Rise OC Sermons: Recent Episodes
Rise OC Church
Sermons from the Rise OC Church in Costa Mesa, California. We are a growing multigenerational church passionate about Jesus. Know, Grow, and Overflow!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: 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 Challenge
KNOW: 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 Challenge
KNOW: 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 Challenge
KNOW: 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 Challenge
KNOW: 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 Challenge
KNOW: 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 Challenge
KNOW: 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.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 9:37-50. What is Jesus teaching you about “greatness”?
GROW: Also read Matthew 18:1-6 and Mark 9:33-37. Why did the disciples argue about who is the greatest? What hinders you from having humility? When do you find yourself in that situation?
OVERFLOW: Serve someone this week for the glory of God. Just like Christ did for you, find joy in that person’s success, growth and blessing.
Join us as Pastor Jenny gives us powerful insight into the gospel of Luke. This week’s message comes from Luke 9:18-36.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 9:18-20. Who does Peter say that Jesus is? Who do YOU say that Jesus is?
GROW: Read Luke 9:21-27. How will you say “yes” to Jesus this week?
OVERFLOW: Read Luke 9:28-36. Take some time to listen to Jesus through Scripture and prayer. What is Jesus saying to you?
Mother’s Day Service 2019! This is a joint service with our Japanese Language and English Language combined. Pastor Phil takes us through a special study of 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and Pastor Tobi translates into Japanese.
Weekly Challenge.
Know: Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and 1 Timothy 1:5. Consider how Timothy’s upbringing gave him a foundation for life.
Grow: Ask yourself, how am I intentionally investing in my children or others around me? Does what I “say” match what I “do”? Am I helping others build a foundation in Christ?
Overflow: Think about one way you can intentionally impact someone around you. Either someone younger or older than you. Make a commitment to do something that will help build a biblical foundation in their life or that will encourage them and show them they are loved.
Thank you for following along with our journey through the gospel of Luke! Join us this week as Pastor Tobi leads us in a study of Luke 9:1-17.
Weekly Challenge
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Read Luke 9:1-17. What is God trying to teach you today through this passage?
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Like the boy that appears in John 9:6, are you positioned in a good place for God to use you? What is something you can offer (like the boy’s fish and bread) to bless other people?
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Is Jesus the King of your heart? Who are the people that you want to go and proclaim the Kingdom of God (the gospel) with? Take a step forward this week.
Join us as Pastor Tobi helps us learn from Luke 8:22-56! April 28th 2019 Service.
Weekly Challenge
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Read Luke 8:22-56 carefully. Which episode speak to you the most? Why do you think it was so touching?
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What are some miracles of God surrounding your life? Do you believe they are evidence of God’s love for you?
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Is there anyone who is needing God’s miracle around you? For that person, and with that person if it’s possible, please pray for a miracle and expect God will move.
Join Pastor Tobi as he takes us through a study of Luke 8:1-21.
Weekly Challenge
Read Luke 8:1-21. How did God’s word speak to you through this passage?
Looking at the parable of the soil from Luke 8:5-8 and 11-15, which one of the soils are you now? How can you be more of a good soil?
Through His resurrection, Jesus gave you hope of eternity. With that eternal hope, how will you bless others through your life? Who will you bless this week?
Join Pastor Phil as he takes us through Luke 7:36-50.
Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Luke 7. Think about the themes of Faith, Hope, and Love. How do you relate to each of these stories in chapter 7? GROW: Consider Simon and the Woman. Do you think of yourself as someone who has been forgiven a little or a lot? How does this affect your attitude towards God and others? OVERFLOW: If you find yourself being critical or judgmental towards someone this week, make an active effort to stop and consider today’s passage. Pray for God’s guidance in how you should act.
Join us as Pastor Phil takes us through a study of Luke 7:18-35!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 7:1-35. Consider how each person might have felt.
GROW: Pray and consider if there are any doubts you are holding onto about God. Any fears? Write these down. Now consider what you know to be true about God. Write these down.
OVERFLOW: What would it look like to push past some of your doubts or fears? Make a commitment to take some action this week to Know God more or to act upon your doubts or fears.
Join Pastor Tobi as he leads us through Luke 7:1-17!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 7:1-17. What stood out to you? What did Jesus promise us in John 14:1-4, 15-18, 27? Does His words have authority over your life?
GROW: What area(s) of your life do you tend to struggle submitting to God’s word? Why do you think that’s the case?
