Hearing God [11.4.18]

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:13-14 INTRO: The season of Christmas has been largely taken over by nostalgic, if not straight up consumer agendas. But at the heart of Christmas is the stunning advent of God in the flesh, into our broken lives and world. Today as we start out our Advent season proper, how might we take into account Jesus' coming into such a vulnerable position. And how might we look to identify with Him by identifying with the vulnerable in and around us?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: James 1:22, John 14:21 INTRO: For most of us, initiating change in our lives is hard enough. But a good start only gets us so far. The real test for lasting change comes with the follow through. Today as we finish out our GRACE group series on Practicing Devotion, what will following through look like in our first hand spirituality lifestyle? And how might we apply principles of the follow through in our discipleship life in Christ?

SPEAKER: Pastor Richard Lee TITLE: The Liturgy of Life TEXT: Exodus 20:8-11 INTRO: From the way we think about time, to the way we use it, God cares. As we continue in our series on Practicing Devotion, we'll consider what it means to leverage our time and life rhythms for worship.

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: John 14:26, Isaiah 30:21 INTRO: If a stranger declares that God talks to them, most of us are inclined to quickly diagnose mental health issues. However, what we see in the Bible is that God is always talking to His people. Today as we continue on in our Practicing Devotion GRACE group series, how can we open our attention to the God who speaks personally to us? How can we engage the Scriptures and the Spirit in the practice of hearing God?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Romans 14:12, Hebrews 10:24 INTRO: When it comes to our leaders, or even our peers; we generally like the notion of someone being held "accountable" for their actions. However, it's not always clear how that is supposed to happen, especially when it comes to others keeping us accountable. Today as we reflect on the power of accountability toward personal and spiritual growth, what does accountability look like? And how can we handle it well, when it comes to a lifestyle devoted to God?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Psalm 1:1-2, Joshua 1:8 INTRO: Given all the information that comes across our minds each day, our attention spans grow all the more short and shallow. Close and careful reading is training that few possess, much less practice. But what if the Scriptures were not meant to just be accessed, but rather meditated upon: slowly and deeply? This week as we discuss what the ancients called Lectio Divina, i.e. "divine reading"; how might the practice of slowing down and contemplating through the Scriptures connect us deeply with God?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Luke 4:16, 5:16. INTRO: They say that 40% of all that we do is out of habit. Depending on whether these habits are good or bad, our lives are profoundly affected. Today as we look at the lifestyle of Jesus, and how he habitually worships and prays; how might we leverage the power of habits in our lives; for greater godliness and devotion?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 2Timothy 2:15, John 16:13 INTRO: While some might claim that "truth isn't truth", when it comes to living Knowing what is true and what is not can make all the difference in the world. Today as we start our GRACE groups proper, how can we practically get into the daily rhythm of infusing our thoughts with God's Word and truth?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Job 42:5-6 [The Message] INTRO: In a courtroom, hearsay is the situation where second hand information is deemed inadmissible. There is a validity about a first hand experience that trumps anything second handed. Today as we start a new series, we want to look at the incredible experience of knowing and walking with God first hand. What does it mean to hear and talk with Him directly, and how might we develop a sustainable lifestyle of knowing God first hand?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Luke 7:44-47 INTRO: Many of us grew up with the operating system of merit, i.e. you get what you deserve. But what if the way God meets and treats us works another way? Today as we talk about how God finds the low, humble, the broken; how can we respond to the gravity of His grace?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Peter 4:10, 1Corinthians 12:12-20 INTRO: While most people want the life of a "baller," with everyone around serving you hand and foot, the life in Christ means that we get to serve! Today as we talk about the call and benefits of a life of service, in the church and in the world; how might we join in teamwork at New Vision? Following our worship, we'll be hosting a Ministry Fair to highlight all the ways you can plug in!

SPEAKER: Pastor Marting Chang TEXT: Matthew 6:33, Phil. 3:20 INTRO: We have the dubious honor of living in an "unprecedented time," particularly in regards to politic discourse and policy. What does it look like to be both an earthly and heavenly citizen? How should a Christian think through policy issues and navigate through the world of politics in America?

SPEAKER: Pastor Richard TEXT: 1Tim:6:11-16, 20-21 INTRO: In his letters, Paul often uses the image of sport to illustrate what it looks like to live out our faith. Here, he calls us to fight the good fight, to persevere in our faith. Today we consider what that fight is, how we participate, and the reason behind it all.

SPEAKER: Pastor Richard TEXT: 1Tim:6:9-10, 17-21 INTRO: Money is deeply intertwined into our culture and the way we understand and engage the world around us. Christ calls us, not to detach ourselves from money, but to be aware of the dangers that come with a love of money.

