The Father’s Voice of Approval

The Father’s Voice of Approval | Luke 3: 15--22 | Joey Zorina

Last week, we saw how “the word of God” came to John the baptist—out in the wilderness. All around Israel, John was calling people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. As his preaching gained attention, the Jews began to wonder whether he might be the long awaited Messiah. But his preaching would eventually result in rejection and death. Whose approval do you live for each day? Whose rejection do you fear? In our passage, we’ll see:- a) Expecting the son’s arrival. b) Facing the world’s rejection. c) Receiving the Father’s approval.

The Voice in Our Wilderness

The Voice in Our Wilderness | Luke 3: 1--9 | Pastor Joey Zorina

Luke now takes us to the political and religious scene in Israel. God’s people, by this time, were under the Roman Emperor, Tiberius Caesar. As they were conquered, Israel did not have their own kings during this time. Rather, Rome had appointed certain men and their families as regional rulers. So as Israel was waiting for the long awaited Messiah “the word of God” came in an obscure place—in the wilderness. Here in our passage, we see:- a) God’s word in our wilderness, b) God’s way in our wilderness c) God’s grace in our wilderness.

Growing Up in The Father’s House

Growing Up in The Father’s House | Luke 2: 41--52 | Joey Zorina

What can a boy teach adults about growing up? Three weeks ago, we saw in v. 34 how Jesus was dedicated at the temple in Jerusalem as a child. After His parents had done everything according to the custom, they returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew in wisdom (v. 40). Luke now takes us back to Jerusalem as Jesus’ parents had to travel there. But this trip would turn out to be one of the most stressful events as they lose sight of Jesus. So in our passage, we see that children can teach us a great deal about:- a) Growing in following Jesus. b) Growing in understanding Jesus. c) Growing in treasuring Jesus.

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 Sign That Is Opposed

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

Last week, we saw the angels singing “peace on earth” at the birth of Christ. Yet in the midst of turmoil and conflict in the world, how can we experience peace? Here in our passage, we see that this new born child would be opposed by many in Israel. But why was this new born child opposed from the time of His birth? Luke now takes us from the scene of shepherds “out in the field” to Jerusalem. So from our passage, we’ll see that:- a) Jesus came to fulfill God’s law for us. b) Jesus came to bring true peace to us. c) Jesus came to suffer opposition for us.

A Radical Gospel Community

A Radical Community | Acts 4: 32–37 | Pastor Joey Zorina

What does a community changed by the Gospel look like? Last week we saw in ch. 4, that in the face of opposition, the apostles trusted in God’s sovereignty and the power of prayer. V. 31 says that when they had prayed, the entire place was shaken and they continued to speak the word with boldness. The preaching of the Word was so effective that it radically changed their community. So in our passage, we’ll see:- a) The unity beneath the surface. b) The power to testify of Jesus. c) The grace to share our treasures.

Fasting To Be Seen Only By God

Fasting To Be Seen By God | Matt. 6: 1–6, 16–18 | Pastor Joey

Have you experienced the joy of secret fasting? Our text comes right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus gave in chapters 5-7. Here in ch. 6, Jesus assumes that His followers would live a lifestyle of giving, praying and fasting in secret. So from our passage, here are 3 insights we are going to follow:- a) When you give to be seen. b) When you pray to be seen. c) When you fast to be seen.

The Rejected Cornerstone

The Rejected Cornerstone | Acts 4: 1—12 | Pastor Joey Zorina

In this episode, we saw before (in ch. 3: 1–10) the healing of the crippled man. As that healing attracted a large crowd, Peter began to preach his second sermon (in vv. 12–26). There, Peter was boldly calling Jews to repent so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. But how did the crowd respond to that sermon? And how should we respond to God’s Word today? Here, in our passage, we see 3 types of responses to God’s Word:- a) Those who oppose the word. b) Those who believe the word. c) Those who reject the precious stone.

Times of Refreshing and Restoration

Times of Refreshing and Restoration | Acts 3: 17—26 | Pastor Joey Zorina

How can we experience “times of refreshing” when we’re weary? In our passage, we see that “times of refreshing” comes by: a) Turning from our ignorant rebellion. b) Listening to the prophetic scriptures. c) Receiving God’s promised blessing.

Made Strong By The Power of Christ

Made Strong By The Power of Christ | Acts 3: 1—16 | Pastor Joey Zorina

Here, we see a man crippled from birth who had to be carried to the temple gate daily. This man had many needs. But in v. 3, Peter and John were also on their way to the temple. Very often we don’t quite know what to expect; but Jesus is always ready to meet us—far beyond our expectations. So in our passage, we see: a) The weakness that cripples us. b) The power that strengthens us. c) The only name that saves us.

