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In times of survival and getting ahead, everyone resorts to whatever will help them make it and get ahead. Dignity and integrity are easily jettisoned and replaced by the quickest means towards the end. Often included in this list of resources used is religion. When we're thriving in treacherous times or striving to succeed, we call upon God and place Him in our pocket so that He can serve our needs rather than the other way around. 
But God is not here to serve us, let alone fit inside our pockets. If anything, we're the one who should be in His pocket, obeying His every wish and following Him even in times of discomfort and unease. The truth is, not all of us want real change (which requires pain, discomfort, and struggles)-- we just want a quick fix, an amphetamine, an instant relief. 
This week, Pastor Sam continues his series and asks, "Where is Jesus in our Relief?" Listen in to find out.

In times of survival and getting ahead, everyone resorts to whatever will help them make it and get ahead. Dignity and integrity are easily jettisoned and replaced by the quickest means towards the end. Often included in this list of resources used is religion. When we're thriving in treacherous times or striving to succeed, we call upon God and place Him in our pocket so that He can serve our needs rather than the other way around.
But God is not here to serve us, let alone fit inside our pockets. If anything, we're the one who should be in His pocket, obeying His every wish and following Him even in times of discomfort and unease. The truth is, not all of us want real change (which requires pain, discomfort, and struggles)-- we just want a quick fix, an amphetamine, an instant relief.
This week, Pastor Sam continues his series and asks, "Where is Jesus in our Relief?" Listen in to find out.

Where's Jesus in our Desire for Therapeutic Relief? Exodus 18: 1-12

Though there were severe blizzard warnings and despite having to cancel our service in Manhattan, we soldiered on and left our SI branch open, carpooling, shoveling, and doing whatever it took so that we could still meet and worship on the Lord's day. 
 And even with the onslaught of snow, many of our members still showed up, not because they had to, but because they understand the value of hearing God's word and praising Him together as a family. 
 We, who know the voice of the Father, know that He often speaks to us in a whisper that comes when it is inconvenient, which is otherwise known as an interruption. But something very supernatural happens during these moments: "chronos" time, as we know it, which is always moving forward, suddenly shifts into "kairos" time, in which time and space stand still to make way for Jesus to come and move in our lives. 
 It is during these kairos moments, where we are faced with significant decisions, that will make or break the destiny and destination of our souls. 
 As we approach the end of the year, how can we catch the kairos moments and allow God to interrupt us? And what is He challenging us to leave behind this year? Listen in to YouTube to find out how to end 2010 with Him and start 2010 with Him.

Though there were severe blizzard warnings and despite having to cancel our service in Manhattan, we soldiered on and left our SI branch open, carpooling, shoveling, and doing whatever it took so that we could still meet and worship on the Lord's day.
 And even with the onslaught of snow, many of our members still showed up, not because they had to, but because they understand the value of hearing God's word and praising Him together as a family.
 We, who know the voice of the Father, know that He often speaks to us in a whisper that comes when it is inconvenient, which is otherwise known as an interruption. But something very supernatural happens during these moments: "chronos" time, as we know it, which is always moving forward, suddenly shifts into "kairos" time, in which time and space stand still to make way for Jesus to come and move in our lives.
 It is during these kairos moments, where we are faced with significant decisions, that will make or break the destiny and destinat

Kairos Time John 4:3-4, 27-28

This week in Manhattan, we hear a special prophetic message from Pastor Lydia. Preaching from the same text as last week, whereas Pastor Sam talked about where Jesus is in our limitations, Pastor Lydia asks us, "Where is Jesus in our Victory and Battles?" 
Prayers are often lifted up when there's a severe problem at hand; we ask God to pull through and even challenge His existence by nearly forcing Him to fix our predicament. And as the loving Father He is, He does listen to our prayers and He does bring a remedy to our troubles. But how many times do we find ourselves suddenly faced with a myriad other problems, quickly forgetting that God was even involved? 
How do we end the year strong and stay focused on God- to remember Him, both in times of victory and trials? Tune in to YouTube to discover the answer.

