New Life Ministries Podcast: Recent Episodes
New Life Ministries
He was dead for four days. Buried. And then Jesus called him out of the tomb.That's not just a Bible story — it's why thousands of people showed up for Palm Sunday.In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Joe Wickman looks at the moment Lazarus walked out of his grave and why that one miracle changed everything — including what happened when Jesus rode into Jerusalem days later.You'll also hear real testimonies from people at New Life Church whose lives have been transformed by Jesus in 2026. Because Lazarus was just the beginning. Jesus is still raising people from death to life today.
What if worship is bigger than music? In this message, we close our Spiritual Disciplines series by looking at the heart of worship. Every human being worships something. We were made in the image of God, created with a deep longing that only He can fill.This sermon explores:why every person is wired for worshipthe “God-shaped void” in the human hearthow Jesus made a way for us to come near to Godwhat it means that we are now the temple of the living Godhow worship becomes a daily practice of making space for GodIf you’ve ever felt empty, restless, or like something is missing, this message points to the only One who can truly satisfy the soul.
What makes a life truly meaningful?In Acts 9, we meet a woman named Tabitha whose life was defined by simple acts of service. She didn’t preach sermons or lead movements—she simply loved people and served them. Yet when she died, the entire community mourned because of the impact her life had made.Her story forces us to ask a powerful question:When our life is over, what will people remember?In this message from our Spiritual Disciplines series, we discover that the path to a meaningful life is not found in recognition, success, or accumulating more for ourselves. Instead, Jesus shows us that true greatness is found in serving others.Jesus said:“Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:35)If you want to live a life that matters, the answer is simple—but not always easy:Serve like Jesus.
What does the Bible really say about submission?In a culture that celebrates independence and self-promotion, the idea of submission can feel uncomfortable. But Jesus taught that true greatness is found through humility, service, and surrender to God.In Part 5 of our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the biblical discipline of submission and why it is essential for spiritual growth. Jesus didn’t just teach submission — He modeled it perfectly, even to the point of death on the cross.In this message you’ll discover:• Why every person ultimately serves something or someone• How submission to God actually leads to greater freedom• The example of Jesus and His life of perfect obedience• What biblical submission is — and what it is not• Why submission should never enable abuse or domination• Practical ways to submit to God, Scripture, and othersJesus flipped the world’s definition of greatness upside down. Instead of seeking power, status, or control, He showed that true leadership is found in serving others.When we submit our lives to God, His Word, and one another, we experience the kind of transformation and freedom that only Christ can bring.
Are you constantly tired… overwhelmed… running on empty?In Part 4 of our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the life-giving discipline of Sabbath — not as a religious rule, but as a gift from God.From Genesis to Exodus to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12, Scripture shows us that Sabbath is woven into the rhythm of creation itself. God didn’t rest because He was tired — He rested to establish a pattern for us.If you’ve ever:Felt burned outStruggled to slow downWondered why vacations don’t actually refresh youBelieved rest feels “unproductive”This message is for you.Sabbath isn’t about legalism. It’s about delight. It’s about restoration. It’s about friendship with God.The Sabbath will come for you — either as a gift… or as a consequence.Let’s learn how to choose it as a blessing.
What does the Bible really say about fasting? Is fasting required for Christians? And can fasting truly bring spiritual breakthrough?In this powerful message from our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the biblical foundation of fasting and why Jesus assumed His followers would practice it (Matthew 6, Matthew 9). You’ll discover:• Why fasting is more than skipping meals • How fasting deepens intimacy with God • Biblical examples of fasting for breakthrough, healing, repentance, and direction • How fasting increases spiritual power and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit • Practical steps to begin fasting safely and biblically • A personal testimony of transformation through extended fastingFasting is not about manipulating God — it’s about humbling ourselves, surrendering comfort, and pursuing deeper spiritual growth. When we hunger for God more than food, He meets us in powerful ways.If you’ve been praying for breakthrough, freedom from strongholds, healing, clarity, or renewed passion
In this message, discover how prayer and spiritual disciplines can completely transform your relationship with God.Many Christians struggle with prayer — feeling like they don’t pray enough, don’t pray the right way, or don’t know how to hear from God. But prayer was never meant to be complicated. It’s simply a conversation with your Heavenly Father.Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) — and that same invitation is available to you today.In this teaching, you’ll learn: • What prayer really is (and what it’s not) • How to build a consistent prayer life • How spiritual disciplines strengthen your faith • How reading Scripture transforms your prayer life • How to hear from God through prayer and meditation • Why small daily habits can change your spiritual life foreverAs Scripture says, “Train yourself to be godly.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through intentional time with God.Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you build a deeper, more consistent relationship with Him.
Have you ever wondered why God feels distant—even when you believe, pray, and want to grow spiritually?In this message, we kick off a new series on Spiritual Disciplines by addressing a tension many Christians quietly wrestle with: the gap between discipline and desire. Is closeness with God about trying harder… or something deeper?Using Scripture, personal stories, and insights from Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, this sermon explores:Why discipline often feels heavy or legalisticThe difference between outer discipline and inner disciplineHow spiritual habits are meant to form relationship, not replace itWhy Bible study is the foundation for spiritual growthHow God uses discipline to lead us toward peace, freedom, and transformationWhether you’re new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you reframe discipline—not as obligation, but as a pathway to intimacy with God.
What if your faith was never meant to stop with you?In Part 5 of our Growth series, we explore the biblical call to multiplication—the natural outcome of a life rooted in Christ. From baptism and spiritual maturity to disciple-making and bearing fruit, Scripture shows us that God’s design has always been growth that leads to multiplication.This message traces God’s heart from Genesis to the Great Commission, reminding us that every believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit not just to follow Jesus, but to help others follow Him too.You’ll hear:• Why spiritual maturity always leads outward• How God uses ordinary people to produce extraordinary fruit• What it means to truly live on mission• Why multiplication is central to God’s plan for your life and the ChurchIf you’ve ever wondered whether God could really use your story, your growth, or your faith to impact others—this message is for you.
What does it really mean to bear fruit as a follower of Jesus?In this message from our Growth series, we explore Jesus’ teaching in John 15, where He calls us to remain (abide) in Him as the true vine. Spiritual fruit isn’t produced by striving harder—it flows naturally from a deep, loving connection with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.Using the metaphor of plants and growth, this sermon walks through: The stages of spiritual growth: seeds, roots, and fruit What healthy spiritual fruit looks like in everyday life Why pruning is part of God’s loving process Why we can do nothing apart from Christ How love, obedience, joy, and mission are all connectedWhether you feel like you’re still growing, already bearing fruit, or burned out and needing to reconnect with Jesus, this message offers biblical truth, encouragement, and practical next steps.
What does real spiritual growth actually look like—and how do we know if we’re growing?In Week 3 of our series, Growth: The Work of God, we turn to Colossians 2:6–7 to discover that spiritual growth isn’t about trying harder or managing better habits—it’s about continuing to follow Jesus the same way we first received Him: as Lord.If you’ve ever wondered why your spiritual life feels stagnant—or how to experience deeper trust, resilience, and thankfulness—this message will help re-center your life on Jesus, one faithful step at a time.
What does it really mean to be rooted in Christ—and why does growth never happen alone?In this message from our Growth: The Work of God series, we explore how spiritual growth happens when we put down deep roots in Jesus and intentionally connect to the body of Christ. Using powerful biblical imagery of trees, roots, and flourishing life, this sermon addresses the tension every believer faces: uprooting old habits while learning how to grow strong in faith.Whether you’re new to faith, feeling spiritually dry, or struggling to stay connected, this message is an invitation to move from spiritual survival to lasting fruitfulness—together.
What does it actually mean to grow as a Christian?In Part 1 of our new sermon series Growth: The Work of God, we begin at the very beginning — with seeds. Using Jesus’ Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, this message explores how spiritual growth starts, why it sometimes stalls, and what it takes to flourish in Christ no matter the season.From the Garden of Eden to the cross of Christ, Scripture reveals that God is a God of planting, cultivating, and multiplying life. While salvation is a gift, growth is intentional — and the condition of the soil matters.In this message, you’ll discover:Why every follower of Jesus starts as a seedWhat prevents spiritual growth from taking rootHow Jesus restores access to abundant lifeWhy church, Scripture, and prayer are essential for growthHow your life was designed to bear fruit that blesses othersWhether you’re new to faith, returning to church, or have followed Jesus for decades, this message reminds us that there is always more — more life, more freedom, more flourishing in Christ
Mental health struggles are more common than many of us realize — even in the Church.In this powerful and deeply honest message, “Unmasking Mental Health in the Church,” we confront the harmful myth that strong faith means never struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or neurodivergence. Through Scripture, personal testimony, and practical wisdom, this sermon invites believers to remove the masks they wear and embrace healing, honesty, and hope in Christ.You’ll hear:• Why mental illness is not a lack of faith• How Scripture speaks to anxiety, weakness, and renewal of the mind• The danger of toxic positivity in Christian spaces• Why prayer and the Bible matter — and why therapy, medication, and community can too• A vulnerable story of late-diagnosed autism and lifelong masking• How God uses our weakness for His gloryWhether you’re personally struggling, supporting someone who is, or wondering how faith and mental health intersect, this message offers compassion, truth, and next steps toward healing.
