New Life Irvine

Every healthy community, whether it’s your workplace, your church, or your family, depends on one quality that is rarely celebrated today, and the moment you think you have it, you’ve probably lost it. This Sunday in Philippians 2:1–4, we’ll discover what it is, why so much depends on it, and why just “trying harder” can never produce it.

In Philippians 1:27–30, the Apostle Paul helps us to see that Christianity is not a spectator sport. Instead, he paints a compelling portrait of the church standing shoulder-to-shoulder up against the spiritual onslaught of darkness. We'll see how the Gospel changes everything, including how we view suffering and persecution.

Mark Twain once said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."   Everyone knows when they were born, but very few know why. There is no question more critical than understanding your true purpose on this earth. Unfortunately, many of us live without an overarching sense of purpose. We take our cues from culture and drift from one idol to ano...

When you think of heaven, what comes to mind first? Freedom from suffering? Reunion with loved ones? Streets of gold? While the scriptures promise relief and beauty beyond imagination, the Apostle Paul points us to something infinitely greater in Philippians 1:21–26. Paul utters the unforgettable phrase: "To die is gain." How could death ever be considered gain? This Sunday, we will explore this w...

"If your God is so good, why are you in jail?" It's a simple question Paul is more than happy to answer in his letter to the Philippians: what looks like a tragic defeat might actually be the stage for God's ultimate purpose. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in Philippians 1:12-20 and learn how to find unshakable joy in the midst of any circumstances.

This Sunday, we’re launching a brand-new sermon series titled "The Gospel Changes Everything" as we unpack the book of Philippians.   It’s easy to think of the Gospel as just a future promise—a ticket to heaven when this life is over. But Paul’s letter to the Philippians reveals a deeper truth: the Gospel isn't just for the after-life; it has the power to impact every aspect of life today. When th...

As we close out our Vision month series, we will unpack what we mean by "city prospers". In particular, we will look at how God wants New Life to impact the city of Irvine. Throughout history, we've seen the church fall into two errors: the error of accommodation and the error of antagonism. It has either over-adapted or under-adapted to the city. How can we avoid both errors and be "in the world"...

This Sunday we continue our series examining the vision of New Life Church: To see a gospel movement where lives radically change, families flourish and our city prospers. What does it mean for families to flourish? Jesus always taught, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." After which Jesus would always include, "Lov...

Most of us assume that true life change starts with self-discipline, moral grit, or a stern lecture. The Bible shows us, however, that heart-level transformation begins with a radical encounter with God's scandalous grace. Few stories illustrate this principle more than the story of Zacchaeus--a chief tax collector who out of curiosity goes to meet Jesus and returns forever changed. Join us this S...

This Sunday kicks off "Vision Month" as we unpack New Life's vision one phrase at a time.   First up: "To see a Gospel movement." We will take a look at Colossians 1:6 to see how the Gospel is a dynamic, unstoppable force. What began in an unlikely corner of the ancient world is quietly subverting empires, transforming cultures, and sweeping across the globe.   Far from making us comfortable, the...

In a world that values privacy and spends so much energy crafting an image we want others to see, the thought of being completely exposed can feel terrifying. Yet Psalm 139 offers a radically different perspective: the God of the universe knows every detail of your life, yet chooses to love you completely. This Sunday, we are finishing up our summer Psalms series by taking a look at one of David's...

Why does God seem to allow so much evil, injustice, and unfair suffering in our world? The Bible does not pretend that life is fair, but meets us in Psalm 73 to face our honest anger and confusion head-on. Join us this Sunday as we tackle this mystery together and find real hope when life makes no sense.

We live in a world where waiting is viewed as a curse. Fast food, instant downloads, same day shipping--if any of these stall, our patience evaporates and our frustration mounts. But if you flip through Scripture, waiting is not a curse. It is one of God's most commonly used tools. It is used to refine our character, deepen our roots, and purify our faith. Whether you’re waiting on a career breakt...

Unprocessed grief doesn't just go away—it corrodes the soul over time. Too many of us were never taught how to grieve loss or process deep disappointment. Instead, we adapt by becoming distant, bitter, or detached from God and the people we love. But suffering doesn't have to push you away from God. Psalm 42 gives us a practical roadmap for lament, showing how life’s hardest seasons can actually a...

In this powerful contrast, we see extravagant love in the woman who anoints Jesus, and cold betrayal in Judas. As Jesus approaches his suffering, we are called to examine our own hearts—do they draw near in worship or turn away in self-interest?

All of us have experienced loss and disappointment. We have buried loved ones. We live with shattered dreams and unmet expectations. Our lives have not turned out the way we had hoped, leaving us disoriented and confused. When these waves hit, our natural instinct is to bury our pain and put on a brave face. After all, "the show must go on." But Psalm 42 gives us a completely different blueprint f...

Let’s be honest: it doesn't take much to trigger our anxiety these days. Life is fragile and any number of looming threats can keep us up late at night. This Sunday, we are stepping into Psalm 27 which helps us see how David responded to the many dangers and fears that threatened his life. In this Psalm, he shows us the one thing that enables us to stay calm, confident, and faithful in an anxious...

Fear is a reality we never outgrow. From the smallest child to the mature adult, fear lurks around every corner, percolating endlessly in the back of our minds. Left to itself, our imaginations map out worst-case scenarios for our health, our finances, our family, and future. When fear takes the driver’s seat, hope and joy shrink. This is why there are few psalms that are as treasured and beloved...

This Sunday we will take a look at the front door of the book of Psalms, Psalm 1. Psalm 1 contrasts two ways to live—the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. One way leads to flourishing and fruitfulness. The other leads to emptiness and judgment.   In a world full of competing voices telling us where to find happiness and fulfillment, Psalm 1 points us to where true wisdom and thriving...

This Sunday we continue our summer series in the Psalms. We will take one last look at the mysterious mention of the character Melchizedek in Psalm 110:4. Before Psalm 110, Melchizedek has only appeared once in the scriptures, and even that appearance was mysterious (Genesis 14). Melchizedek was the king of Salem, and priest to the most high God (Gen 14:18). For someone so mysterious, why is he so...

This Sunday we begin our summer series in the Psalms. The Psalms hold out such promise for a deep spiritual reflection, yet often when we read them they leave us asking, "What does this even mean?" Join us this Sunday as we examine the most quoted Psalm by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.

In this brief passage, Paul seems to contradict himself by telling Christians to stop working and then a few verses later to start working. This passage provides both both rest as well as purpose for the Christian.

So many people live, thinking that God is angry with them or disappointed in them. We've all been treated that way by different people in our lives--with family, friends, and at work.   But God is so different. He's nothing like that. God is enthusiastically FOR you. Even when we fail, God shows up with grace and power. His presence brings comfort AND strength so we can live the abundant life Jesu...

Graduation season is upon us! Parents across the nation gather to celebrate the well-deserved accomplishments of their kids. If ever there is a time where our parental hopes and dreams rise to the surface, it is now. While every parent desires what's best for their kids, what differs from family to family is what that "good life" looks like. Join us this Sunday as we evaluate our parental dreams a...

Evangelism can often feel intimidating and awkward. The very mention of the word can conjure up feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Much of this is due to misunderstandings of what it looks like, how we are to engage, and why God calls us to be His witnesses.   Whether you feel confident sharing your faith or are unsure where to begin, Sunday's sermon offers practical encouragement for every beli...