This week in Manhattan, we hear a special prophetic message from Pastor Lydia. Preaching from the same text as last week, whereas Pastor Sam talked about where Jesus is in our limitations, Pastor Lydia asks us, "Where is Jesus in our Victory and Battles?"
Prayers are often lifted up when there's a severe problem at hand; we ask God to pull through and even challenge His existence by nearly forcing Him to fix our predicament. And as the loving Father He is, He does listen to our prayers and He does bring a remedy to our troubles. But how many times do we find ourselves suddenly faced with a myriad other problems, quickly forgetting that God was even involved?
How do we end the year strong and stay focused on God- to remember Him, both in times of victory and trials? Tune in to YouTube to discover the answer.

Where's Jesus in our Victory? Exodus 17: 10-15

As we're learning to hear the voice of God and how to catch His whispers, Pastor Sam teaches us this week in SI about the importance of community. 
Christianity is not built to be lived out alone- God made us to need one another. In essence, if we want to learn how to hear the Father, we need the help of leaders, mentors, and pastors to guide us into His direction and process His voice in our lives. 
If you want to continue to grow closer to God, or if you're someone who's yet to come to Christ but wants to hear Him speaking, then tune in to this week's YouTube!

As we're learning to hear the voice of God and how to catch His whispers, Pastor Sam teaches us this week in SI about the importance of community.
Christianity is not built to be lived out alone- God made us to need one another. In essence, if we want to learn how to hear the Father, we need the help of leaders, mentors, and pastors to guide us into His direction and process His voice in our lives.
If you want to continue to grow closer to God, or if you're someone who's yet to come to Christ but wants to hear Him speaking, then tune in to this week's YouTube!

Recognizing the Power of God's Whisper Part 3 1 Samuel 3: 1-10

"That person is impossible!" we'll often say when people in our lives act in a way that prohibits any kind of logical reasoning or resolution. Humanity is marked by this unavoidable habit to react irrationally which, in turn, creates a crisis. 
 
 So how do you win over someone who's being impossible? Simple: you have to be more impossible! And that's what we call love. 
 Where is Jesus in our Crises? Pastor Sam answers this by telling us that He Himself is making the impossible possible. Magically somehow, two negatives make a positive and that's why the gospel is a miracle.

"That person is impossible!" we'll often say when people in our lives act in a way that prohibits any kind of logical reasoning or resolution. Humanity is marked by this unavoidable habit to react irrationally which, in turn, creates a crisis.

     So how do you win over someone who's being impossible? Simple: you have to be more impossible! And that's what we call love.
     Where is Jesus in our Crises? Pastor Sam answers this by telling us that He Himself is making the impossible possible. Magically somehow, two negatives make a positive and that's why the gospel is a miracle.

Where's Jesus in our Crises? Exodus 17:1-5

We all know that feeling of looking forward to the latest episode of our favorite TV show, only to be anticlimactically disappointed by just another re-run. Reluctantly, we watch the already seen episode only to half-laugh at the jokes and feign surprise at the plot, all watered down by our initial viewing. 
But what's even sadder is that moments in our own lives can often seem like re-runs. The same ol' issues reappear and we find ourselves in the same ol' situations. 
So then, how do we break the cycle and escape falling into the same traps and avoid retreading those familiar places? Listen to this week's sermon on YouTube, as Pastor Sam asks us, "Where is Jesus in Our Annoying Re-runs?"

We all know that feeling of looking forward to the latest episode of our favorite TV show, only to be anticlimactically disappointed by just another re-run. Reluctantly, we watch the already seen episode only to half-laugh at the jokes and feign surprise at the plot, all watered down by our initial viewing.
But what's even sadder is that moments in our own lives can often seem like re-runs. The same ol' issues reappear and we find ourselves in the same ol' situations.
So then, how do we break the cycle and escape falling into the same traps and avoid retreading those familiar places? Listen to this week's sermon on YouTube, as Pastor Sam asks us, "Where is Jesus in Our Annoying Re-runs?"

