Pressing on Toward The Upward Call

Pressing on Toward The Upward Call (Philippians 3:12-21)

What is your main aim in life? Each year, we often make new year resolutions which we can't keep. But what is the ultimate goal of the Christian life? A few verses earlier (in wv. 10-11), Paul said his main aim in life is to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Writing from his prison in Rome (AD 60-62), Paul is encouraging believers outside of prison--to press on toward maturity. So, picking up in v. 12, we're going to see the importance of:- a) Pressing on toward maturity. b) Imitating examples of faith. c) Waiting for the coming Saviour.

God’s Extraordinary Love Saves Ordinary People

Joshua 2:1-24 | Pastor Shohei Ueki

The Blessing of Scripture Meditation

The Blessing of Scripture Meditation | Psalm 1:1-6

Prayer is talking to God. But if prayer is talking to God, how do we listen to God? To answer that, we turn to the Book of Psalms today. The Psalms are the most quoted O.T book in the New Testament. And some of the Psalms speak about the importance of meditating on God's Word. Here, in Psalm 1, we see the blessed man who delights in the law of God and meditates on it day and night. So from our passage, we're going to see: a) The way of blessedness. b) The way of fruitfulness. c) The way of perishing.

Biblical Leadership | Elders: Shepherds of The Flock

Elders: Shepherds of The Flock | 1 Peter 5:1-5

What comes to your mind when you think of a spiritually maturing church? Last week, we saw in Acts 6:1-7 that when the needs were growing, the church appointed deacons so that the apostles could focus on the ministry of the Word. So as we turn to 1 Peter 5:1-5 today, we're going to see that elders are appointed: a) To shepherd the flock among us. b) To lead by being examples to the flock. c) To lead the flock to the chief Shepherd.

Come You Who Thirst

Come You Who Thirst | Isaiah 55:1-11

Isaiah was written at a time when Assyria captured the northern kingdom of Israel (around 740- 695 BC). Isaiah also saw beyond his own lifetime the capture of Judah by Babylonia, in 586 BC. Now, ch. 55 comes at the end of what is called the "Book of Comfort" (ch. 40-55), addressed to exiles who were returning from Babylon. Here in v. 1, God is inviting those who are weary, discouraged, and exhausted to come to Him. So in our passage, we see that: a) God invites us to feast on Him. b) God promises us abundant pardon. c) God's Word falls on us like rain.

God's Chosen People

God’s Chosen People | Deuteronomy 7:6-11 | Joey Zorina

What does it mean to be God’s chosen people? Deuteronomy is often called the “Gospel according to Moses.” Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any book of the O.T. Here in ch. 7, the Israelites were camping at Moab and were about to cross the Jordan River into Canaan. Moses begins by saying that God would remove the nations more numerous and stronger than Israel (v. 1). This was not because Israel had anything that impressed God. Rather, it was because God had set them apart for His sovereign purposes. So following in our passage, we’ll see: a) God chose us not on the basis of merit. b) God chose us on the basis of His love. c) God chose us so that we may love Him.

Moving From Problems To Praise

Moving From Problems To Praise | Psalm 77 | Kyllum Lewis

In this stand alone sermon, Pastor Kyllum honestly shares how he struggled with depression and shows how the psalmist tells God his struggles and moves forward by remembering God's redemptive work resulting in praise. We see the psalmist:- a) Praying, b) Pondering, c) Preaching and c) Praising God.

Present Groanings To Future Glory

Present Groanings To Future Glory | Romans 8: 18–27 |

Where do you place your hope as you look at the sufferings of this world? Creation is both beautiful and violent! Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons and volcanoes remind us that creation is groaning. But why does creation groan? When will this groaning end? Writing in the 50s AD, Paul here talks about the groanings between the present sufferings and the hope of future glory. So in our passage, we’ll see:- a) The groanings of God’s creation. b) The groanings of God’s children. c) The groanings of God’s Spirit.

The Great Sympathizer

Gospel Basics Series | Pastor Joey Zorina | Hebrews 4: 8-16

Here, the writer tells us that there remains a rest for God’s people to enter (v. 1). So what is this rest? And how can we experience this rest? To answer that question, here are 3 insights we are going to follow together:- a) The rest that God has prepared for us. b) The word of God that exposes our hearts. c) The great high priest who sympathizes with us.

