Island ECC Podcast

People die differently, because people live differently. In the last scene of Jesus’ life, He is surrounded by two thieves, both having equal access to see and observe Jesus. But their response is very different. How can we cultivate a tender heart, one that sees and receives all that Jesus has for us?

The unexpected help from Simon of Cyrene on the way to the cross gives vast insight into the message and method of God in ways we might not have considered.

The story of Barabbas is often overlooked because it is such a short story. Despite its brevity, Barabbas’s story holds deeper layers that go beyond being known solely as the one the crowds chose instead of Jesus. In this sermon, we embark on a journey to explore the untold aspects of Barabbas’s life, revealing surprising parallels that mirror our own experiences.

It’s possible to act like a christian, but not actually be one. It's feasible to be close to the things of God, but never actually have a converted heart. Judas serves as a stark warning that true conversion is always lasting.

Mary Magdalene is a very well known figure in scripture with very little known about her. She had the incredible honour of being the first person to see the risen Jesus, but that wasn’t their first encounter. Mary’s larger story is an encouraging one that gives us a perfect picture of what it means to be gratefully faithful.

The way to greatness is backward. When the world tells you to base your life on achievement, income, image, or power, Jesus offers us a life-giving alternative.

Lotus seeds represent the blessings of bringing forth offspring one after another. This applies to our spiritual community as we think about how to serve the community better. Today, we study how Barnabas multiplies spiritual leaders (Paul and John Mark) and how we, both as individuals and as a church, should do the same thing.

Our negative assumptions about our family members prevent us from pursuing reconciliation, resulting in only a “disguised harmony” or even conflicts in our family. Learning from the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob, we should put our trust not in our own assumptions but in God’s power to change hearts, and practice “forgetful forgiveness”, because we too have been forgiven by and reconciled to God through Jesus.

Happy New Year! The desire for happiness is a universal phenomenon. But what gives you real long-lasting happiness? In this sermon, we will explore the surprise source of happiness that God has already shown us.

What is your relationship with money? Is it your master or a servant? A bridge or barrier between you and God? What is God’s design for money and what is his invitation to us on how to live in freedom with it?