NEW ZION Sermon of the Week

In today's sermon we launched into May ("Mission Month") by exploring the "four-dimensional" mission of the church – local, regional, continental, and global. Using John 13, Apostle Russell and speakers examined Jesus as the ultimate missionary who flipped worldly leadership by washing His disciples' feet. Discover how surrender and "foot-washing" prayer are the foundations for making disciples. This episode sets the stage for a month of outreach, guest missionaries, and practical kingdom service. Are you ready to be girded with a towel and love "to the end"?

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey examines the shift from being inwardly focused to becoming a community of Good Samaritans. Using the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he explores seven stages of care – from adopting the broken in prayer to the costly perseverance of discipleship. Through the analogy of a difficult Friesian cow delivery, he illustrates why we need "spiritual midwives" to birth us into new stages of growth.

In "Others: Prayer that Makes Disciples," Apostle Russell Toohey explores the heart of the Great Commandment – loving our neighbours as ourselves. Inspired by William Booth’s iconic one-word telegram and the life-changing intercession of Dorothea Clapp for George Verwer, this message examines how prayer fuels global impact. Listen to Apostle Russell Toohey dive into the Parable of the Good Samaritan to see how "intercession must come before intervention". Learn why sustained prayer is the key to turning dependants into disciples and creating a reservoir of grace for those in need.

In "The Door, The Doorkeepers & The Sheep," we explore the "Who’s Who" of evangelism. Discover how Jesus serves as both the Good Shepherd and the Door, while believers are called to be doorkeepers and ambassadors of reconciliation. Drawing from John 10 and Acts 16, this message highlights practical indicators for outreach – such as "shaken foundations" or "loosed chains" – that signal an openness to the Gospel. Learn how to partner with God to lead "lost sheep" toward spiritual breakthroughs and family salvation this Easter season. Are you ready to be a doorkeeper for your household?

In "The Great Exchange," Pastor Denver Heynes explores Jesus' offer to trade our brokenness for His glory. Drawing from Isaiah 61:1-4, discover the divine swap: ashes for beauty, mourning for joy, and heaviness for praise. Positioning is key – learn how to move from "survival mode" to fullness by returning to the House of Bread and pressing into personal fellowship. It is time to trade bitterness for restoration and emptiness for God's presence.

In "Households of Prayer " Part 01, Apostle Russell Toohey explores the power of household-saving prayer. This sermon uses Acts 16 and the legacy of Susannah Wesley to show how intercession transforms families. Learn to move beyond basic conversion to raising true disciples within your home. Join New Zion Hanover Park for 24-hour prayer marathons starting March 4, trusting God for family breakthroughs this Easter season. Is your home a household of prayer?

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey reminds us that real disciples of Jesus are people who pray. Through Scripture and personal testimonies, he shows that a strong prayer life is the foundation for spiritual growth, multiplication, and lasting impact. This message calls every believer to go deeper in prayer and truly follow Jesus.

In this compelling message, Apostle Russell Toohey calls the Church to reject both literal and spiritual gambling and to embrace the certainty of a Christlike prayer life. Confronting cultural issues like desperation-driven gambling, he contrasts a life of chance with a life built on early morning, fourth-watch prayer. Drawing from the prayer rhythms of Jesus – Gethsemane, the mountain, and the solitary place – this sermon challenges believers to pursue spiritual hunger, overcome intimidation, and replicate the prayer-powered ministry of Christ.

In today's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey casts a compelling vision for New Zion as a House of Prayer for the Nations, rooted in day and night prayer. Drawing from Scripture, revival history, and global examples, he shows us how sustained, desperate prayer precedes God’s greatest interventions. This message challenges believers to move from coping to conquering, to rebuild God’s house with priority and sacrifice, and to embrace prayer as the engine of revival, justice, and transformation for cities and nations.

In this sermon, Apostle Nina Toohey calls believers back to “the one thing” that sustains life, peace, and purpose – fellowship with God. Addressing the modern epidemic of hurry, she highlights how constant rushing erodes spiritual health, relationships, and joy, while intimacy with God is our true and natural habitat. This message invites listeners to slow down, realign their priorities, and rebuild their lives – and God’s house – through personal and corporate prayer.

