Every Nation Sydney West

Our faith enables us to trust God. When we trust God, He gives us the wisdom to help us make tough choices in life especially during challenging times. Even when we make mistakes, God can use it for His purpose. This is the beauty of putting our faith and trust in Him.

Trials produce mature faith.Our faith grows when it is tested.When we face troubles, we should respond in joy. How do we respond in joy?Be encouraged as you listen to Ps. Roy preach on the James 1:2-4.

When you think about your calling, you might think about what you’re meant to do. But you’re wondering how to find your purpose? It's not always easy, and when you find it, it will probably be even tougher to live it out. The moment you step into your calling, you step out of your comfort zone. But when you're called to a purpose, backing down isn't an option.Listen to Pastor Roy’s preaching to discover how living your calling out may come at a cost—but it will also sustain you in the long run.

When you think about your calling, you might think about what you’re meant to do. But your purpose isn’t as much about what you’re doing as it is who you’re becoming. Your calling isn’t about what you do—your calling is about who you are. Listen to Pastor Roy's preaching and discover what it means to be called!

God is a father to you. We are His sons and daughters, He loves us unconditionally.

The gospels ended with Jesus’ giving His disciples the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.” The Book of Acts followed, showing how even without Jesus, the disciples carried on His mission in the power of the  Holy Spirit. At the end of Acts, Paul is shown still passionately proclaiming that Jesus had come and explaining His teaching to all. This same mission is passed on to us, as followers of God and part of the same church.

One of the marks of the early church is the gospel, the message of salvation through the grace of Jesus. It is not traditions, religious practices, or our works that maintain the truth of the gospel. In fact, good works are naturally birthed as we experience the truth and freedom of the message of Christ.

In Acts 12:1–5, the young church was facing a new, intense situation. Herod was persecuting the church leaders. He had James killed, then wanted to do the same to Peter. In response to this threat, the church prayed to God, who they knew was the only one that could save Peter. Though there are many aspects to prayer, what prayer lessons can we learn from the early church as they faced this particular circumstance?

One of the marks of the church is community. As God's people we are called to encourage, love, and accept one another regardless of our differences and our pasts. As a community of believers, we should reflect the love and goodness of God.

One of the marks of the early church was service. Jesus unmistakably took the position of a servant leader.  As the body of Christ, each of us has been given the skills and gifts to serve in the purpose that God has for us.

Last Sunday, Pastor Jun Escosar encouraged us to seize opportunities to share the Gospel. He preached on the foundations of evangelism and one of them is being intentional with our relationships. As Jesus’ followers, we are to show people they are loved and valued by God.

The Book of Acts tells the story of the early church and how it grew by the power of the Holy Spirit, in spite of persecution and conflict. In this series, we will look at what makes the church distinctlyrecognizable—the trademarks of the church.On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had gathered together after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. There, they were all filled for the first time by the Holy Spirit that Jesus had told them He would send. In Acts 2, we see how the early church was marked by the devotion of the believers. What are we devoted to as a church?Be encouraged as you listen to Pastor Roy preached from the Acts 2:42, 43, 47.

We are honoured to have Every Nation President and Co-founder, Pastor Steve Murrell bringing the word on Pentecost Sunday. He reminded us that the only way to defeat fear is with faith. Be encouraged as you listen to Pastor Steve preach on Mark 4:35-41.

When we say that the Lord is our Shepherd, it means that He protects. provides, and cares for us. More so, we are assured of His presence in our lives, that He is always with us. When we look at our lives through His perspective, we can find that we don’t need to be afraid. 

As we continue on our series on Psalm 23, Pastor Roy preached about God's promise of protection that even though troubles are inevitable in this world, our Shepherd is with us. When David declared that God was with him in the valley, this applies to us too. As we begin to look at our situation through God’s perspective, we see that He not only helps us get over the world’s troubles, He also promises eternal riches. 