OVERFLOW: Think of a practical way to demonstrate your trust in God’s word/promise this week and overflow with faith!
Join us this week as Pastor Tobi takes us through Luke 6:27-49 and explores some of the facets of Christian life that can be both challenging and puzzling at the same time! Sometimes it really does seem “upside down” to follow Jesus, but if we do, we find that he really does know what is best for us.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 6:27-49. Which one verse struck you the most? What do you think God is telling you through that verse?
GROW: Do you have a Christian accountability partner who will speak truth into your life and can share joys and struggles of your walk with God? If not, ask God for one!
OVERFLOW: Which one of the teachings by Jesus from today’s reading will you put into practice this week?
Join us as Pastor Tobi shares with us from his Israel trip and a powerful message from the sermon on the plain.
Weekly Challenge: KNOW: Read Luke 6:12-26. What does this passage teach us about the perspective we need to follow Jesus? GROW: Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 10-17. How can you be prepared for the challenges you will face as followers of Christ? OVERFLOW: How will you represent the life of Jesus this week through a prayer to lift up and in an act of service?
This week Pastor Jenny takes us through Luke 6:1-11 and an exploration of the law and the heart of Jesus.
Weekly Challenge:
KNOW: Read Luke 6:1-11. In what ways are you like the Pharisees? Like the disciples? Like the man with the shriveled hand?
GROW: Read Jesus’ parable in Luke 5:36-39. How does it connect with Jesus’ actions in Luke 6:1-11? How do you respond when God does something new?
OVERFLOW: Reflect on Jesus’ question in Luke 6:9. Enjoy some Sabbath time this coming week, serving someone as God leads.
This week Pastor Phil explores the calling of Matthew.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 5. Examine the people Jesus called. Who do you relate to most?
GROW: How do you think Jesus is calling you to follow him? What do you think you need to give up or leave behind to follow him?
OVERFLOW: Start with yourself then be a blessing to others. Ask yourself if there’s anyone you are judgmental towards. Remember that God has shown you great grace! How should you show grace to others? Live that out this week.
Pastor Phil continues our series in Luke with the miraculous healing of a man with leprosy and a paralyzed man. Follow along and see how the word challenges you to move this week!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 5:12-27, Matthew 9:2–8 and Mark 2:3–12. Think about how you can relate to the people in these encounters with Jesus.
GROW: The people seeking healing in each story were desperate for Jesus. How desperate are you? Think about the ways or areas in your life that you are truly seeking God.
OVERFLOW: The paralyzed man truly had no hope of meeting that day without his friends. How have your friends carried you? How can you help carry someone else toward Jesus this week?
Join us as Pastor Tobi brings another powerful message from the Gospel of Luke!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, and John 1:40-42. How is it similar (or different) to the time you first decided to follow Jesus?
GROW: What is something that you feel it belongs to you? Is it better in your hands or is it better in God’s hands? Are you able to let that go?
OVERFLOW: Who in your life is going through similar struggles with you? Talk with them this week and encourage one another!
Join us this week as Pastor Phil takes us through a look at Jesus life and ministry. Even in the busyness of life, Jesus took time to find quiet and reconnect with the Father.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 4:31-44. Imagine being present in each of these situations. How would you feel?
GROW: Consider how God has affected your life. Do you feel like you have been “set free” from anything? How have you been able to serve others because of this?
OVERFLOW: How do you deal with silence? Spend some time alone with God this week. Take time to read the word, pray and listen. Remember that you can only “overflow” after you’ve been filled up!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 4:14-30 and I Kings 17:7-16. What did you discover?
GROW: How has the truth in the Bible comforted you? How has it challenged you?
OVERFLOW: Encourage someone this week who is going through a suffering.
This week Pastor Phil takes a look at the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness immediately after his baptism. Jesus shows us how we can face temptation in life and come out victorious when we hold on to our trust in Jesus and our identity as God’s children.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 4:1-13, Matt 4:1-11 and Gen. 3:1-7. Think about what if would have been like to be tempted in those situations.
GROW: Identify the type of temptations that you struggle with the most. How does this relate to trusting God? How do you think Jesus would respond to that temptation?
OVERFLOW: Identity directs our actions. Your actions have impact beyond yourself. Make a commitment to remind yourself that you are a child of God the next time you feel tempted or tested in your faith.