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Tim:6:3-8 INTRO: Whether in business or in a consumer transaction, the goal is to gain as much as we can for the investment we make. What does this look like in the Kingdom of God? Today as we look at what it means to accrue the greatest gain, how should investments in godliness and contentment transform the way we calculate the way we live?

Speaker: Pastor Richard Lee Title: Dealing with Sin Text: 1Timothy 1Tim: 5:17-6:2 Intro:

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Church-Family TEXT: 1Timothy 5:1-16 INTRO: These days, the sense of family is something that is so prized, but hard to find. Family is still the strongest, and truest expression of community that we are called to build. Today as we jump back into the book of 1Timothy, what does Paul have to say about treating others in our church as family? How can we care and build each other up in God's own family?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin TEXT: Prov.27:17; 2Tim.2:2 INTRO: Growing spiritually mature in head, heart, and hand is not automatic, or easy. Rarely do we get there alone. Today as we round out our Together in Worship season, how can we engage in mentoring relationships to stir our growth in Christ?

Speaker: Pastor Richard Lee TITLE: Heart TEXT: Matthew 15:1-9 INTRO: In a fast-paced, constantly busy world, learning to worship God with our hearts might be the most time-consuming and difficult of the Head, Heart, and Hands trio. Addressing the heart helps keep us from blind legalism and arrogant self-righteousness, and points us from simply knowing about God to being with God in all that we do. As we continue to explore what it means to worship God with our hearts, ask that God would remind us of his heart - his values, his will, and his love for us and the world

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Matthew 22:37, Philippians 4:3 INTRO: Some Christians say that we should shut off our brains, and just have blind faith. But God is a God of truth, who commands us to grow mature in our thinking and understanding! As we continue on in our Together in Worship month, how can we love God with all of our minds?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Change TEXT: Galatians 4:19 INTRO: For any living organism, growth can be exciting! But it also comes with stretching; even pain. Today as we start our month Together in Worship, how might we see the full path to spiritual maturity marked out for us? And how can we manage growing pains associated with becoming like Jesus; in head, heart, and hands?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Timothy 4:11-16 INTRO: We often hear much talk that doesn't jibe with one's lifestyle. Though "walking the walk" is rare, it is that which we in the household of God are called to devote ourselves. How can we respond to Paul's encouragement in 1Timothy to set our lives as examples; watching our life and doctrine closely?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Timothy 4:1-10 INTRO: Happy Father's Day! Today as we honor our fathers, we also continue on in our trek through the book of 1Timothy. As Paul underscores the value of godliness training, how might we grow in our focus and skill in godly living?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Timothy 3:1-16 INTRO: What makes a great leader? Corporations and communities alike wrestle with this question with greater intensity as future challenges increase. Today as we continue on in the book of 1Timothy, what are the core qualifications that we are given for leadership in the church? How can we build into all the more a core value of biblical leadership in our midst?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: ENGENDERED WORSHIP TEXT: 1Timothy 2:8-15 INTRO: Since the fall, the war of the genders have left persons and communities in turmoil. Today as we look at the fault lines in the Ephesian church's gendered approaches, how might we gain a better understanding of how men & women can lead and worship in the church?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Pressed for Prayer TEXT: 1Timothy 2:1-8 INTRO: When it comes to prayer, it is often the last option; when we feel pressed for God's help. But as we dig into the book of 1Timothy, we see Paul's immediate emphasis on prayer as a pressing demand. How can we respond to God's heart as He presses us for our prayer.

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Timothy 2:1-8 INTRO: When it comes to prayer, it is often the last option; when we feel pressed for God's help. But as we dig into the book of 1Timothy, we see Paul's immediate emphasis on prayer as a pressing demand. How can we respond to God's heart as He presses us for our prayer.

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Fight for Faith TEXT: 1Timothy 1:1-6, 18-19 INTRO: Almost everything suffers the effects of degradation. This includes our relationship with God. What is called for is an active, and intentional fight. Today as we start a new series covering the book of 1Timothy, how might we respond to the charge to fight for a life of sincere faith?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Never Forsaken TEXT: Isaiah 49:14-16 INTRO: Happy Mother's Day! Today as we reflect on and celebrate, how might our hearts be attentive to God's unbreakable, unconditional love to us that transcends even that of our mothers?

Speaker: Lisa Plunket TEXT: 1Samuel: 17:42-50 INTRO: In our challenging world, true courage is a commodity that is both precious and in short supply. Today our guest speaker Lisa Plunket will speak to the nature and source of true courage as we walk through once again the story of David and Goliath. Particularly, we will be challenged to step into the courage God has for us.

