Orange Coast FMC Sermons

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read 1 King 19. Where have you identified with Elijah in today's story? Does any of it crossover to your current situation? GROW: God reassured Elijah through a gentle whisper. What noise do you need to turn down in order to hear God's voice clearly? Be intentional to listen to God every day this week.OVERFLOW: identify who you are in positioned to influence with your faith in the Lord. Send a note of encouragement to that person/people this week.

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Exodus 33. What are three words that you would use to describe Moses' relationship with God? GROW: Read John 1:14. Spend half an hour intentionally with God. Pray, worship, journal, or read Scripture. What do you hear God saying to you? OVERFLOW: Ask God to put someone on your heart and reach out to that person this week.

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Genesis 12, Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Philippians 2.GROW: Do you believe what God says about your life? Can you think of a boundary or a place in your life that you find it hard to believe God? Think about what you learned from Abram and Pray for faith to follow God.OVERFLOW: You are called to bless others! Encourage someone this week. Write a letter, send a gift, give a phone call or send a text message. Do something to let someone know that you are thinking about them! Be a blessing.

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read John 18:36-37 and Psalm 24:10. Do you see Jesus as your king who has defeated sin and death? GROW: Read John 14:27. Do you have the peace that Jesus wants you to receive? Is there anything that is making your heart be troubled now?OVERFLOW: Read John 16:33. Share with people around you that despite the troubles in life, Jesus has overcome the world and peace is available through King Jesus!

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read John 12:12-15 and Zechariah 9:9. What do these passages teach you about who Jesus is? And how does that impact the way you love and serve others?GROW: Read Psalm 118 (This psalm is a prayer read by Jewish families during festivals, especially the Passover). Knowing that Jesus completes this psalm, may this be your prayer during this Holy Week, leading into Good Friday and Easter. Share Psalm 118 with someone this week as you ask God who to share this with.OVERFLOW: Share the hope of Easter to as many friends as you can and invite them to our Online Easter Service on April 12 from 11AM

Weekly Challenge: KNOW:  Read Luke 24:36 and Philippians 4:7.  How are you searching for Peace?  Ask God for His Peace to come into your room. GROW:  Read Luke 24:37-43 and 1 John 1:1.  Why is it important that the disciples saw and touched Jesus after His resurrection? OVERFLOW:  Read Luke 24:44-53 and Acts 2.  The ending of Luke 24 is a beginning.  How will you share the Peace of God with someone this week?

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Luke 24:1-12. Imagine yourself witnessing the empty tomb and hearing the words “He is not here; he has risen!” Do you feel hope rising within you?GROW: Read Luke 24:13-27. What are some disappointments and sadness you're experiencing now? Please be reminded that Jesus is walking alongside you. Pray and ask for his care and peace.OVERFLOW: Read Luke 24:28-35. Continue to open up the Scriptures this week to encounter Jesus and ask him to give you a burning heart so that you can share the resurrection hope with the world that desperately needs hope right now. 

Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 23. Think about how this relates to your life. How is God speaking to you through this passage? GROW: What are the challenges you are facing today? Take time to think about the things within and outside of your control. Pray about how you can give up the things you can't control and leave those to God. OVERFLOW: How can you bless someone around you? Maybe it's sharing a word of encouragement to friends or family? Helping someone get groceries they need? Sharing some toilet paper or hand sanitizer? Pray about how you can bring a glimmer of hope to someone else this season. Pray!

Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 23:26-43 and imagine yourself being at the scene of the crucifixion. What stood out the most from your reading? GROW: Have you ever found yourself being like the criminal on the cross who said to Jesus. “Aren't you the Messiah? Save me!” What was the situation like? OVERFLOW: How do you think the criminal who asked Jesus to remember him lived if he had another chance to live? Live your life as an extension of his life! 

Weekly Challenge: KNOW: Read Luke 22:66-23:25. How do you relate to this passage? GROW: What makes it hard for you to follow Jesus? Who is Jesus to you? Is He Lord & Savior? OVERFLOW: Take some time this week to consider what it cost Jesus to die unjustly. How does this impact your life?

Weekly Challenge: KNOW: Read Luke 22:54-65. Imagine yourself as Peter in the story. What do you think Jesus would say turning and looking straight at you? GROW: When was your lowest point in your life? How did God redeem you from that time? If you are going through a low point now, how do you want God to redeem you with his grace? OVERFLOW: As you experience his redeeming grace, let God use you to give hope to someone who needs redemption.

