NewStory Church

In week two of our "Journey to Jerusalem" Lenten series, Pastor Tom Kang takes an honest look at one of Jesus' most famous—and most domesticated—teachings: the Parable of the Good Samaritan.Set against the backdrop of real-world headlines, global conflicts, and anxieties right here in Los Angeles, this message challenges us to look beyond our comfortable boundaries. Pastor Tom unpacks how Jesus flipped the legal expert's question from a static "who is my neighbor?" to an action-oriented "who has become a neighbor?" We are reminded that true compassion requires proximity, not just policy, and that love in action means stepping into the messiness of life rather than passing by on the other side.

As we enter the season of Lent, Pastor Tom Kang kicks off a new six-week series, Journey to Jerusalem. Examining Luke 9, we look at three brief encounters Jesus has as He resolutely sets His face toward the cross.Often, our spiritual lives stall not because we aim too high, but because we "fly too low"—weighed down by a desire for comfort, the illusion of control, or a constant glance backward. This message challenges us to examine the excuses we use to delay fully following Jesus.What has an unhealthy grip on you? Join us in observing Lent not as a punishment, but as a deliberate season of fasting and intentional formation to make room for the Holy Spirit.

In the powerful conclusion of our "Falling Hope" series, Pastor Tom Kang contrasts the paths of Peter and Judas—showing us the vital difference between worldly regret and godly repentance.Pastor Tom also addresses the tension between grace and justice, using recent headlines regarding the Epstein files to illustrate that true restoration requires accountability. He reminds us that grace without honesty is merely a cover-up, and that the Gospel demands both mercy for the repentant and justice for the vulnerable.Join us as we learn to stop hiding and step into the redeeming light of Jesus, who meets us in our failure, not to shame us, but to restore us.

In this message, Pastor Tom Kang unpacks the life of the Apostle Peter as part of our "Falling Short" series. Peter was known for his boldness, yet his desire for control often led to failure. Pastor Tom invites us to examine our own tendency to play the "I am" game with God—trying to force outcomes rather than trusting in His sovereignty.Join us as we explore how Jesus meets our failures not with condemnation, but with restoration, challenging us to put down our swords and rely on His grace.

In this thought-provoking message, Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs invites us to take an honest look at the metrics we use to measure our worth. In a culture obsessed with external achievements, it’s easy to feel like we are constantly falling short.Drawing from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, Dr. J.R. Briggs challenges us to shift our focus from societal definitions of success—like money and prestige—to a deeper understanding of stewardship and grace. He unpacks the truth that spiritual maturity isn’t about what we accomplish, but about the posture of our hearts.Join us as we explore how to release the pressure of performance and embrace our true identity: one that is received, not achieved.

In this message, Pastor Tom explores how we can find hope and a second chance even in our deepest failures. Whether it’s a sudden fall or gradual burnout, we all face the gap between our public image and inner truth. Drawing from biblical narratives and real-world examples, we learn that failure is not final and that healing begins when we bring our hidden struggles into the light. Join NewStory as we embrace God’s grace and begin a transformative journey toward redemption and true restoration.

SELAHIn a world that never stops moving, Selah is our invitation to pause.To slow down.To reflect.To pray.To worship without rushing the moment.This is a service where we create space for God to meet us right where we are. Not striving. Not performing. Just present.If your soul has been carrying more than words can express, this morning is for you.Come and rest in His presence.Come and linger.Come and be still.

Peace is often defined as the absence of conflict, but the biblical picture goes deeper: wholeness, completeness, Shalom.In this episode, Pastor Tom Kang offers a brief setup on the kind of peace Jesus gives, peace in the storm, not just after it. Then we share a 10 minute guided prayer led by Father Michael Sparrow, rooted in a historic Christian practice that helps us surrender anxious thoughts, a divided heart, our past, and our future to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.If your life feels scattered or heavy, this is a simple way to slow down, breathe deeply, and return to the presence of God.Listen and pray: newstorychurch.com/prayerforpeace

As we begin a new year, Pastor Johnny Baker invites us to refocus on what matters most: loving God and loving others.Through Scripture and personal stories, this sermon reminds us of Jesus’ greatest commandment and challenges us to live out our faith with intention in a distracted and divided world.A timely message for anyone seeking a deeper, more meaningful walk with God in the year ahead.

NewStories are real testimonies of faith, healing, and life change from the NewStory Church community. Each story reflects how God is still at work in ordinary lives, writing new chapters filled with hope and grace.Watch, reflect, and be encouraged by the stories God is writing among us.More stories are added each year as God continues to write new stories.Learn more or share your own story athttps://newstories.church

In this message, Pastor Drew Hyun shares a timely message from the book of Haggai, calling us to pause, reflect, and realign our priorities. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and his work with Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, Pastor Drew explores what it means to integrate faith, emotional health, and daily life.This conversation invites both long-time believers and those exploring faith to consider the prophetic call to “give careful thought to your ways,” reminding us that true spiritual maturity begins when our hearts, habits, and priorities are centered on God.