Speaker: Pastor Martin TEXT: Isa.60:15-22 INTRO: Different persons and cultures have different ideas of what eternity in heaven will look like. Today as we round out our series, Gospel in Life; what picture does the Bible portray? As we look at the vision of the eternal city that awaits us, how can we live in preparation and hope?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Justice: A People For Others TEXT: Micah 6:8; Isaiah 58:6-8 INTRO: These days, it's "fashionable" to wear badges of social justice and advocacy on our social media chests. But as we look to how God identifies with the poor and oppressed, what does doing justice and loving mercy look like for the people of God?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Work: Cultivating The Garden TEXT: Mat.6:19-21; Col.3:23 INTRO: New Yorkers work more than those from any other American city; on average more than forty nine hours a week! Occupying more than just our time and energy, work speaks into our sense of identity and purpose. Given all this, how does the gospel change the way we understand and do our work?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Ephesians 1:18-21, Matthew 5:14 INTRO: For many, one's religion is a private choice and lifestyle. But Jesus tells his disciples that they are to be together, a light unto the world, a "city on a hill" that is shines amidst the world. What does it look like to be a "city on a hill," an alternate city that actively illustrates and invites others to the age to come?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Peter 1:3 INTRO: He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! This morning as we once again celebrate Jesus' resurrection, how might we understand the significance of His being raised from the dead? What does it mean to us, and how might we step into the path of new life that He's blazed?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: 1Pet. 2:9-12 INTRO: Even non Christians have quipped that genuine community is as basic a need as food and shelter. But more than supplying a mere commodity, communities that are built off of Christ and His gospel are distinctive and deep. How might we intentionally look to shape gospel community here, in and around us?

SPEAKER: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Romans 1:18-25 INTRO: Those who understand human nature end up paying attention to ulterior motives. The Bible points to sin not just in terms of external behavior, but the motivation that drives our actions. How do we identify our idols, and how do we experience heart transformation through the gospel?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Heart: Three Ways to Live TEXT: Luke 15:11-32 INTRO: We live our lives, inside out. Our behavior is not just determined by our thoughts, but at the level of our heart; i.e. how we interpret what is significant at the core. Today as we discuss the three different ways of operant living, i.e. the religious, the irreligious, and the gospel; what would it look like for us to live the gospel, from the heart?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Jeremiah 29: 4-15 INTRO: People are not just visiting the great cities of the world, they are moving to them. As the world rapidly urbanizes, what is to be our understanding of God's purposes for the city? Today as we start our GRACE group season proper, how might we seek the prosperity of our city?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Gospel: The Reign of God TEXT: Mark 1:14-15 INTRO: For some, the word "gospel" evokes images of African Americans singing passionately together in robes. For others, it's the idea that Jesus died for us on the cross, and that if we believed in Him our sins would be forgiven and that we would secure a ticket to heaven. What does "the gospel" mean? Today as we explore what Jesus means when he begins to proclaim his gospel. We'll also survey our spring GRACE group course, "Gospel in Life"; in how we can live out the gospel in our every day life.

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Living Walk TEXT: Genesis 5:21-24 INTRO: One of the more cliche' metaphors for being in right relationship with God is that of walking with HIm. Despite its shallow overuse, there is something deeply valid and centering in the metaphor that is worth our deepening attention. What does it mean to walk with God, and how can we respond to God's call for friendship and close proximity in our daily lives?

Speaker: Rev. Howard Burgoyne [East Coast Conference Superintendent of the Evangelical Covenant Church] TITLE: Eyes Wide Open TEXT: John 1:43-51, Mark 9:2-10 THEMES: Discipleship is a new way of “seeing” in the world (Jesus came to bring ‘sight to the blind’) — seeing as He sees…a great revelation... Discipleship is a new way of “being” in the world (Jesus came to make the lame walk again) — walking as He walked…a great reconciliation...

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TITLE: Venturing Together TEXT: Joshua 3:9-17 INTRO: As the old cliche goes, "nothing ventured, nothing gained." For those grappling with fear, or loss; the call to step forward into uncertain waters may seem too daunting. But God has a way of empowering us with courage via faith; as we step forward with Him and the family of Christ. Today as we celebrate the start of a new season, in a new venue; how might we reflect on the call and privilege to venture forward...together?

Speaker: Pastor Richard Lee TITLE: Taming the Beast of the Tongue TEXT: James 3:7-18 INTRO: We teach children “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.” But over time, we build habits of avoiding conversations that make us uncomfortable including repentance, loving correction, and healthy confrontation. James speaks of an untamed tongue as being full of deadly poison and calls us to walk in wisdom. With that in mind, Christians shouldn’t shy away from speaking, but as Paul says in Ephesians 4:15, we’re called to learn to “speak the truth in love,” with wisdom from God (James 3:17-18).