This week is about Baptism! Pastor Tobi leads us into the gospel of Luke with the baptism of Jesus by John and after the service we were able to witness the baptism of Daniel Sumi! Listen in as Pastor Tobi encourages us to consider how our lives and actions have generational impact!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read about Jesus’ baptism from Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:29-33. What did Heavenly Father say to Jesus? Do you share that same identity? If so, how assured are you of that identity? If not, why not?
GROW: Who has helped you find your faith in Christ? How and why were they so instrumental?
OVERFLOW: Who is the one person you want to make sure they know that they are God’s beloved child? Overflow into their lives, spend time with them and pray with them.
This week Pastor Phil took us through an account of who John the Baptist was. John was known as a the one who would prepare the way for the messiah. He called people to repentance and baptism.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 3:1-20. Consider what John is encouraging the people to turn away from.
GROW: What do you think John would call you to turn from?
OVERFLOW: Serve someone this coming week. Or commit to intentionally serve in the near future. Remember that repentance is a call to act.
Happy New Year! We have committed to go through the Gospel of Luke this year. Pastor Tobi leads us in the first Sunday message of 2019 as he challenges us to dedicate our lives to Christ.
Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Luke 2:21-52 and Matthew 2:13-23GROW: What kind of transformation do you want to experience this year?OVERFLOW: What kind of impact do you want to make for God this year?
Pastor Phil helps us close out the year with a sermon from Luke 19. He encourages us to set our goals and “destinations” but still stay present and aware of how God is leading in the moment.
KNOW: Read Luke 19:1-10. Imagine how each person might have felt in that moment.
GROW: Take time to reflect on your year, consider your hopes and goals for 2019.
Ask yourself who do you want to be?
-Pray to God for direction, wisdom and strength to follow Him boldly this year.
OVERFLOW: Write down your big destination. Write down the stops along the way. Write down your first steps.
Merry Christmas! Pastor Tobi brings us a timely message from the gospel of Luke.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 1:57-80 s l o w l y . What did you notice from the reading?
GROW: List all the things that give you joy? How assured are you of the most important joy, the joy of salvation?
OVERFLOW: Who will you share the joy of your salvation with this week? Invite them to Christmas Eve service tomorrow!
This week Pastor Jenny brought us through the powerful interaction between Elizabeth and Mary.
Weekly Challenge:
KNOW: Read Luke 1:46-55, called the Magnificat. How do Mary’s words magnify your understanding of the message of Christmas?
GROW: Read Luke 1:39-44 and John 3:22-30. Reflect deeply on John’s joy in the presence of Jesus, from before John was born and thirty years later.
OVERFLOW: Read Luke 1:45. Where in your life is God inviting you to trust more fully in Him to fulfill His promises to you?
Pastor Phil continues our Advent series with a message from Luke 1:26-38, the birth of Jesus foretold.
Weekly ChallengeKNOW: Read Luke chapter 1:1-38. Think through each character’s experience and consider how you would feel.GROW: Consider and Pray. Are you living in the identity of someone who is called by God? Are you living transformed by God?OVERFLOW: Be a part of God’s work in your community. Consider how you can bless someone in need.
Pastor Tobi starts off December with the first of our Advent messages from the gospel of Luke. The birth of John the Baptist foretold.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Luke 1:1-25. Where do you resonate with Zechariah and Elizabeth?
GROW: Is there an area you’ve been losing hope? Why is it hard to have hope?
OVERFLOW: Knowing that God is faithful, how will you be ready for his answer?
This week Pastor Tobi concludes our mini series on Worship with a great message about how we live out our worship. Join us as we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Philippians 2:1-18. What stands out to you about the humility of JESUS? And how can you imitate this humility in your life?
GROW: Read Philippians 3:12-21. Knowing that our citizenship is in heaven, how can we improve in the way we serve God today?
OVERFLOW: Read Philippians 1:3-11 and 4:4-9. How will you worship God in a new way this week? What new challenges do you seek for 2019?
This week Pastor Phil starts our mini series on Worship. We take a look at what worship is, the history we find in the Bible, as well as how we have been made to worship.
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
KNOW: Read Genesis 1-4. Consider who God is. Ask yourself who your worship is most similar to, Cain or Abel.
GROW: Draw near to God. Come before him and confess anything you need to confess. Pray that God will show you how you can respond to Him in true worship.
OVERFLOW: This holiday season, consider how you might respond to God’s love for you by sharing love with someone else. How can you respond in action?
This past Sunday we had the great privilege to host Pastor Tobi’s Father-in-Law, Pastor Anjiki from Japan. Pastor Anjiki brought us a timely message from Hebrews that he titled, “A New and Living Way”.