On Christmas Eve, we celebrate more than lights, traditions, and familiar songs—we celebrate the Light who came into our darkness.In this message from Isaiah 9, we’re reminded that the world has always searched for light in the wrong places: success, possessions, knowledge, relationships, and even religion. But none of those lesser lights can guide us through life’s deepest darkness.The prophet Isaiah declares this powerful promise:“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”That light is Jesus—our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.This Christmas Eve message invites you to:Reflect on what “lights” you may be followingUnderstand why Jesus is the only true source of hopeStep out of darkness and begin walking in the light of ChristNo matter where you’re coming from or what season you’re in, Jesus was born to light up your life.🎄 We pray this message encourages your heart and points you toward the greatest gift ever given.
What does it really mean that Jesus is Immanuel — God with us?In this Advent message, we explore the powerful promise found in Isaiah 7 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. From the pain of separation to the hope of reconciliation, Scripture tells one unified story: God moving toward His people in love.Using the story of King Ahaz, the prophet Isaiah, and the birth of Jesus, this message invites us to reflect on where we turn when life feels overwhelming. When fear presses in and control feels fragile, God offers more than solutions — He offers His presence.✨ In this message, you’ll discover:Why separation from God is the core problem the Bible addressesWhat the sign of Immanuel meant for Israel — and what it means for us todayHow fear, faith, and trust reveal the true source we rely onWhy God’s love is not distant, but present — even in our darkest momentsWhether you’re feeling far from God or longing for reassurance this Ch
What if joy isn’t the result of a better season—but the fuel that carries you through the wilderness?In Advent Part 3: Joy, we explore a deeper, biblical understanding of joy that goes far beyond fleeting happiness or emotional highs. Drawing from Isaiah 35, this message reveals that joy often arrives before circumstances change—because joy is anchored in who God is, not what we see.This sermon reminds us that:Joy is not fragile or circumstantialJoy is not something we manufactureJoy is formed by the Holy Spirit in the life of a believerJoy is an act of rebellion against despairJesus did not wait for the world to be fixed before entering it. He came into the wilderness—and joy came with Him.If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for life to improve before you could breathe again… this message is for you.
Experience a powerful Advent message on peace—rooted in the ancient prophecies of Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Joe teaches how God's people waited for thousands of years for peace, and how Christ now fulfills that promise for every weary soul.Christmas often magnifies whatever is happening inside us. If our lives are joyful, the season feels bright. But when finances, loss, conflict, or broken relationships weigh us down, Christmas can feel more painful than peaceful.In this message, learn how the peace of Jesus:⭐ Makes peace WITH God possible⭐ Brings peace WITHIN us⭐ Empowers us to bring peace TO others⭐ And invites us to share His hope with the worldYou’ll hear about God’s ancient promise from Genesis 3, how Israel’s hopes seemed cut down, and how God renewed them with the promise of a shoot from the stump of Jesse
Welcome to Week 1 of our Advent 2025 series: To the Ends of the Earth! Today’s message, “Joyous Hope,” invites us to rediscover the true hope we have in Jesus—hope that began in the Garden, was promised through the prophets, fulfilled in Christ’s birth, and will one day be completed when He returns.In this sermon, we explore: ✨ Why hope is hard to find in a broken world ✨ How sin first separated humanity from God—and how Jesus bridges that gap ✨ God’s incredible plan of redemption from Genesis to the Gospels ✨ The “now–not–yet” hope we hold as we await Christ’s return ✨ Our calling to bring this hope to ALL peopleAdvent reminds us that Jesus is not just a tradition or a seasonal idea—He is our living HOPE.If you need hope today, or want to learn how to share it with others, this message is for you.
Discover how to live in real spiritual victory with practical, biblical truth about spiritual warfare, awareness, and the Armor of God. This message dives deep into Ephesians 6, exposing the enemy’s tactics, revealing why so many believers feel stuck in the same battles, and showing how to stand firm through truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer.You’ll learn:• Why spiritual awareness is essential for spiritual victory• How the enemy runs the same plays over and over• What it means to fight from victory, not for it• How to identify lies the enemy uses to keep you defeated• How to use the full armor of God to stand your ground• Why prayer is the power source behind every spiritual battle• What it means to live in the “already / not yet” reality of the KingdomIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, discouraged, stuck in cycles of sin, or under spiritual pressure, this teaching will help you recognize the battle, understand the victory Christ has won, and live empowered by His Spirit.Welcome to NEW LIFE! Come as you are | https://www.newlifefm.com/Check us out on your favorite platforms👇👇👇 👍Facebook - / newlifeministriesunited📷 Instagram - / new.life.ministries📳 New Life App - https://www.newlifefm.com/app/ . . .
In this message, we explore one of the most misunderstood and transformative passages in Scripture: Ephesians 5–6. When Paul teaches believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” he reveals a Gospel-centered blueprint for marriage, parenting, leadership, and everyday relationships.This teaching walks through how Jesus completely flips power dynamics, reshapes our view of authority, and calls both the strong and the weak into a new way of relating — a way modeled after His own humility and sacrificial love.You’ll learn: • Why mutual submission was revolutionary in the ancient world • How the Gospel elevates your position before God and lowers your posture before others • What biblical submission actually is — and what it’s not • How Christ-like love transforms marriages, families, and workplaces • Why humility and sacrifice create flourishing relationshipsWhether you're navigating marriage, parenting, friendships, or leadership, this message will challenge and encourage you to live out the Gospel in every relationship.
What does it really mean to live the life God has called you to?In this message from our Alive & United series through Ephesians, we explore what it looks like to put off the old self and walk in new life as children of light.When you’ve been adopted into God’s family, everything changes — your thinking, your words, your habits, and your relationships. Paul’s challenge to the church in Ephesus is still for us today:“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)This sermon unpacks how to:Leave behind your old ways of livingWalk in unity, humility, and holinessLive as children of light in a dark worldBe filled with the Spirit and make the most of every opportunityWhether you’re new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you take you
In this message from our Alive & United series through the book of Ephesians, we explore God’s powerful vision for a unified church — one that reflects the diversity of Heaven and the radical love of Jesus.In a world divided by politics, race, culture, and preference, the Gospel calls us to something greater: to be built together in Christ as one family, one body, and one dwelling where God’s Spirit lives.From Ephesians 2:11–3:21, we see Paul’s breathtaking vision of reconciliation — how Jesus tore down the dividing wall of hostility and made peace between people who could not have been more different. This is what it means to be Alive & United: not just to attend church, but to become the kind of people who welcome everyone Jesus died to save.
We all want purpose — but what if it doesn’t start with doing more, but receiving what’s already been done?This message explores the life-changing truth in Ephesians 2: that we were once spiritually dead, but through Jesus, God makes us alive by grace and calls us to live with divine purpose.You’ll discover:Why trying to “be good enough” never leads to peaceWhat it really means to be saved by grace through faithHow resting in Christ leads to true transformation and impactThat your story isn’t over — it’s just beginning
The Bible isn’t just another book—it’s alive.In this message kicking off our Ephesians series, we explore how God’s Word has the power to transform your life from the inside out.Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus reveals God’s incredible plan of salvation, adoption, and unity in Christ. It’s a reminder that you were chosen, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit—and that same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in you.Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you see why reading and studying Scripture is essential for spiritual growth.
We love the stories where we’re the hero — where faith wins and the giant falls. But what about when we’re the ones who fall?In this message from our Main Character series, we dive into one of the darkest moments in Scripture — David’s sin with Bathsheba — and discover that the same God who confronts sin is the God who restores sinners.God’s correction isn’t punishment; it’s mercy. His conviction isn’t shame; it’s grace reaching out for us.When we let Him confront our hearts, conviction turns into repentance — and repentance leads to restoration.
Are you the main character of the Bible story you’re reading… or is someone else? 👀In this message from our series “Main Character,” we explore how to approach Scripture the way God intended — not as self-help or hero stories, but as a unified story pointing us to Jesus.Using the story of David and Goliath, we’ll unpack why we often read ourselves into Scripture, how to avoid twisting God’s Word, and how to see Jesus as the true hero of every story.If you’ve ever wondered how to really understand what the Bible says — this message is for you.
We all know what it feels like to have our dreams and expectations shattered. Joseph’s life in Genesis shows us that even in betrayal, slavery, and prison, God never left him—and He used every broken moment for a greater purpose.If you’ve ever felt abandoned, betrayed, or like your life isn’t going the way you expected—this message is for you. No matter what you’ve been through, God is with you, and His hope can redeem your story.
When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to feel invisible—like no one sees your pain. But the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 reminds us that God is not distant or blind to our struggles. She gave Him a new name: “The God Who Sees Me.”In this message from our series Hope Makes a Comeback, we explore how God meets us in our darkest moments, reminds us we are never alone, and calls us to stop running and trust Him.👉 No matter what you’ve been through, God sees you, knows you, and loves you. There’s hope for your story too.
Life with God doesn’t mean life without problems. In fact, sometimes following Him brings new challenges. Just ask Abraham—God promised to make him a great nation, but it took 25 years, countless failures, and moments of doubt before the promise was fulfilled.In this message from our Hope Makes a Comeback series, we discover how God uses waiting, testing, and even our failures to grow our faith and anchor our hope in Him. His promises never fail—even when the process takes longer than we expect.
We all face seasons of anxiety, shame, and brokenness. But even from the very beginning of Scripture, God promised hope. In this message from our series “Hope Makes a Comeback,” we go back to Genesis 1–3 to see how God created the world as good, how sin entered and broke it, and how God gave the first promise of a Savior.
