Renewal Church

This week, Pastor Ulysses Wang dives into Romans 8:15-25, revealing how the Holy Spirit empowers us to move from fearful slavery to the security of our father, even in the midst of deep pain. We see how our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory waiting to be revealed, and learn how to wait with patient endurance for the redemption that is surely coming.

In this week's talk, we continue our sermon series through the book of Romans covering the first half of Chapter 8. The passage builds on earlier chapters, tackling themes of condemnation and justification, important themes that we must recognize in our walk of faith. As Pastor Ulysses unpacks and encourages us on these truths, he reminds us of our new verdict, the importance of shifting our focus, and the source of our power to make these changes.

In today's talk, we continue our sermon series through the book of Romans with a talk by Pastor Jonathan as he dives into Romans 7. It is important that we recognize the severity of sin, but how should we respond? Today, Pastor Jonathan unpacks all this chapter has to say about sin, it's relationship to the law and how we stand as believers, encouraging us on what it means to be dead to sin, and why this truth need not make us comfortable with sin.

This week, Pastor Ulysses continues our series through the book of Romans as Paul confronts a common question about grace and sin. We're reminded that everyone serves a master, but that God has rescued us from slavery to sin and brought us into a new way of life. Through this passage, we're invited to consider what the fruit in our lives reveals about who truly rules our hearts.

This week, Pastor Ulysses continues our study in Romans with a message from Romans 6:1–14. As Paul turns from what God has done for us to how we are called to live, we're reminded that grace is not a license to sin, but it's the power that frees us from it. Through this passage, we're invited to understand who we are in Christ and to live in light of that new reality.

In this message, Pastor Ulysses Wang explores Romans 5:12-21, contrasting the legacy of sin inherited from Adam with the forgiveness found in Jesus. While the first Adam opened the door to death for all humanity, we discover how Jesus does much more by offering a gift of grace that completely cleanses that sin. We learn why Christ is the only true answer to the brokenness of this world and how He can replace our despair with an eternal hope.

In this message, Pastor Jonathan explores Romans 5:1-11, revealing how justification by faith brings us into a state of permanent peace and reconciliation with God. We discover how to anchor our heart in a hope that is truly secure, one that is is rooted in a love far greater than what the world can offer.

This week, we return to our sermon series through the book of Romans with a message from Pastor Ulysses on Romans 4. In this passage, Paul speaks of Abraham's faith while making his argument for justification by faith. Pastor Ulysses goes deeper into this story as he unpacks its deeper implications for Christians today, so we can be encouraged and reminded of what it means to receive salvation by faith.

This week we begin the year with a message on faith. Today's passage highlights a notable example demonstrated in the story of Moses, from which we can learn the true characteristics of faith. Pastor Ulysses guides us through these characteristics and encourages us to grow in this faith, showing us why it is important for us to do so and how we can take the first step towards this growth in the coming year.

This week, Pastor Ulysses shares a message from Haggai 1 titled Consider. As we step into a new year, this passage invites us to pause and examine our ways—asking where we are headed and what may be crowding God out of our lives. We are reminded that when we turn back to the Lord, He is faithful to help us rebuild a life with Christ at the center.

This week, we celebrate the hope of Christmas with a message from Matthew 2. In this passage, we see that Jesus is born not just as a Savior, but as a King—one whose authority reaches every corner of our lives. As we follow the story surrounding Jesus' birth, we're reminded that even in a world marked by darkness and brokenness, God is sovereign, present, and bringing light through His Son.

This Sunday, Pastor Ulysses unpacks the heart of the gospel in Romans 3:21-31, reminding us that God's righteousness is revealed not through the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We learn that salvation is entirely by grace, not works, leaving no room for boasting and inviting us instead to find rest in Christ's finished work.

This week, Pastor Ulysses teaches from Romans 3:1-20, reminding us that God is faithful even when we fall short. Paul shows that none of us is truly righteous and that we desperately need God's mercy. Rather than taking His faithfulness for granted, we are invited to face our sin honestly and place our trust in Him.