Pastor Tobi closes our “Hungry” series with a timely sermon on the final chapters of Romans.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Romans 15:14 to end of chapter 16. What challenge do you receive? What are the names of people that have influenced your faith?
GROW: What do we need to put on hold so that we can better live out the Christian mission of love God, love people, make disciples of all nations?
OVERFLOW: Where have we lost our hunger? Ask God to renew the hunger for more of God in your life and do one thing that will help bring back the hunger.
Join us as Pastor Jenny brings a timely message about Unity from our study of Romans chapter 14 & 15. This is part of our “Hungry” series, a study through the book of Romans.
Weekly Challenge:
KNOW: Memorize Romans 15:7: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Reflect on the three parts of this verse for your life.
GROW: Read John 13:34-35 (Jesus speaking to disciples) and John 17:20-23 (Jesus speaking to the Father). What happens when Jesus’ disciples are united in God’s love?
OVERFLOW: Think about someone in your life who breaks your “personal rule list.” What would it look like to accept this person as Christ accepted you? Prayerfully do this.
We are continuing in our series called “Hungry”, a study through the book of Romans, with this message from Pastor Phil about how we live out our faith.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Romans 12-13. Consider Paul’s call to live out our faith for Christ.
GROW: What is the “therefore” in your life? What history do you have with God? And what motivates you to love others?
OVERFLOW: Ask yourself if you are open to God’s call to love others. Are you living like someone who is “awake” and ready to act?
Join us as Pastor Tobi gives a moving sermon about Salvation. This is part of our “Hungry” Series, a study through the book of Romans.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Romans 10-11. Do you truly believe you are saved by God’s grace?
GROW: Who do you consider as your people? Those who you are naturally close to, through nationality, family, or even friends and neighbors. And who are you called to? Those who you have a deep passion for to share the love of JESUS.
OVERFLOW: As a “sent one” to those people, what is one thing you can do this week to share the mercy and grace you’ve received from God in a practical way?
Pastor Phil takes a moment to pause and ask us what we really believe. Is our “belief” something that influences our actions? Does it affect the course of our life? Knowledge, Belief, Commitment, Profession. These are all in sequence. Justification before Sanctification is also in sequence. Listen in as he explains these concepts and goes into the book of Romans.
Weekly Challenge:
KNOW: Read Romans 8 & 9. Pay attention to things that require faithful action.
GROW: Consider areas of your life that are out of sequence. Things you say you believe but are not committed to or do not act like you believe.
OVERFLOW: Set a goal to work on and pray about. Maybe it’s your belief in God’s provision, God’s love for you, God’s forgiveness, etc. What would it look like to live like you really believe what God says about this area.
Pastor Tobi shares about the possible name change for our church. He is inviting the congregation to pray about this during the month of October. In the Bible, the changing of names is often a powerful shift in a persons identity. Please listen and hear Pastor Tobi’s heart and the history behind this.
Pastor Jenny gave us a wonderful message from Romans 6&7. Listen in as she gives a wonderful explanation of righteousness and how we can go deeper into our relationship with God and others!
Weekly Challenge:
KNOW: Read Romans 6:15-18. Christians are set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. What does this mean for your life?
GROW: Read Matthew 5:6. Right standing before God, right living for God, and how God is making all things right: Which do you hunger for today? Pray for this.
OVERFLOW: How can you be a blessing to those in your life through living in God’s righteousness? Commit to a big or small action step.
This week we continue in our Romans series titled “Hungry”. There are many key principles we find in Romans that help to spur us towards a hunger for God and a passion to follow after him. Join Pastor Tobi as he brings a powerful message from Romans chapter 5 & 6.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Romans 5-6. Did anything stir up in you?
GROW: Where has God transform you the most thus far? And where do you want God to transform you from here?
OVERFLOW: Pray “Jesus use me!” and offer yourself to God to be used for someone’s life change. Share with someone this week your story of how God transformed you.
Pastor Tobi continues in our study of Romans by looking at Romans chapter 3 & 4.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Romans 3-4. What new discovery did you have about FAITH?
GROW: What challenges do you face in keeping your FAITH in JESUS? How can our church community help you grow in your FAITH?
OVERFLOW: Is there a worry or concern that is occupying your heart now? Surrender (give it up) to JESUS and let Him fill you with fresh hope that comes through having faith in Him alone.
