Honouring the Apostles
Sermon by Pastor Peter Lui
Pastor Peter Lui takes us through the biblical progression of God’s redemptive plan—from the cross at Good Friday, to the resurrection, and into the birth of the Church at Pentecost.
Six months before the cross, Jesus made a powerful declaration:
“I will build My church.”
This was not just a statement—it was a mission that would be carried forward through the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
While Christ is the foundation and cornerstone, the apostles were entrusted as caretakers of the early Church, faithfully executing the Great Commission.
1. Clarity in the Commission
The apostles understood their mission clearly because it came directly from Jesus:
- It carried divine authority
- It was not optional
- It defined the purpose of the Church
The Church is not merely an organization—it is a living, dynamic organism.
Despite persecution, opposition, and spiritual attacks, the Church continues to stand today because of Christ’s promise:
“The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The apostles responded with obedience through four actions:
- Go – Take the gospel everywhere
- Make disciples – Invest in people deeply
- Baptize – Publicly declare faith
- Teach – Transform lives, not just inform minds
This same mandate continues across generations—including ours.
2. Consistency in Commitment
The apostles demonstrated unwavering commitment through two key areas:
Devotion to the Word
They were steadfast in teaching Scripture, shaping the beliefs, values, and identity of the early Church.
God’s Word:
- Forms our worldview
- Transforms our lives
- Preserves truth
- Unifies believers
A strong Christian life is directly tied to a strong devotion to Scripture.
Devotion to Prayer
Prayer was not secondary—it was foundational.
The apostles prioritized prayer even amid growing responsibilities, ensuring that spiritual authority flowed from communion with God.
They modeled:
- Consistency
- Intentionality
- Corporate prayer
This challenges the modern Church to return to a life anchored in both Word and prayer.
3. Costliness of Conviction
The apostles paid a heavy price for their faith.
Scripture and church history reveal that:
- Almost all the apostles were martyred
- They carried the gospel across nations
- They endured persecution without compromise
From Peter (crucified upside down) to Thomas (speared in India), their lives were marked by sacrifice.
As Tertullian famously said:
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
Their sacrifice ensured that the gospel continued to spread—eventually reaching us today.
The Ultimate Reflection
The apostles were not extraordinary men by worldly standards.
They were ordinary, unschooled individuals.
But one thing set them apart:
They had been with Jesus.
And people could see it.
Our Call Today
As we honour the apostles, we are not just remembering history—we are responding to a call.
We are challenged to:
- Continue the mission of Christ
- Be devoted to the Word and prayer
- Live with courage and conviction
- Make disciples faithfully
The same Spirit that empowered the apostles is at work in us today.
The question is:
Will we carry the same fire?