Have you ever felt rejected, overlooked, or left out? Jesus knows that pain — and He has a place for you at His table.In this message, we dive into Luke 14 and explore the Parable of the Great Banquet, where Jesus shows us that His Kingdom is for the outsider, the overlooked, and the broken. While people may push us away, Jesus radically welcomes us in.Whether you’ve been hurt by rejection, struggled to fit in, or wondered if God really wants you, this sermon is for you.
Change is never easy—but with Jesus, it’s always worth it. In Luke 5:36–39, Jesus teaches the Parable of the New Wineskins, showing us that His Kingdom can’t simply be added onto old ways of living. He didn’t come to patch up our past—He came to make us NEWIn this message, we explore: • Why Jesus spoke about new wine and old wineskins • The danger of clinging to old habits, traditions, or idols • How to embrace the new life Christ offers through the cross • What it means to step boldly into the future God has for you
Darkness tries to keep us silent, hidden, and afraid… but Jesus calls us to be the light of the world. In this message, Pastor Jordan unpacks the Parable of the Lampstand (Matthew 5:14–16 & Mark 4:21–25) and reminds us why we can’t hide our faith. Whether it’s fear, shame, or doubt holding you back, God has given you His Spirit so that your light can shine brightly in a world that desperately needs hope.
What are you doing with what God has given you?In this message, we explore Jesus’ Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30 and uncover five powerful truths about stewardship, judgment, and eternal reward.God has entrusted you with resources, relationships, time, and abilities—not to bury them, but to use them for His Kingdom. One day, you will stand before Him and give an account. Will you hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?
What do you do when life feels unfair—when you’ve followed God faithfully, but things still fall apart?In this message, we look at Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16) and uncover a truth that’s hard to hear but powerful to embrace: God doesn’t owe us anything—He gives everything through grace.Whether you feel like the faithful worker or the latecomer, this parable challenges our assumptions about fairness, reward, and what we truly deserve.
This isn’t just another parable — it’s a warning. In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells the sobering story of the ten virgins. All looked the part. All had lamps. All expected to meet the Bridegroom. But only five were truly ready. This message unpacks the deeper meaning behind the oil, the lamps, and what it really means to know Jesus versus just looking like you do. Are you living on borrowed faith? Are you spiritually prepared, or spiritually pretending? Whether you’re wrestling with your salvation, coasting on tradition, or just feeling spiritually dry — this word will challenge and awaken you. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Are you feeling distant from God? Like you've gone too far or made too many mistakes? This powerful message based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) reminds us of the deep, unshakable love of our Heavenly Father.In this third message of the "Hidden Treasures" series, we unpack what Jesus was really teaching through this familiar story — not just about the rebellious son, but about the father who runs to meet him and the older brother who stayed behind.Discover how God's grace covers guilt, how restoration follows repentance, and how your identity is never based on your performance — but on being a beloved child of God.
What does Jesus really mean when He says, "Ask and it will be given to you”? this sermon walks through Luke 11:1–13, unpacking the Parable of the Friend at Midnight and revealing the hidden truths about persistent prayer, God's generous heart, and what it means to pray with "shameless audacity."
Jesus often spoke in parables—simple stories with powerful spiritual truths hidden inside. In Week 1 of our summer series Hidden Treasures, we explore the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13 and ask a crucial question:What kind of soil is your heart?Are you hardened by life? Distracted by worry? Rootless in your faith? Or ready for real spiritual growth?
Conflict in the church isn’t a surprise to Jesus—it’s something He directly addressed. In this sermon, we explore what Jesus teaches in Matthew 18 about how to handle conflict in a way that honors God and protects community. From broken relationships to gossip to the temptation to just “go it alone,” this message unpacks the biblical steps to pursue unity, reconciliation, and healing in the Body of Christ.We’re not called to be perfect—but we are called to peace. And Jesus promises to be present in the process.
What do you do with the Bible verses that challenge you—frustrate you—even make you angry? This message explores the struggle with verses like James 1:2 that call us to rejoice in trials. If God is good and powerful, why do Christians still suffer? Is there purpose in our pain? Through biblical truth and honest reflection, you’ll discover how God uses suffering not to harm us, but to form us—and how even our worst moments are never wasted in the hands of our Savior.
Were you told that everyone is a child of God? What if that's not what the Bible actually teaches?In this powerful message, we unpack the truth of spiritual adoption—the difference between being made by God and being adopted into His family.
Are you tired of wondering if you’re really saved? Do you live in fear that God might stop loving you if you mess up? This message is for anyone who feels like they’re on spiritual probation.In this sermon, we unpack powerful truths from Romans and Ephesians to uncover the lie that says, “God only loves good people.” The truth? God’s love is not earned — it’s freely given.Discover what it means to live with confidence in your salvation, not based on your performance, but based on what Jesus has already done.
In a world where "all paths lead to God" sounds loving and tolerant, is it actually true? Or is it one of the most dangerous lies we believe?In this message, Pastor Joe Wickman confronts the popular idea of religious pluralism and universalism—the belief that all beliefs are equally valid and all roads lead to heaven. Through the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7 and His exclusive claims in the Gospel of John, we uncover the truth: Jesus didn’t just claim to know the way—He claimed to BE the way.Whether you're skeptical, seeking, or a follower of Jesus, this message invites you to make a clear decision about who Jesus is—and what that means for your life and future
Experience doesn't end when the Sunday service does. In this message, Pastor Jordan Dunlap reminds us that worship is more than a moment—it’s a lifestyle. From music and prayer to generosity and community, discover six everyday ways you can carry the presence of God beyond the church walls and into every part of your life.Whether you’re new to faith or looking to deepen your walk with God, this message will challenge and encourage you to live fully devoted in spirit and truth—not just on Sundays, but in every word and deed.
What happens when our worship looks right on the outside—but is disconnected from our hearts? This message dives into the tension between religious habits and genuine transformation.Through Scripture and real-life reflection, we explore how spiritual practices can either draw us closer to God or distract us from Him. From Romans 12 to the words of Jesus in Matthew 23, discover what it really means to worship with your whole life—not just your lips.
In this raw and powerful message, Pastor Jamie shares her personal story of overcoming and unpacks the truth of Idols both in scripture and our lives. From government to family, spirituality to self—many things in our culture fight for our worship. But God calls us to something deeper and more freeing: undivided devotion.
What does it really mean to worship God? In this message, we explore the powerful truth that worship is more than music—it's a life of obedience, surrender, and sacrifice. From Abraham’s willingness to lay down his son to a woman pouring out her most valuable possession at Jesus’ feet, the Bible shows us that true worship costs something. It’s not about appearances or routine—it’s about a heart fully surrendered to God.
You don’t have to be stuck in your past. Jesus offers you new life. In this message, Pastor [Your Name] shares a personal testimony of transformation and walks through the powerful story of Peter—how he failed, was restored, and became a leader in the early church.Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or you’re wondering if God could ever love someone like you, this message will remind you: ~ You are not a lost cause. ~ Baptism is not the finish line—it’s the starting point. ~ And new life in Christ is not only possible—it’s waiting for you.If you’re ready to go all in with Jesus, we’re ready to walk with you.
Everyone has a story—and Jesus wants in on yours. Whether your past is wild or mild, Jesus invites you to follow Him, leave behind what’s holding you back, and step into resurrection life. In this message, we look at how Jesus called people like Peter, Nathanael, Matthew, and even Simon the Zealot to follow Him—despite their doubts, past mistakes, or political agendas.Discover how the power of Jesus rewrites every story—including yours.
How do we find God when everything falls apart? In Part 3 of our Good News series, Pastor Katie Foster shares a deeply personal story of unexpected suffering—and walks us through Jesus’ final moments, from the Last Supper to the Cross.Through heartbreak, betrayal, and the silence of Saturday, we discover the truth that suffering isn't the absence of God... it’s the place where His love meets us most deeply.Whether you're in a season of peace or pain, this message will help you reflect on what it really means to follow Jesus—even when the path leads through suffering.
Have you ever mistaken someone’s identity? It can be awkward—or tragic—when it comes to God. On Palm Sunday, the crowds cheered for a king they misunderstood. They wanted a political savior, but Jesus came to die. In this message, we explore the question: Who is Jesus—really? And what happens when we get His identity wrong? Because when we misidentify Him, we misidentify ourselves too. Discover the Good News of finding your true self in Christ.
Many admire Jesus, but few truly follow Him. What does it really mean to be His disciple? In this message, we explore Jesus’ radical call to total commitment—why it’s costly, why it’s worth it, and how saying “Yes” to Him changes everything.
Seeking absolute truth in this complicated world can leave us looking in places that aren't the best for us. Where can we find our real identity, purpose, and guidance for what matters most? How can we hear from the God who created us and know that it's really Him? In the finale of "Becoming the Church", Pastor Jordan teaches us how God reveals wisdom and instruction to us through His Word so we can live the life He designed for us.
Most of us naturally gravitate toward spending time with people who we believe are similar to us. As a church and as individuals, we must take caution not to stay in our comfort zone with the people we do life with. How can we be better at celebrating and embracing our cultural differences? What needs to happen in our hearts to see lasting change? In part four of "Becoming the Church", Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of reaching across cultures to connect with and love people different from ourselves.