Where's Jesus in our Annoying Reruns? Exodus 16: 1-5

What qualifies someone to hear the living voice of God? Is it a certain standard of holiness? Do you have to be chosen? Must you sacrifice three lambs and five calves? The answer is much simpler than that: you don't have to be or do anything special to hear Him speaking, you just have to be close. 
This week in Staten Island, Pastor Sam shares a prophetic word about how we can let go of our disqualifications of being able to hear His voice, and actually begin to actively listen to the Father speaking to us. 
How can we begin to do that? Listen in to find out!

What qualifies someone to hear the living voice of God? Is it a certain standard of holiness? Do you have to be chosen? Must you sacrifice three lambs and five calves? The answer is much simpler than that: you don't have to be or do anything special to hear Him speaking, you just have to be close.
This week in Staten Island, Pastor Sam shares a prophetic word about how we can let go of our disqualifications of being able to hear His voice, and actually begin to actively listen to the Father speaking to us.
How can we begin to do that? Listen in to find out!

Recognizing the power of God's Whisper Part 2  1 Samuel 3: 1-10

When Mariah Carey's rider list was released to the public, people were astonished to find such fastidious demands (tea made with a specific brand of mineral water, Cristal Champagne with bendy straws, etc.). "What a diva!" many remarked. But what's so different between us and Mariah when it comes to our own sense of self-centered entitlement? 
We can say that she has no right to solicit such things when she used to be a nobody who got discovered. But the truth is, within all of us, lives a diva-- complete with demands, complaints, and ungratefulness. 
As Pastor Sam continues his series, he asks, "Where is Jesus in our Self-Centeredness?" How can we be set free from our self-centeredness and instead, live a life that honors what God has delivered us from?

When Mariah Carey's rider list was released to the public, people were astonished to find such fastidious demands (tea made with a specific brand of mineral water, Cristal Champagne with bendy straws, etc.). "What a diva!" many remarked. But what's so different between us and Mariah when it comes to our own sense of self-centered entitlement?
We can say that she has no right to solicit such things when she used to be a nobody who got discovered. But the truth is, within all of us, lives a diva-- complete with demands, complaints, and ungratefulness. 
As Pastor Sam continues his series, he asks, "Where is Jesus in our Self-Centeredness?" How can we be set free from our self-centeredness and instead, live a life that honors what God has delivered us from?

Where's Jesus in our Self-Centeredness? Exodus 15: 21-27

Whether it's taking forever to make a decision or having a constantly shifting opinion, human beings by nature are fickle. 
This is evident in Exodus, when the Hebrews, having just been freed from Pharaoh's tyranny, are now complaining to Moses to send them back to captivity in Egypt. 
But what does our lack of permanence and ever changing hearts reveal about our lostness? And what does it say about God who is always faithful? Tune in to this week's sermon to find out, Where is Jesus in our Fickleness?

Whether it's taking forever to make a decision or having a constantly shifting opinion, human beings by nature are fickle.
This is evident in Exodus, when the Hebrews, having just been freed from Pharaoh's tyranny, are now complaining to Moses to send them back to captivity in Egypt.
But what does our lack of permanence and ever changing hearts reveal about our lostness? And what does it say about God who is always faithful? Tune in to this week's sermon to find out, Where is Jesus in our Fickleness?

Where's Jesus in our Fickleness? Exodus 14:10-17

Mark 10:13-15 
 
Scripture tells us that when we accept Christ, we become heirs to the throne. Do we, as believers, understand the significance of that title? 
If Christ is King, and He is our Father, then we, in turn, are automatically His princes and princesses. But how many of us, even in spite of a royal inheritance, live as beggars and paupers? 
God has called us to be His sons and daughters. It doesn't matter what we've done or where we've been. If you want to live as a rightful King or Queen who belongs in His Kingdom, then listen in to this week's message on YouTube from 180 SI.

Mark 10:13-15

Scripture tells us that when we accept Christ, we become heirs to the throne. Do we, as believers, understand the significance of that title?
If Christ is King, and He is our Father, then we, in turn, are automatically His princes and princesses. But how many of us, even in spite of a royal inheritance, live as beggars and paupers?
God has called us to be His sons and daughters. It doesn't matter what we've done or where we've been. If you want to live as a rightful King or Queen who belongs in His Kingdom, then listen in to this week's message on YouTube from 180 SI.