Last Sunday we took time to honour the courageous women God has blessed our families with, our mothers. Rosemary preached on the wisdom of motherhood from the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

As we continue to look into Psalm 23, we can know more about the refreshing that God brings us and His purposes for it, and our perspective about our lives and situations will be renewed according to who He is. We will also know how we can experience this refreshment today.When God restores our souls, it means that He brings healing.  In Jesus, we can have a different sort of peace: shalom, which means wellness in our whole being. Our souls can find rest in God.In the Bible, righteousness means right standing. That means there is no sin or dirt staining anyone called righteous—and that is who we are in Christ.  Jesus leads us in the paths of righteousness by making us more and more Christlike through His word and Spirit.The way God guides us is a reflection of who He is, so that others around us may see Him as a Shepherd as well. The provision, peace, and protection that God gives us as our shepherd are ultimately not for our sake, but for the glory of His name.

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world, how do we respond as Christians? From what perspective do we choose to view the things happening around us? Do our hearts mirror the unrest unfolding each day, or do we shift our perspective and look to God amid the crisis?For three weeks, we will look at Psalm 23 and learn more about God’s promises of provision, protection, and peace. In spite of what’s happening, we can find comfort in God—our Shepherd—who guides us, restores us, and meets all our needs.Listen to Pastor Roy as he preached on God's provision and how we can be content with God as our Shepherd.

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world, how do we respond as Christians? From what perspective do we choose to view the things happening around us? Do our hearts mirror the unrest unfolding each day, or do we shift our perspective and look to God amid the crisis?For three weeks, we will look at Psalm 23 and learn more about God’s promises of provision, protection, and peace. In spite of what’s happening, we can find comfort in God—our Shepherd—who guides us, restores us, and meets all our needs.Listen to Pastor Roy as he preached on God's provision and how we can be content with God as our Shepherd.

Last Sunday, Pastor Roy preached on 2 Chronicles 7:11-16, the call from God to unite the church to pray. God promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14, that when we humble ourselves, unite in prayer, seek Him, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear us, He will speak, He will forgive, and He will heal our lands.He also encourage us to join UNITE714 movement - to unite in prayer with the global Church, using 2 Chronicles 7:14 as guide, 7:14 every morning and evening.

In a time of fear, uncertainty, and grief, we can find new hope in Jesus Christ. As we start on this series, A New Hope, we will talk about the hope that Jesus brings to everyone through His life and resurrection. He is the hope of our salvation and our hope in every situation.On Resurrection Sunday, three days after Jesus was crucified, He rose from the dead and showed Himself to His disciples before ascending into heaven. What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Without the resurrection, there would be no hope. Jesus’ death would have had no meaning. He would simply have been a visionary and wise teacher who died. Jesus’ death satisfied the justice of God, but His resurrection allows us to preach the good news and bring this hope to others. This is the joy we have in the resurrection.

As we continue on the series, Here and Now, Pastor Roy preached on the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value from Matthew 13:44–46.The kingdom of heaven is a kingdom ruled by Christ, which will come to earth from heaven with the power and authority of God. The Church is only a small part of this kingdom. While it is a kingdom that we as God’s children look forward to, it is also taking place here and now. When Jesus was on earth, He told many parables about the kingdom of heaven. We can understand more about the value of this kingdom from the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value.

With the current global situation, it feels like we are in a storm. Do you wonder if Jesus knows what's going on or what he is doing? How do we handle the storm?Listen to Pastor Ron as he preach on Mark 4:35-41, Jesus Calms the Storm.

As followers of Christ, how do we navigate through the crisis we are facing right now? How do we respond?Listen to Pastor Roy's message on how we can have peace through Jesus despite the uncertainty that we are facing right now."Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."  John 14:27

Here and Now: The Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven On the second week of the series Here and Now, Pastor Roy Ricafort talked about the parables of the mustard seed and leaven from Matthew 13:31–33. The kingdom of heaven is the dominion of God, which is something that we, as His children, look forward to, but is also happening here and now. As a part of this kingdom, the Church, His people, has a mission to preach the gospel, which is the message of the kingdom. During His time on earth, Jesus told the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven, from which we can learn some things about the gospel we preach.

God’s plan is to bring His kingdom on earth and redeem all of creation.As we start a new series, Pastor Roy Ricafort talked about the kingdom of God and the part that our church plays in it.The kingdom of heaven is God’s everlasting dominion, of which His children and creation are only a small part. This is something that we as His people look forward to, but it is also happening here and now. This means that we have a part to play in advancing His kingdom. While He was on earth, Jesus told many parables that can help us understand more about God’s kingdom. What does the parable of the weeds tell us about the kingdom of heaven?