For generations, master craftsmen have passed down their skills to apprentices, shaping the future through hands-on training. In the same way, Jesus calls us to be His apprentices—learning from Him, growing in faith, and sharing His truth with others. Who are you pouring into? Who will know Jesus because of you? Let's be on mission and multiply the work Jesus is doing in us!
The term justice can bring many different ideas to mind, especially when we're looking at the justice of God versus the justice of the world. With so many different perspectives and avenues for justice to take place, how are we supposed to act it out in a biblical way? Is justice only God's job, or ours, too? In part two of "Becoming the Church", Sam Tichenor teaches us what love-driven justice is and how we can utilize it to impact the people around us.Check out part one of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or at newlifefm.com/podcasts
When we open the Bible and learn that God is holy, we may not think we're called to be holy too. How, after all, could we ever be like God? Should holiness be a goal of ours, or is it unobtainable in this sinful world? In part one of "Becoming the Church", Pastor Joe teaches us what life-giving holiness is and what role we can have as God's followers - His Church.
Many experiences in life can cause us debilitating grief and sorrow. The loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, a dream, our health; any loss of "normal" we have to face. What shouldn't we do in order to cope with loss? How do we process grief in a biblically healthy way? In the finale of "Growing Through Darkness", Pastor Joe offers both spiritual and practical tools to allow us to grieve in ways that invite God and others in so we aren't walking through painful life changes alone.Check out the first two parts of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or at newlifefm.com/podcasts
Anxiety is something most people will experience to varying degrees throughout their lives. Although it may feel like a natural part of our thoughts and emotions that cannot be avoided, what is the root cause? What can we do to overcome anxiety and live in a state of peace? In part 2 of "Growing Through Darkness", Pastor Joe teaches us how to address anxiety in our minds and bodies, using the power and truth of God's love to conquer our fears.
Depression is a common reality in the world today. Instead of shying away from discussing it in church, we must press into what it looks like and what we can do as Christians who are struggling to break free from its grip. Is it possible to have a relationship with God and still be depressed? What can we do to find light in the darkness it brings? In part 1 of "Growing Through Darkness", Pastor Joe teaches us how to navigate depression with God's help so that we can move in the direction of healing and hope.
The word "evangelism" often brings about feelings of fear and intimidation. Sharing our faith with others means we could be rejected, judged, or even mocked. Are we all called to be evangelists?How can we overcome these obstacles and learn to be bold with God's love to the world around us? In the finale of "Elevate Your Faith", Pastor Jordan teaches us how to navigate common fears and excuses we face when it comes to sharing God's love and salvation with others.
Personal growth can be difficult to tackle alone, and it's often within relationships we see our weak points and where we need healing and change. What holds us back from spending time with people who will help us grow? How do we get connected into a healthy community? In part four of "Elevate Your Faith", Pastor Marissa teaches us how intentionally engaging with others helps us learn about our weaknesses and draw strength from the safety of those who want to grow too.
We may think that only certain people are called to serve others with their gifts and talents. Some of us even fall for the lie that we don't have anything special to offer the world. But just as Jesus came not to be served but to serve, God wants us to use the gifts we have as a blessing to those around us. How do we find a place to serve God? What is required to take that next step? In part three of "Elevate Your Faith", Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of saying "yes" to serving with our gifts - no matter how unqualified or ready we feel.
Giving of our time and talents is one thing - but when it comes to giving money, it's common to hit a wall of discomfort. Does God really call us to be generous with our income? Are we required to give in order to be Christians? In part two of "Elevate Your Faith", Pastor Joe teaches us the relevance of intentional giving and how trusting in God can change our life for the better.
When we try to live life in our own power for too long, we will naturally develop hurts, habits, and hang-ups that can negatively impact our everyday rhythms and health. We live in a world that's broken by sin, which means we'll need healing and wholeness through a power greater than our own. Where do we turn with our pain? Who can we go to for long-term healing? In part one of "Elevate Your Faith", Pastor Joe teaches us how we can be rescued, healed, and preserved by the powerful love of God.
In this special end-of-year service you'll hear from New Life leaders about the many ways God moved faithfully through each ministry in 2024. Then, Pastor Joe teaches about the difference between living with a mindset of expectations from God and living with a heart of expectancy for what is to come!
It's Christmas Eve - and we're just one day away from the time we celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus! Throughout this series we've looked at many different aspects of history and the preparation for God's Son to be born to a virgin. In the finale of "Questions of Christmas", Pastor Joe reviews the answers to these questions and asks the final one - "WHY?" - including a wonderful opportunity.
Timing is very important. The specific time things happen in our lives can change the entire trajectory of our future. How does God decide when the time is right? Why did Jesus come to earth when He did - not sooner or later? In part four of "Questions of Christmas", Pastor Jordan teaches us about God's perfect timing throughout history and why He sent us Jesus 2,000 years ago.
Where we are born and raised can impact our development, mindset, and opportunities - but how important is it in the grand scheme of our lives? What was Jesus' experience where He was born and how does it impact us? In part three of "Questions of Christmas", Pastor Joe teaches us the relevance of specific places in Jesus' story and how we should view where we come from in light of our own spiritual journey.
Who we have in our family history certainly impacts our lives. The generations before us can affect our genetics, family traditions, and so much more. But does who we come from have to make or break us? What impact does Jesus have on who we are and who we're becoming? In part two of "Questions of Christmas", Pastor Joe teaches about Jesus' lineage and explains the power that it holds for us today.
Christmas is the time of year where we as Christians celebrate Jesus coming to earth as God in the flesh - a tiny baby born in Bethlehem to a virgin mother. But what events led up to the coming of our Savior? What is the significance of His supernatural birth to us today? In part one of "Questions of Christmas", Pastor Jordan gives an overview of historical events in the Old Testament that reveal our need for a Savior.
Being known as a Christian in the workplace can bring some challenges. People may put us in a box as being "religious" or other labels, sometimes even using our faith against us. But when the time comes, some people will actually seek out the "Jesus people" when they have questions or need emotional support. How do we properly navigate being God's representative in our work? In the finale of "Faith Goes to Work", Pastor Joe teaches us what being a "light" and sharing our faith can look like as we respond to others in places where we may be the only follower of Jesus.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to live integrated lives that reflect His character and love as we walk out our faith wherever we go. What does Christian integrity actually look like? What do we do when we face situations in our work that are unfair or challenge our character? In part three of "Faith Goes to Work", Pastor Joe teaches us what integrity is and why it's so important to live like Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
Each of us has been given a job to do, whether it be in a physical workplace, at home, or even in retirement. God, in His wisdom, gave each of us specific work to do in the place we are, with the specific people we work with. He is able to use us to show His love and character right where He’s got us! The question is, will we say "yes" to that call? In part two of "Faith Goes to Work", Pastor Joe teaches us how the way we do what we do at work matters greatly to the Kingdom of God.
Many people find it easy to "be" a Christian during church on Sunday, but then struggle to continue that way of life once they walk out of the building or disconnect from the livestream. How can all that we do - every single day - be done for God? What does a life of loving service to our Creator look like? In part one of "Faith Goes to Work", Jamie Tichenor teaches us the truth about our identity as God's children and how it impacts the work we've been given to do on this earth.
Personal prayer is a key part of growing in our relationship with God. Unfortunately, most Christians report that even if they pray privately at specific times and throughout their day, they do not feel capable of praying out loud with and for others. How can we grow in our confidence so we can bless others with prayer? In the second half of "How To Talk With God", Pastor Joe shares insight on how every believer can unlock their ability to change the lives of those around them through the power of prayer.
Connecting with God on a personal level is vital for our Christian walk. He wants a deep, loving relationship with us - but many people don't know where to get started when it comes to having two-way conversation with Him. What exactly is prayer and how do we do it? In part one of "How To Talk With God", Pastor Jordan shares seven truths about personal prayer that will guide us at any spiritual stage in our effort to connect with our Creator.
Moving through each stage of spiritual growth takes both time and commitment. From infant to spiritual parent, the goal is to not only answer Christ's call to be one of His disciples, but make new disciples who follow Him with all of their heart. What is the final stage of spiritual growth? What comes after disciple-making that ensures future generations continue to walk with Jesus? Find out in the finale of "Grow Up: Life as a Disciple."
Becoming a spiritual adult is an important landmark in our faith journey... but it's not where we're meant to stop. Jesus calls each of us as His followers to not just be good disciples, but to become disciple-makers! How do we grow into the next stage of development as spiritual parents? How do we expand God's kingdom and teach others to be disciples too?
God’s intention for us as disciples is to gradually move out of the spiritual child stage and grow up into all that He has for us as spiritual adults. We cannot separate emotional and spiritual maturity as they are very much tied together and require intentional action steps in order to grow. How do we let go of self-centered thinking and embrace this adult stage, beginning to build up those around us as we go?
As children we are full of life and energy... but we lack the wisdom that comes from the experience of learning over time. In the same way, when we’re in the childhood stage of Christian growth, we’re young in the faith and growing - but need guidance. Spiritual children are new in Christ, but their world and circle of concern are mainly all about... them. How do we grow out of the child stage of spiritual development, or help those around us to do so if we've grown into the adult stage or beyond?
Just as physical infants require nurturing and protection, spiritual newborns—new believers in Christ—need guidance and support from their church community to grow in their faith. Both new and long-serving Christians play a role and can actively participate in this process! Discover where YOU are on your spiritual journey and how you can help make your church a place where new believers are cherished and mature believers dive into the opportunities God aligns.
