Times Square Church - Sermons

Episode: Spiritual Grammar
Date: December 28, 2025
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena

Overview

In this year-end sermon titled "Spiritual Grammar," Pastor Tim Dilena reflects on the enduring truths of the Christian faith, focusing on eternal realities, the second coming of Christ, and the assurance of salvation. Drawing from personal stories, memorable hymns, and scripture, Pastor Tim imparts a unique "spiritual grammar" lesson as he urges listeners to anchor their faith in what’s everlasting. Using three key “grammar points,” he challenges the congregation to think critically about the punctuation marks they put on God's story for their lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcome and Call to Worship (00:00–06:00)

• Pastor Tim begins with an enthusiastic welcome, celebrating the global community joining in, including attendees from over 30 countries and numerous universities.
• He recalls C.S. Lewis’s emphasis on "old truths" and sets the tone for the message: a reminder of core, enduring truths rather than new ideas.
• Quote:

  "If it’s new, it’s not true. And if it’s true, it’s not new." (06:00)

2. Story of George Beverly Shea: Choosing the Eternal (06:15–10:45)

• Pastor Tim shares how the famed hymn "I’d Rather Have Jesus" was born in NYC by George Beverly Shea, reinforcing the power of pivotal decisions in the light of eternity.
• The hymn is sung together, creating a stirring atmosphere.
• Quote:

  "That poem stirred his soul. He saw something bigger than a stage and fame that would begin to do something in his heart that would reach millions." (09:20)

3. Lessons from the Milan Cathedral: What Is Enduring? (10:45–13:00)

• Drawing from inscriptions over the Milan Cathedral’s doors:
  • "All that pleases is but for a moment."
  • "All that troubles is but for a moment."
  • "Nothing is important save that which is eternal."
• Pastor Tim chooses to "walk through the center door"—focusing this sermon on enduring, eternal truths.

4. Spiritual Grammar Lesson: The Three Punctuation Marks of Faith

(Main theme, analogy developed throughout the sermon)

A. Don’t Put a Period Where God Puts a Comma (14:21–28:35)

• The Christmas story isn’t finished. The birth of Christ is only the beginning; His kingdom—and story—go on.
• Emphasizes the second coming of Christ (the Rapture), which is often neglected in modern preaching.
  • Provides a biblical overview: 1,845 Old Testament references and 318 New Testament passages on Christ's return.
  • Celebration and Judgement: The Rapture brings both a wedding day for believers and a judgment day.
• Quote:

  "God's story does not only have Christ’s incarnation but His coronation." (17:17)
  "The first time He came, He came as an infant. The second time He comes, He is coming as the infinite. ... The first time, men killed Him; the second time, every man will bow before Him." (26:20)

B. Don’t Put a Comma Where God Puts a Period (28:35–44:30)

• When life is over, our chances for salvation end. There’s no posthumous salvation, no purgatory, no further opportunities—a clear period.
• Shares a personal anecdote about a family conversation and the urgency of spiritual matters compared to physical health.
• Encourages the congregation with the hope of resurrection:

  "If you refuse Christ with your eyes open, you cannot accept it when your eyes are closed." (42:08)

• Scripture cited:
  • Hebrews 9:27—"it is destined that man die only once, and after that comes judgment"
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10—All must stand before Christ.
• Challenges cultural beliefs of indefinite chances and urges listeners to make their reservation for heaven now.

C. Don’t Put a Question Mark Where God Puts an Exclamation Point (44:30–54:30)

• Many speak of their faith with uncertainty ("I hope so," "I'm trying"), but salvation is meant to be an exclamation point: assurance and clarity.
• Illustrates with the story of Lew Wallace, the author of Ben-Hur: his questions were turned into certainty through scripture.
• References the hymn and scripture—1 Corinthians 15: "O death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?"—to evoke the triumph of resurrection.
• Quote:

  "You cannot be a Christian and not know it." (46:57)
  "God knows how to stand up that question mark and say, ‘I’m going to make you an exclamation point.’" (50:23)

5. Invitation and Call to Decision (54:30–58:25)

• Pastor Tim offers a clear invitation:
  • A: Admit you’re a sinner.
  • B: Believe Christ died and rose for you.
  • C: Confess Him as Lord.
• Cites John Calvin:

  "He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent."

• Emphasizes the urgency—"today is the day of salvation."
• Leads the congregation in a prayer for new believers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the core message:

  "We don’t need new ideas, we need to be reminded of old truths." (03:45)

• On spiritual urgency:

  "The greatest reservation you can make is your reservation in Heaven." (41:48)

• Personal humility:

  "I felt so bad when my friend couldn’t come because he got sick today. But now I’m not sad anymore... This is the reason we’re supposed to do this today." (58:45)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–06:00 | Global welcome and introduction
• 06:15–10:45 | The story of George Beverly Shea and "I’d Rather Have Jesus"
• 10:45–13:00 | The Milan Cathedral—lessons on eternity
• 14:21–28:35 | Grammar Point #1: No period where God puts a comma—The Second Coming explored
• 28:35–44:30 | Grammar Point #2: No comma where God puts a period—Urgency for decision
• 44:30–54:30 | Grammar Point #3: No question mark where God puts an exclamation point—Assurance of salvation
• 54:30–end | Call to decision, altar invitation, and group prayer

Tone and Style

Pastor Tim’s style is dynamic, conversational, and urgent—peppered with humor (grammar lesson anecdotes), personal stories, and clear scriptural teaching. His tone is pastoral but unflinching on matters of salvation and eternity, often engaging the congregation with calls to participation (singing, greeting, altar call). Moments of vulnerability and personal reflection provide accessibility, while authoritative declarations about Christ’s return and salvation challenge listeners to action.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a compelling, clear-eyed call to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, structured around the metaphor of "spiritual grammar." If you’re searching for clarity on Christian essentials—Christ’s return, life after death, and assurance of salvation—Pastor Tim Dilena’s message offers scriptural foundations, practical illustrations, and a spirited invitation to anchor your hope in what endures forever.

Memorable Closing Prayer:

"God is my Father, Jesus is my Savior, the Holy Spirit is my Helper, and Heaven is my home. In Jesus' name, Amen." (approx. 58:38)

Key Takeaway:
Don’t let misplaced punctuation define your faith journey. God offers not a sentence unfinished, nor a question unanswered—but a triumphant exclamation point in Christ.