UNFOLDING THE WORD
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple
(Psalm 119: 130)
What do we do when God’s promises and our circumstances don’t seem to match? God had promised to give the promised land to Abram’s offspring. But when Abram arrived in Canaan, the land was full of Canaanites. Abram’s faith is now going to be tested by a severe trial. In our passage, we see: - a) The faith that is tested by famine. b) The consequences of our unbelief. c) The Lord who comes to our rescue.
As we come to ch. 12, God is going to call Abram and bless the nations. Later, Israel would learn that their nation was founded through Abram who heard God’s call and left for Canaan. So from our passage, we see:- a) The call of God to be a blessing. b) The faith that walks in obedience. c) The offspring who fulfills God’s promise.
After the Lord rescued Sarai from Pharaoh, Abram, Lot and Sarai left Egypt with great riches. But as they came up from Egypt, their possessions began to create conflict in their family. From our passage, we’re going to see:- a) The struggle for power in the family. b) The pursuit of peace in the family. c) The seed of redemption in the family.
By now, God’s world had turned into a place of conflict and rage. Even as the human race began to make progress, the world had begun to see increasing corruption and violence. In our passage, we see:- a) The hearts that grieve God’s heart. b) The blameless one who walks with God. c) The door that saves from judgement.
Before the fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed pleasure in God’s presence. But now, even childbearing would become painful. Work, which was without sweat, now had thorns and thistles. So what happened as they were cast out of God’s garden? In our passage, God’s world would become:-- a) A place of conflict and rage. c) A place of counsel and warning. c) A place of violence and grace.
Psalm 23 is famously quoted by both Jews, Christians and the world, in times of war, national crisis, death, sickness, disasters, and in all kinds of trials. But who is the Shepherd in this Psalm? What does He do for the sheep? Follow along as we look at:- a) The green pastures we all seek. b) The shadow of death we all fear. c) The house of the Lord that awaits us.
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.
1 Peter Series | Exiles | ch. 4: 1-11 | Pastor Joey Zorina |
As the pressure of persecution was increasing in Asia Minor, Peter tells the exiles to pursue a godly life in light of the end time judgment. Follow along in your Bibles as we look at 3 insights on Christian living in light of the end:- a) The true liberty that Christ brings to us. b) The true judge to whom we must give account. c) The true love that covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter ch. 3: 13- 22 | Exiles | Pastor Joey Zorina
In this episode, Peter is writing to Christians who feel the increasing pressure of opposition under the Roman Empire. Instead of cowering in fear, they were to prepare to make a defense of the gospel with courage and gentleness. So, follow along as we look at 3 insights:- (a) The heart that is prepared to honor Christ. (b) The righteous Sufferer who brings us to God. (c) The exalted Christ who works through us.
1 Peter | Exile Series | ch. 3: 1-8 | Pastor Joey Zorina
Peter says the unfading character of a gentle heart is most precious in God’s sight, and to be desired more than elaborate gold jewelry and outward looks. Follow along as we look at 3 insights on how the gospel beautifies our relationships from the inside: - a) The beauty that comes from a gentle heart. b) The seed from which Christ came to us. c) The grace and honor that is given to us.
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.
Exiles | 1 Peter Series | Pastor Joey Zorina | ch. 2: 13- 25
In this episode, Peter shows how the exiles are to submit to their masters as servants. Do you find it easy or difficult to submit to your boss in the workplace? What should motivate Christians to submit to earthly masters? Follow along as we look at 3 insights from this passage:- a) The grace of submission to those above us. b) The example of Christ we are called to follow. c) The wounds of Christ that heals our sins.
Exiles | Future Grace For Exiles | 1 Peter 1: 13- 25 | Pastor Joey Zorina
Christian hope is not empty and does not disappoint us because our hope is fully set on the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus Christ appears. As we pick up from vv. 13- 25, here are 3 things Peter says we must remember during our journey on earth:- a) The future grace that will be brought to us. b) The futile ways from which we were ransomed. c) The living Word that teaches us to love.
1 Peter Series | Exiles: Hope For Strangers in A Foreign Land | ch. 1: 3-12 | Pastor Joey Zorina
1 Peter was written by Peter from Rome, around AD 63- 64 to the “elect exiles” (the diaspora Jewish Christians, including Gentiles) scattered throughout Asia Minor’s Roman provinces. As we enter a new season, with the world still suffering from COVID, we see that this world is not our home. From our passage, we see: a) The living hope that God awakens in us. b) The trials of fire that test our faith. c) The joy that flows from our salvation.
The Servant King | Gospel of Mark | ch. 15: 29- 39 | Pastor Joey Zorina
People often ask: Why does a good God allow so much suffering and evil? But rarely do people ask: Why did God allow Jesus to suffer the horrible pain of crucifixion? Picking up from vv. 29- 39, follow along as we look at three reasons why Jesus suffered on the cross:- a) Jesus suffered to save others, not Himself. b) Jesus suffered the eternal separation we deserved. c) Jesus suffered to bring us into God’s presence.
The Servant King | Mark 15: 1- 15 | Pastor Joey Zorina
How do you respond to accusations, insults, or public humiliation? Following His betrayal, His arrest and trial before the Jewish religious council, Jesus is delivered to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea between A.D. 26–36. Follow along as we look at: - a) The King who is silent before His accusers. b) The King who is exchanged for a rebel. c) The King who was crucified in our place.
The Servant King | Mark Series | Mark 14: 32-42 | Pastor Joey Zorina
In this episode of our series, we turn to Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. From Jesus' prayer we see that our prayers can be honest, passionate, and intimate in the midst of great sorrow. Follow along as we look at how: a ) Jesus prays with great sorrow. b) Jesus prays for His Father’s will. c) Jesus prays as He died in our place.
Be The Church Series | Isaiah 40: 25--31 | Pastor Joey Zorina
In this episode, we turn to Isaiah 40: 25--31. Israel thought that God had abandoned them as exiles in Babylon. But God promised to renew them with strength. Often our vision of God is too small when we're overwhelmed and weary. Follow along as we look at: a) God who is incomparable in greatness. b) God who does not grow weary like us. c) God who renews strength in our weariness.
Be The Church Series | Together In Spiritual Warfare | Ephesians 6: 10-20 | Pastor Joey Zorina
In this episode, we turn to Ephesians which shines a bright light on the work of Christ and His love for His church. Here, Paul shows that behind the Roman persecution and imprisonment, there were much darker forces at work. Follow along as we look at:- a) The schemes of evil that come against us. b) The armor of God by which we stand. c) The Word and prayer by which we advance.
Be The Church Series | Colossians 3: 12--17 | Pastor Joey Zorina
In an age where we're told to always put ourselves first and just be ourselves, Paul shows us that believers have put off the old self and are to put on the new self. And so, follow along as we look at-- a) The grace that renews us from within. b) The love that binds us in perfect harmony. c) The word of Christ that dwells in us richly.
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