Storefront Church: Recent Episodes
Storefront Church
For the second week in a row we're looking at two statements of Jesus' from John 10. By consider that he is "The Gate" as well as, "The Good Shepherd" we'll learn about the emotional life of God, the relational life of God, and the missional life of God.
With today's passage we see Jesus call himself both "the Gate" and the "Good Shepherd". While very different each tell us something about the mission of God, as well as, the nature of God.
More and more, modern folk see themselves as spiritual but not religous! But while belief in God in may have waned, what hasn’t is the Christian-inspired idea that everything will be ultimately end well. What does Christianity say about human progress?
Many of us have a hard time defining the word, Grace. But we need to be able to put Grace into words so that we can put grace into action.
Haman was impaled on a pole of his own making and he never saw it coming. And his death, way up there, would have been a cautionary tale for all who passed by. So, let’s look at him and take caution, and ask ourselves, “How would you like to die?”
To honor someone means to esteem, value, and treat another with great respect. After a restless night has the experience of being honored, and it changes him. Are we made for honor? This passage, and all the bible, indicate the answer is, "Yes!".
This is a passage in which we’re seeing power dynamics at work. Most of the time when we talk about power dynamics we talk about the abuse of power. Today, with Esther and Mordecai we see power used to protect and empower others.
Taking a break from our series on Esther, we're happy to hear from Rev. Peter Rhee, an assistant pastor at Uptown Community Church. Today he'll be talking about where one places there confidence.
If we live as though this world is our home, than we’ll be always confused. If we live as those in exile we’ll be wise, tough, and, tender.
A major theme in the Book of Esther is that the "hidden hand" is at work. Its through stories like Esther, that Saint Augustine say things like, "Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence." Let's consider this as we look at excerpts from Esther 2.
- How do we know God is at work in the world? That's a hard question if we limit our understanding to simply seeing his physical presence, or the experience of miracles alone, and not take into consideration the primary way in which God works in the world, which is his Providence. Join us for new series, as we hidden hand of God through the Book of Esther.
Jesus' parable in Matthew 18 is a challenge for those of us who struggle to forgive. Listen to this week's message by Pastor Aswan Morris and find the essential motivation to establishing a culture of forgiveness wherever you are.
During this time David had a lot of admirers, a lot of wives, and a lot of soldiers, he had a terrace, but what he only had one friend: God, who sent him Nathan.
What would you say to a close friend, if you knew it was the last time you'd ever seen them? In saying farewell to his pupils, the Apostle Paul provides leadership wisdom born out of grace. s
Can People Change? The Christian faith is about an inner transformation that impacts and informs all of life in an ongoing and ever increasing way. What we learn from Acts 1:1-19, is that a personal transformation lived out makes belief viable, visible, and valuable.
Waiting is a universal experience, and it's really really hard. Yet, today, we see that waiting is where God meets us.
What do you call a man who is running from danger, while running to danger? You'd call that man desperate.
Jonah is called to the great city of Nineveh to speak against its evil, and yet he flees. Why?
With Jesus' call to follow him, he provides what every human seeks; acknowledgement, understanding, and commitment.
This week we're taking a break from our summer series. Thankful to Rev. David Bisgrove of Redeemer WS with us this week.
The story of Naaman is this, there is a kind of significance, security and a kind of healing that cannot be earned, it must be received. Yet, God doesn’t just want to give us those things; he wants to immerse us in them.
Today we welcome back our friend, Pastor Aswan Morris, who will teach on Mark 10:17-22 and how Jesus want to make people whole. Enjoy!
Today's passage deals with a spiritual test. This is not so much a test that produces faith, as it is a test to reveal it. Join us as we explore Genesis 22:1-19.
Guest teacher Stan Thomas shows us how the words of Jesus call us to see our own hunger and invited us to feed on that which will truly satisfy. Jesus, himself.
Jesus said He would send the Spirit to us to be our Helper, Comforter, and Guide. When the Spirit comes he do so without delay through a refining Fire. This Fire recognizes and removes barriers in order to draw people to the Lord.
