath, but they failed to see that He is the Author of the Sabbath! And as the Divine Author of the Sabbath, Jesus has all authority to define its purpose and regulations.

The Lord Bless You & Keep You (Numbers 6:22-27)

Sermon by Rev. David Ryu, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Diaspora Church. The sermon text comes from Numbers 6: 22-27. We turn our attention to the greatest pronouncement of divine blessing in Scripture, commonly known as the Priestly Blessing or Aaronic Benediction. We must not underestimate the significance of this benediction in the life and history of the Church. For thousands of years, these very words have been pronounced over God's covenant people, assuring them of His favor, protection, and peace. Yet what lies at the very heart of this blessing? The central theme cannot be missed: it is the unveiled face of God.

Fasting & The Bridegroom (Mark 2:18-22)

Sermon by Rev. David Ryu, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Diaspora Church. The sermon text comes from Mark 2:18-22. Jesus and His disciples were criticized for not fasting according to the religious customs of the day. However, beneath this controversy lies a deeper warning about the danger of religious piety without true understanding, judging spirituality by outward practices, elevating human traditions above God's Word, and ultimately missing Jesus Christ—the Bridegroom of His covenant people.

Children of God by Adoption (John 1:12-13)

Sermon by Rev. David Ryu, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Diaspora Church. The sermon text comes from John 1:12-13. For the Christian, the highest privilege is the right to call God your Father. It is this glorious truth that makes Christianity all the more exceptional and stand out among all other religions of the world. God chose to redeem hell-bound sinners and set us apart as His own precious children by the gracious act of adoption.

The Great Physician for Sinners (Mark 2:13-17)

Sermon by Rev. David Ryu, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Diaspora Church. The sermon text comes from Mark 2:13-17. We see yet another conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders as He reclines at table with tax collectors and sinners. But no matter how corrupt your life, no matter how shameful your past, you are not beyond the reach of God’s grace. Christ, the Great Physician, came to call not the righteous, but sinners. There is grace in Christ for the worst of sinners, the foulest of men, and even for the scum of the earth.