What God The Father is Really Like: Mark 10:13-15

Exodus 12: 21-31 
 
Everyone eventually meets it. No one is an exception. And although we will try everything to avoid it, nothing can stop it or slow it down. Whether it be in our wrinkles, the fading of strength, the appearance of sickness, or sudden accidents that come from nowhere, everyone will inevitably die. 
     Death has a peculiar way of showing us a new perspective. It is often in the face of diseases in our loved ones, or in nearly fatal accidents where our "life flashes before our eyes" and suddenly, we're more inclined to hold steadfast onto life and loved ones. 
     But how does the gospel fit into our eventual decay? And where is Jesus in when we kick the bucket? Tune into this week's sermon when Pastor Sam talks about how His ultimate death, can set us free from our own physical death.

Exodus 12: 21-31

Everyone eventually meets it. No one is an exception. And although we will try everything to avoid it, nothing can stop it or slow it down. Whether it be in our wrinkles, the fading of strength, the appearance of sickness, or sudden accidents that come from nowhere, everyone will inevitably die.
     Death has a peculiar way of showing us a new perspective. It is often in the face of diseases in our loved ones, or in nearly fatal accidents where our "life flashes before our eyes" and suddenly, we're more inclined to hold steadfast onto life and loved ones.
     But how does the gospel fit into our eventual decay? And where is Jesus in when we kick the bucket? Tune into this week's sermon when Pastor Sam talks about how His ultimate death, can set us free from our own physical death.

Where's Jesus in our Death? Exodus 12: 21-31

The greatest enemy to our life change is, and always will be, our own stubbornness. It is our impenetrable unwillingness to relent that will leave us cold and hard-hearted. 
 In the past weeks, Pastor Sam preached from the book of Exodus, and helped us to identify with Moses in his uncertainty and fears. This week, we identify with Pharaoh and his stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's power and existence through His miraculous signs. 
 For many of us, we have already seen God move. We have even felt the chills at one point that were sent from the Holy Spirit. But how many times will we brush them off before relinquishing and fully embracing His presence? To learn where Jesus is in our Stubbornness, tune in to this week's YouTube.

The greatest enemy to our life change is, and always will be, our own stubbornness. It is our impenetrable unwillingness to relent that will leave us cold and hard-hearted.
 In the past weeks, Pastor Sam preached from the book of Exodus, and helped us to identify with Moses in his uncertainty and fears. This week, we identify with Pharaoh and his stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's power and existence through His miraculous signs.
 For many of us, we have already seen God move. We have even felt the chills at one point that were sent from the Holy Spirit. But how many times will we brush them off before relinquishing and fully embracing His presence? To learn where Jesus is in our Stubbornness, tune in to this week's YouTube.

Where's Jesus in our Stubbornness? Exodus 7: 8-13

Exodus 5: 22-33, 6:1-12 
 
Uncertainties always seem to bring us to make the worst decisions. When we see our problems, our tendency is to panic and become very irrational and very stupid. But there's the problem: we SEE our problems! 
We're so busy looking at what's going wrong that we fail to see God, the Father, right in front of us offering His wise solutions to all of our struggles and questions. 
In our uncertainty, there is only one thing that is certain: Jesus Christ is always here to help us and set us free. But where is He exactly in our uncertainty? Listen in to find out.

Exodus 5: 22-33, 6:1-12

Uncertainties always seem to bring us to make the worst decisions. When we see our problems, our tendency is to panic and become very irrational and very stupid. But there's the problem: we SEE our problems!
We're so busy looking at what's going wrong that we fail to see God, the Father, right in front of us offering His wise solutions to all of our struggles and questions.
In our uncertainty, there is only one thing that is certain: Jesus Christ is always here to help us and set us free. But where is He exactly in our uncertainty? Listen in to find out.