With the Stoning of Stephen, we have an account of the first Xian martyr, who experiences “hell on earth”. Yet, he receives a vision is so captivating, so informative that even in the worst moment imaginable, Stephen is not hopeless, hateful, or disappointed.
This week we had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Aswan Morris. Aswan is Regional Director of Young Life for the Manhattan and the Bronx, and a real gift to NYC.
Because Christians know something about the Cross of Jesus that the disciples didn't, we now have an opportunity to do what the disciples couldn't do. Rather than desert and flee, we have the opportunity to stay and go all the way with him. How can understand Holy Week so that by the time we arrive at the Empty we know its actually full of meaning?
With today's passage we learn that while never less than thoughtful, the Christian life is more than an intellectual exercise. Having been healed of blindness we learn from John 9:1-41 what it looks like to walk with confidence in God without having to have all the answers.
Today, James Payne draws out helpful and hopeful observations from the story of the Samaritan women who comes to a well looking for water. Only, she finds something much much more.
With this brief conversation Jesus doesn’t just interrupt Nicodemus' train of thought, but he interrupts his story. Join us during this season of Lent where we're invited into a new story, one that's bigger than our own.
Today we see Jesus being led by the Spirit into the Wilderness to be tested. As those who walk with Christ during the Lenten season, we gladly go where we do not want to go.
Today's passage describes a group of friends who forcefully assert their will, but not for themselves. They do so to bring their friend closer to Jesus. Being a good neighbor is an act of faith.
Nobody comes to NYC to be a Neighbor, but in the bible being a Neighbor is a big deal. So what can we learn?
To believe in the providence of God in your life is to believe that everything happens for a reason, including where you live.
Jesus teaches a hostile crowd the "Great Commandment". In doing so, we
learn that the holy moments of Christ aren't just at the beginning and end of his earthly life, but holy moments
are always taking place wherever he is. This is the first sermon in our series on Neighboring.
When you think of Jesus, what do you think of him doing right now? This week, Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi explores John 17 and shows us that one of the things Jesus is presently doing is praying for you.
In Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s devotional, God in the Manger, he addresses the human dilemma of Christmas and our inability to celebrate it fully, authentically, correctly. Mary, however, shows us how.
The first Advent was about waiting for the Messiah. The Second Advent is about waiting for the Messiah to come again. And today we turn to John the Baptist because he prepares us for the first Advent, and he shows us how to live in light of the second. How does he do that? By asking questions.
Today, in our series we’ve come to the topic of giving and the recognition that God’s grace reorients people to be radically generous.
What we believe about God will shape how we think about ourselves, our life journey's, but will determine how we treat others. With this passage, Jesus puts out the "Welcome" sign to the religious and the irreligious. He invites them to live in light of the reckless love of God.
The question isn't "Am I being discipled?", but "By whom, and, what am I being formed to be?" Over the next few weeks, we're looking at the distinguishing characteristics of Christian formation. We begin with, Knowing Christ.
The most significant act of Jesus' life was his death on a cross. With today's sermon we examine the cost of following after him.
We're pleased to have Nick Nowalk as our guest preacher. Psalm 91 stands as perhaps the classic statement in Scripture of a different way of relating to an unknown future: trusting the promises of the God who will meet us then and there in whatever the future holds, just as He is with us here and now, and has been with us always.
From now until Christmas, we’re focusing on, and growing in, our appreciation and desire for discipleship as defined by Jesus. Today we're looking at the Great Commission, Jesus' charge to share the goodness of God with all the world.
We're often looking for the right person or program to help us grow. Jesus tells us, however, we need to look at our hearts, and ask ourselves, “Am I able to grow? And, if not, why? Known as the "Parable of the Sower", Jesus shows that the condition of the heart will determine wether we are ready, willing, and able to receive that which we need.
We believe the pursuit of justice without the pursuit of grace and mercy misses the mark. In a world where all people are both beautiful and broken, we believe the goal of Justice should be that of redemption and restoration, not revenge. Therefore, we aim to cultivate leaders as “peacemakers”, who apply Jesus’ teachings to complex relationships, circumstances, and systems in order to speak truth as well as facilitate healing through love and grace.