Weekly Challenge: KNOW: Read Luke 22:39-53. What moves your heart the most about this passage? GROW: What is your prayer of Gethsemane (olive press)? The prayer that you have been praying so hard for many years but have not seen the answer yet. Remember that Jesus is with you as you continue to pray. OVERFLOW: Read Colossians 1:13-14. Our story does not end when darkness reigns. Whom can you encourage this week with God's rescue?

Weekly Challenge:KNOW: Read Luke 22:1-38. Imagine yourself being the room with Jesus on the night of the Last Supper. What words of Jesus stood out to you?GROW: Jesus said “the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” What adjustments do you need to make in order to be great according to Jesus?OVERFLOW: Encourage someone this week! Just like Jesus prayed for Peter, he prayed for you so that your faith may not fail, so that you can strengthen your brothers and sisters. 

Weekly Challenge:KNOW: Read Luke 21. Ask God to speak to you through his word.GROW: Write down the things that stand out to you from this passage. Write down how you see this connecting to your life.OVERFLOW: Take time to honestly ask yourself how much risk you are taking to follow Jesus. What does it cost you? Think about a way you can grow in your trust, make a decision to take action this week.

This week Pastor Tobi shares with us his vision for the following year of 2020. He describes how he envisions our church to overflow with the love of Christ to every aspect of our personal lives. Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Ezekiel 47:8-12. What is God teaching you here? Is the water from the sanctuary (God's presence) flowing into you daily?GROW: Is there an area of your life that you are hesitant to trust God with? Is there a fear or worry that is making you hesitant? OVERFLOW: Read I Thessalonians 3:12. May the Lord increase your love so that you can overflow! Who is the “each other” (people near by, family, church people, etc.) that you must overflow with God's love to? Who is the “everyone else” (people far from you, who thinks differently, relationship has been broken, etc.) that you must overflow with God's love to?

Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Luke 19 and 20. What do you observe? How does Jesus respond to his challengers?GROW: Take a moment to consider what you believe about Jesus. Do you feel like you act or live according to what you say you believe? Are you confident to jump from this life into the next?OVERFLOW: Pray about a way you can encourage someone this week! Maybe a note, gift, act of service, etc. Sometimes the smallest acts of care can change a person's day!

This week Pastor Tobi continues through the gospel of Luke with Luke chapter 20. Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Luke 20:1-26. What lesson(s) do you take home from this passage? Have you ever found yourself being like the religious leaders in this story?GROW: Do you consider Jesus to be your authority? Would you allow him to be your cornerstone that breaks you and build your life upon him?OVERFLOW: How has God made himself known to you in your life? Be sure to let his glory shine on you this week!

This week Pastor Tobi kicks off the New Year with a message from Philippians 1:6! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Philippians 1:3-11 and Hebrews 9:27-28. How did God speak to you from these passages? GROW: When your faith got shaken up, which verse(s) from the Bible encouraged you? If you are in need of an encouragement today, please open Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10,  Matthew 28:19-20. OVERFLOW: What testimonies do you hope for people to share at your memorial service? What should you do this week and year 2020 to begin with that end in mind?  

This week Pastor Phil wraps up our year with a final message for 2019 from Luke 2:41-51. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Ask yourself how you are doing with God. Are you close to him? Or do you feel like maybe you've lost him somewhere along the road like Mary and Joseph. GROW: Write down the things that challenge you. Does fear hold you back from sharing your faith with others? Does comfort keep you from doing something new in faith? OVERFLOW: Let's make a plan to grow this year. Commit yourself to do something that will grow your relationship with Jesus. If we want to overflow, we need to be healthy and full of God's love. 

Christmas Eve Service - Bilingual English / Japanese - Pastor Phil brings us a Christmas Eve Devotion from Luke 2:8-15.

This week Pastor Tobi took us through John 3:16 and I John 4:7-10. This is part of our Advent series! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Memorize John 3:16. Do you sense God's love in your life? Make this Christmas be a time for you to know more of God's love for you. GROW: Remember that God loves you more than you think! Have you ever been overwhelmed by God's love for you? How did that impact your faith in Him? OVERFLOW: Read I John 4:7-12. Isn't it amazing how God's love will be made complete in us when we love one another. How will you show love to others this week? 

