Island ECC Podcast

Using 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 as a theological foundation, this message illustrates specific ways God can speak to us through other people. Since it can be difficult to discern if what people say to us really comes from God, four key questions are offered to assist with such needed discernment.

The silence of God is always purposeful. It never means He is angry, apathetic, or absent.

Many of us are desperate to hear from God. Not just in the general ways, but in specific, heartfelt ways that speak directly to our immediate needs.

We’ve often been taught that the Bible is God’s voice. If we truly believed that, why is it so hard for us to read it on a consistent basis? And why does it sometimes seem like it remains silent in our lives? Today we explore the disconnect, and examine how a perspective change on the Word of God might actually help us appreciate it and turn to it more often. 

The everyday christian experience should be lived with the expectation of hearing from God. Not necessarily in dramatic ways, but in the ordinary push and pull of life.

It’s the most important thing you’ll ever do, actually. To hear the voice of God. And yet it’s easy to tune out, listen to other voices, or simply go it alone. But to hear God’s loving direction in our lives will save you from pain, comfort you in struggle, and provide meaning for your life. 

We’ve reached the end of our series on the chapter of Romans 8 and it’s time to add the final ingredient to our theological sandwich. Paul begins this chapter with the idea that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, and ends with the profound promise that there is no separation from the love of God. We are held securely in His hands, never to be taken away. Paul was convinced of th...

It may be that every accusation we hear from the outside world or suspect inwardly is real. Romans 8 will show us that the charges may be real, but they are no longer relevant because the verdict has been handed out and the punishment paid by Jesus. This passage will compel us to live in light of the case being closed, and our lives being transformed by divine favour.

Life is hard. God is good. How do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory truths?

Many of us struggle to believe that God is active in our time of need. It often feels like we’re stuck in difficult cycles of sickness or hardship without any relief. However, God does promise a specific kind of help that is always available to us. This sermon will explore what that help looks like and how it is actually the greatest thing we could ever receive.

Being a child of God has amazing benefits as well as transformative power in our lives.

We can often feel like we’re living as hypocrites. We want to live in a righteous way, but something in us keeps pulling us towards sin. In this second sermon of the Romans 8 series, we hone in on verses 5-13 as we look at this hidden battle raging within us. We will also explore what it means for us to be under the full governance of the Spirit.

In arguably the weightiest chapter of the new testament, Paul describes with great enthusiasm the beauty of living in Christ. There is now no condemnation!

It’s Christianity’s pinnacle day. Resurrection Day. But even if we’re convinced that a historical resurrection actually occurred, what difference does it make for us today?

Palm Sunday commemorates the event of Jesus’ triumphant return to Jerusalem. But was it truly a joyous celebration? As the crowds celebrated, Jesus displayed grief and anger. Why this great contrast and what was going on in Jesus’ head? This sermon will seek to understand the massive disparity between the crowds and Jesus, and seek to understand the implications for our lives.

The invitation to follow Jesus involves a complete overhaul of our thinking, our values, and our behaviours. It’s counterintuitive and seems risky. But in fact, it is the path to freedom.

In every society, there are outcasts – people who are at the fringes, ignored, or despised. While most societies move away from them, Jesus moves towards them. Jesus says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Our struggles against temptation are far more sophisticated than simply avoiding “big” sins. Jesus was tempted in all ways and was without sin. His “struggle” gives us insight into our own struggles…

Fishermen and tax collectors. Not exactly the pedigree you’d expect for those who would start a religious movement. No theological training, no exceptional giftedness. But ordinary people who Jesus selected to do extraordinary things. Our greatest contribution to the kingdom may be a long line of ordinary displays of faith.

Hill Chau: As we live out God’s calling to build His Kingdom here on earth, we often face obstacles and challenges. The enemy will try to stop us from living out that calling through internal and external struggles in both physical and spiritual realms. How can we overcome these obstacles and persevere through the opposition to live out the calling from God? Zelda Cheung: Have you ever thought tha...

Carrie Lo: The Israelites were able to worship God with passion and excitement as they returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Temple because of their anticipation of God’s presence and their priority of worship (Ezra 1 to 3). We, as one body of Christ, are God’s Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) and these two elements should continue to fuel our worship of God.  Daniel Tse: This is the Year of the Horse...

Perseverance is increasingly rare in our day. And yet for those who follow Christ, it will be a key component in maintaining a vibrant faith.

As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. And that is certainly true in our walk with God. Sometimes there are edits to be made in our spiritual life that prove to lighten our load and enhance our experience with God.

Is it realistic that we can have a worry-free life? Doesn’t that seem a bit irresponsible? And yet we are told to worry about nothing in Philippians 4:6.  The effects of worry aren’t just a heavy mindset. Jesus tells us that unnecessary worry limits our growth in God. Your worrisome life can make for a wasted life.

Sometimes it can be hard to notice when God disciplines us. If the purpose of discipline is for us to learn and grow, then it is imperative to know when it is happening. So what are the signs to look for and what is the part that we play in our own discipline? To explore these questions, we will delve into two insightful passages from the books of John and Hebrews, seeking wisdom and guidance on t...