This week, Pastor Ulysses shares a message that continues our sermon series through the book of Romans. The message builds on last week's talk with a focus on hypocrisy in the church: As Christians, we may be tempted to take pride in our religious endeavors and standing, but how often do we end up showing the world an image that tarnishes the reputation of God? This is a far greater tragedy than we may realize, but as Pastor Ulysses encourages us today, we can reflect and recognize this hypocrisy in our lives, and find a cure in shaping our identity the proper way.

This week, we continue our sermon series through the book of Romans with a message from Pastor Jonathan. The passage for the sermon teaches us to watch for hypocrisy in ourselves; We may be satisfied with our standing with Christ but often do we overlook sins in our lives that we judge others for? In this talk, Pastor Jonathan helps us unpack the passage and what it may look like in our lives, challenging us to recognize and repent, knowing that God's kindness is intended to draw us to repentance.

This week, Pastor Ulysses continues our series in Romans with a message from Romans 1:22–32. In this passage, Paul describes what happens when people turn away from the Creator and redefine God's design—especially when it comes to sexuality. As we walk through the text, we're reminded that all of us must surrender our desires to Jesus, and that God's grace meets every person who chooses to turn toward Him.

This week, Pastor Ulysses continues our series with a message from Romans 1:16–26. In the passage, Paul makes it clear that he is not ashamed of the gospel, which challenges us to examine our own confidence in our faith. Pastor Ulysses walks us through various reasons why belief in God is not only reasonable, but essential, and reminds us that the gospel remains the power of God for salvation to all who believe.

This week, Pastor Ulysses begins our new series in Romans with a message from Romans 1:1–15. Paul reminds us that we've been bought by the blood of Jesus and called to serve His kingdom. Through the sermon we learn what it means to understand God's calling rightly and find joy in living fully for the gospel.

This week, we continue in Psalm 134, a passage dedicated to those who have felt unseen or forgotten. As the final Song of Ascent, it reminds us that God sees and values those who serve Him in quiet, hidden moments, just as the priests and Levites kept watch in the temple through the night. We are encouraged that our faithful service matters to God, and He is always deserving of our praise.

This Sunday, Pastor Yoon from Kairos Church shares a sermon that also wraps up our congregational retreat. In his message, which focuses on the hidden idols of our lives, Pastor Yoon helps to show that idols are not as rare today as we may think. His talk unravels the reasons why many consistently go back to idols and encourages us with ways for us to identify and overcome any idols we may have.

This Sunday we continue our sermon series through the Psalms with a message by Pastor Ulysses. Today's passage centers on a theme of unity and the benefits of it. As we read through this short passage, Pastor Ulysses expands on what it has to say about unity in the church, its importance, and why we must make every effort to pursue this unity.

This week, Pastor Jonathan continues our series through the Psalms with a message from Psalm 132. In this passage, we see a prayer for God's blessing on account of King David—and God's gracious and unexpected response. Pastor Jonathan unpacks what this exchange reveals about the true source of blessing in our lives and challenges us to reframe how we view sacrifice in light of God's ultimate sacrifice for us.

Pastor Ulysses continues the sermon series this week with Psalm 131. This is one of the shortest Psalms in Bible at only three verses, but it's a powerful one through which we learn about pride and hope. Is pride causing us to set our sights too high? Are we putting our worth and value in worldly factors like wealth or relationships? Where is our hope at the end of the day?

This week, Pastor Ulysses begins our new sermon series with a message from Psalm 130. He breaks the psalm into four sections: crying out to God, reckoning with our sin and need for mercy, longing for the Lord's redemption, and proclaiming His steadfast love to others. Through this, we are reminded that our greatest hope is found in God's mercy and His promise to redeem us from all our sins.

This week, Pastor Ulysses concludes our sermon series on the book of 1 John with a message from 1 John 5:13–21. In this passage, we're reminded of our identity as believers, the confidence we can have in prayer, and the seriousness of sin. Lastly, John closes by showing us how our actions reveal the idols that compete for our hearts and our need to guard ourselves by remaining steadfast in Christ.

This week we continue our series through the book of John with a message by Pastor Jonathan. In this message, Pastor Jonathan helps us answer the question: what is the victory that we have in overcoming the world? As he tackles this question, we learn the importance of the testimony of who Jesus is and why faith in Jesus is the only way to win in this life.