Discipleship is about following Jesus and going on a journey with Him and other people. It’s about relationships.On the last week of this series, Rosemary Flynn talked about how Jesus walking with others. He is the perfect example of discipleship.As we listen again to last Sunday's message, may it help us understand discipleship and encourage us to have a growth-filled journey with God and the people around us.

Discipleship is about following Jesus and going on a journey with Him and other people. It’s about relationships.On our second week of the series, On A Journey, Pastor Caleb Ekundayo preached on how Jesus fish for men, making one disciple at a time. As we listen to the podcast, may it help us understand discipleship and encourage us to have a growth-filled journey with God and the people around us. 

Relive last Sunday as we listen to Pastor Roy’s message for Vision 2020.  Also we started a new series, On A Journey. Jesus is calling us to follow him, fish for people and be in fellowship with them. What does it take to be His disciple?  Will you join us in this journey? This week, we looked at how Jesus exhibited a posture of following God.May this series help us understand discipleship and encourage us to have a growth-filled journey with God and the people around us. 

As we conclude the series Amazing Grace, pastor Ron Flynn preached on how amazing grace transforms our devotional life.In Hebrews 4:12–16, the high priestly identity and function of Jesus is highlighted in this passage. A priest’s job is to mediate between God and people. He is the reconciling agent working to bring humans and God back together. Amazing grace is what transforms our daily devotional life from a daily religious obligation, into an invitation to come into his presence. We are coming into God’s presence through a perfect high priest that is utterly like us and not like us. So that he is personal and approachable, and at the same time can powerfully offer a way to overcome our sin and grow into his likeness. 

As we continue the fifth week of Amazing Grace series, pastor Dan Monterde Jr. preached on how God’s amazing grace transform our giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:6–11, apostle Paul was asking the people of the church to support the ministry of the advancing the kingdom of God. He is encouraging the people to give and live in the richness of God’s grace.The Bible teaches us the grace of giving without the fear of lack and knowing who will supply then we can give cheerfully.  In giving, the receiver is blessed, the giver is enriched, and God is honoured.May listening to last Sunday’s preaching bless and encourage you.

As we continue the fourth week of Amazing Grace series, Lyn Abad preached on how God’s amazing grace transform our suffering.In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul tells his readers that a thorn was given in his flesh. Whenhe pleaded with the Lord to take it away, the Lord responded with: “My grace issufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Countless hours havebeen spent trying to determine what Paul’s “thorn” was, but it’s possible he kept itambiguous so that Christians throughout history would read this and be able to putthemselves in his shoes. We all have our thorns, circumstances, and trials that causeus great pain and suffering. But the good news is that these words that the Lordspoke to Paul are the words he speaks to you: “My grace is sufficient.”This is because the one who allows thorns to enter your life is the one who worea crown of thorns on the cross as he bore your sin. The one who entered into theworld’s suffering in order to redeem it is the same one who now walks with youthrough your suffering. Whatever your thorn, Christ’s grace is sufficient for you in themidst of the fiercest trials and the deepest of pains. It is sufficient today and it will besufficient tomorrow.Because of Christ’s sufficient grace, you can persevere in suffering.

As we continue the third week of Amazing Grace series, Rosemary Flynn preached on how God's amazing grace transforms our behavior.In Titus 2:11-14, apostle Paul had written to Titus to help establish the church in Crete. Titus was confronted with false teachers and immorality and sinful lifestyle which caused so much trouble for the church. To address this problem, Paul gave Titus guidelines on leadership and warned the believers then that it is possible to live a life that counters a corrupt environment. Paul then reminds them that God’s amazing grace transforms not just our eternity but enables us to live our present reality victoriously.Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the grace of God and because of Christ's sanctifying grace, we can say "no" to sin.

As we continue the second week of our series, Ptr. Roy Ricafort preached on how God’s amazing grace transforms our eternity.In Titus 3:3-7, Paul tells who we were without Christ, who we would still be if not for His grace. We have been justified by grace, where God declares that our sins are forgiven, and He declares us righteous in His sight. Having been justified by grace, we have also received a new inheritance, the hope of eternal life. Through the gift of eternal life which is ours in Christ Jesus is not based on our good works, but it is based in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is a gift of grace received by faith.Because of Jesus Christ’s justifying grace, we have eternal life.

