New Beginnings Assembly of God - St. Louis

New Beginnings Assembly of God - St. Louis

These are sermons and teachings from Dr. Stephen Zemanek, lead pastor at New Beginnings Assembly of God in Maryland Heights, MO. We are a church that stands firmly on the Word of God. We preach the Bible and practice the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are a group of people who gather to develop our relationship with God, each other, and the community. We aren’t perfect people, but we are genuine and strive to make this community and a better place. Listen to discover a lifestyle of Joy, Peace, and Purpose through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

  1. Oct 26

    Citizens of Heaven: Standing Firm Behind Enemy Lines

    What does it actually mean to live as a "citizen of heaven" while navigating life in a broken, fallen world? In Philippians 1:27–30, the Apostle Paul writes from a Roman prison cell, issuing a clear challenge to believers: no matter what happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Guest speaker Matt Zemanek (Youth Pastor at Cave City First Assembly in Arkansas) breaks down the biblical narrative of two colliding kingdoms. When Jesus invaded enemy territory through the incarnation, He reclaimed ground and opened the door back into God's presence. As followers of King Jesus living in the "in-between" time, we are called to hold different values, stand side by side without fear, and recognize that even suffering for Christ is a sacred privilege that shapes us into His image. In this episode, Pastor Matt explores: A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Tracing the biblical timeline from Eden to Revelation, and understanding what it means to be born outside the garden but redeemed into God's family. Living as Kingdom Citizens: Why our morality, priorities, and definitions of success must come from our King rather than cultural trends or the bottom line. Jesus, Our Keystone: How the Gospel serves as the essential stone holding an archway together—uniting diverse believers to stand firm against intimidation and division. The Privilege of Suffering: Reframing spiritual pushback, lost relationships, and ethical sacrifices not as defeats, but as avenues to become more like Jesus. When culture pushes back, you don't have to retreat or compromise. Tune in for an energetic, biblical reminder of who your King is and how to stand united as a citizen of His kingdom. Speaker: Pastor Matt Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:27–30

  2. Oct 21

    It’s Working: The Parable of the Leaven and the Power of Patience

    In Matthew 13:33, Jesus offers a short, one-verse parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until it was all leavened." While simple on the surface, this brief illustration contains a profound spiritual truth for anyone feeling frustrated by slow progress in their faith, marriage, family, or personal struggles. Reflecting on a personal lesson in bread-making, Dr. Stephen Zemanek shares how spiritual growth mirrors the unseen chemical reaction of yeast in dough. You can't always see the Holy Spirit working behind the scenes, but just because you don't see immediate results doesn't mean God isn't actively transforming your life. In this episode, Dr. Zemanek explores: The Hidden Process: Understanding that the Kingdom of God—marked by joy, peace, and purpose—takes time to work through every area of our lives. Stop Beating Yourself Up: Why we must extend grace to ourselves when old habits surface, trusting that God is faithful to finish the work He started in us. Patience in the Waiting: Encouragement for parents, spouses, and individuals praying for miracles, family restoration, or breakthrough when circumstances haven't changed yet. Extending Grace to Others: Why tearing down fellow believers for not being "perfect" ignores the fact that God is kneading and shaping each of us differently. No matter what "oven" or test you find yourself in today, rest in the quiet assurance of God's Word: It’s working. Be patient. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:33