This week we continue our sermon series through the book of 1 John. Today's verses speak on the topic of love; We may be familiar with the command to love but how well do we understand and fulfill this command? In today's talk, Pastor Ulysses unpacks what the author of today's passage says about love, showing what it means to love, why we ought to love, and how we can have confidence that we are able to love as God intends.

This week Pastor Ulysses teaches from 1st John chapter 4. We are reminded about the prevalence and persuasion of false profits in this world, and how we are to be discerning and test every spirit against the central truths of the Christian faith. Pastor Ulysses calls us to remain true to the gospel message, and confidently proclaim it clearly to the world, even if it's not the most popular.

Pastor Ulysses continues the sermon series through the book of 1 John, this time through a critical passage in which John discusses love. We learn about the ultimate act of love, the importance of living out love in our everyday lives, and the assurance we can have because of it.

If Jesus returned today, would we be confident or ashamed of how we are living our lives? In this message, Pastor Jonathan unpacks what it truly means to be a child of God, both in our actions and in our identity. We are reminded that it's not about God being on our side, but about us fully living on His.

This week, Pastor Ulysses continues preaching through 1 John 2:18–27, where we are reminded of the growing spiritual deception in our time. He reminded us that false teachers, those who deny Jesus is God and offer secret knowledge, distort the gospel's truth and power. In contrast, true rest and guidance come not from hidden insights or solo spirituality, but through the Spirit's work within us, the Word of God, and the counsel of God's family.

This week, we continue our sermon series through the book of 1 John with a message from Pastor Ulysses. This talk builds on last week's sermon and asks the question: What does real love for God look like? We may think we know the answer, but as the passage today shows, we need to also consider our relationship with the world and others when we reflect on the question. Today pastor Ulysses challenges some of our misconceptions and encourages us to recognize the significance of our love for others, or the world, in showing our love for God.

This week, we are kicking off a new sermon series through the book of 1 John.Today's sermon begins with an introduction that helps set the stage; and as we dive into the first chapter, we learn of dangerous mindsets that the author attempts to address. While some of these may seem unique to the time and recipients of the letter, we also need to watch out for related sins that creep into our lives today. So Pastor Ulysses encourages us to recognize these sins and presents a solution shared by the author that is found in Jesus Christ.

This Sunday we are blessed with a message from Pastor Cho on the Book of Philemon. We witness a letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon that demonstrates how being forgiven in Christ changes us and our relationships with other people. Regardless of where we are in this life, because of His forgiveness, we can radically forgive and love one another with whole hearts. For through Jesus, we are all equally blessed and loved.

This Sunday is the final week in the sermon series on the book of Ruth. Pastor Ulysses teaches through the last chapter of the book, and we learn about the theme of the entire narrative—God's faithfulness to his people. He challenges us to, like Boaz, step out in faith in our lives. To stop asking “What's in it for me?” when it comes to serving God, and to not waste our lives by playing it safe. We don't realize the blessings we may miss out on if we do that.

This past Sunday, Pastor Ulysses goes through Ruth 3, where we learn about the deep, soul-level rest found only in our ultimate Redeemer Jesus. Like Ruth approaching Boaz in humility, we see how we can come to Jesus not on our own terms, but with open hands and surrendered hearts.

This past Sunday, Pastor Ulysses preached from Ruth 2, reminding us that God's providence and grace are often at work behind the scenes, even when we don't see them. He encouraged us that while we live in an “age of gleaning,” marked by hardship and persecution, God's provision is always present. What may seem like luck or coincidence is often the incredible hand of God, moving through ordinary circumstances for His greater purpose.

How often have circumstances in life led you to compromise, thinking “what choice do I have?” Can we confidently see God as our King even when life gets difficult? These questions are in focus today as we kick off a new sermon series through the book of Ruth: As we dive into the first chapter and explore the background of the story, we see how a similar sentiment — compromising and asking “what choice do I have?” in difficult times — likely preceded and led to the state of affairs at the start of the book. But as pastor Ulysses encourages us today, we can learn from Ruth who went against the tide, that regardless of what we go through, we can always make a choice to follow God.