Join us for the 3rd week of our Advent sermon series “Searching for…”! This week Pastor Jenny teaches us how we can have joy in any circumstance! Weekly Challenge KNOW:  Read Philippians 1:4-6 and Acts 16.  Why do you think the Apostle Paul feels so much joy for the Philippian church? GROW:  Memorize Philippians 1:21.  What did these words mean to the Apostle Paul when he wrote from prison?  What do these words mean for you? OVERFLOW:  Read Philippians 4:4.  What would you write on your cardboard testimony?

Join us for week two of our Advent sermon series “Searching for…”! This week Pastor Tobi explores how we can find Peace through Christ. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Isaiah 9:6-7, Ephesians 2:14-17, 4:2-3. The word for peace in the Old Testament Hebrew is Shalom, and New Testament Greek is Eirene, both meaning wholeness, completeness, without any missing piece. What do you appreciate about the peace made through Christ? GROW: Is there an area of your life that may be in conflict of interest with God, causing a disruption of peace? Make the effort to have shalom (peace, wholeness) in your relationship with God. OVERFLOW: Ask God to use you as a peacemaker in relationships that you've been uniquely placed in. 

This week Pastor Phil kicks off our new Advent series called “Searching for…” as we focus on HOPE. This week Pastor Phil teaches us how Jesus embodied someone with Tender Strength. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 19:28-48. What stands out to you about this passage. How do you see Jesus model love? GROW: Take time to think about how you respond to others who are hurting. Do you have compassion on them? Do you try to help them? Or do you think about why they have found themselves in that situation. OVERFLOW: This week, when you see someone hurting, Pray and ask God how you might help them. Maybe all you can do is lift them up in prayer, but maybe God will show you a way you can make a difference in their situation.

This week Pastor Phil teaches us how Jesus embodied someone with Tender Strength. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 19:28-48. What stands out to you about this passage. How do you see Jesus model love? GROW: Take time to think about how you respond to others who are hurting. Do you have compassion on them? Do you try to help them? Or do you think about why they have found themselves in that situation. OVERFLOW: This week, when you see someone hurting, Pray and ask God how you might help them. Maybe all you can do is lift them up in prayer, but maybe God will show you a way you can make a difference in their situation.

This week Pastor Tobi tells us that Jesus has come to Seek and Save the Lost. Take hope! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 19:1-27. What is the message you received from the Zacchaeus' story and the parable of the servants? GROW: How can you use something in your hands (gift, time, finance, influence) to help Jesus fulfill his mission to seek and save the lost? OVERFLOW: Who is the Zacchaeus in your life that needs the living hope of Jesus? Talk to him/her this week.

This week Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 18 and tells us about a hero that is even better than “Anpanman”! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 18:31-43. What does this passage teach you about Jesus Christ, our healer and savior? GROW: What may be distracting you from encountering Jesus more fully? Busyness? False expectations? People's opinions? Etc. What do you want Jesus to do for you? OVERFLOW: Without seeking any praise, what sacrifice can you make this week to bless someone in need? May be it's a financial sacrifice. Or sacrificing your time to intentionally listen to someone's story. Perhaps sacrificing your energy as a volunteer to make someone's life a little bit better, etc.

This week Pastor Phil brings us through Luke 18:18-30 and the story of the rich young ruler. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 18:18-30. Think about this scene and what is happening with each person in the story. GROW: If Jesus asked you to leave all and follow him, what would he tell you to give up? OVERFLOW: Pray that God will lead you this week. Pay attention to the moments when he calls you to obedience. Share this moment with another believer (or record it for yourself, ie journal)

This week Pastor Tobi helps us learn how to grow closer to God through Luke 18:1-17. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 18:1-17. How did this passage speak to you about the importance of growing closer to God? GROW: Meditate upon your favorite Psalm and then pray to God as a response to His Word (If you don't have a favorite, try Psalm 23) OVERFLOW: Take 30 minutes (or more) this week and practice P.R.A.Y (Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield) And be sure to actually yield!

