Forward Church

06/02/2026

In John 19:16–30, we arrive at the climax of the Gospel of John and the most important moment in human history. Jesus carries His own cross, is crucified outside the city, cares for His mother while hanging in agony, drinks the sour wine of humanity's curse, and finally declares: "It is finished."

But what exactly was finished?

In this message, Pastor Bogdan Kipko walks verse-by-verse through the crucifixion of Christ and reveals how every detail points to God's plan of redemption. Discover the significance of Golgotha, the inscription above the cross written in three languages, the seamless robe, the two thieves, the sour wine, the hyssop branch, and the powerful meaning behind Jesus' final cry: Tetelestai — Paid in Full.

You'll also see how John 19 reverses the story of Genesis 3:

Adam brought the curse through a tree.
Jesus bore the curse on a tree.
Adam brought death.
Jesus conquered death.
Adam left humanity unfinished.
Jesus finished the work.
The good news of the gospel is not that Jesus made salvation possible. The good news is that Jesus accomplished it completely.

Key Takeaway:

Jesus carried your burden, paid your debt, and secured your future.

Scripture:

John 19:16–30 (ESV)

In This Message:

✔ The meaning of Golgotha
✔ Why Jesus carried His own cross
✔ The symbolism of the crown of thorns
✔ The significance of the sour wine and hyssop branch
✔ The meaning of "Tetelestai" (It Is Finished)
✔ How Jesus fulfills Passover
✔ Why you can stop trying to earn what Christ already purchased

If this message encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and let us know in the comments what stood out to you most.



To listen to the audio of this message: https://www.forwardchurchpodcast.com/1965883/19272040
To subscribe to the Forward Church Podcast: www.forwardchurchpodcast.com

05/26/2026

In this powerful message from John 19:7–16, Pastor Dmitry walks through the climactic trial of Jesus and contrasts two competing kingdoms: the way of Caesar and the way of Christ. As Pilate wrestles with fear, power, and control, we’re confronted with a timeless question: Who is really your King?

Through the themes of The Son of God, Authority from Above, and The Day of Preparation, this sermon reveals Jesus not as a helpless victim, but as the sovereign King willingly moving toward the cross according to the Father’s plan. In a world driven by power, status, influence, and self-glory, Jesus calls us to reject the way of Caesar and embrace the way of surrender, faith, and obedience.

John points us to Jesus as the true Passover Lamb—the One who takes away the sins of the world. The invitation is simple yet life-changing: Behold and Believe. Look at Christ. Treasure Christ. Follow Christ. Because what captures your gaze ultimately shapes your life.

To listen to the audio of this message: https://www.forwardchurchpodcast.com/1965883/19237722
To subscribe to the Forward Church Podcast: www.forwardchurchpodcast.com

Let's get ready to find hope in Jesus, by listening to this message.

YOUR NEXT STEP: If you don't have a home church, then your next step of faith is to click this link and fill out the digital connect card. We would love to connect with you: https://bit.ly/4g9b4Gm

If this message encouraged you and inspired you to boldly follow Jesus, we ask that you share it with a friend by sending them this message! We help YOU find hope in Jesus. We can't wait to see you in person at Forward Church in Irvine, every Sunday at 11 am!

CONNECT WITH FORWARD: For more information, please visit: www.forwardchurchirvine.com and follow us on Instagram: .

05/19/2026

In this message, “Behold the Man,” Pastor Bogdan Kipko walks through John 18:38–19:6 (ESV) and explores one of the most sobering realities in Scripture: you can stand face-to-face with truth and still walk away unchanged. Pilate recognized Jesus’ innocence, publicly declared Him guiltless, and examined Him personally—yet he still resisted surrender. Why? Because knowing the truth and obeying the truth are not the same thing.

Through powerful biblical exposition, deep symbolism, and practical everyday illustrations, this sermon uncovers how many people still do what Pilate did: we recognize Jesus, reduce Jesus, and ultimately resist Jesus. You’ll discover the hidden meaning behind Barabbas (“son of the father”), the significance of the crown of thorns, and why Pilate’s words “Behold the Man” point all the way back to Adam and the story of Genesis. This message reveals that Jesus wasn’t merely mocked as King—He was carrying the curse of humanity on His own head.

The question was never “What is truth?” The real question is: What will you do with the Truth standing in front of you?

Because the issue was never evidenced, the issue was surrendered.

Pilate thought he was putting Jesus on trial, but John shows us something deeper: Jesus was never on trial—the world was.

To listen to the audio of this message: https://www.forwardchurchpodcast.com/1965883/19200621
To subscribe to the Forward Church Podcast: www.forwardchurchpodcast.com

Let's get ready to find hope in Jesus, by listening to this message.

YOUR NEXT STEP: If you don't have a home church, then your next step of faith is to click this link and fill out the digital connect card. We would love to connect with you: https://bit.ly/4g9b4Gm

If this message encouraged you and inspired you to boldly follow Jesus, we ask that you share it with a friend by sending them this message! We help YOU find hope in Jesus. We can't wait to see you in person at Forward Church in Irvine, every Sunday at 11 am!