This Christmas Sunday at NewStory Church, Pastor Tom concludes our Advent series by reflecting on the theme of love—and what it truly means for love to “show up.”In a world shaped by technology and AI, this message reminds us that real love cannot be replaced by digital substitutes. Love is not just an idea or emotion, but something embodied—experienced through presence. Rooted in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the sermon invites us to consider why Christmas matters: because God showed up in the flesh.Through Scripture, cultural reflection, and tangible reminders shared during the service, we are encouraged to rediscover the power of being present with God and with one another.This Christmas, may we remember that love showed up for us—so we can show up for one another.

In this uplifting message from the third week of our Advent series, Pastor Stephen Han reflects on the theme of joy as Christmas draws near. He reminds us that Advent is a season of preparation—anchored in hope, peace, joy, and love—and explores how biblical joy is deeper than fleeting happiness, rooted instead in God’s presence and promises.Through Scripture from Isaiah, Habakkuk, and the Christmas story, Pastor Stephen invites us to see joy as a deliberate choice and a lasting gladness that can be found even in small, unexpected moments. He concludes by pointing us toward worship, reminding us that true joy naturally flows into praise, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Explore the profound theme of biblical peace as Pastor Tom Kang highlights its deeper meaning beyond the simple absence of conflict. In this Advent series, he emphasizes the importance of wholeness and completeness in finding peace amid life’s chaos. Audrey and her Life Group share scripture readings and light the peace candle for a moment of reflection. The message also features a meditative practice with Father Michael Sparrow, inviting listeners to experience and nurture inner peace through surrender and reflection. Embrace the true nature of peace this holiday season.

Pastor Stephen Han begins the Advent season with a powerful message on the true meaning of hope—an unshakable confidence rooted in Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, personal stories, and the Christmas narrative, he reminds us that while life is often filled with brokenness and disappointment, Jesus is God’s perfect and indescribable gift to us. This message invites us to place our trust in Christ as the anchor of our souls and to reflect on where we most need His hope this Christmas season.

Join Pastor Tricia Lee as she unpacks the idea of “family values” and why they matter for every household. Through Scripture and real-life examples, she shares how clearly stated values shape identity, guide decisions, and build healthier relationships at home. Pastor Tricia also offers simple, practical steps to help families define and live out their core values with intention and faith. This message invites all of us—parents, singles, and every kind of household—to reflect on what we truly value and who we choose to serve.

Pastor Tom Kang dives into the ups and downs of parent-child relationships in this relatable and encouraging message. Walking through four stages of parenting — discipline, training, coaching, and eventually friendship — he shares practical wisdom shaped by scripture, personal stories, and insights from psychology.With humor and honesty, Pastor Tom talks about how our parenting needs to grow and shift as our kids grow and shift. He also addresses common pressures we feel, including cultural expectations and the fear that we’ve “messed up” along the way.If you need hope, clarity, or just a reminder that God is with you in every season of parenting, this message will speak to you. It’s about building trust, restoring connection, and learning to walk with our kids the way God walks with us.

In this message, Pastor Tom invites us into the hard places of relational repair—where foundational damage has been done, and yet the hope of restoration stands firm. Drawing from the flood-mishap in his own life and the timeless story of Adam and Eve, he calls us to radical honesty—with ourselves, with God, and with one another.Against the backdrop of defensiveness, emotional distance and demanding behaviours, Pastor Tom shows how trust is rebuilt. He points us back to the Gospel: the one who confronted our brokenness, and the one who promises renewal.Come ready to engage the truth. Come ready to feel the cost of relationship and the freedom of letting walls fall. Here you’ll discover how the same wisdom that brought Eden’s fracture can also carry the way to restoration—and how applying it not only transforms your connections but deepens your spiritual life.

What makes a family truly strong?In this heartfelt message, Pastor Tom Kang unpacks God’s original blueprint for family—showing how it can be a shelter, a school, a source of joy, and a launching pad for life and ministry.Through honest stories and biblical insights, he shares practical ways to strengthen relationships, nurture faith at home, and build a lasting legacy rooted in love and purpose.Whether you’re single, married, or raising kids, this message offers timeless wisdom and encouragement for every season of family life.

Join George and Tondra Gregory — chaplains for the Los Angeles Chargers — as they unpack the real keys to a thriving marriage. Drawing from their book The Marriage Game Plan, they share powerful lessons on unconditional love, commitment, and how marriage reflects Christ’s relationship with the church. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, this talk offers practical tools to build unity, resolve conflict, and navigate the pressures of modern life together.