Join us this week as Pastor Jenny takes us through Luke 17:20-37. Weekly Challenge:  KNOW:  Read Luke 17:20-37.  Put into your own words what Jesus is saying in these verses.  GROW:  Read Psalm 24.  What does it mean for you, for your family, for your workplace, for King Jesus to come in?  OVERFLOW:  Ask God for an opportunity to tell someone about King Jesus this week.  When the opportunity comes, share about Him.

This week Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 17:1-19. Join us as we journey through the book of Luke this year! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 17:1-19. These words are given by Jesus to protect you and bless you. What encouragement do you receive from this passage? GROW: How has God been good to you in your life? Give thanks to him for all the goodness and be sure to praise him! OVERFLOW: Like how Jesus forgave you, forgive someone in your life.

This week Pastor Phil brings us through Luke 16:16-31 on this communion Sunday. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 16:16-31 again. How is God speaking to you through this portion of scripture? GROW: Take time to reflect. What do you really believe? Does what you claim match how you live? OVERFLOW: Jesus pointed out over and over again that the Pharisees fell short because they had the ability to help others, but they didn't. Set a goal to act in love this week!

Listen to testimonies from former OCFMC Pastors as we celebrate 40 years of Ministry! English with Japanese translation. Pastor Carl Omaye and Pastor Shin Asami.

Join us this week as Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 16:1-15. Weekly Challenge:  KNOW: Read Luke 16:1-15. What is God trying to teach you about himself and about heaven? GROW: Read Deuteronomy 8:11-20. What kind of attitude does God want us to have in regards to our accomplishments and wealth? OVERFLOW: Can you think of at least one way you are using worldly wealth so that when it's gone, you'll be welcomed into eternity? How will you invest in eternity this week to store up treasures in heaven?

Join us this week as Pastor Jenny takes us through parables about “lost and found” in Luke 15:1-32. Weekly Challenge:  KNOW:  Read Luke 15:1-32.  Reflect on how you are like the younger brother and also like the older brother.  Respond to God in prayer.  GROW:  Read Isaiah 40:9-11 and Zephaniah 3:17.  Reflect on the goodness and mercy of God.  What stands out to you?  OVERFLOW:  Whom do you have trouble loving?  Make a decision to show God's love to this kind of person this week.  What is God inviting you to do?

This Week Pastor Phil continues to take us through the gospel of Luke with Luke 14:25-35. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 14. Think about what Jesus is telling each person, what he is demonstrating. GROW: Reflect on the “cost of discipleship”. Have you considered what it means to truly follow Jesus? OVERFLOW: Take a few moments to journal. Are you following Jesus well? Are you seeking him so much that everything else pales in comparison? Write out a prayer and speak to God about your hopes and desires.

This week Pastor Phil brings us through Luke 14:1-24 and asks what our motivation is. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 14:1-24. Consider how this relates to your life. GROW: Pray and ask yourself, “If Jesus observed my life, what motivations would he find in me?” OVERFLOW: Do something for someone who doesn't deserve it. Show someone an act of kindness without expectation of being repaid. Pray that you would always be considerate of others.

This week Pastor Tobi returns after several weeks in Japan and takes us through Luke 13:22-35. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 13:22-35. How does this passage speak to you about the attitude we should have to receive salvation? GROW: Are you making every effort to enter through the narrow door? How does this invitation from Jesus influence the way we live as Christians? OVERFLOW: Read Psalm 118:26-29. How can your life reflect the words of this psalm?

Please join us as Pastor Phil helps us learn from Luke 13:10-21. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 13:10-21. Consider how each person might have felt. What did they experience? How can you relate? GROW: Little things have the power to grow into something huge. What are some of the little things you need to tend to? (positive & negative) OVERFLOW: Choose 1 or more things you will intentionally work on this week.

This week Pastor Jenny takes us through the passage of Luke 12:49-13:9. Weekly Challenge:  KNOW: Read Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 12:49-59.  Jesus brings both peace and purifying fire.  Pray about this truth, discuss it, and let it impact you.  GROW:  Read Luke 13:1-5.  In what ways is Jesus calling you to repent – to change your mind and your actions?  How will you respond to Him?  OVERFLOW:  Read Luke 13:6-9.  In what ways does Jesus want to “fertilize” your relationship with Him?  How is He inviting you to “bear fruit”?