Listen to today's sermon, the second instalment in the "New Zion: House Of Prayer" sermon series!

In this week's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey explores The Wisdom of Fasting and Prayer as a vital foundation for building strong spiritual houses. Drawing from Scripture, this message reveals how fasting and prayer establish crisis-proof foundations, strengthen spiritual discipline, break long-standing issues, and prepare believers for both purpose and victory. More than a practice, fasting and prayer position us to encounter Jesus afresh — and to run towards Him, not away — as we become living houses of prayer for all nations.

Listen to Apostle Hilton Toohey's latest sermon preached at New Zion Lansdowne-Pinati on the 14th of December 2025.

Apostle Russell Toohey continues the series by focusing on "Kingdom Resource." This week, we examine the true meaning of the Holy Spirit as a resource for the church and for individual believers. The sermon explores the power of the Holy Spirit to bring new life and spiritual power, as well as the importance of repentance and receiving the promise. Discover how to live a life saturated with the Holy Spirit and why being "baptised with the Holy Spirit and with fire" is a non-negotiable part of our walk with Christ.

In this week’s message, Apostle Russell Toohey unpacks what it truly means to live under the Kingdom of God — not as citizens of democracy, but as subjects of a King. Exploring the contrasts between worldly systems and Christ’s rule, he explains how Kingdom culture demands total loyalty, compassion for the poor, expansion through mission, and power through the Spirit. This sermon challenges believers to align their hearts, priorities, and lives with Jesus - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In this week's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey launched the new series "Jesus: Lord and King" by focusing on "Kingdom Obedience." Listen to discover why the Kingdom of God was the central subject of Jesus' preaching and the core message of the apostles. Learn how true kingdom Christianity is not just about talk, but about living by God's power. The message explores the vital importance of Kingdom Obedience for resolving power struggles, surviving the end-times, and conquering mental illness. The ultimate question is posed: Is Jesus your Lord and King?

In today's sermon, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners - Changed by a Friend," Jordyn Toohey explored the profound transformation that occurs through friendship with Jesus. We see how ordinary men were granted courage, new purpose, and a ticket to glory through Christ's love. This sermon is a compelling invitation to leave shame behind, step out of observation, and embrace the transforming power of Jesus to find your place as a companion in the family of God.

This week's sermon, "The Power of Covenantal Friendship," preached by Apostle Russell Toohey, explores how God transforms us from enemies to friends through Christ, and commissions us to make others His friends as well. Drawing on the powerful friendship between David and Jonathan, the message highlights how to engage in high-level, covenantal friendships that provide strength against spiritual opposition. Discover the profound impact of genuine, godly friendships and how Jesus stands as the perfect covenant friend who "sticks closer than a brother."

Today, in the second sermon of the newest series "Jesus, Friend of Sinners," by Apostle Russell Toohey, we explore "The Resurrection Power of Friendship." This message dives into biblical examples of friendship with God and others, from Abraham being called a "friend of God" to Jesus' own relationships with his disciples and people like Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Discover how Jesus' house visits were a "beautiful gesture of friendship" that brought resurrection, healing, and joy.

In this week's sermon Pastor Gabriel Webster explores Jesus as the ultimate friend of sinners. He dives into the biblical account of Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, and how this story shows us that Jesus intentionally pursues those who are broken and in need of a saviour. The sermon challenges believers to follow Jesus' example and intentionally build "redemptive friendships" with family, friends, and sinners. It's a powerful message that reminds us of God's kindness, which is meant to lead us to repentance and fulfillment.

Today's sermon explored how to find true Sabbath rest through worship, celebration, and thanksgiving, highlighting that gratitude is a powerful form of spiritual warfare. Apostle Nina Toohey taught on how embracing thankfulness in every aspect of life, including giving, can lead to a deeper connection with God.

Discover true rest by surrendering to God's call for your life. In a world full of "see-saw" moments and the relentless pursuit of the "American Dream," this sermon reveals how obeying the call of God brings ultimate peace. Apostle Russell Toohey explores the five general dimensions of a believer's calling: finding rest and purpose in Christ , growing as a believer , doing good works prepared in advance by God , and exercising unique spiritual gifts. Learn how figures from the Bible and history, such as Abraham, Priscilla and Aquila, and John Newton, found their rest not in their own understanding, but in acknowledging God in all their ways and pursuing His will, surmises Toohey.