Ask yourself this, "Am I trying to get to the root of my problem, or am I just managing my symptoms?" We all have challenges in life, and sometimes we struggle because we’re addressing the wrong problems. We end up seeking superficial solutions, neglecting to tackle the spiritual root of the problem. In the "Grow Up" series, explore how to identify and address the real issues in our lives that hinder our spiritual growth. By focusing on the abundant life Jesus offers, we can move beyond superficial fixes and achieve true fulfillment, and become disciples who not only mature in faith but also help others do the same.
Being persecuted by other people for what we believe isn't something the average person would look forward to in life. But Jesus actually tells us that when we're honest in sharing our faith, there are times we may suffer or lose things we care about. How can persecution end up being a blessing? In the finale of #BLESSED, Pastor Derek teaches us the meaning of beatitude number eight - “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Keeping the peace" is something many people try to do in order to avoid conflict and chaos. But what if Jesus didn't call us to live like that? What if there is far more purpose when we find and offer peace in a different way? In part seven of #BLESSED, Pastor Joe teaches us the meaning of beatitude number seven - "blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God".
Purity is not something the modern world seems to value as much as other characteristics, yet Jesus says it is people with pure hearts who will be blessed. Is it even possible to be pure when it comes to our thoughts, words, and actions? In part six of #BLESSED, Worship Leader Sam Tichenor teaches us the meaning of beatitude number six - "blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God".
It can often be easier to extend mercy to ourselves when we make mistakes than it is to extend it to others. Or, for some of us, we may actually be harder on ourselves than on anyone else! How can we live with integrity when it comes to offering mercy and forgiveness to everyone? Is there a limit to being merciful? In part five of #BLESSED, Pastor Joe teaches us the meaning of beatitude number five - "blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy".
Righteousness isn't a word we use very often in everyday conversation - but it's something Jesus tells us we will be blessed by if we whole-heartedly desire it. What exactly is righteousness, and how can pursuing it impact our lives? Can human beings really be righteous? In part four of #BLESSED, Pastor Jordan teaches us the meaning of beatitude number four - "blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled".
During this special one-part message "Family Baptism", Pastor Joe answers all of the important questions people may have about the act of water baptism: What is it? Who is it for? Why does it matter? He will then invite people who are ready to take this step in their faith journey to be baptized during the service.
Modern culture often tells us we have to be strong-willed and even defensive to survive in this world. So why does Jesus call us to have an attitude of humility and gentleness at all times, even when we face adversity? Could meekness really be a blessing? In part three of #BLESSED, Pastor Brigitte teaches us the meaning of beatitude number three - "blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth".
Life can bring painful or unexpected circumstances that fill our hearts with grief. We live in a world where sin causes brokenness of all kinds - and sometimes it seems like it's too much to bear. How can we possibly be blessed when our hearts are in despair? In part two of #BLESSED, Pastor Marissa teaches us the meaning of beatitude number two - "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted".
God designed each of us for connection and community - first with Himself, and then with others. But what does healthy relationship and community actually look like? How do we know if we're doing it "right"? In part four of "EMPTY", Pastor Marissa teaches us how God first made a way for our relationship with Him, and how we can intentionally move toward life-giving community with those around us.
Church cannot happen on Sundays (and throughout the week) without a whole lot of help. It's not just the pastors and leaders who make things happen - everyone who follows Jesus is called to serve and use their gifts to lighten the load of sharing the Good News of Jesus through various roles. Have YOU said yes to volunteering yet? What is getting in the way? In part three of "EMPTY", Pastor Derek teaches us about the early Church and how everyone needed to come together - both leaders and followers - to serve and be a blessing to others.
Many people don’t understand the importance and power of baptism as a next step for followers of Jesus Christ. Is it really necessary? Who can and can't be baptized, and what is its purpose? How will I know I'm ready? In part two of "EMPTY", Pastor Joe teaches us what baptism is, why it's commanded in the Bible, and who it's available to. He's even inviting people who are ready to be baptized on the spot!
Whether we're new to faith in Jesus or we've been following Him for a long time, there is always room to grow! In order to have a truly FULL life, we have to first be emptied of sin. How does that happen? How can we be confident not in ourselves, but in Jesus? In part one of "EMPTY", Pastor Joe focuses on what we can learn from Peter, a Disciple and friend of Jesus who wrestled with being full of himself and his own ideas instead of trusting Jesus fully with his life.
During Jesus' final day on earth before going to the cross, there was still confusion among His disciples about what would happen next. Jesus did many unexpected things around His closest friends, but they were all necessary in leading Him to become the most important sacrifice in history. It's helpful to put ourselves into Jesus' shoes, as well as the disciples, to ask important questions about our beliefs. What does the cross mean for us? Did Jesus really have to die? Would we as Jesus' friends try to keep Him from dying? In the Good Friday finale of "The Way to the Cross", Katie Foster, Student Ministry Director, invites us to explore the meaning of the final vital moments of Jesus' life before His crucifixion.
Looking at one situation from different perspectives can change everything. Sometimes we have a very narrow view of something that keeps us from seeing the full picture. As we follow Jesus' journey to the cross, it's important that we don't just think about our own feelings and ideas. What else can God reveal to us if we open our eyes wider and put ourselves into the story? What might we have missed before? In part three of "The Way to the Cross", Pastor Joe teaches us how to go deeper into Bible reading by looking at the text from different perspectives so we can understand more about what God wants us to know.
When Jesus walked the earth, people were often confused about who He was and why He was here. His mission remained mysterious until the proper time, but He occasionally offered clarity and wisdom to those who asked - or when it agreed with His calling. Today we must ask ourselves, who do WE think Jesus is? In part two of "The Way to the Cross", Pastor Brandon walks us through chapters three and four of the Gospel of John where we explore two different accounts of Jesus revealing His purpose.
Reading the Bible gives us direct access to understanding who Jesus is and why He came to earth. But sometimes when we read its pages it can be challenging to dive deep into the context of that time period and really feel what Jesus - and those around Him - felt. This series will help us dig into Scripture to experience it in a fresh way! In part one of "The Way to the Cross", Pastor Brandon walks us through the first few chapters of the Gospel of John so we can participate in what Jesus did to prepare for His journey to die on the cross for our sins.
We make hundreds of decisions every day that can impact our lives for better or for worse. Each decision we make is a test that provides an opportunity for us to either opt into God’s plan for us, or choose our own. How do we ensure that we aren't falling for the devil's schemes when we're tempted? How do we consistently make the right decision? In the finale of "TEMPTED", Pastor Joe teaches us how we can test the thoughts and temptations that come our way and have a godly reaction instead of giving in to our flesh.
We all have strong desires to have certain things in this world. Maybe it's prestige, power, or control. Or perhaps it's more money, a bigger house, that dream job, or the perfect relationship. The list of possibilities may be endless, but what should we do with these desires? How do we know if they're turning into idols that can damage us? In part three of "TEMPTED", Pastor Brigitte teaches us how our earthly desires will become dangerous if we allow them to take God's place; as well as how to prevent that from happening.
We were all created with natural physical appetites. Most of them are good! But even good appetites and desires can become twisted - because no matter how much we satisfy them, they always recharge and demand “more”! So how do we keep our physical desires in line with what God calls us to when temptation to sin strikes? In part two of "TEMPTED", Pastor Joe teaches us how to be spiritually prepared for the strong temptations that will come our way so we don't give into physical sin.
Temptation may not be a topic we think about regularly, but when we take time to look around, it's absolutely everywhere! Physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally, we will always be tempted by the things of this world. But is temptation in of itself a sin? How do we keep from giving into it? In part one of "TEMPTED", Pastor Jordan teaches us what temptation is and shares the hope we have to overcome it by what Jesus did in His time on earth.
Most of us have dreams, ambitions, and goals for the time we have on earth - but how many of them will truly matter in 100 years? When was the last time we paused to reflect on what we're trying to accomplish, and how those things impact not just ourselves, but the people around us? In the finale of "Get Your Life Back", inspired by John Eldredge's book, Pastor Joe teaches us what we need to do to align our goals with God's so we can lead fruitful lives as His followers.
Living by faith and putting our trust in God is not something we can simply put on auto-pilot. If we’re not mindful and don’t intentionally choose to live each day by faith, we can end up living as functional atheists. So how do we keep our faith alive, especially through difficult seasons where God feels far away? In part three of "Get Your Life Back", inspired by John Eldredge's book, Pastor Joe teaches us how we can have continued confidence in our Christian walk - daily, hourly, and one faith-filled decision at a time.
Living in the past and staying stuck there is not a healthy way to go about our lives - but what about taking time to reflect on where we've been and how we got to where we are now? How can we use our past to shape our future in a purposeful way? In part three of "Get Your Life Back", inspired by John Eldredge's book, Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of learning from the past and living out our personal story in light of what Jesus has done for us.
Love is one of the most important aspects of life - if not the MOST important! But there are so many ways we can miss out - on receiving God's love for us, on loving others well, and even loving ourselves. In what order do these things happen? How can 'doing love right' change us? In part two of "Get Your Life Back", inspired by John Eldredge's book, Pastor Joe teaches us how loving God and others goes hand in hand, and how understanding love clearly can shine new light on our future.