One of the most important questions in all of human history is, What is my responsibility to my fellow man? Whether you’re a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or Atheist, we cannot help but think that we'll be remembered by God (or human history) for how we cared for others.
As difficult as things seem, God is still very much at work. In fact, he often uses the most difficult situations and painful situations to accomplish his purposes. He also empowers each believer with the ability to share the Good News, whether they think they are equipped or not.
(Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-8)
When everything around them seemed to be coming undone, “His Words" made them remember, to believe. And, they moved from doubt and despair to determination.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-12; 22-33)
The only way to have true peace on earth is for God to bring it from heaven. With the 'Triumphal Entry' we see that Jesus is the provider of that peace. (Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28-44)
Nothing could prepare the disciples for the difficult days ahead, but when Jesus takes his inner circle atop a mountain to show them his glory they now realize they have in Jesus the power to see them through.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 9:28-36)
In a broken world, everyone will have enemies. If you’re a follower of Christ, you’ll have enemies too. How Christians are to treat their enemies, however, will distinguish them from others. For Christians are called to love those who treat them unlovingly.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-38)
Jesus was a master at empowering people. Not only does he empower people but he empowers those that nobody else would. (Scripture Reading: Luke 6: 12-26)
Every blessing is a gift of God, even those that come through sheer obedience. Raised to be “independent and free” or nothing at all there is much to be learned here about obedience to Christ when reason and the belief in our own sufficiency say otherwise.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 5: 1-11)
Last week, we saw Jesus return home only to be chased out of church and nearly killed. Yet despite the violent aggression of others, we also learned Jesus' true intention is not to wage war on people. but to battle "the powers and principalities of the world" for the hearts and minds of his people.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 4:31-44)
With the reading of this Old Testament prophecy Jesus reveals here, what he hides in other places. He is, indeed, the Messiah, and all of the Scriptures are about him. Secondarily, the Bible is about the spiritual “poor”, “blind”, “imprisoned” and “oppressed”. In so far as you identify as one in spiritual need, the Bible is about you, too. In Jesus, those in need have One who make others spiritually “rich”, gives “sight”, “liberates” and takes off our “burdens”.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 4:16-30
God’s intention for the Church is to be a unified group of diverse people, a countercultural love for the common good. However, the Church of Corinth is a lot more interested in “doing” and a lot less interested in “being.” Which is a good reminder for all of us. As big and bold as the Storefront vision is, without God’s love informing our lives, we too, will be a “clanging cymbal” or a “noisy gong” to our city. Meaning, we’ll be noisy (big splash) but unwanted (hollow and abrasive) instruments in the world, unable to foster personal or communal transformation.
(Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31; 13:1-13)
Due to the moral relativity of their lives, John the Baptist prepared “the way for the Lord '' by preparing the hearts of all men for judgement. His challenge to them? Live out a better narrative, namely, a narrative of repentance. Here is ancient wisdom for our modern age and the most unabashedly morally relevant culture in history
(Scripture Reading: Luke 3:1-22)
Here we see a passage where those in authority are humbled by Jesus, the true Authority. For children, parents and church leaders, we’re shown the power and promise of Jesus in his ability to exercise agency with authoritative power, insight. From his first days as a man, Jesus willingly humbles himself out of love. One lesson is how agency under authority produces spiritual growth. Another, how Jesus “was made perfect” in suffering through obedience.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52)
Jesus changes longing into thanksgiving, anticipation into reality, and anxiety into joy. But it will come at a cost; his death will come by the hands of those whom he came to save.
(Scripture Reading: Luke 2:22-40)
Christ’s birth brings joy to the wise, turmoil to the powerful, and hope for all mankind. His birth asks each one of us, "what do you worship?" and presents himself as worthy of our worship.
(Scripture Reading: Matt 2:1-12)
12/19 | The message of Christmas? Joy has been revealed, and yet, it's not simply that God is our joy, but that it's his joy to meet us wherever there is misery.
(Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14)
Joseph, the earthly Father of Jesus, faces two dilemmas. The first, is the impossible circumstances he now finds himself in. The other? Himself. Joseph is a “just man" but is he just (and loving) enough? It often takes a dilemma to find out.