Last Sunday, Pastor Roy Ricafort lead us as we started the series, “Amazing Grace,” and throughout this series we will focus on this question: What will we do with the amazing grace that God has shown?”Often times we can use words that are familiar yet remain unclear to us. One of those words is grace. To better understand grace and the nature of this generous gift, in Romans 5:15-21 Paul uses two stories: the story of Adam in Genesis 3 and the story of Christ dying on the cross. Adam’s sin messed up our relationship with God. However, God’s grace transforms our relationship with God! This grace may be freely given but it cost Jesus his life. God’s grace is freely given as a gift due to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But like any gift we must receive that gift by faith.Listen to last Sunday's preaching and may this message speak to you.

Last Sunday, Ptr. Roy Ricafort preached on the life of Moses, a man whom God had called, but who had a hard time “Getting Started.”Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV) says, “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”Moses was faithful and was looking ahead to his reward, but that’s not where he began. Moses had a sense of God’s call on his life, but it took time for him to determine how he was to fulfill it.As we follow Moses’ story, we will see God’s hand preparing Moses from the very start.  Important changes were taking place in Moses’ life and God was waiting for that day when He could use Moses in a greater way.As we are “Getting Started,” let us recognize that God can use the events in our lives as preparation for the calling that He has given us. No matter what family background we were born into, the past mistakes we’ve made or painful experiences in the past – God is using these to prepare us for the work He has called us and our entire life has been leading us toward its fulfillment.As we approach the new year – it’s about getting started. As we look into Moses’ life, we can see that God has promised to be with us. He takes what’s in our hands and uses it for His purpose – we just need to do what we can knowing that God will help us.----more----

The title of our series, Come to Worship, is based on the text in the Bible when the wise men went on their way and have come to worship Jesus. In this series, we’ve looked at four different postures of worship – lifting our hands to God, bringing our gifts to God, pouring out our heart to God in praise of His faithfulness, and this week as we conclude, the message is about bowing our knees.In Matthew 2:10-11 is about when the wise men experienced Christ. When the wise men saw the star, they were overjoyed because for centuries they were hoping and believing that one day God would send a Messiah, and the wise men believed that this was that moment when Jesus was born. When they saw the child Jesus with his mother Mary, they bowed down and worshipped Him.Bowing our knees, kneeling before God is an act of surrender and worship.  When we start to understand that God, who spoke and created everything, kneeling before Him seems like the right thing to do.What better time when we pause in the middle of all the fuss in this world and think about the birth of Christ, that God so loved the world that He became one of us. Not born in a castle but in a manger to symbolize that He is not too far reaching, that He cam for the lowest of the low. Based on who He is and what He did, our only reasonable response is to bow and worship Him.Be stirred to come to worship Him – not just at church but let our life be full of worship to God by lifting our hands, bringing our gifts, to pour out our heart, and to get down on our knees and say, “God, I want more of you” and worship Him.

On the third week of Come to Worship series, Ptr Roy Ricafort shared about pouring out our hearts as a form of worship.To pour out our heart is a posture of humility, dependency and faith.In Psalm 142:2,5 and Psalm 62:8, David found refuge in God as he poured out his heart; his security is in Him. After experiencing God’s faithfulness in his life, David wanted to pursue intimacy with Him.In Samuel 1:10-18, Hannah was weeping bitterly and pouring out her heart before God. Her cries of frustrations, pain turned into shouts of overwhelming joy.Here’s what we can learn from (1) David - When we pour out our heart to God, we develop intimacy with Him; (2) Hannah - When we pour our heart to God, He will fill us with peace, love and acceptance.Be confident that because of Jesus, no matter what we have done in the past or how bad our situation is, we are accepted, loved, and forgiven by our Father.

Week 2: Come to Worship, Bring Your GiftsAs we continue the second week of our series, Ptr. Ron Flynn preached on bringing our gifts as a form of worship.We worship God by giving: like the wise men, they gave with joy!When we give, God is after our heart; giving to God is an act of worship. We bring our first and best and trust God to bless the rest. God gave first – for God so loved the world, He gave His ultimate gift in Jesus Christ. In response to this, we worship God through our giving and surrender our lives to Him.

