Sermons

This week, Pastor John discusses Psalm 86 and the importance of relying on God through prayer. He teaches that prayer is meant to be a consistent daily habit rather than a response only for emergencies. Throughout the sermon, he explains how the psalmist models a relationship with God by recognizing personal limitations, making specific requests for guidance, and acknowledging God's character. Pastor John emphasizes that prayer and praise are connected, as recognizing God's grace and compassion naturally leads to gratitude and trust.

Pastor John delivers a sermon centered on Psalm 116, emphasizing the importance of a life of persistent, prayerful trust in God. He highlights how God consistently hears our cries for mercy and provides deliverance, even in our most desperate moments. By reflecting on God's character as gracious, righteous, and compassionate, we are encouraged to move past "spiritual amnesia"—the tendency to forget past instances of divine faithfulness. Calling believers to express their love for God, commit to future trust, and actively fulfill their vows of praise in every season.

This week, Pastor John's sermon "Sound the Joyful Praise," teaches that praise is a mandatory, joyful lifestyle grounded in Psalm 33. He outlines four core reasons to worship: God's faithful Word, His righteous character, the wonder of creation, and His sovereign plan. Calling believers to be active, expressive worshippers in both their personal lives and corporate gatherings

This week, Pastor John explores the final words of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, focusing on five practical instructions for the church: being joyful, growing toward maturity, encouraging one another, living in harmony and peace, and practicing hospitality through greeting others. He emphasizes that joy is not merely happiness but a deep-seated reliance on the presence of Jesus as our strength, especially during difficult times. Pastor John further unpacks the benediction found in 2 Corinthians 13:14 as a reflection of the Trinity. He explains that we are called to rely on and extend the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. He concludes that true fellowship, or koinonia, is more than just social interaction; it is a shared life with the Holy Spirit that calls believers to be active, engaged, and united witnesses in the world.

In this Pentecost Sunday sermon, Pastor John explains that Pentecost is not just the birthday of the church, but a powerful, transformative moment when the Holy Spirit fills believers to empower them for God's mission. He emphasizes that we cannot fulfill our purpose through our own strength; instead, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, empower our work, and center our witness. By focusing on 1 Corinthians 12, he highlights that every believer is uniquely gifted by the Spirit, and these gifts are intended for the service and benefit of others. Ultimately, Pastor John calls the congregation to a renewed commitment to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, embracing a life of service and using their God-given gifts to make a meaningful difference in the world.

This week, Pastor John explores the significance of Ascension Sunday, reflecting on the moment Jesus ascends to heaven and the subsequent question posed to the disciples: "Why are you still looking up?" He emphasizes that the ascension is not about Christ's absence, but rather His exaltation to the right hand of God and the subsequent gift of the Holy Spirit. Pastor John explains that while believers rightfully long for Christ's promised return, they are called to live actively in the present. He highlights that the ascension confirms Jesus' identity, fulfills His earthly mission, guarantees His intercession for believers, and confirms the coming of the Holy Spirit, which empowers the church to be His witnesses on earth.

This week, Pastor John explores what it means to be a hopeful witness in a world that often feels dark or challenging. Using the imagery of a lighthouse, he illustrates that believers are called to stand steady and shine their light consistently, regardless of the surrounding storms. He emphasizes that this witness is grounded in the worship of Jesus, requires preparation to share one's personal testimony, and must be carried out with a spirit of gentleness and respect. Pastor John encourages the congregation to maintain a clear conscience and a consistent life, ensuring that their actions align with their faith so that others might be pointed toward the hope found in Christ.

This week Pastor John focuses on the call to live faithfully even when facing difficult seasons of suffering. He explores how believers can navigate hardship by following the example of Jesus, who responded to his own suffering by entrusting himself to God. This message is anchored in the Scripture passage of 1 Peter 2:19-25, which highlights how Christ's patient endurance and sacrifice provide both an example and the ultimate hope for redemption.

This week, Pastor John explores the themes of spiritual growth and community found in 1 Peter 2:2-10. He teaches that believers are like living stones who must continually grow in their faith, anchoring their identity in Jesus as the firm foundation and precious cornerstone. He emphasizes that Christians are not meant to stand in isolation but are instead called to be built together as a holy priesthood and a spiritual house that actively reflects God's mercy to the world.

This week, Pastor Chima explores the call for believers to live as Living Stones set apart for God's purposes. He emphasizes the importance of preparing our minds, cultivating a posture of reverent fear, and intentionally aligning our daily lives with the holiness of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages us to radiate God's love and grace in our communities as a heartfelt response to our redemption.

This week Pastor John begins a new sermon series based on the book of First Peter titled Living Stones. He explores how the resurrection of Jesus gives believers a living hope, which anchors them through life's trials. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity as resurrection people—those who persevere with faith, cultivate deep joy, and trust in God's presence even amidst life's challenges.

This Easter Sunday, Pastor John explores the significance of Easter, emphasizing that the message of resurrection begins even in times of darkness and uncertainty. He highlights that Jesus reveals himself through personal relationship, calling followers by name, and invites everyone to respond to this truth by sharing the hope of the gospel with others. Ultimately, calling us to live with the assurance that because Christ is alive, transformation and eternal life are available to all.

Pastor John's Palm Sunday sermon challenges us to think about the kind of king Jesus actually is. He explains that Jesus doesn't arrive as a powerful warrior to conquer, but rather rides in on a humble donkey, bringing a message of peace and salvation. It is a powerful reminder for us to surrender our own expectations about how God should work in our lives. Encouraging s us to embrace Jesus as our Lord, even when his ways defy our understanding, and to offer him our full devotion.

Rev. Michaele Lavigne explores the deep grief and confusion present in the story of Lazarus, highlighting how following Jesus does not spare believers from human emotion. She emphasizes that expressing disappointment and sadness to God is a faithful act. Ultimately, she demonstrates that God's love is revealed not only through resurrection power but also through shared sorrow and lament at the tomb.

This week, Pastor Julia explores the story of the man born blind, highlighting how Jesus brings spiritual sight to those who acknowledge their need for him. She contrasts this with the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, whose pride and rigid adherence to rules prevent them from seeing God's work. Ultimately, she calls the congregation to move beyond comfortable routines and respond to Jesus with true belief and worship.

This week, Pastor Chima preaches from John 4, focusing on the story of the woman at the well and how Jesus recklessly breaks social and religious boundaries to offer her living water. He highlights that Jesus confronts our deepest shames with truth spoken in love, not condemnation, inviting us to stop hiding and receive His boundless grace. Finally, he challenges the congregation to boldly share their own stories of transformation, just as the woman does, to impact their communities.

Pastor John delivers a sermon on John 3:1-17, emphasizing that God's love for the world is a divine mission of rescue and redemption, not condemnation. He challenges listeners to receive this gift of new life, even with questions, and then to join God's mission by actively sharing this transforming love with others in the world. He highlights the importance of believing, receiving, and reflecting God's sacrificial love.

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.