CONNECT WITH FORWARD: For more information, please visit: www.forwardchurchirvine.com and follow us on Instagram: .

05/15/2026

In this Mother’s Day message, Pastor Bogdan Kipko walks through 2 Timothy 1:3–7 and explores how godly generations are formed through intentional discipleship, faithful presence, and courageous faith. Looking at the example of Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, this sermon shows that the faith that lasts is not built accidentally, but cultivated over years of prayer, consistency, authenticity, and spiritual investment. Through personal stories, cultural commentary, and biblical exposition, Pastor Bogdan challenges parents, grandparents, leaders, and the entire church to recognize the enormous influence they have on the next generation.

To listen to the audio of this message: https://www.forwardchurchpodcast.com/1965883/19186030
To subscribe to the Forward Church Podcast: www.forwardchurchpodcast.com

This message addresses the tension between the culture’s obsession with performance and the Bible’s call to sincere, authentic faith lived out daily in the home. You’ll hear powerful illustrations about faithful motherhood, spiritual influence, and why children don’t need perfect parents—they need real disciples who genuinely love Jesus. The sermon also confronts the fears and pressures facing today’s families and reminds believers that raising courageous disciples requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. As the message builds, the church is called not merely to protect children from darkness, but to prepare them to shine in it. This service also includes a communion meditation centered on the Last Supper and the transforming power of the gospel through Christ’s sacrifice. Ultimately, this sermon is a call to pass down “a faith that stays” to the next generation. Because what we do today may echo for generations.

Let's get ready to find hope in Jesus, by listening to this message.

YOUR NEXT STEP: If you don't have a home church, then your next step of faith is to click this link and fill out the digital connect card. We would love to connect with you: https://bit.ly/4g9b4Gm

If this message encouraged you and inspired you to boldly follow Jesus, we ask that you share it with a friend by sending them this message! We help YOU find hope in Jesus. We can't wait to see you in person at Forward Church in Irvine, every Sunday at 11 am!

CONNECT WITH FORWARD: For more information, please visit: www.forwardchurchirvine.com and follow us on Instagram: .

05/14/2026

Forward Church family ❤️

Can we ask a small favor?

If you’ve visited Forward Church and God has used this church in your life—whether through a sermon, friendships, prayer, worship, your kids ministry experience, finding community, growing in your faith, or simply helping you take a step closer to Jesus—would you consider taking a few minutes to write a review of our church?

For many people searching for a church, reviews are one of the first things they read before ever walking through the doors. Your story may help someone who is nervous, skeptical, hurting, new to faith, or looking for a church home take that first step.

You don’t need to write something long or polished. Just be honest. Share your experience and how God has impacted your life.

Thank you for being part of what God is doing through Forward Church. We love you all and are grateful for this church family.

Post a review to our profile on Google

05/08/2026

In this message from John 18:28–38 (ESV), Pastor Bogdan Kipko explores what happens when truth stands right in front of us—and we still miss it. Pilate comes face-to-face with Jesus, hears the truth clearly, recognizes His innocence, and yet still rejects Him. This sermon reveals a sobering reality: you don’t reject Jesus all at once—you pawn Him off, play Him down, or postpone Him. Through powerful illustrations and real-life application, we see how easy it is to exchange truth for convenience, minimize Jesus to fit our lives, or delay surrender altogether. But Jesus is not just a concept to debate—He is the Truth we must receive and surrender to.

This message confronts the danger of being close to the truth but never responding to it. It also points to the hope of the gospel: the same Jesus we avoid is the One who went to the cross for us. No matter your past, you are not too far gone and not beyond grace. The question is not “What is truth?” but “What will you do with the Truth standing in front of you?” This sermon will challenge you to stop avoiding Jesus and start surrendering to Him today.

To listen to the audio of this message: https://www.forwardchurchpodcast.com/1965883/19143457
To subscribe to the Forward Church Podcast: www.forwardchurchpodcast.com

Let's get ready to find hope in Jesus, by listening to this message.

YOUR NEXT STEP: If you don't have a home church, then your next step of faith is to click this link and fill out the digital connect card. We would love to connect with you: https://bit.ly/4g9b4Gm

If this message encouraged you and inspired you to boldly follow Jesus, we ask that you share it with a friend by sending them this message! We help YOU find hope in Jesus. We can't wait to see you in person at Forward Church in Irvine, every Sunday at 11 am!

CONNECT WITH FORWARD: For more information, please visit: www.forwardchurchirvine.com and follow us on Instagram: .

05/02/2026

WE CAN’T WAIT
TO MEET YOU

Sundays at 1:30pm!

📍9233 Research Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

🔗https://www.forwardchurchirvine.com/visit

05/02/2026

We can't wait to see you tomorrow at Forward Church at 1:30pm! Open House / Meet The Pastors / Meet The People / Forward Family Meal after service! Invite your friends and see you at church!