As we welcomed the Christmas season last Sunday, we started on the new series Come to Worship.Christmas is all about worship - it’s a reminder for us to pause and be in awe because of Jesus. When Jesus was born, He gave us the chance to be known, accepted, and forgiven. When we experience His love, we can’t help but come to worship.The series is about the different postures of worship and this week Ptr. Dan preached on “Lifting our Hands.”Science says that lifting our hands together with deep breathing, promotes circulation, releases happy hormones, and rewire our brain. If lifting our hands for no reason make us feel good, how much better will it be if we do it purposefully? When we lift our hands to God, to the King of all kings, everything changes.Be encouraged as you listen to last Sunday’s preaching.

As we conclude the series, Multiply, Ptr. Roy Ricafort preached on the principle of sowing and reaping.In 2 Corinthians 9:6, Paul is teaching about a law of nature that has spiritual implications. When we sow little, our harvest will be small. But when we sow generously, our harvest will be plentiful.Giving is not an obligation but it's a matter of the heart. What are the motives of our heart when we give? God loves it when we give out of joy and love.There is a promise in giving, as Paul has written in 2 Corinthians 9:8.  That if we give, God will give us more than enough for our own needs and enough for us to do good works for others as well. When we give, God multiplies.2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Generosity Encouraged6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

During our Convergence Sunday Service, Ptr. John Rohrer spoke about the many facets of love.There is something about the church coming together where all of us are loving Jesus, people getting saved amidst this love, and our love for one another.John 3:16 proves how God is our greatest love. He is a giver; not a taker. God loves us and He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). His perfect love casts out all fears (1 John 4:18).Love can grow strong, but can also grow cold. When the love have gone cold, we start to run away. This is common because we are human and therefore, we try to rely on human love.Human love is wonderful, but will fail when we need it most; it's imperfect, but perfect love covers a multitude of sins (James 5:20).People will come and go but the heart of this church will always be the people who are affectionate and kind-hearted.May you be inspired and enlightened as you listen to the podcast.

Week 1 of our series, Rosemary Flynn preached about how God must be first and the principles of multiplication.Our walk with God is not something that comes without challenges. In these times we must hold-fast to God and trust Him, may it be in our finances or in other aspects of our lives. Watch Him turn your situation around. 

Last Sunday, we continued and finish off the series "Grace Changes Everything."Ptr. Joel Magpantay preached on salvation as shown in the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10.Jesus was traveling through Jericho. Zacchaeus was short, and curious and determined to see Jesus. Tax collectors were known to be crooks at that time, and as a chief tax collector Zacchaeus could be hated by the public. He ran ahead to where he knows Jesus will pass and climbed a sycamore tree. When Jesus reached his spot, he called out Zacchaeus by name and invited himself for dinner at Zacchaeus’ home because Jesus knew that Zacchaeus came and was seeking for him.The crowd saw this and began to mutter perhaps they think less of Jesus associating with sinners like Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus stood up and offered half of his possessions to the poor and offered restitution to all he had wronged four times the amount he had cheated them. Jesus saw the intention of Zacchaeus’ heart and Jesus asserted that Zacchaeus had received salvation and reaffirmed that he is a son of Abraham - a call for the people to welcome and accept Zacchaeus’ repentance.Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."  The final passage summarises Jesus' mission – why Jesus came here on earth. This was enough for Zacchaeus to understand that Jesus loves him regardless of him being a tax collector, being someone despised by society. Jesus sought Zacchaeus and made it possible for Zacchaeus to find him.God does not wait for us to come to him or until we perfected our life and get our acts together. God sought and found us first God ordained everything through his mercy and his love for us. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus associates himself with us, sinners, loves us willingly! Jesus’ love changes us. This is grace.

On Sunday, we continued on the series “Grace Changes Everything.” Ptr. Roy Ricafort preached on how the grace of God can make us whole again as demonstrated in the story of a blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43.Here we find a blind man (whom recorded in the book of Mark as Bartimaeus), sitting by the roadside of Jericho begging for alms. When he heard that Jesus is passing by, he began to yell persistently loud. As the crowd tried to stop him from yelling, Bartimaeus kept shouting and made a bold declaration of faith, shouting “Son of David, have mercy on me!”Jesus noticed Bartimaeus and asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”Bartimaeus replied that he wanted to see.Jesus want Bartimaeus to verbalise his faith and for the crowd to hear. And Jesus responded to him, “Your faith has healed you.” Immediately, he received his sight and when the crowd saw this, they also praised God.Sometimes we are intimidated and subdued by our own blindness. It's possible to almost give up. But not Bartimaeus. His faith has brought him from darkness into light. Be persistent with our faith, refuse to let it go until we receive what we need from God. Don’t let any obstacle get in our way from crying out to God. May we become like Bartimaeus who is more than ready to leave off begging, full of praise and brings glory to Jesus. For more information, see us at www.ensydney.org orhttps://www.facebook.com/EveryNationSydney/