Scripture Reading: (Matthew 1:18:25)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Celebrating Advent, means we're able to wait." Christmas means that we're able to do so with Hope.
(Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16)
Though a "servant of the Lord", Jonah seems to live in service to his emotions. What we learn with this weeks message is that redemption and renewal are not spiritual ideas, but realities to be applied to every aspect of our lives, as well as, our past, present, and future.
(Scripture Reading Jonah 4:5-11)
Through Jonah's ministry to Nineveh, God continues to minister to, and sanctify, Jonah. This week Jonah went to preach to Nineveh but it was Nineveh that ended up “preaching” to Jonah, and he couldn’t stand it! A major take away from this chapter is that while it’s possible to understand God’s grace in your head and in your heart, we can still cling to hopes for vengeance and exile of our enemies.
(Scripture Reading: Jonah 4:1-11)
The final of our five denominational vows.
“Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
Vow #5 is about AUTHORITY. Here we place ourselves under the authority and discipline of the church, committing to strive for sound doctrine and also to live at peace within the faith community.
The 4th of our 5 denominational vows.
“Do you promise to support the church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?”
With Vow #4, the theme is SERVICE and commit to participate to uphold the church in its worship and in the work
David unpacks the 3rd of our 5 denominational vows.
“Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?”
The major theme of Vow #3 is SANCTIFICATION. Or, our growing spiritual Christian maturity. Once you professed faith, you resolve to live as Jesus’ follower with the aid of the Holy Spirit.
David unpacks the 2nd of our 5 denominational vows.
“Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest on Him alone, as He is offered in the gospel?”
With Vow #2, FAITH is the main theme. Here we proclaim and confess that we are relying on Jesus Christ alone for our salvation.
David provides an intro into the why behind membership vows and unpacks the 1st of our 5 denominational vows.
“Do you acknowledge yourself as a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving his displeasure, and without hope except for his sovereign mercy?
The main theme of the first vow is REPENTANCE. Here we acknowledge that we're a sinner, and that because of this, our only hope of salvation is found in God’s mercy.
The Book of Jonah is a story about one man's miraculous journey of self-discovery. But as we see Jonah's journey is a painful one, because he doesn't like what he finds. However, today everything changes. Jonah comes to the end of himself, and through prayer finds grace and hope in God.
(Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:17-2:10)
Jonah had experienced friendship with God in ways few others have, and yet now, we see that he’d rather be hurled into the sea, than simply re-engage God in order to quiet the storm. Since our relationship with God is not unlike Jonah's we can learn a lot through this passage. (Scripture Reading Jonah 1:1-16)
Everyone from Tim Keller to Ta-Nahesi Coates has written a commentary on the Book of Jonah, and it's not because they’re flummoxed by the idea of “ great fish”, but because some of the very same sociological issues that we deal with today, Jonah dealt with, too. Today, we learn that whenever God does something new it's always because he’s up to something good.
(Scripture Reading: Jonah 1: 1-3)
This week we focus on how even the most mature followers of Jesus, become children of God (again).
(Scripture Reading from John 3:1-15)
This week we're looking at governance of the church and seeking its purity and peace, through Matthew 18:15-20.
With 1 Corinthians 13, Paul pastors a church that has lost its way. They have been blessed with gifts and they gotten busy doing “the things” the church is supposed to do. Yet, in doing them they've lost sight of God. When we lose sight of God, we cease to be the vessels of God’s sacrificial, never-ending love, which is what he intended. As we look at the fourth of our five membership vows... “Do you promise to support the worship and work of the church?”
In order to answer the question above, perhaps we need to ask "How do we support the worship and work of the church?" "1 Corinthians 13 tells us the purpose of our gifts (the work of the church) is Love. And the way to not lose sight of loving is Worship.
(Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 13)
Immanuel Kant said that what defines a truly rich man, not by what he/she has, but by what he/she can live without. What we learn from this passage is that in world full temptations, the one thing we cannot live out is the Holy Spirit. So dependent are Christians on the Holy Spirit, that we cannot even promise to follow Jesus without recognizing our reliance upon Him.