Portrait of A Spirit-Filled Community

Portrait of A Spirit-Filled Community | Acts 2: 41- 47 | Pastor Joey Zorina

What does a Spirit-filled community look like? Last week, we saw that the outpouring of the Spirit was followed by declaring the mighty works of God (ch. 2: 1-24). And the outpouring of the Spirit with Peter’s sermon had given birth to the early church (vv. 25-40). So in this passage, we see that a Spirit-filled community is: a) Devoted to teaching and fellowship. b) In awe of Jesus and generous. c) Worshipful and winsome.

Open Doors For The Gospel

Colossians 4:2–6 | Open Doors For The Gospel | Pastor Joey Zorina

How does the resurrection of Christ change how we pray? We saw in ch. 1 the rich prayer that Paul prayed for the Colossians. Paul’s public ministry flowed from a rich prayer life. Now 3 chapters later, Paul encourages the Colossians to be watchful in prayer and walk in wisdom toward outsiders. So in our passage, we’ll see:- a) The call to be watchful in prayer. b) The call to pray for open doors. c) The call to walk in gracious wisdom.

The Coming of The Spirit's Power

Acts 2: 1-24 | The Coming of The Spirit’s Power | Joey Zorina

As we remember Pentecost Day, Pentecost is the 50th day after the Jewish Passover festival. It’s a celebration of the feast of weeks (Lev. 23:15–16, Exod. 23:16). But for Christians, it marks the day the Holy Spirit came with unusual power. So from our passage, we’ll see that: - a) The Holy Spirit gives power to witness. b) The Holy Spirit awakens awe and wonder. c) The Holy Spirit exalts the risen Saviour.

Christ in Everyday Life

Colossians 3:18—4:1 | Christ In EveryDay Life | Joey Zorina

How does the resurrection of Christ renew our relationships? Earlier, Paul had said in v.16 that the church is being renewed as the word of Christ dwells in us richly. And in v. 17, he had said believers are to, “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Now, he shows how our new identity in Christ changes relationships in the family and society. So in our passage, we see that:- a) Christ is Lord of our households. b) Christ is Lord over our earthly masters. c) Christ is our just and fair Master in heaven.

The Resurrection and The Mission of Christ

The Resurrection | Matthew 28: 11- 20 | Pastor Joey Zorina

In our passage, an angel had told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead (v. 7). But while the women were on their way, another group was trying to cover up the truth. So we’re going to see 3 responses to the resurrection of Christ:- a) Those who try to hide the risen Christ. b) Those who doubt the risen Christ c) Those who are sent by the risen Christ.

Seek The Things Above

Colossians 3: 1–11 | Seek The Things Above | Joey Zorina

What does your heart seek everyday? Everyone seeks something, to become something or someone everyday! So what shapes your identity as a person? Earlier in ch. 2: 20, Paul had said that if you have died with Christ you are now a different person. And now Paul encourages the Colossians to seek their new life in Christ. So, in our passage, we see: a) The mind that is set on Christ. b) The idols we now put to death. c) The new self we have put on in Christ.

Nourished by Christ

Colossians 2: 16–23 | NOURISHED by Christ | Pastor Joey Zorina

How do you grow as a Christian? Where do you turn everyday for spiritual nourishment? Remember, false teachings had entered the church in Colossae with empty deceit, human tradition and philosophy. But Paul shows that spiritual growth cannot happen by following ethnic and religious rituals, visionary experiences, and ascetic practices. In our passage, we see:- a) The shadows of things to come. b) The body that is nourished by Christ. c) The life we have died with Christ.

Delivered by Christ

Colossians 2: 8–15 | Delivered by Christ | Pastor Joey Zorina

What captivates your heart and mind as you go about your day? What shapes your values and lifestyle? Remember, false teachings had entered the church in Colossae. And Paul was encouraging the Colossians to be rooted and built up in Christ (v. 7). So in our passage, we’ll look at: a) The empty promises that captivate us. b) The baptism that unites us with Christ. c) The record of debt that has been cancelled.

Knit Together in Love

Colossians 2: 1–7 | Knit Together in Love | Pastor Joey Zorina

Here, Paul was struggling greatly. Why was Paul struggling? Earlier in ch. 1: 29, Paul said, “For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me” Paul was struggling because he loved the church, the people. So in our passage, we see: a) The love that unites us together. b) The treasures of wisdom in Christ. c) The heart that receives Christ as Lord.