As we continue the series “Grace Changes Everything,” Ptr. Roy Ricafort spoke about the importance of proper understanding of what God’s grace is. He preached on the story of a sinful woman forgiven in Luke 7:36-50.Though seen by the society as unclean, the woman had probably heard about Jesus and came to the banquet hosted by Simon the Pharisee.As she wept and her tears had washed Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair, kissed and poured perfume upon them – Simon the Pharisee silently judged the woman and doubted that Jesus is a prophet as some claimed him to be.To help Simon understand the sinful woman’s actions, Jesus told him a parable about forgiveness and used this parable to interpret the woman’s devotion in terms of forgiveness. Jesus acknowledged that her faith had brought her salvation.Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s grace. Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, when he died on the cross, he paid for the debt we can never repay. Our understanding of how much we have been forgiven through Jesus produces a response of overwhelming love for God.When we fully understand what Jesus has done for us, that grace that we have received - the more we will love God. Let our lives reflect God’s forgiveness and grace. Let us show that grace to others regardless who they are, what they do or say. For more information, see us at www.ensydney.org orhttps://www.facebook.com/EveryNationSydney/

As a new series kick-off this week, Ptr. Roy Ricafort speaks to us how God's grace can change not only a person but also an entire community as seen in the book of Luke. This week starts with the story of a widow and her son.As demonstrated in the story, the widowed mother lost her only son. God saw her need and spoke into her situation. Through Jesus’ powerful words, her son was brought to life. Jesus was able to turn her desperate situation into a joyous occasion. Jesus Christ’s compassion can transform a hopeless situation into a celebration that will bring praise and glory to God.Listen to last Sunday’s preaching and may this message speak to you.Luke 7:11-17 ESV: Jesus Raises a Widow's Son11 Soon afterward[a] he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus[b] gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.For more information, see us at www.ensydney.org orhttps://www.facebook.com/EveryNationSydney/ 

This week, Ptr. Dan Monterde talks to us about embracing the lifestyle of giving.It is one of the evidences that God is working in our life. Giving is not just about our resources but a heart that we allow God to transform within us. And once we become that person of love, we can’t avoid giving because the core of loving is a generous heart.How can we embrace giving? Be encouraged as you listen to last Sunday’s message. "For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."2 Corinthians 8:3-7 NIV

This week, we wrap up the series “Who Do You Think You Are?”. Pastor Roy Ricafort preached on how we are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus’ invitation to come and follow him is a call to have a relationship with him and with people. He didn’t call us to be Christians, but he called us to be his disciples. As a disciple, how do we live our life as a follower of Jesus? Listen to last Sunday’s message. “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.”Matthew 9:9 ESV “And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."”Matthew 4:19 ESV “And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."”Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

On Sunday, Pastor Roy Ricafort preached such an encouraging word of how we are the salt and light of this world - that as Christians, we are agents of purification and we shine our light in the dark. Now that we know who we are - salt & light - we know what to do. Just as how the moon reflects the light of the sun, we too reflect the light of the SON.“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16‬ ‭ESV

Week 2 - God's MasterpieceThis week, we continue on the series "Who Do You Think You Are?"Ps. Ron Flynn preaches on how we are designed to walk in communion with God. We are created for Godʼs purpose and God uses everything in our life to bring about His purpose. Are we going to believe the lies of the devil or the word of God? “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest ofthe world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to Godʼs anger, just like everyone else. But  God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by Godʼs grace that you have been saved!)”“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you canʼt take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are Godʼs masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”Ephesians 2:1-5, 8-10 NLT “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my motherʼs womb. Thank you for  making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”Psalms 139:13-16 NLT “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”Romans 8:28 NLT “So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.”Jeremiah 18:3-4 NLT “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”Philippians 1:6 NLT For more information, see us at www.ensydney.org orhttps://www.facebook.com/EveryNationSydney/