Pastor Phil continues in our “Hungry” series with a message from Romans chapter 2, focusing on humility. We need to guard ourselves from pride and judgement because we are all in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.
Pastor Carl Omaye is a retired minister of the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference. He and his wife, Pat have been married for 50 years and have a wealth of experience and knowledge in marriage and relationships. We are blessed to have them as a part of our church family and have them lead us in a marriage and communication seminar. This seminar was directed towards Married couples, however it was practically applicable to singles and anyone who communicates!
This week Pastor Tobi opened up our new sermon series, "Hungry", with a message on Holiness from Romans chapter 1. In our world of instant gratification and abundance in resources, it's easy to get comfortable, to be passive and "full" on the things of the world. We need to keep a healthy appetite for the things of God! Only the spiritually hungry seek to be fed. Let's learn how we can cultivate this healthy hunger for more of God!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Romans 1. If you want to understand more about holiness, go to youtube.com, type HOLINESS BIBLE PROJECT and watch a 6-minutes animation clip called “Holiness” made by The Bible Project.
GROW: Is there any area you have been compromising or forgetting to seek for God’s holiness? How can you be more hungry for God’s holiness?
OVERFLOW: Do you have a testimony of redemption that God freed you from sin? Share it with someone this week!
Pastor Tobi closes out our sermon series in Esther with a look at chapter 9 & 10. We see how God turns things around and turns their mourning into celebration!
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Esther 9 & 10. Reflecting back on the book of Esther, what theme or story stood out to you the most? And why?
GROW: After encountering JESUS, where have you changed the most? And where do you want to see more growth? (If you are not a Christian, what do you hope JESUS to change in you today?)
OVERFLOW: Because of the abundant life and joy you have in JESUS, who will you bless this week by "giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor?” And where will you overflow with the Good News of JESUS this week?
Pastor Jenny gave her first sermon at Orange Coast this past Sunday! She led us in a wonderful journey through Esther 8 and reminded us how Jesus has come to give us life!
Weekly Challenge:
KNOW: Read Esther 3 and Esther 8, watching for parallels. What stands out to you?
GROW: Read John 10:10-11. Are there areas of your life that feel stolen, killed, and destroyed? Invite Jesus into these areas of your life to bring His "life to the full."
OVERFLOW: Who in your life is feeling bewildered this week? Share encouragement and hope in God with them. Maybe share the story of Esther or Jesus' words in John 10:10-11!
Pastor Phil takes us through Esther 7 where we see Esther finally confront Haman and present her request to the King. We find that it takes courage to stand, but when we do, we often find that God is with us!
Weekly Challenge Know: Read Esther 1-7 this week. Grow: Pray about how God is calling you to experience Freedom today? Overflow: Is there a situation in our life that you feel God is calling you to take a stand? Maybe it’s against a sin that has a hold of you. Maybe it’s against something wrong in the world. Pray about how you can take a stand this week.
Pastor Tobi leads us into Esther 6 where we see the dangers of celebrating too soon and the dangers of being selfishness.
Weekly Challenge
KNOW: Read Esther 6 and Psalms 103. What assurance do we receive from God?
GROW: What areas do you need to trust in God more? How can you grow in your trust in God who has the best interest for you?
OVERFLOW: Where do you need victory in your life? Pray for victory and deliverance this week!
Pastor Phil continues in our study of Esther 5 and asks the question of where do we get our identity from? Weekly Challenge KNOW: Read Esther 1-5. See if something new stands out to you.
GROW: Consider and pray about where you get your identity from.
OVERFLOW: Think about a relationship in your life that has been challenging you. Make one decision this week to live like a child of God would.
Pastor Phil shares what God highlighted to him at this year's PCJC Family camp. The message is from Luke 1 and considers how Mary must have wrestled with her faith, found encouragement from her cousin Elizabeth and went on to praise God!
Weekly Challenge
Know: Read Luke 1. Think about each person and what they might have been experiencing. Grow: Consider your current situation. What do you think you’re “magnifying”? Overflow: Are you someone that others can come to when they need help? Pray about this and be available for God to use you as a support for others this week. Be ready!
Pastor Tobi guides us through the chapter of Esther 4 and encourages us to consider why God has placed us where we are.
Pastor Phil takes us through a study of Esther 3 and challenges us to check our hearts! Are we people who stand up for what is right? Are we people who allow pride and fear to brew hatred and racism? Are we people who will stand in shock, yet do nothing?