  3. Oct 21

    Living on Mission: The Power of God’s Kindness and Mercy

    Many people believe that "living on mission" is reserved only for full-time foreign missionaries or vocational pastors. But the truth is, every single follower of Christ is called to be a living representative of Jesus in their everyday life—in grocery store aisles, auto repair shops, offices, and around their own family dinner tables. Teaching from Titus 3:3–8, Dr. Stephen Zemanek breaks down the heart of the Gospel: we weren't saved because we were doing everything right or living righteous lives. We were saved purely because of the kindness and mercy of God. Recognizing where we came from and how much grace we've received transforms how we view and treat the people around us. In this episode, Dr. Zemanek shares: Life Before Kindness: Remembering who we were—disobedient, trapped in bad habits, and spiritually blind—before God’s grace found us. The Power of Simple Kindness: How ordinary acts of service and genuine care open doors to show others their need for a Savior. Saved by Mercy, Not Works: Why our relationship with God is grounded in His unchanging mercy, not our ability to perform perfectly. Living as a Daily Missionary: Practical ways to represent Christ with joy, peace, and grace in the normal, everyday spaces of your life. When we live with an awareness of how much mercy we have been shown, being kind to others becomes second nature. Tune in to be inspired to live on mission wherever God has placed you today. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: Titus 3:3–8

  4. Oct 20

    Living a Gospel Lifestyle: Selflessness, Servanthood, and Spiritual Discipline

    When we give our lives to Jesus, He does far more than just forgive our sins and guarantee us a place in heaven—He gives us a brand-new call for our daily lives. Every believer is chosen to be a living missionary, representing Jesus everywhere they go: at home, in the workplace, and throughout their community. Teaching through 1 Corinthians 9, Dr. Stephen Zemanek breaks down what it truly takes to embrace a "gospel lifestyle." Paul reminds us that mature Christian living isn't about insisting on our personal rights or pleasing ourselves; it's about choosing selflessness, stepping into servanthood, and developing spiritual discipline for the sake of others. In this episode, Dr. Zemanek explores: Selflessness over Selfishness: How laying down our personal rights and preferences opens the door for others to encounter the love and grace of Jesus. Choosing Servanthood at Home and Work: Viewing your daily workplace, marriage, and family as divine assignments where you get to represent Christ every day. The Discipline of Spiritual Endurance : Why developing consistency and emotional discipline on the days you don't feel like serving builds authentic, lasting joy. Experiencing True Birthrights in Christ: Moving beyond miserable, legalistic religion to walk daily in the Holy Spirit’s joy, peace, and purpose. Living for Jesus isn't about proving you are right—it's about loving others well and modeling the Gospel in every room you enter. Tune in to be challenged and inspired to live out your faith authentically this week. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 9:1–27

  5. Oct 20

    Mastering Your Emotions: Overcoming Cain’s Mistake

    When life doesn't go the way we planned, or when God asks us to obey in ways that feel uncomfortable, our immediate response is often emotional—frustration, anger, or disappointment. But if we allow our feelings to dictate our choices, we risk losing the joy, peace, and purpose that are our birthrights in Christ. Looking at the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1–7, Dr. Stephen Zemanek addresses what happens when our emotions get in the way of our devotion. When Cain’s offering was rejected, God didn't abandon him; instead, He offered a loving warning: "Why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? Sin is crouching at the door, but you must master it." In this episode, Dr. Zemanek explores: Led by Emotion vs. Led by Devotion: Examining why Cain’s emotional reaction led to ruin, while Abel’s heart of devotion honored God. The Root of a Fallen Countenance: Understanding how lingering in emotional resistance and delaying obedience robs us of the Holy Spirit’s peace. Sin Crouching at the Door: How to recognize the subtle ways envy, resentment, and self-will wait to derail our walk with Christ. Choosing Obedience Over Feelings: Practical wisdom on surrendering our "bandwidth," excuses, and preferences so that God’s blessing can flow in and through us. Living the Christian life doesn't mean you'll never feel discouraged or angry—it means choosing not to let those emotions master you. Tune in to learn how choosing daily obedience opens the door to lasting joy and spiritual strength. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: Genesis 4:1–7 | Romans 14:17