Speaker: Pastor Paul Kim

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Micah 5:1-9 INTRO: The bigger the better, go big or go home. We have a love affair with the big. But God has a way of overturning our hallowed expectations; even in deciding to highlight the small when bringing His Kingdom. Today as we look at the book of Micah, we find God declaring that God would bring a saving ruler through the little town of Bethlehem. How ought we to align with God, as He moves to choose the small?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Genesis 22:1-13 INTRO: Two different strategies for how to navigate a chaotic world are represented by those who plan, and those who wing it. But when the stakes are high, those who really love and care tend to plan. Today as we look at the story of Abraham's call to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, what might we learn about God? And how He's foreseen and planned ahead for our greatest needs?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Isaiah 11:1; Gen.3:6-9, 14-15 INTRO: The story of Christmas goes back much further than the birth of Christ. As early as the third chapter of Genesis, after all was lost due to sin; God promised a fuller restoration through the coming of a Savior. Today as we start our Advent series in the tradition of the Jesse Tree, how can we understand and prepare our hearts for the divine restart that God has planned for us all in Christ?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: John 6:53-69 INTRO: When following Jesus, it's often easier to start following than to stay following. A great temptation is to somewhere along the way, hit the "unfollow" button. Today as we round out our GRACE group season, how can we stay on course when we face inconvenience, embarassment, and dissapointment in our following of Jesus?

Speaker: Pastor Paul Kim TEXT: Luke 17: 11-19 INTRO: Thanksgiving should a joyous time as we spend time with friends and family; nevertheless, we often fill ourselves with activities that may lead us away from Christ. This season as we enter into the advent season, let us prepare our hearts in giving thanks to Christ Jesus!

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Mark 10:32-44 INTRO: It is often said that great leaders are those who know how to follow. But when it comes to Jesus, the opposite applies as well: followers of Jesus are also called to lead. What does it look like to lead like Jesus; and how can we bring His brand of change and growth in the lives around us?

Speaker: Pastor Richard Lee TEXT: Matthew 26:6-15 INTRO: We tend to imagine God to be like a genie or vending machine - that we if we behave a certain way, he will grant us what we want or make life look a certain way. Without fail, we repeatedly hit points of tension where our will and God's will for our lives don't match up. Jesus calls us to lay down our will and to trust that his is better.

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Mark 8:31-37 INTRO: When approached with an offer of life changing significance, it is important to find out the true costs that are involved. Today as we hear about the challenges of discipleship, how might we begin to respond to both the worth, and the costs of following Jesus?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Colossians 3:12 INTRO: True fans "represent" by wearing the jersey or fan-gear of their favorite team. But as a Christ-follower, rather than wearing external gear, we are called to "clothe" ourselves with His very character. How might we grow in putting on Christ's "follow wear" as we look to follow Him?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Matthew 10:26-31 INTRO: Far too often, fear is the driver when it comes to our decisions and lifestyles. But for those who follow Jesus, a profound confidence is given that brings robust freedom to truly love and thrive.

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Luke 5:1-11 INTRO: The call of Christ is to follow him with all of our lives - beyond merely knowing about God, Christians are called to take action and live each day following Jesus. As we continue in our Fall Grace group season, how might Jesus be calling us to take action to follow him?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Change TEXT: Matthew 9:9-13 INTRO: Sometimes it's easy to fall into the trap of elitism, even in church. But Jesus was comfortable with, and invited every kind of person to just follow him. Today as we start our Fall GRACE group season, how might we respond to and repeat His gracious and universal invitation?

Speaker: Pastor Samuel Choi TEXT: Matt 14:22-33 INTRO: We were made to be with Christ, to follow Him. It is here we are most satisfied and transformed. God desires us to see life's circumstances as opportunities to draw near instead of hinderances.

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Mark 1:16-19 INTRO: Christian, believer, born again, saved. All terms describing the identity of one who has responded to God in Christ. But the earliest term was disciple, or follower. Today as we hear an intro to our upcoming Fall GRACE group season, how might we understand the kind of relationship that God is calling us into as Christ followers?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Psalm 146 INTRO: A world in rebellion to God reverberates with hunger, distress, and oppression. But Creator God is also Redeemer God, upholding the cause to restore the broken. Today as we round out our Summer in the Psalms, we turn our praise to our God in Christ, and look to participate in upholding His cause.

Speaker: Pastor Marting Chang TEXT: Psalm 42 INTRO: Whether recognized or not, spiritual hunger is a universal experience. For those in relationship with God, rich experiences of God are often followed by periods of thirsting for His Presence. Today as we look to Psalm 42, what should we do when we find ourselves spiritually dry; thirsting for God?

Speaker: Pastor Martin Chang TEXT: Psalm 67 INTRO: Many are those that seek God's favor, for their health, wealth, and families. But what if God's favor was meant for more than just us? Today as we look at Psalm 67, why does the Psalmist seek God's face and favor? Could it be that seeking God's blessing is so that the peoples of the earth would come to see and know God?