Sermon by Ps Roland Lee at the Faith Community Baptist Church on 15 Nov 2025. For the full service with worship, click here
Background
Baptism is not just about joining a church. It is having a blessed life via a relationship with Jesus.
Scripture
Luke 19:1-10 talks about Jesus walking about in a large crowd, and Zacchaaeus climbing a tree so that he can catch a glimpse of Jesus. Rather than chiding him, Jesus stopped and asked Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, to have dinner with him at Zacchaeus's home. People were whispering how Zaccheus was corrupted and a great sinner. Yet, Jesus told him that he wants to be a guest at his house.
How do we know that Jesus wants to meet us?
1. Jesus knows us by our name
Zacchaeus was rich and inflential but was lost on the inside. He climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of hope. Jesus saw him and called out to him.
2. Jesus reaches us with his grace
People shunned Zacchaeus but Jesus graciously reached out to him first. Jesus went to the house of a sinner. John 6:37 says that whoever comes to Jesus, he will never drive away.
3. Jesus changes us with his love
Jesus gave Zacchaeus a chance and because of this, Zacchaeus was changed. The word change in the passage, is best translated as repentance - a change of mind and heart. Salvation is not just about escaping hell...it is about living and loving life.