As we endeavor to follow Christ we must endeavor to understand the Spirit of God. In the same way that Jesus was the divine presence of God in the lives of the disciples, so now will the Holy Spirit serve as the divine presence of Christ in his absence.
Vow #3:“Do you promise in humble reliance upon the Holy Spirit to endeavor to walk as becoming a follower of Christ?”
(Scripture reading: John 14:1; 15:1-17 ESV)
This week we reflect on the 2nd of our membership vows:
"Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?"
Jesus came to reverse our brokenness. Even in the face of desperation and death, Jesus comes with his touch of compassion while challenging the status quo. Faith in Christ may not remove us from our momentary trials but answers our deepest needs and gives us a family to walk with.
As a Church we are revisiting the doctrine of membership and being part of the Body and we are doing that by teaching through the five vows of our denomination which can be categorized as follows: Our Predicament, Our Provision, Our Power, Our Participation and Our Privilege.
This week we’re talking about our Predicament. Christians acknowledge that we’re “sinners in the sight of God” that we’re “justly deserving us God’s displeasure” apart from his Sovereign mercy. This is quite a predicament. And there is no better place to understand that predicament than Psalm 51, where King David repents before God.
(Scripture Reading: Psalm 51 ESV)
Now, if you were to ask someone living along the High Line what exactly does an Ambassador of Christ represents you might hear words like Love, or Grace, but I doubt we would here the topic we are being asked to consider today. Which is one of “reconciliation.” Christians, are Ambassadors of God’s reconciling work to the world, through Jesus Christ. (Scripture Reading 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 ( ESV )
This week, we unpack what it means to be a “believer.” “Believing” into Jesus means that you move from an agnostic, atheist, or a general, “worshipper of God” to trusting in Jesus as Lord. For the disciples (and each of the new followers found in these verses) this meant that Jesus ruled over human hearts and entire households, over our bodies and our suffering.
(Scripture Reading from Acts 16:13-34)
When Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and his imminent death on the cross, he loved his disciples to the end. That can be interpreted as "loved them to the last breath and love in its highest intensity." (v 1-5) The dialogue (v. 6-11) between Jesus and Peter shows us in vivid form, the lengths we are willing to go to cover up our shame, refusing Jesus who wants to serve us and wash us. Jesus shows through foot washing that his love knows no limit when it comes to how much shame he can endure, ultimately expressed in the cross. Following Jesus (v. 12-15) includes "putting on" the shame of others in grace, forgiving others when they've wronged you, and being more patient with yourself than you are now.
(Scripture Reading: John 13: 1-15 ESV)
“Citizens of Rome”, wherever they found themselves, were called to live out the "cultural distinctives" of the Roman Empire. Paul reminds followers of Christ as “Citizens of Heaven” that they’re to live out the "cultural distinctives" of the Heavenly city in whatever earthly city they live in. Now there are many distinctives about the Christian faith, but they often begin with a return to Joy.
(Scripture Reading is from Philippians 3)
Not one time is the word “friend” mentioned in this passage. However, with the story of Zacchaeus we have a “case study” of how one becomes a friend, and the responsibility that comes with being a friend. Through friendship with Jesus, Zacchaeus transforms from being the foe of everyone to a humble friend to all who he has wronged. Friendship with Jesus is the kind that changes lives, transforms communities, and even the world.
(Scripture Reading Luke 9:1-10 ESV)
The Apostle Paul, like everyone, knows that being a servant is not easy. And yet, He says "we do not lose heart." With today's message we learn that being a servant of the Lord is challenging not because God is impossible to please, but because humans are.