Where's Jesus in our Uncertainty? Exodus 5: 22-33, 6:1-12

In the outside world, everything is acquired and accomplished by merit; we get what we put in. However, in God's Kingdom, the rules are completely opposite. The Bible tells us that our righteousness is "filthy rags" before God, therefore, there is nothing that we can by our own merit. 
    That is why it is only through Christ that we can rightfully receive the blessings that God has for us. Because of His obedience and sacrifice, it is Jesus living in us that allows us access to His Kingdom. 
    Staten Island abbreviated is SI. And if you took high school spanish, then you will know that "si" translate to "yes". And that is precisely the prophetic word that God is speaking over our humble borough. Listen in to find out what exactly God is saying yes to!

In the outside world, everything is acquired and accomplished by merit; we get what we put in. However, in God's Kingdom, the rules are completely opposite. The Bible tells us that our righteousness is "filthy rags" before God, therefore, there is nothing that we can by our own merit.
    That is why it is only through Christ that we can rightfully receive the blessings that God has for us. Because of His obedience and sacrifice, it is Jesus living in us that allows us access to His Kingdom.
    Staten Island abbreviated is SI. And if you took high school spanish, then you will know that "si" translate to "yes". And that is precisely the prophetic word that God is speaking over our humble borough. Listen in to find out what exactly God is saying yes to!

Learning the Language of God's Kingdom: Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Christ said that He has come to give us life in full. All of us want fullness in life: whether it's excellence in our work, intimacy in relationships, or achieving our purpose and calling. But not all of us are willing to pay the price. What's even sadder is that some of us even settle for mediocrity, forsaking the very best that God has for us. 
    Harvey Dent wisely said in "The Dark Knight", "The night is darkest before the dawn." In the same way, our trials always seem the hardest before we see the light at the end of the tunnel. 
    Perhaps you've come to Christ recently and you're wondering why things have been getting worse? If that's where you're at, listen in as Pastor Sam tells us, "Where is Jesus in our Temptation to Settle?"

Christ said that He has come to give us life in full. All of us want fullness in life: whether it's excellence in our work, intimacy in relationships, or achieving our purpose and calling. But not all of us are willing to pay the price. What's even sadder is that some of us even settle for mediocrity, forsaking the very best that God has for us.
    Harvey Dent wisely said in "The Dark Knight", "The night is darkest before the dawn." In the same way, our trials always seem the hardest before we see the light at the end of the tunnel. 
    Perhaps you've come to Christ recently and you're wondering why things have been getting worse? If that's where you're at, listen in as Pastor Sam tells us, "Where is Jesus in our Temptation to Settle?"

Where's Jesus in our Temptation to Settle? Exodus 4:31, 5:15-23

Exodus 4: 8,21-31 
 
You would think that God is averse to skepticism and unbelief; why would God honor people who don't believe in Him? But the truth is, God doesn't shun our doubts... He welcomes them! 
Continuing his series on Exodus, Pastor Sam talks about how Moses was once a highly skeptical man whose unbelief was completely obliterated by God's intervention. 
If you're someone who's doubting the existence of God or if you're a believer who is still dubious about what He can do in your life, watch this sermon and just see if your cynicism doesn't turn into worship.

Exodus 4: 8,21-31

You would think that God is averse to skepticism and unbelief; why would God honor people who don't believe in Him? But the truth is, God doesn't shun our doubts... He welcomes them!
Continuing his series on Exodus, Pastor Sam talks about how Moses was once a highly skeptical man whose unbelief was completely obliterated by God's intervention.
If you're someone who's doubting the existence of God or if you're a believer who is still dubious about what He can do in your life, watch this sermon and just see if your cynicism doesn't turn into worship.

Where's Jesus in our Unbelief? Exodus 4: 8,21-31

Passage: Exodus 4: 1-5,10-13 
 
 "It's not you... it's me!" We've all heard it before-- the world's most overused excuse in ending relationships. But of course, we all know that what it's really saying is, "I'm way too good for you and you're kinda psycho." 
 At the end of the day, an excuse is a euphemism for rejection. It's basically a much nicer way of saying "no" or "I really don't want to." As we look further into Moses' life, we see that before he delivered the Israelites, he was a man full of excuses when God had called him to "go." 
 Pastor Sam flips it back on us and asks, "Where is Jesus in all our excuses?" Tune in to find out!