  6. Sep 23

    Leading Children Into A Blessed Life

    What does it mean for a child to live a truly "blessed life"? Society often measures success by material wealth, social status, or high-level achievements. But God's definition of a blessed life is far deeper: living with joy, peace, and purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit. During this special Baby Dedication service at New Beginnings Assembly of God, Dr. Stephen Zemanek walks through Proverbs 4:20–27 to share practical, timeless biblical wisdom on how parents, families, and church communities can guide the next generation to follow Jesus. In this episode, Dr. Zemanek shares: Recognizing What Truly Matters: How to keep God’s Word at the center of your heart and navigate the endless distractions of a noisy world. Taking Out the Trash: Why parents must help their children reject deceitful talk and negative cultural lies, grounding their identity firmly in Christ. Prioritizing the Path Ahead: Instilling spiritual self-discipline early so that kids learn to fix their eyes straight ahead on God’s calling. Modeling the Gospel at Home: Why children learn more from how parents live out their faith through everyday grace than from what they say. Whether you're raising young children, guiding teenagers, or supporting families in your community, discover how taking responsibility for spiritual leadership yields a lasting legacy of faith for generations to come. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:20–27 | Romans 14:17

  7. Sep 22

    What Is Jesus Worth to You? Relational vs. Transactional Faith

    When we come to the Lord’s table, Scripture instructs us to "examine ourselves." But what are we actually looking for? Too often, we examine everyone else around us—their flaws, choices, and weaknesses—while ignoring the subtle shift taking place in our own hearts. Looking at the story of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 26:14–16, Dr. Stephen Zemanek unpacks how a disciple who walked with Jesus, saw miracles, and served in ministry ultimately traded his Savior for thirty pieces of silver. Judas’s downfall didn't happen overnight; it began when he started viewing Jesus transactionally instead of relationally. In this episode, Dr. Zemanek explores: What You Are Worth to God: How Jesus demonstrated your immense value by taking on humanity, enduring the cross, and constantly interceding on your behalf. The Danger of a Transactional Mindset: Identifying the shift from loving Jesus for who He is to treating Him like a life insurance policy or asking, "What have You done for me lately?" Self-Examination at the Table: How taking honest inventory of our hearts prevents small distances from turning into spiritual betrayal. Grace for the Journey: Why extending patience and prayer to brothers and sisters who are still working out their faith reflects the true heart of Christ. Communion isn't just a monthly ritual; it's a profound invitation to move away from "what can I get from God" and step back into a deep, grateful relationship with the One who gave everything for you. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:14–17 | 1 Corinthians 11:28

  8. Sep 8

    Knowledge, Freedom, and Love: Why Love Must Always Win

    It’s easy to feel proud of how much we know about the Bible or how much freedom we have in Christ. But what happens when our spiritual knowledge puffs us up, or when our personal freedom becomes a stumbling block for someone else? Continuing through 1 Corinthians 8, Dr. Stephen Zemanek addresses a timeless conflict within the Church: balancing Christian liberty with radical love. Paul made it clear to the Corinthian believers that no matter how educated or free you are, if your actions hurt or cause a brother or sister in Christ to stumble, you are sinning against Christ Himself. In this episode, Dr. Zemanek shares: Knowledge vs. Arrogance: Why Biblical knowledge is meant to edify and build up others, not elevate our own pride or spiritual status. Freedom With Responsibility: Understanding that just because something is permissible or clear to you doesn't give you license to flaunt it in front of a struggling believer. Love is Willing to Sacrifice: Why true spiritual maturity is demonstrated by choosing to lay down our rights and preferences out of deep care for someone else's walk with God. A Community for Everyone: The power of being a welcoming church family where people are loved before they are judged or expected to have it all together. At the end of the day, people won't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Tune in to discover how laying down your preferences for the sake of others reflects the true heart of Jesus. Speaker: Dr. Stephen Zemanek Church: New Beginnings Assembly of God Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13

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About

These are sermons and teachings from Dr. Stephen Zemanek, lead pastor at New Beginnings Assembly of God in Maryland Heights, MO. We are a church that stands firmly on the Word of God. We preach the Bible and practice the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are a group of people who gather to develop our relationship with God, each other, and the community. We aren’t perfect people, but we are genuine and strive to make this community and a better place. Listen to discover a lifestyle of Joy, Peace, and Purpose through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!