Discover true rest by learning to trust in God. In this morning's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey explores how to find rest for your soul and spirit through unwavering trust, drawing from key scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:4. The sermon highlights that finding Sabbath rest requires "radical trust," using Abraham as the ultimate example of a life lived by trusting God beyond understanding, even when facing a call to sacrifice his son, Isaac. We will learn to "commit all your ways to Him" and acknowledge God in every aspect of our lives, as He promises to direct our paths and lead us in "the way everlasting". Apostle Russell Toohey also looks at how Jesus, in his final moments, entrusted his spirit into the Father’s hands, providing the ultimate model for living and dying in complete trust.

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey delves into the theme of finding rest through meditating on God's Word. The sermon opens by addressing the destructiveness of unresolved anger, noting that "unresolved, out of control anger is one of the most deadly destroyers of marriage and family". The core of the message focuses on the practice of meditating on scripture. This practice is rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where the word for "meditate," hagah, implies a vocalization or speaking of the words aloud to internalize them. This is contrasted with Eastern meditation, which is an inner journey to find one's center, while Christian meditation is "the concentration of the mind/heart upon an external Revelation." The sermon also introduces Lectio Divina, a form of meditative prayer that involves:Silence: Preparing to communicate with God.Reading: Slowly reading a passage of Scripture aloud.Meditating: Chewing on the words and making connections.Prayer: Using the passage as an outline for prayer.Contemplation: Waiting in stillness for God to reveal how to apply the passage.Living it Out: Making notes on how to apply the passage to your life.Ultimately, the message emphasizes the power of God's Word to bring rest and change history, just as it did for the young Samuel.

In the sermon "Jesus, Our Sabbath Rest," Apostle Russell Toohey explores how Jesus provides rest from the anxiety, terror, and worry that are prevalent in the world today. The sermon highlights that the world's system of work and rest can create "captivity and pain," similar to the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt. Christian salvation, like the liberation of the Jews from Egypt, should bring freedom from this "worldly work-rest slavery bondage." Ultimately, the sermon concludes that Jesus is our "true and permanent Sabbath Rest". He fulfilled the law that no one could completely obey, providing rest from the unsuccessful striving to overcome sin. Through his "precious blood," Jesus provides forgiveness and freedom from "shame guilt and condemnation".

In this sermon Eden Toohey-Ogle explores how personal testimony is one of the most powerful tools for advancing the Gospel. Using the Apostle Paul’s conversion story as a model, she shows how God weaves our past, transformation, and calling into a witness that reaches hearts. She's joined by Pastor Sophia Roman who shares her amazing testimony.

In this message, Apostle Russell Toohey unpacks Abraham’s radical obedience to God’s call, leaving comfort, culture, and compromise behind to fulfill a mission that would bless the nations. Drawing parallels to our own callings, he reminds believers that the greatest blessings are found in submission to God’s purpose - not in staying safe. Through testimonies from Pastor Edward Harris, missionary stories (from Hennie & Katie van Loggerenberg), and biblical insight, the call goes out to surrender fully and step into the mission field - whether across the street or across the world.

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey challenges believers to examine whether their approach to God’s mission mirrors Jonah’s reluctance or Jesus’ obedience. Through Scripture and practical examples, he contrasts the self-preserving, comfort-clinging “Jonah-style” with the surrendered, sacrificial “Jesus-style” that embraces the Father’s will at any cost. Listeners are called to abandon fear, prejudice, and disobedience, and to step boldly into God’s redemptive plan for the nations.

In this sermon, "Jesus Blazing Fire: King's Kids Ablaze," we explore the importance of setting children on fire for Christ. The sermon begins by comparing the Olympic Torch to the "Greater Commission" of carrying the fire of Christ, a commission meant for everyone, not just a select few. The sermon stresses the importance of igniting this passion in children, as those who are "set on fire as children are most likely to keep the fire throughout their lives".