This week we got to hear testimonies of what God has done during this year's PCJC Family Camp. The camp theme was “Fearless”. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Daniel 3. Think about the fears these men may have had. GROW: Think about your life. When are you challenged to “fit in” with everyone else instead of following God? OVERFLOW: Pray about ways you can begin to live a live that is “fearless” and following after God.

This week Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 12:35-48. Join us as we continue to journey through the gospel of Luke this year! WEEKLY CHALLENGEKNOW: Read Luke 12:35-48, I Thessalonians 5:2-4, II Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3 and 16:15. Why do you think it is said “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief”? GROW: How should are attitude and life style be as we anticipate Christ's Second Coming?OVERFLOW: What has God entrusted you with? How will you be a faithful servant who will take a good care of those things?

Join us this week as Pastor Jenny explores Luke 12:22-31. Weekly Challenge:  KNOW:  What causes you to worry?  Read Luke 12:22-31.  What does it mean to you to seek God's Kingdom?  GROW:  Spend some time alone with God, listening to His truth about who He is and who you are in Him.  Write down what you sense God is saying to you.  OVERFLOW:  Read Luke 12:32-34.  Ask God for your next step to worry less and live for more, and do it!

This week Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 12:1-21. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 12:1-21, Isaiah 43:4, John 3:16. How is God speaking to your heart through this passage? GROW: Which one do you struggle the most? 1) Hypocrisy 2) Healthy Fear of God 3) Hope of Eternity 4) Greed. Share with a trusted friend this week and pray through the struggle. OVERFLOW: Think of a practical way you can be freed from greed so that God can lead. Take a step faith to see what God will do in and through you to help someone else!

Join us as Pastor Phil takes us through Luke 11:37-54 and encourages us to ask “What is Your Impact?”. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 11:37-54 GROW: Consider the charges that Jesus brought against the Pharisees and experts in the law. Do you see any of those faults in your own life? OVERFLOW: A big problem that these people had was their selfishness and neglect of the people around them. Pray that God would show you who he has placed before you. Ask Him how you can make a positive impact on their lives. Take action!

Join us as we learn what it means to live as a child of God. Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 11:14-36. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 11:14-36. What is God teaching you through these verses? GROW: Read Philippians 2:12-18. What is the attitude we need as followers of Christ? OVERFLOW: Think of ways you can be obedient to God's teaching. Trust that His teaching is for a good purpose and surrender to God. Be open to however God leads you into action this week!

Join us as Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 11:1-13 and talks to us about Prayer. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 11:1-13, Matthew 6:5-15, Romans 8:14-16. What does the Bible teach us about healthy posture for prayer? How is your prayer life? GROW: Read James 4:1-3, Matthew 6:31-33. Is there an unanswered prayer? Why do you think it hasn't been answered? Are you seeking the will of our Good Father? OVERFLOW: In your prayer to the Father, ask for forgiveness of your sins. As you've been forgiven, take a step in forgiving someone you have yet to forgive.

This week Pastor Phil takes us through the remainder of Luke 10. This passage looks at the questions of an expert in the law, the story of the Good Samaritan, and an encounter between Mary and Martha as Jesus came to their home! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 10:25-42. Take time to explore how God is speaking to you through this passage. GROW: Ask yourself, “What are the most important things in life?” Do you feel like you are focused on these things? OVERFLOW: What is something you need to adjust in your life? (Is it the way you spend time? Who you give your attention to?) Make an effort to intentionally pursue the things you know are most important in life. 

This week Pastor Tobi brings us into the 10th chapter of Luke! Be sure to follow along and go through the weekly challenge to keep growing deeper in your relationship with God! Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 10:1-24. What is true joy to you? GROW: Are you 100% OK in being the means to an end for Jesus' vision? Or is Jesus being the means to an end for you? OVERFLOW: This week, be sure to bring along one other person for the things you are doing for God. Also, in a tangible way, support the person who is doing something you want to do but not able to.

Join us this week as Pastor Phil takes us through the last portion of Luke chapter 9. Here Jesus challenges people to count the cost of discipleship, to really consider what it means to follow him. Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 9:51-62 and Matthew 8:18-22. Consider the “roadblocks and traffic jams”. GROW: Think about your life and identify the things that block your way, or slow you down as you try follow after Jesus? OVERFLOW: Write down all these “roadblocks and traffic jams”. Consider and pray how these obstacles can be removed or overcome.