This world will naturally pull us in a million different directions, distracting us from God's purpose for our life. If we're not careful, we can let everything around us take control! How do we fight against it? In part one of "Get Your Life Back", inspired by John Eldredge's book, Pastor Joe teaches us how unplugging from the chaos of this world to focus on what God wants for us can help us begin to take our life back.
When life gets dark and our circumstances overwhelm us to a point of feeling hopeless, where can we turn? Are we able to create light on our own, or do we need to find a source of light outside of ourselves to move us forward? In this special New Year's Message "Making It Past Midnight", Pastor Joe teaches us how the light of God and His Son Jesus will change the game when we must overcome the darkest parts of our lives.
When we think of God's kingdom, we may jump to an image of Him on a throne, ruling in heaven. But what role does Jesus play in it, and is there a role for us as His followers, too? The answer may surprise you! In part four of "This is Jesus", Pastor Jon teaches us how God's kingdom isn't something we must wait until heaven to experience.
Many of us want to know what we're made for and what we're supposed to be doing with our life, and we probably want it to be filled with ONLY joy and peace - none of the tough stuff. But what if God has a different way of doing things? What can Jesus teach us about what we were made to accomplish on this earth? In the finale of "This is Jesus", Pastor Joe teaches us how understanding who Jesus is will launch us into discovering our true purpose for this life and beyond - and it may not be what we expect.
When we learn about the character of God and how He is perfect and mighty, it may make us afraid to approach Him. Who are we to communicate with the creator of the universe, unlimited in power? But when God came to earth as a baby, everything changed! In part three of "This is Jesus", Student Ministry Director Katie Foster teaches us the importance and relevance of Jesus being not only God, but very human at the same time.
Authority is a word that may give us different emotional responses based on whether that power is used for good or for bad. In a world where we need guidance and wisdom in so many ways, where can we find loving authority that will never take advantage of us? In part two of "This is Jesus", Pastor Joe teaches us why Jesus was called "Son of the Most High", and what that means for us as we live out our Christian faith.
During every season of life, it's important to ask ourselves what is GREAT in our life. Not great as in wonderful or good, but what looms LARGE? What is impacting us the most powerfully? And what do we do when those things make us feel hopeless, helpless, and in the dark? In part one of "This is Jesus", Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of seeing our Savior Jesus as He truly is - greater than any of the circumstances we face.
The Bible is an extremely powerful and helpful book of history, wisdom, love, and guidance, yet many of us rarely engage with it long enough for it to create an impact in our lives. What is holding us back from exploring this book from God more often? Perhaps if we knew more about it, we'd be interested in reading it regularly. In this one part message "Bible Basics", Pastor Jordan answers many frequently asked questions about the Bible so that we may be inspired to read it for ourselves and learn all that God has for us in its pages.
When we look around at the brokenness of this world, it can be easy to get discouraged. There are so many different types of hurt and trouble that we face in our relationships, jobs, families, and beyond. Is there any hope for restoration? What do we do when we feel beyond repair, or see the ones we love unable to find relief? In the finale of "Come As You Are", Pastor Joe teaches us how we can be not only saved, but healed and restored in amazing ways through the power of Jesus. Check out the other parts of this series in our app, at newlifefm.com/past-sermons
We may hear people say things like "and then I found God", or "I found God when I..." - but what if it's the other way around? In part three of "Come As You Are", Pastor Joe teaches us that from the beginning of time God is the one who has been seeking us out. We simply have to accept His love and begin a relationship with Him! But that's not where things end. Once God finds us, we are then able to reach out to other people who need His love - which is everyone we meet!
The Bible teaches us that God has a plan and direction for our life once we start following Jesus... but how are we supposed to find out what it is? Once we begin our faith journey, what happens next? In part two of "Come As You Are", Pastor Joe teaches us that in order to say YES to what God is calling us to, we must say NO to other things. And once WE know Jesus, we are all called to lead OTHERS toward Jesus too! The good news is, we never have to do any of this alone.
Many of us have tried really hard to change things in our life - patterns, relationships, personal goals, etc - only to discover that we just don’t have what it takes. It can be frustrating to want to be better or to figure out what this life is really for and feel like we're getting nowhere. Where can we find real help? In part one of "Come As You Are", Pastor Joe teaches us that no matter what our struggles are, and no matter what kind of experience we've had with church or with God, Jesus wants to help us in EVERY aspect of life. We are welcomed into a relationship with Him just as we are!
Church should always be a safe place for people to learn, heal, and connect with others. But what happens when people in the church cause others harm? What about when leaders in the church use their power to deeply hurt people? In the finale of "Scary Church", Pastor Joe tackles the sensitive topics of church hurt and spiritual abuse, and teaches us how we can prevent it, as well as find healing when it does occur.
Your thoughts are your own, but there are two outside "voices" that can offer help or harm in our head. How is that possible? And how do we know when the voices in our head aren't our own? In part three of "Scary Church", Pastor Jordan teaches us who else can influence our thought life, and how to protect our mind from spiritual attack.
When we open the Bible we see some pretty gruesome passages about animal sacrifice, drinking Jesus' blood, and eating His flesh... what are we supposed to DO with all that? Does God require things of that nature in order for us to be saved? In part two of "Scary Church", Pastor Joe tackles these often confusing topics to bring to light why blood is such an important part of Christian culture.
In a world with so many different religions, ideologies, and contradicting belief systems to choose from, how do we know which are helpful and which are harmful? How can we tell if we or our loved ones are involved in a cult? Could New Life be considered a cult? In part one of "Scary Church", Pastor Joe clearly defines what cults are and whether or not the Christian church falls into that category.
When we commit our life to Jesus by putting our faith in Him as our Savior and Lord, we automatically become influencers in this world. If every Christian influences others for Christ - either positively or negatively - how do we make sure we're on the positive side? In the finale of "Influencer", Pastor Joe teaches us how to live in response to God's love and grace so we can change the world around us.
We need to talk... literally! We're called to share the good news, so why does it feel so hard to do sometimes? Whether you're trying to "talk faith" with your friends, coworkers, siblings, parents - or strangers! - this episode will empower you with easy tips to have genuine and enjoyable conversations about Christ with everyone.Forget the scary, forced, and awkward conversations, and get ready to spread the good word, good vibes, and start meaningful conversations!
We may think that sharing the good news about Jesus is just for pastors or people in full time ministry. But if that were the case, many people would never hear the truth about God's love! So what part can WE play in being influencers to those around us? In part three of "Influencer", Pastor Joe teaches us that rather than waiting on God (or pastors) to influence people, ALL of us must say YES to His command to "go".
It's easy to assume that our circle of influence ends once we get a certain distance away from where we live. But what if God has actually called us to reach people on the other end of the earth? How can we make a difference there? In part two of "Influencer", guest speaker Dr. Ricardo Gomez and his wife Beth teach us how our influence doesn't have to end in our neighborhood, city, or country - we can influence people all over the world!
Influencers are people we recognize as having power over people in a certain way. We often think that it's only OTHER people who can do this - but what about US? Does what you do and say really impact those around you? Um... yeah! Discover the reach of YOUR influence in part one of our series "Influencer". Pastor Joe teaches us how we ALL have the power to influence others for good when we live out of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Whether or not we have children of our own, we should ALL be concerned about the next generation. Each of us holds a special role in influencing the kids, teens, and young adults in our lives, but what does that actually look like? How can we make a difference in their walk with Christ? In this special one-part message, Pastor Joe partners with Children's Ministries Director Stephanie Rogers and Teen Ministry Director Katie Foster to teach us the importance of pointing the next generation toward Jesus no matter what level of influence we have over them.
This world is filled with convenient systems that make instant gratification seem like the most important part of life. Fast food, one-click online ordering, endless scrolling through social media... we don't have to WAIT for anything! Do we really need to have self control? What happens if we don't? In the finale of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Derek teaches us how controlling our flesh will have a massive impact on our lives, as well as the lives of those around us.
When you think of the terms "gentle" and "meek" do you naturally view them as a weakness, or a strength? Although we may have our own opinions of those definitions, what is SPIRITUAL gentleness, and why does God ask us to live in it? In part nine of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Jordan teaches us the importance of true gentleness, and what it looks like by observing the life of Jesus.
Faithfulness may typically be a term we use while discussing commitment in serious relationships or marriage - but what about in our walk with God? Who or what are we most faithful to, and is it possible to be faithful when things don't go our way? In part eight of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Brandon teaches us that understanding and accepting God's great faithfulness to us allows us to be faithful to Him in return.
When we hear the word "good", it normally makes us think of things that are positive and happy - because goodness should always FEEL good, right? Well the answer may surprise you! In part seven of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Brigitte teaches us that although God's love is always good, sometimes His goodness means we must do or experience things that are difficult.
The topic of kindness may seem pretty straight forward... just 'don't be mean', right? But what if there's more to it than that? Where does kindness actually come from, and how do we make it our default setting toward others? In part six of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Jon teaches us that kindness is active, not passive - and that when we treat everyone with kindness, we reflect the very character of God to the world.
Every day is filled with opportunities for us to lose our patience when things don't go our way - including our relationships. Depending on how our heart, mind, and spirit are in each moment, we may respond in MANY different ways to frustrations and hurts that challenge us. How can we have a godly attitude when life tests us? In part five of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Jordan teaches us that responding with patience in all situations IS possible - but it has some spiritual prerequisites.