(Scripture reading from 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 ESV)
In the New Testament, followers of Christ are rarely referred to as “Christians.” In fact, in both the old and new testaments, God’s people are given other titles and descriptions; like “soldier” or “citizens'', “servants” and “saints.” These Christian synonyms do what mere principles cannot, they shape our moral imagination, provide a broader understanding of Christian identity, and further our understanding of the Kingdom of God. With this sermon, we learn how the Apostle Paul thinks of “Saints”. (Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:2)
These verses, quite helpfully, say something about how Christians face conflict in community. The injunction here is that before making judgements about others, the disciple is to engage in self-examination, avoiding hypocrisy. This passage is an invitation into the needed but too often neglected practice of self-examination. This week Pastor Bijan explores Jesus’ famous statement, ‘Do not judge’. We’ll be considering not only what Jesus meant, but also how that teaching shapes the way you navigate conflict today.
(Scripture Reading from Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV))
One of the primary declarations and confirmations of the gospel and one of the primary confirmations that gospel is true, is Christians respond to persecution. Teaching what Jesus taught, the Apostle emphasizes that Christians are to, "Bless and don’t curse." those who do them harm. Are you ready?
(Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21)
Christians are called to love one another, bless others, and grieve with everyone. Over the next three weeks we'll dive into Romans 12:9-21 and the gifts, skills, and character which mark the Christian life.
(Scripture reading Romans 12:9-21)
There are many reasons why membership in the church is down. However, the primary reason can be found in Romans 12. As members of the Christ's Body, spiritually speaking "we think more highly of ourselves than we ought to.”
(Scripture Reading Romans 12:1-8)
The most seasoned Christians, even those at the highest levels of leadership, can have blindspots when it comes to nationalism, ethnic identity, and "religion." Yet for the early Christian Church, we see that there was something they revered more. In Galatians 2, Paul shows us all "the truth of the gospel."
(Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:11-21)
Today, we're pleased to have Kristian Hernandez of Hope Church-Astoria teach us about the great privilege of Christian prayer. Christian's pray to God as "Father. (Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9)
At a time where many are indifferent to religion and don't understand the relevance to God for the daily life, today we learn that there is nothing more practical than knowing that Jesus Christ is "the Word made flesh." (The Scripture reading is from John 1:1-18)
Jesus is surrounded by people in need. And yet what we learn from his response to the paralytic and his friends is that as great as his physical dilemma is, there is an even greater dilemma to contend with. The problem behind every problem is that we need to be forgiven of our sin. (Scripture reading from Mark 2:1-12)
As extraordinary as Moses’ life was he was not a self-made person. On the contrary, his life was almost defined by his dependence on others. And, ultimately, by his dependence on God. Like Moses, the more we trust in the God of Redemption, the more we're called to put to death the "Self-Made" myth. (Today's reading is from Exodus 3:1-14)
Twenty or so years after the Resurrection, Peter’s hope remains. What we discover is that because his is a "living hope, it has not only restored him, but it's refine him. How can we have a Hope like that? (Scripture reading is from 1 Peter 1:3-9)
Today marks our first birthday! David preaches from 1 Peter 2:1-10 on how to grow in spiritual maturity. This recording also includes some of our surprise guests that celebrated our birthday with us!
(Scripture reading is from 1 Peter 2:1-10)
A Christian community over-influenced by a consumerist culture says "Keep looking for the perfect Christian experience!" But the author of Hebrews says, “Keep loving one another as Brothers and Sisters.” What we learn from this is that much of spiritual maturity is discovered through community. (Reading from Hebrews 13:1)
Brothers and Sisters love deeply and battle often. As men and women there are pitfalls all around us and yet the scriptures encourage us to be wise, humble and persistent in our familial love to one another. (Reading 1 John 4:7-21)
This week, Rev. Reyn Cabinte of Uptown Community Church, reminds through James 3:1-12 that Jesus has come to redeem our lives, which includes the sanctifying of our mouths.
Followers of Jesus will always have "Brothers and Sisters" in the faith. What we learn here is that Christians also need (and should desire to become) "Fathers and Mothers."
(Reading from 1 Corinthians 4:14-17)
With today’s passage, God “knits” two souls together and guides two strangers into a brotherhood that is intimate, true, and safe. Here are principles for discipleship, and a model for the Christian life. (Reading from 1 Samuel 17:57-58; 18:1-11)
With the the start of a new series, we're reimagining what it means to follow Christ, not just as individuals, but, be led by the Spirit, as a Family. (Reading from Romans 8:14-17)
The gospel means that God doesn’t take away our sorrows and replace them with joy. Rather, he transforms our sorrows into joy. Hear Guest Preacher, Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi from Reality Church London share from John 16:16-22.