This youth-led message stirs a powerful call for young people to become firebrands for Jesus. With insights on “fire extinguishers” like rebellion, impurity, and dishonour, and stories of faithful young missionaries (including live testimonies from Heri & Sonia Ramanantsialonina), the message confronts compromise and calls for consecration. Apostle Russell concludes with a challenge: "let your life blaze with holy fire that overcomes every other fire."

In this Father’s Day message, Apostle Russell Toohey and speakers challenge men to steward their internal fires—passion, anger, vision—with godly wisdom. Drawing from the lives of Moses, Samson, Elijah, Peter, and John, we learn how fire can either destroy legacy or forge generational impact. This sermon is a call to godly fatherhood, disciplined fire, and redemptive leadership.

On this Pentecost Sunday, Apostle Nina Toohey delivers a powerful call to ignite the fire of God in the lives of women across generations. From the blazing presence of the Trinity to the boldness of biblical and historic women, this message declares: it’s time for a Kingdom Women’s Army to rise. Filled with fire, purpose, and the Holy Spirit, these are the women who will help usher in the return of Jesus.

In this sermon, Jesus, The Blazing Fire, Apostle Russell Toohey and team challenge a generation to burn with a holy fire. Drawing from scriptures like 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Matthew 3:11, and Acts 2:3, the sermon unpacks the fiery nature of Jesus and His desire to set the Next Generation ablaze for his purposes. Through historical and biblical examples—from Moses to Elijah, the early church to the Welsh Revival—we are called to pursue authentic fire, not strange fire, and to keep it burning continually. As Pentecost approaches, the charge is clear: it's time to burn, testify, and carry legacy-level fire that transforms cities and generations.

In this final message of the "Jesus, The Lion of Judah: Legacy Life" series, Apostle Russell Toohey unpacks the deep prophetic symbolism behind lions and their communities, calling believers to embrace a lifestyle of legacy, discipleship, and spiritual boldness. Using the nature of the lion prides as a metaphor for Kingdom living, he shows how Jesus — the Lion of Judah — models community, strength, and generational purpose. This message challenges us to move from isolation to coalition, from conversation to legacy, and from silence to the roar of true disciple-making.

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey calls the church to awaken the lion nature of Christ within. Drawing from Revelation 5:5 and the life of David, he unpacks the power of Jesus as the Lion of Judah — His roar, His grip, His hand. Believers are urged to walk boldly in their identity, combining the strength of the lion with the tenderness of the shepherd, and to pursue the lost with courage and conviction as we prepare for divine encounters and generational impact.

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey teaches on The Power of the Resurrection Life along with six others, all drawing from Acts 4:33. Together they explore how the apostles moved in great power and great grace after encountering the resurrected Christ and waiting on the Holy Spirit. Through the accounts of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and the upper room encounter, we are called to step out of shame and into boldness, freedom, and a life marked by supernatual exploits.

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey teaches on the power of both giving and receiving Jesus the Saviour. Drawing from John 1 and Acts 20:5, he shows how true fulfilment comes not only from encountering Christ but also from sharing Him with others. Just as John gave Jesus to Andrew, and Andrew to Peter, we are called to receive the Saviour and fully give Him away freely, restoring what was lost and living a life of divine purpose.

In this powerful sermon from Apostle Hilton Toohey, delivered at New Zion Cape Town Lansdowne-Pinati, we dive into 2 Corinthians 13:11 — "Aim for perfection..." — as a divine call to return to who we were always meant to be. Perfection here isn't about human effort, but about being restored to the image and likeness of God, dismantling the influence of the world, and reclaiming what was lost through Adam. This is the path of transformation—from fallen identity to true sonship in Christ.

In this week's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey unpacks how Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, moves in supernatural power today. From miraculous healings to undeniable signs and wonders, we are minded that the Kingdom of God is not just in words, but in demonstration of power (1 Cor 4:20).

In this week's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey unpacks the life-changing message of the Sower and the Seed, exploring how Jesus, Lord of the Harvest, transforms our life-harvest through the power of His Word. Drawing from Mark 4 and Romans 6, we're reminded that the conditions of our hearts — our "soil" — is what determines whether we produce fruit or fall prey to destruction. This message challenges all to move from stony or thorny ground to good ground that hears, obeys and then multiplies the Word.

