Sermons

This week, Pastor John focuses on the Transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's glory and presence in our daily lives. He urges listeners to "listen to Jesus" above all other voices, including their own, and to remain focused on Him through prayer and scripture. He highlights that a glimpse of God's glory offers a new perspective, preparing us for the challenges of life and inspiring worship. Ultimately, Pastor John encourages everyone to seek out God's presence in their surroundings and allows the beauty of Jesus to transform their lives.

In this Faith Promise message, Rev. Dr. Francisca Ireland shares her personal journey and current work in missions, drawing from her Dutch heritage and her role at Boston University's seminary, where she trains international students to spread the gospel worldwide. She recounts the fascinating history of the Church of the Nazarene in China, established in 1914, noting how the faith unexpectedly flourishes even after missionaries are expelled in 1941. This narrative highlights the enduring nature of faith and the resilience of the church, which thrives even when driven underground. Dr. Ireland emphasizes God's faithfulness and encourages generosity in supporting missions, assuring listeners that God is abundant in His giving and seeks to work through them. She challenges the us to consider our participation in global missions through prayer and financial commitment, trusting in God's provision.

This week, Pastor Julia explores the Beatitudes, highlighting what it means to be truly blessed according to Jesus' teachings. She emphasizes that these blessings are often found in conditions that the world might consider undesirable, encouraging a shift in perspective towards spiritual richness rather than worldly success.

Pastor Chima explores how Jesus brings light into a world often perceived as dark and unsettling. He encourages us to embrace this new understanding by repenting and following Jesus's teachings. Following Jesus is a lifelong commitment to learning and living according to His ways, even if it means challenging existing norms or relationships. He also highlights the importance of sharing Christ's light with the community, likening individual efforts to candles collectively illuminating a dark room.

This week, Pastor John explores the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13–17, a moment rich with meaning and revelation. He reflects on how Jesus' baptism reveals identity at multiple levels: who God is, shown through the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who we are as God's children. The message highlights Jesus' obedience in fulfilling all righteousness and how His baptism serves as a model for believers today. At its heart, the sermon invites us to consider questions of identity, grounding our understanding of ourselves in the nature and character of God.

This week, Pastor John kicks off a new series titled "His Name Is Jesus," delving into John chapter 1 to explore the profound identity of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus is the eternal Word of God, fully divine, and the very creator and sustainer of all things. Pastor John encourages listeners to stay connected to Jesus as their divine power source through the Holy Spirit as they navigate the new year.

This week, Pastor Chima dives into the often-overlooked realities of the first Christmas, exploring how it was far from a simple, joyful event for Jesus and his family. Drawing from Matthew 2:13-23, he reveals three powerful truths: God's unwavering protection, His comforting presence in suffering, and His unfailing plan, even through the most challenging circumstances. We discover how God sees our pain and works through unexpected places to fulfill His purpose.

This week we explore the disruptive yet divine arrival of Jesus, focusing on Joseph's faithful obedience to God's unexpected plan. We delve into the significance of the names "Jesus," meaning "Yahweh saves," and "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us," highlighting how these names embody Jesus's mission to save humanity and God's constant presence in our lives. We're reminded that God often works through disruptions, calling us to immediate obedience and trust in His salvation plan.

This week, Pastor John's message focuses on John the Baptist's doubts while in prison and Jesus' response, highlighting that faith and doubt can coexist. He emphasizes that Jesus answers doubts with evidence of his faithfulness rather than anger, encouraging believers to look for signs of God's presence even in difficult times. Finally, the sermon stresses that Jesus honors those who wait faithfully, asserting that true greatness in the kingdom comes from perseverance and serving others, and that Jesus is the ultimate answer to all questions and needs.

In this weeks message, Pastor Julia emphasizes that Advent is a season of internal preparation, not just outward decoration. She challenges us to examine their hearts for clutter and sin, highlighting that true readiness for Christ's arrival comes through repentance and a longing for cleansing and peace, making space for the Savior within.

In this sermon, Pastor John discusses the Advent season, emphasizing that it functions in three tenses: past, present, and future. He challenges listeners to prepare not just for Christmas, but for Christ's return, highlighting the importance of watchfulness, faithfulness, and relationship with God. The sermon underscores that Jesus is always present and encourages leaning into faith, especially during difficult times.

In this sermon, Pastor John explores the unique Christian calendar, highlighting that this Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, marking the end of the church year and anticipating Advent. He challenges listeners to consider what it truly means to proclaim Jesus as King and how that belief should transform their daily lives. Drawing from Colossians 1:11-20, the message reminds believers of their identity as a people strengthened and provided for by God. It emphasizes living with thankful joy, being a light in a dark world, and remembering their redemption and forgiveness in Christ.

Today's message focuses on dealing with loss and finding strength in God during difficult times. Pastor John uses the biblical story of Haggai and Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple to illustrate how God encourages His people to persevere despite discouragement and significant loss. The core message is to be strong in the Lord's strength as God is always present and faithful, even when the path ahead seems overwhelming.

In this sermon, Pastor John explores the Book of Habakkuk, focusing on the prophet's laments and God's responses. He emphasizes that faith often begins in confusion and complaint, and that God invites us to bring our questions, sorrows, and doubts into His presence as an act of trust and worship. The sermon highlights that even when life is chaotic and uncertain, God's timing is perfect, and the righteous will live by faith.

This All Saints Day message celebrates God's enduring faithfulness through generations, honoring believers who have faithfully lived their lives and become part of the "great cloud of witnesses." Pastor John encourages the congregation to remember and be inspired by these examples.

Pastor John compares the Christian life to a marathon, stressing the need for dedication, endurance, and faithfulness (13:35-14:07). Inspired by 2 Timothy 4:6-8, he encourages us to live as an act of worship (18:55-22:51) for an eternal reward (28:23-31:04). A key takeaway: don't give up—keep your focus on Jesus, even when discouraged (42:36-43:41).

Pastor Chima brings us this week's message, "Word of God, Speak," based on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. This sermon explores the steadfastness of faith and the profound influence of scripture in our lives. Reflect with us on how the Holy Scriptures, known from infancy, can lead us to wisdom for salvation and thoroughly equip us for God's work.