With the invitation, "Follow me", Jesus demonstrates his desire and ability to heal us personally, culturally and definitively. At a time of deep division, perhaps there is no better passage to reflect on. (Matt 9:9-13)
David shares his reflections on this week's Capitol Riots and preaches on Mark 4:1-11. This podcast closes with our prayers for the people.
Luke 2 tells us that Christmas isn't just about one son, it's about two. Two Sons and two very different Kingdoms. Which Kingdom are you about? (Luke 2:1-20)
As the mother of God, there are things that only Mary can teach us about Jesus. Today we learn about increased faith in through seemingly impossible circumstances.
(Luke 1:26-45)
Though essentially silent all his life, when the word of the Lord came to John the Baptist, he was given voice, "Prepare the Way of the Lord!" With this second sermon in our Advent series, we learn that among many things, the Lord is coming for you." Are you prepared? (Luke 3:1-18)
When it comes to longing, no one is immune. Even those who’re righteous in the eyes of God long for lives that are more complete than the ones they have. Advent is a time to long together as we await the coming of the Lord. (Luke 1:5-25)
A timely message we encourage all to hear. In the midst of an unprecedented season of loss, Dr. Cedric Johnson shared from Joshua 1:1-9, the importance of grieving. Grieving is necessary because it's through grief that we heal.
"Aiming to bridge the divide that exists between embattled Americans, Black Thoughts places viewers within the history ravaged mind of a broken-hearted Black man, as he contemplates how confusion has kept citizens engaged in an endless cycle of conflict."
An intimate conversation between Dwayne Logan, Filmmaker of Black Thoughts and Pastor of Storefront Church, David Plant.
Watch the short film at https://www.blackthoughtsfilm.com/
With the final chapter in the Book of Nehemiah, we find the spiritual integrity of Israel diminished and the joy of the Lord all but gone. Nehemiah, however, is not surprised by setbacks, nor is he deterred. As a hope-based creature he simply continues the work of the Lord. (Nehemiah 13:4-14)
In an age of great division, all sides agree that change is essential. Nehemiah 12 teaches that lasting change can be had when reform begins with you. (Nehemiah 12:27-37)
Contrary to popular opinion it's not feelings of guilt, shame, boredom or frustration that bring a person to confession and repentance, but Nehemiah 9 shows us it’s the most beautiful things in life that inspire us towards change. (Nehemiah 9:1-8)
Having returned to a city in need, God brings renewal to the hearts of Israel by uniting them through worship in three ways:, under a book, in understanding and, all apart of God's joy-filled mission to the world. (Nehemiah 8:1-12)
Continuing through the Book of Nehemiah, we see that Nehemiah is a person of vision, integrity, courage, and grace. How does one develop such character? He is first a person of prayer. (Nehemiah 6:1-19)
One of the biggest challenges to Christian faith has always been Church. Nehemiah 5 provides a case study on how the church ought to be. Here we see the church we need is angry, humble, and good. (Nehemiah 5:1-19)
Nearly every social tension we face today is found within this chapter. What we learn is how to recommit to the city in the midst of chaos and uncertainty without being consumed by it. (Nehemiah 4:1-23)
Whether we’re thinking about race equity or the many challenges we face as a City, to be sure there is a lot of work ahead. And therefore, it's imperative that as we return to work, school and servicethat we return to God’s desire for us when it comes to work. (Nehemiah 3:1-32)
With this second sermon in the series, we’re looking at how Nehemiah’s prayer of personal renewal has resulted in God guiding Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem. As we navigate this pandemic and search for greater meaning in our lives, here we have ancient wisdom for anyone desiring or discerning, Calling. (Nehemiah 2:1-20)
1st in our series on Nehemiah. Before we return, recommit and re-imagine our lives here in New York City, first, we must return, recommit, re-imagine what renewal could like in our own personal relationship with God. (Nehemiah 1:1-11)