There are many "solutions" out there that offer us temporary peace when we feel overwhelmed and stressed from the chaos of life. But is there a way to have peace for longer than a few hours? Does deep, lasting peace come from the outside, from us, or from somewhere else? In part four of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Creative Director Heather Vestel teaches us that God promises a peace that surpasses ALL understanding to those who follow Him.
Joy and happiness are NOT the same thing. Happiness is a feeling we experience when circumstances go our way - but what happens when they don't? What is joy, and where does true, lasting joy come from? In part three of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Joe teaches us that there is only one never-ending source of joy - and it's not something that we can manufacture ourselves.
Love is one of those topics where everyone you meet could give you a different definition based on their personal feelings, experiences, and opinions. But how do we REALLY define love? And how do we know if we're doing it right? In part two of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Jon teaches us that we can only understand what love is when we look at God's character and live out of an overflow of His Holy Spirit in us.
If we want to live lives that allow us to grow and thrive, we must first realize that there are two sides we can focus on - our flesh or our spirit. But what do these terms mean, exactly? How do we choose the correct one? What happens when we do? In part one of "THRIVE - The Fruits of the Spirit", Pastor Joe teaches us that although we live in a world where sin complicates things, God still created us to be fruitful - and He will help us do just that when we live by the Spirit and let it flow out of us.
Through this series we've learned that God's love for us is not dependent on how good or perfect we are - it's all based on grace. So if salvation and forgiveness are gifts we cannot earn, why does God care so much about how we live? In the finale of "Galatians", Pastor Joe teaches us that the process of living for God is not powered by us and our desires, but by God's Spirit in us. We will naturally change for the better as we surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit. .
Grace and freedom are topics that can often be confusing. Most of us have a tendency to either take them both for granted and live however we want, OR ignore them completely and try to prove ourselves to God by how "good" we are. How exactly should we use these gifts from Him properly in our lives? In part three of "Galatians", Pastor Jon explores more of Paul's wisdom to the church in Galatia and reveals that it IS possible to walk on a path that avoids each of these extremes.
It's easy to think that in order to have a relationship with a perfect God we need to be "good enough" to earn His love. But the Bible tells us that we will never be good enough! So how can we be saved from our sin? If WE can't do it, who or what can? In part two of "Galatians", Pastor Joe explains the only way to true salvation - and it may not be what we think! Although it's counterintuitive, it is very good news.
Clear communication is a key part of healthy relationships - being vague or passive-aggressive never gets us where we need to go. And our faith is no exception. When we see people living in a way that goes against God's best for them, how should we speak the truth in love - especially when eternity is on the line? In part one of "Galatians", Pastor Joe introduces the Apostle Paul and teaches us why he was so adamant about boldly speaking the truth to the church in Galatia.
Isolation and a lack of community will cause major problems in our lives. When we're distant from the loving support of family and friends, it's easy to let anxiety and depression rule over us. How do we stay healthy relationally? Does the Holy Spirit play a part? In the finale of "True North", Pastor Marissa teaches us the importance of not just having the Holy Spirit as our guide in life, but how being surrounded by a community of believers can make all the difference.
When we hear the word "worship", we may instantly think of singing songs at church on Sunday. But is there more to worship than music? What does worship really mean? In part four of "True North", Pastor Brandon teaches us the real definition of the word, and how worshiping weekly with other believers is designed to help us stay on the best path for our lives. Check out the first three parts of this series in our app, at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
A relationship without healthy communication isn't really a relationship at all. So why is it so easy to push talking and listening to God aside as a last resort? How often should we actually pray, and what should we be praying about? In part three of "True North", Pastor Joe teaches us why prayer is so important, and how regularly talking with God is what we are designed to do on our faith journey.
As we travel through life, it's easy to want to know every single step of our journey in advance. Unfortunately, that's not how God planned it to be! So how can we know the path we're walking on is a good one, and that we're making the right decisions? Is the Bible really a tool that can help us in practical ways? In part one of "True North", Pastor Jon teaches us why God's Word is so important to our Christian walk, and how reading it can radically change how we live our lives.
This life is a unique adventure for each of us, and we must remain aware of what path we're walking on. If we get up caught in distractions, we can end up at a destination we never intended. How do we know which roads to take? What can we use as our guide? In part one of "True North", Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of choosing the correct path for our life, and how putting God first can point us in the right direction every time.
After Jesus was betrayed, abandoned, and crucified on a cross for the sins of humanity, it seemed like all was lost. But days later when hope seemed impossible, the power of God did something miraculous! In the finale of "Winner, Loser, Champion", Pastor Joe teaches us about the greatest victory in history - one that reconciles us back to God and allows us to live forever with Him!
Leading up to Good Friday, Jesus' closest friends, the disciples, promised to be there for Him no matter what. But at a time Jesus needed them most, they all abandoned, betrayed, or denied Him. Would we have been any better than the disciples? In part two of "Winner, Loser, Champion", Pastor Joe teaches us how Jesus became the "loser", even among those who committed their lives to Him. Fortunately, all of that rejection moved Him toward the most important sacrifice in history - one that paid the ransom for our sin forever.
Palm Sunday is typically known for the triumphant cheers of the people of Jerusalem as Jesus entered on a donkey. If this was such an exciting moment in history, why did Jesus weep for them? In part one of "Winner, Loser, Champion", Pastor Joe teaches us that Jesus' real mission on earth wasn't what people expected. They were hoping for a king to fix all of their problems, but He came for much more than that! The real question is, how do WE see Jesus - as a Savior, or a King?
In this series we've covered how we know we'll get to Heaven, what it will be like, and what we will actually do there... but what about eternal rewards? Does what we do with what we have now really make a difference when we die? In the finale of "Heaven", Pastor Joe teaches us that we are called to have our hearts and minds set on things above instead of things on this earth - and when we do, we WILL be rewarded by our Heavenly Father!
Forever is a very long time - and it can be intimidating to think about what we'll spend all that time DOING in Heaven. The good news is, people will NOT spend it floating around on clouds with no purpose! So what will Christians actually do for eternity? In part three of "Heaven", Pastor Jordan teaches us that we will each have fulfilling, joy-filled jobs (and more!) to do in Heaven on the New Earth based on what God created us for at the beginning of time.
There are many misconceptions about what Heaven will be like - so how do we discover the truth? With all the depictions that come from movies, media, and more, it's easy to get the wrong idea. Luckily, we can get a clear picture of the REAL Heaven by opening up the BIble. In part two of "Heaven", Pastor Joe teaches us what the afterlife with God will really be like for Christians - and how it isn't what most of us expect.
Most people - whether they go to church or not - have probably asked one of the following questions at some point: Is Heaven real? How do I know if I'll go to Heaven when I die? What will it be like? What will I do there? What will I have there? In part one of "Heaven", Pastor Joe teaches us how we can be confident in where we'll go when we die, and that there's actually a whole lot more to Heaven than most people realize - but that's a good thing!
Love can be messier than we want it to be - especially if we put other things before God. He offers us His perfect love if only we're willing to receive it by faith. But in order for us to be thoroughly transformed by that love, we must be open to change so that it can work within us. In the finale of "What is Love?", Pastor Joe teaches us that it takes vulnerability and sacrifice to keep the other "loves" in our life in check. When we realize how much God loves us, it is easier to love Him first.
Being "in love" and having a romantic partner feels great - but what happens when we have to sacrifice for that person? What happens when we get to know the things about them we don't like so much? Is physical attraction and "chemistry" enough? In part three of "What is Love?", Pastor Joe teaches us the real meaning of 'eros' love and reveals how it is so much more than attraction.
Companionship is something God wired us to need, and we can often find deep, caring relationships among friends. What makes friendship so important? What is required for us to be vulnerable with others? In part two of "What is Love?", Pastor Amber teaches us what 'philia' love is and how making friends is a vital part of our Christian walk.
When we hear the word "love", many different things may come to mind. So what is love really? How many types are there? Which is the most vital to us? In part one of "What is Love?", Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of knowing what forms of love are guiding our life most so that we can keep each one in its proper place.
Breakthrough looks different for everyone. Whether it be in our body, mind, relationships, or more, God wants to move in us so He can then move through us! But if we don't take time to get quiet and realize where we need breakthrough the most, we can force ourselves to stay stuck as we are. In the finale of "Breakthough", four speakers teach us how to discover different areas we may need God to create change in us so we can start the process of breaking through barriers into newness!
Relationships are not easy! No matter how hard we try to be perfect, sooner or later we will end up hurting others, or letting others hurt us. How do we heal broken relationships? How do we forgive when it seems impossible? In part four of "BREAKTHROUGH", Pastor Joe teaches us that understanding and accepting Jesus' forgiveness for us is the key to offering breakthrough forgiveness to those around us. Hurting people may hurt others, but healed people can heal others and share the love of Jesus with them.
With all the differing opinions and viewpoints fighting for our attention in the world, becoming double-minded - or having a brain pulled in two different directions - can feel like a 'default' setting. Instead of remaining focused on what's most important in life, we can easily stray from God's plan for us. So how do we keep our brain in check? In part three of "BREAKTHROUGH", Pastor Joe teaches us how to renew our mind so that our thoughts and actions will be in alignment with God's will. It may take practice, but becoming single-minded will give us the best life possible.