Passage: Exodus 4: 1-5,10-13

 "It's not you... it's me!" We've all heard it before-- the world's most overused excuse in ending relationships. But of course, we all know that what it's really saying is, "I'm way too good for you and you're kinda psycho."
    At the end of the day, an excuse is a euphemism for rejection. It's basically a much nicer way of saying "no" or "I really don't want to." As we look further into Moses' life, we see that before he delivered the Israelites, he was a man full of excuses when God had called him to "go."
    Pastor Sam flips it back on us and asks, "Where is Jesus in all our excuses?" Tune in to find out!

Where's Jesus in our Excuses? Exodus 4: 1-5,10-13

Exodus 3: 10-15 
 
 
 No one smiles when they're being given more responsibility or enthusiastically claps when their plans are completely ruined. Yet why does an expectant father or mother feel inexplicable joy at the birth of their child? 
    Although having a child means less freedom and canceling all future plans, the beauty of something existing that did not exist before cannot be sufficiently described. 
    Such is the case with encountering the existence of God. When you discover His presence, the life that you want to live must surrender to His superior will and purpose. Pastor Sam continues to speak about God "ruining" our lives this week and asks, "Where is Jesus in our Lifestyle?"

Exodus 3: 10-15


 No one smiles when they're being given more responsibility or enthusiastically claps when their plans are completely ruined. Yet why does an expectant father or mother feel inexplicable joy at the birth of their child?
    Although having a child means less freedom and canceling all future plans, the beauty of something existing that did not exist before cannot be sufficiently described.
    Such is the case with encountering the existence of God. When you discover His presence, the life that you want to live must surrender to His superior will and purpose. Pastor Sam continues to speak about God "ruining" our lives this week and asks, "Where is Jesus in our Lifestyle?"

Where's Jesus in our Lifestyle? Exodus 3:10-15

Passage: Exodus 3:9-12 
 
Sometimes we receive missed calls only to find out that the dialer misdialed. If we were to communicate with God through cell phones, we would probably see a million "missed calls." We miss these calls because we either have a misconception about God or we disqualify ourselves from God's purpose due to our limitations. The truth of the gospel is that despite all of our shortcomings, God had a purpose for each of us to be heirs of the throne before the foundations of the world. Listen as Pastor Sam dives into how the once inept Moses was made into a great leader through "osmosis."

Passage: Exodus 3:9-12

Sometimes we receive missed calls only to find out that the dialer misdialed. If we were to communicate with God through cell phones, we would probably see a million "missed calls." We miss these calls because we either have a misconception about God or we disqualify ourselves from God's purpose due to our limitations. The truth of the gospel is that despite all of our shortcomings, God had a purpose for each of us to be heirs of the throne before the foundations of the world. Listen as Pastor Sam dives into how the once inept Moses was made into a great leader through "osmosis."

Where's Jesus in our Misconceptions? Exodus 3:9-12

Passage: Exodus 3:1-6 
 
The question that we love to ask every new visitor that comes to 180 is, "Are you saved?" Because we know that just because you call yourself a "Christian" doesn't necessarily mean that you gave your life to Christ. 
 This week, Pastor Sam talks about a skeptic nominal believer who knew of God but did not have a prior relationship with Him before he met him through a burning bush; his name was Moses (yes, THAT Moses). 
 If you claim to be a follower of God but are unsure if you were ever saved, then this message is for you. Or if you're someone that's searching and have no previous context of faith, then this message is for you!

Passage: Exodus 3:1-6

The question that we love to ask every new visitor that comes to 180 is, "Are you saved?" Because we know that just because you call yourself a "Christian" doesn't necessarily mean that you gave your life to Christ.
 This week, Pastor Sam talks about a skeptic nominal believer who knew of God but did not have a prior relationship with Him before he met him through a burning bush; his name was Moses (yes, THAT Moses).
 If you claim to be a follower of God but are unsure if you were ever saved, then this message is for you. Or if you're someone that's searching and have no previous context of faith, then this message is for you!

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