Rediscovering Our Lost Identity

Gospel Basics Series | Guest Speaker Sunday | Pastor Ryuta Kimura

Sabbath and Gospel Rest

Gospel Basics Series | Sabbath & Gospel Rest | Deut. 5: 12- 15

What is Sabbath? In a fast paced, anxious and restless city, the idea of Sabbath is vastly missing in the culture. Most people have an idea of going on a holiday or their own ideas about rest. But what is Sabbath, and why does it matter? To answer that question, follow along as we look at :- a) The work for which God made us. b) The rest for which God made us. c) The deeper rest Jesus gives to us.

Pentecost | The Spirits Presence and Power

Acts 2: 1--16 | The Spirit's Presence and Power | Pastor Joey Zorina.

What does Pentecost mean? For most Christians, Pentecost reminds us of speaking in unknown tongues. But how are we to understand this strange phenomenon? Follow along as we look at 3 insights on the work of the Holy Spirit from our passage: - a̎) The Spirit gives us power to witness. b̎) The Spirit opens our ears to hear˪ c̎) The Spirit shows us the risen Saviour.

Look! I Am Doing A New Thing!

Isaiah 43: 15—21 | Year End Sermon | Look! I Am Doing A New Thing! | Pastor Joey Zorina

In this year end stand alone sermon, we turn to Isaiah 43: 15—21 where God reminds the Israelites of who He is and what He has done for them in the past. Often times, our past experiences can color our perception of what God is doing in the present. The Israelites were not to hold on to past victories as though God can no longer do those things today and tomorrow. As we look forward to a new year, we hear God saying from this passage:- a) Remember who I Am. b). Forget the former things. c) Look to Christ for a new thing.

This Christmas Child | A Sign That Is Opposed

Christmas | Luke 2: 21- 35 | A Sign That Is Opposed | Pastor Joey Zorina

What’s the real meaning of Christmas? If you ask your friends in Japan, you will get very different answers. But this story in Luke’s Gospel shatters our popular understanding of Christmas. If Christmas is about Jesus, why did He come? Follow along as we answer that question in three insights:- a) Jesus came to fulfill the law for us. b) Jesus came to bring salvation for all peoples. c) Jesus came to bring true peace with the sword.

Grace and Humility in Our Suffering

Stand Alone Sermon | Pastor Joey Zorina | 1 Peter 5: 1-11

In this stand alone sermon, we turn to 1 Peter 5: 1-11 where Peter writes about the role of humility in our suffering. When you think of a humble person what comes to your mind? What have you learned about humility this year? While pride can make our suffering unbearable, humility can make our sufferings easier. To learn more, follow along with us as we look at 3 insights:-

a) Humility looks like Christ. b) Humility gives all anxieties to God. c) Humility looks to the God of all grace.

Guest Speaker Sunday | The God Who Fights For Us

Guest Speaker Sunday | Joshua ch. 3 and 4. | Rev. Seima Aoyagi |

In this stand-alone sermon, Pastor Seima Aoyagi takes us into Joshua chapter 3 and 4, where the Israelites are led by God to cross the Jordan. Though they faced impossible and pressing challenges, God showed Himself faithful. Follow along as Seima encourages us to:- a) Behold. b) Follow c) Remember.

The Invitation To True Rest

Corona & The Cross | Matthew 11: 25- 30 | Pastor Joey Zorina

In this well known passage from Matthew 11: 25- 30, Jesus simply said, "Come to me all who labor and heavy laden. I will give you rest." What were the heavy burdens that people were carrying? What is the rest He is talking about? Follow along as we unpack 3 insights from the passage.

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God's Provision For Anxious Times

CoronaVirus And The Cross | Matthew 6: 24- 34 | Pastor Joey Zorina

In this episode we learn what Jesus means by "sufficient for today is its troubles" from a familiar passage. If you're struggling with anxiety, follow along as we look into 3 insights:- a) The idols beneath our anxiety. b) The values that define our security c) The King who provides our ultimate security.

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Locked Doors And The Empty Tomb

Covid-19 Series | John 20: 19- 29 | Locked Doors And The Empty Tomb

伴がかかった扉と空っぽの墓（ヨハネによる福音書 20:19-29)

In this episode of our mini-series, we turn to the disciples who were hiding in fear on that first Easter Sunday. Many of us are quarantined at home, during this social distancing due to Covid-19 crisis. Follow along as we look into 3 insights: (1) The fears that paralyze us behind closed doors. (2) The peace of Christ that prepares us for mission. (3) The risen Christ who turns our unbelief into faith.

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Walking By Faith When Drowning in Fear

Corona Crisis Response | Matthew 14: 22- 36 | Pastor Joey Zorina |

In this episode of our mini-series we turn to Matthew 14: 22- 36 where we follow 3 main insights: a) The renewal of faith we all need. b) The fear that drowns our faith c) The sovereign hand that holds our faith.

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