In this week's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey explores the importance of spiritual shepherding and why good sheep need good shepherds. Drawing from Matthew 9:36 and John 10:10, we uncover the dangers of living without godly leadership and the transformational power of being shepherded by Christ and entrusted leaders. We also heard the miraculous testimony of Pastor Scriven from Malawi, sharing how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, led him through trials into breakthrough. Whether you are feeling lost, weary, or scattered, this message will encourage you to embrace the care, guidance, and restoration that comes with being led by the Good Shepherd.

In this week's sermon, we focus on "Jesus, Lord Of the Harvest." Through the story of Cornelius, we see how prayer and generosity unlock supernatural intervention, transforming families, neighbourhoods, and entire communities. We explore what it means to embrace Jesus as Lord of the Harvest, stepping into abundance, breakthrough, and kingdom impact. Don't miss this powerful teaching on how faith, giving and intercession can shift destinies.

In this morning's sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey uncovered the powerful parallels between Esther's story and Jesus as our Advocate. Just as Esther and Mordecai interceded for their people, Jesus stands in the gap for us, fighting against the enemy's schemes. Tune in to be encouraged, empowered, and reminded that you have been placed in this time for a reason.

In this sermon, Apostle Russell Toohey explores Jesus as our advocate through the lens of Nehemiah's story. Just as Nehemiah interceded, rebuilt, and led with wisdom in the face of opposition, Jesus stands as the ultimate Advocate and Restorer in our lives. Toohey unpacks the biblical parallels between Nehemiah and Christ, and the keys to building strong, faith-filled communities despite resistance.

Listen back to sessions from the NZMI Leadership Summit, centered on the 2025 theme, "Tell The Next Generation." Designed to inspire and equip our national leaders for greater impact in missions, evangelism, and disciple-making. Be inspired and encouraged to step boldly into your calling for 2025 and beyond. In this session, Pastor Sherwin Haines encourages every New Zion leader to step up by doing the work of an evangelist.

Listen back to sessions from the NZMI Leadership Summit centered on the 2025 theme, "Tell The Next Generation." Designed to inspire and equip our national leaders for greater impact in missions, evangelism, and disciple-making. Be inspired and encouraged to step boldly into your calling for 2025 and beyond. In this session, Pastor Meryl Haines shares on how to discipling leaders through intentional connection and engagement.

Listen back to sessions from the NZMI Leadrship Summit, centered on the 2025 theme, "Tell The Next Generation." Designed to inspire and equip our national leaders for greater impact in missions, evangelism, and disciple-making. Be inspired and encouraged to step boldly into your calling for 2025 and beyond.In this session, Pastor Meryl Haines, Pastor Trevor Govender, and Eden Toohey-Ogle, speak about Creative Evangelism. First through school outreach, secondly, within ones' neighbourhood, and lastly, online.

Listen back to sessions from the NZMI Leadership Summit centered on the 2025 theme, "Tell The Next Generation." Designed to inspire missions, evangelism, and disciple-making. Be inspired and encouraged to step boldly into your calling for 2025 and beyond. In this session, Apostle Russell Toohey refocuses on "making disciples," explaining the need for both evangelism and discipleship.

Listen back to sessions from the NZMI Leadership Summit, centered on the 2025 theme, "Tell The Next Generation." Designed to inspire and equip our national leaders for greater impact in missions, evangelism, and disciple-making. Be inspired and encouraged to step boldly into your calling for 2025 and beyond. In this session, Apostle Nina Toohey speaks about staying replenished as leadership in and amongst all of the "doing."

Listen back to sessions from the NZMI Leadership Summit, centered around the 2025 theme, "Tell The Next Generation." Designed to inspire and equip our national leaders for greater impact in missions, evangelism, and disciple-making. Be inspired and encouraged to step boldly into your calling for 2025 and beyond. In this session, Pastor Alison, Jordyn, Mfesane and Nelisiwe share of their experiences, testimonies and more during their mission in Bombo, Uganda with the Message Trust in December of 2024.