What do you do when you're in pain or in the midst of life's challenges? Are you quick to fall into despair or do you, like the psalmist in today's passage, hold on to a deep hope in the midst of it all? In this week's talk, we reflect on this question as Pastor Jonathan walks us through Psalm 42, a passage that conveys the emotional and spiritual journey of a psalmist who held on to hope in God through great turmoil. As we explore this passage, we can be encouraged to learn what it means to have deep hope and how we can turn to God to experience that hope in our own lives.

Now that we have finished our mission's month sermon series, Pastor Jonathan guides us through a lesson on fear this Sunday. How should we deal with and cope with fear? How should we view fear biblically? What does it mean to fear the Lord, and why should we fear Him?

This Sunday is the last service of our missions month, for which guest speaker Pastor Di Leonardo shares about his experience as a missionary in Italy—including some of the challenges of reaching the people in that region of the world. He also illustrates through a variety of passages from the Bible what missions are truly about holistically, and how they can enable us to live our lives in the presence of God to the glory of God.

This week our guest speaker, Pastor Phil, invites us to reimagine the Christian life not as something we do for God, but with God. Drawing from John 15 and Matthew 11, he unpacks Jesus' invitation to walk in intimate friendship and shared burden. Through his personal stories and illustrations, we're challenged to see mission as a daily journey of presence, rest, and partnership with Christ.

This week, we continue our missions series as guest speaker Pastor Keith challenges us to break out of a “Christian ghetto” mindset and embrace the global mission God has given us. Drawing from Acts 1:6–8 and Revelation 7:9, he reminds us that the abundant life Jesus promises is not about material gain, but about living with purpose—making disciples, spreading the gospel, and seeking first God's kingdom.

This week at Renewal Church, we begin an exciting new series of talks on missions, starting with a message from Pastor Mark Chun on church planting. In this sermon, Pastor Mark reminds us of the importance of the local church and church planting and shares some of the hallmarks of a church built the proper way, on the foundation of Christ.

In this week's sermon, Pastor Ulysses concludes his sermon series through the book of Zechariah. This final chapter, which features apocalyptic literature that may be difficult to understand, shares an important message about what lies ahead. As we dive into the passage, we are reminded to not shy away from difficulties that may await us as believers; instead, we can be encouraged knowing what's to come and challenged to live in response to it.

This week we celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Pastor Ulysses takes us through a passage in Acts where Paul shares about the one true God to the people in Athens, who were at the time completely consumed by daily news—much like we are today in the Bay Area. He explains how each of us can experience the resurrection life today if we look upon the cross and acknowledge the sacrifice he has made that we might live!

This week Pastor Ulysses teaches through the 12th chapter of Zechariah, in which both victory for Jerusalem and a time of deep mourning are described. He details how Christians today often swing too far one direction, either towards victory where we know we are forgiven so we ignore our sin, or towards morning where we feel total despair or worthless and unloved. We should truly morn and weep over our sin, but at the same time have the spirit of encouragement within us to know that there is victory over sin through Jesus Christ.

This Sunday we read through Zechariah 11:1–17, where God's judgment unfolds through powerful imagery and prophetic sign acts. Pastor Jonathan walks us through Zechariah's portrayal of both a faithful shepherd and a worthless one, revealing Israel's rejection of God and the consequences that followed. This sobering chapter ultimately points us to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, reminding us that true peace and protection are found only in Him.

This week, as we continue through Zechariah 10, we're challenged to ask: What are we trying to handle through our own strength and control? Pastor Ulysses reminds us that God is our ultimate provider. Yet, like the Israelites, we often foolishly turn to “false idols” and worldly solutions instead of seeking Him first. Through this Sunday's sermon, we learn about trusting in His provision and rejecting the temptation to rely on anything else.

Pastor Ulysess teaches us that only through God will we find everlasting peace with this passage in Zechariah. It is too easy and tempting, when we are young, to put our peace in worldly things. But the trials and slings of fortune will come in time. If we are to truly stay steadfast and unshaken by this life, we must put our faith in the one place where no one can take it away. That in the arms of Jesus Christ and His promise of everlasting peace.

This Sunday we continue our series in Zechariah with a message of blessing. This world is a broken place due to our sin. But in spite of all of that, God wishes to bless us. There is freedom from the tyranny of the present if we look at the blessing God has given us and the final blessing He has in store for us. If we accept this in our hearts, it will renew and repair us until the day we join Him.