When we need a physical breakthrough - healing in our body, the power to overcome an addiction, or self-discipline to live a pure life or take care of our bodies - we often want God to provide it through a single, miraculous event. But oftentimes He uses a transformative process that goes beyond just the physical to also transform our hearts and mind! In part two of "BREAKTHROUGH", Pastor Joe teaches us that God made our bodies, cares about our bodies, and has provided us the power to live a holy life where both spiritual and physical breakthrough is possible.
A new year often makes us want to improve certain areas of our life so we can be "better" than before. But what if there's something greater than just being "better"? What if we could be made completely new? In part one of "BREAKTHROUGH", Pastor Joe teaches us that accepting Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the only way to truly have a new life. In order to transform from the inside out and find breakthroughs in our struggles, we must let Him remove our old heart and give us one that's brand new!
Difficult relationships are often one of the most complex and painful parts of life. Broken families, loss, anger, abandonment, and betrayal can all make us wonder... is there hope for our relationships? In part three of "Hope for All", Pastor Joe teaches us that hope for believers is not found in having perfect relationships or perfect families that never experience pain. Our hope is in being adopted into the family of God through Jesus.Check out parts one and two of this series in our app, at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Statistics about increasing drug use, domestic violence, homelesness, and hunger are shocking and can make us ask... is there hope for our community? In part two of "Hope for All", Pastor Joe teaches us that although Jesus came to heal the lost and hurting 2,000 years ago, we, the modern church, are called to be His hands and feet to the people around us. By loving our family, friends, and neighbors well and sharing the Good News of Jesus with them, WE can bring lasting hope to our community!
We don't have to go very far to see that people in this world are deeply broken and full of disappointment, dysfunction, and despair. It's easy to wonder... is there hope to be found for the future? In part one of "Hope for All", Pastor Joe teaches us that although the world may seem overwhelmingly dark and full of uncertainty, the light of Jesus - as well as His light in us - can change everything.
Whether people are aware of it or not, there is a spiritual war going on in this world - and we are all a part of it. The battle between good and evil started long ago, but the good news is - it has already been won! In this standalone message, Pastor Jordan teaches us that although our adversary the devil works to separate us from God, we can find victory over his schemes by knowing and using the truth found in the Bible.
Once we know what God's general and specific will is for our life, what else should we do? How will our unique purpose impact the lives of those around us? In the finale of "A Vision for Growth", Pastor Joe teaches us that part of our calling as Christians is restoring the lives of the people close to us by sharing God's love and the hope we have in Jesus. We should not only be focusing on what we do on earth, but how we can help change eternity for other people.
Check out the first two parts of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons.
The Bible clearly shows God's revealed will for our lives as Christians, but what about His specific will for each of us? How do we make decisions about things that aren't in the Bible? In part two of "A Vision for Growth", Pastor Joe teaches us that prayer is the key to discovering God's specific will for us as individuals, as well as for our church! Just as Pastor Joe was given a vision for New Life, God has a vision for each of His children, too.
God created each of us with a purpose - but how do we figure out what it is? If we want to grow into the best version of ourselves, where do we get started? In part one of "A Vision for Growth", Pastor Joe teaches us that we can discover God's revealed will by looking in His Word, the Bible. But we can't stop at just reading it - our lives will be greatly blessed when we actually follow what it says.
Sex is a topic not often discussed in church - which is why it's so important to set the record straight. What does the Bible say about sex? Is it really only for marriage? What about within gay marriage? In part three of "Embodied", Pastor Joe teaches us God's clear design for sex - and that even when our sexual decisions haven't lined up with His will in the past, what Jesus did on the cross allows us to be forgiven and made clean. We can then choose to live sexually pure lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Many people are faced with confusion about their gender identity and how they feel in their body. Defining gender, sex, and gender stereotypes has become a searing hot topic - especially in church - often causing judgment, harsh words, hurt hearts, and more confusion. How should we treat people who aren't sure about their sexual identity? Does the Bible have anything to say? In part two of "Embodied", Pastor Joe teaches us what the Bible says about gender, and what we can do if we or someone we know is struggling with gender identity.
Today's culture has an abundance of opinions about sexuality and how we should view or use our bodies. With all the differing beliefs out there, which one is actually correct? Does God really care about what we do with our bodies? In part one of "Embodied", Pastor Joe teaches us that everything related to our physical bodies also matters spiritually. God put guidelines in the Bible for us about how we should use our bodies in order to protect us and give us the best life possible.
Check out our other series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Sharing our faith with people just like us is one thing - but what about going out of our comfort zone to reach people who we feel have little in common with us? How do we face differences in ethnicity, gender, age, or class when it comes to evangelism? In the finale of "Bridge Builder", Pastor Joe teaches us that we are called to share the Gospel with ALL people - no matter how similar or different they are from us. Jesus bridged the gap to save us from our sin, so we must ask God to empower us to share that truth with others - even when it's uncomfortable!
Talking about Jesus with others can feel intimidating and risky. What if they react negatively? What if they don't want to hear what I have to say? But bridge building is less about our own ability and more about God's power working through us to reach into the hearts of those who don't know Him. In part three of "Bridge Builder", Pastor Joe teaches us that we don't have to "sell" Jesus to people in unnatural or forceful ways. God will open up opportunities to share our faith from our own personal experience if we are simply brave enough to ask Him!
Wherever we go, we are representing something - either ourselves and our own goals, or something greater than ourselves. Once we have a relationship with Jesus, we should be walking in a way that shows His love to others. How do we do that exactly? What steps do we need to take to bring others to Christ? In part two of "Bridge Builder", Pastor Joe teaches us that as Christians we are each called to be representatives of Jesus every single day - with how we live our lives, but also by bravely sharing our faith so that we can draw others to salvation with Him.
When we "burn bridges" in our relationships it typically means that something happens to seperate us from someone else. Spiritually, our sin (the imperfect things we do) separates us from the perfect God of the universe. If that bridge is broken, how can we get back to God? In part one of "Bridge Builder", Pastor Joe teaches us that the only way to be right with God again is by putting our faith in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross. When we do, we are then called to help bridge that gap for others by sharing the truth of salvation with them. We are meant to be bridge builders!
Coveting happens when we desire things in this world that we aren't meant to have. Other people's relationships, looks, jobs, stuff, and experiences can all look better than our own - and make us feel like our blessings aren't enough. What do we do when we start to covet? In the finale of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Jordan teaches us the dangers of coveting and how to combat desiring things not meant for us with contentment in our relationship with God and His everlasting love.
Sometimes it seems like telling the truth can get us into far more trouble than lying. Other times, lying seems like the only way to get what we want or need. Is there ever a right time to be dishonest? Or is honesty really the best choice? In part eight of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Marissa teaches us that God calls us to a high standard of telling the truth, and always doing so in love. Even though honesty is not always easy, when done with proper intentions it will help us avoid conflict and in turn, build trust.
When we think of stealing, certain images may pop into our mind of what that looks like. Maybe it's someone poor and starving stealing to survive - or perhaps it's someone who's greedy going after more than they already have. But what if there's more to stealing than that? In part eight of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Jon explains how stealing begins with the state of our heart - and includes not just our physical actions, but our perspective on what God has given us in this life.
The temptation to commit adultery isn't only for married couples who are struggling in their relationship. Adultery can creep into the lives of anyone - whether we're single, married, divorced, or anything in between! So what is it, exactly? In part seven of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Brandon uncovers the truth about what adultery really means and gives practical advice on how to move toward purity when temptation tries to take over our heart and mind.
Although 'not murdering' may seem like the most natural commandment to follow, God wants us to look much deeper than the extreme of harming another person physically. What emotions and sinful thoughts lead up to murder? Is it possible to commit murder in our heart? In part six of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Derek uncovers the devastating ripple effect murder can have, as well as the solution to how we can live with pure hearts toward others - acting in love instead of violence.
With so many different types of parent-child relationships out there, the command to honor your father and mother can seem complicated. Some of us don't have a parent in our life any more. Others may not be on speaking terms because their parents aren't in a healthy enough place to have a relationship. Are we called to honor our parents no matter what? Or is this command flexible based on our circumstances? In part five of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Jon gives clarity on what honoring your father and mother really means, while offering practical ways we can follow this command in order to glorify God.
In a world where being "busy" seems like a badge of honor and our schedules are so full that we feel overwhelmed and exhausted, shouldn't we be taking time for regular rest? Does the Bible have anything to say about standing up to our overflowing agendas? In part four of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Jordan teaches why Sabbath rest is vital to our Christian walk, and explains why it's not just for the people of the Old Testament. Taking one day a week to rejuvenate our mind, body, and spirit can bring lasting peace and joy and allow us to become healthier followers of Christ.
When we hear someone say "don't take the Lord's name in vain" we may instantly think of using it as a swear word. But is there a deeper meaning than that? What does that command really mean? In part three of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Jon reveals that the third commandment has a lot more to it than meets the eye. As Christians we aren't just called to honor God by not using His name in a verbally negative way - we are being asked to live our entire lives out in a way that doesn't demean the glory and power of God. Because His spirit is living in us, we are a reflection of Him to the world and must set a good example for His name by acting in the ways He's called us to.
Idolatry may seem like an outdated term, but idols are still a huge problem in modern society. How do we identify them? What should we do when we discover one (or more) in our lives? In part two of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Derek teaches how from early on in history idols have been a major distraction for God's people. Anything we put before God that keeps us from focusing primarily on Him can become an idol in our lives, doing damage to our relationship. The good news is, when we choose to turn back to God He will help us keep everything in its proper place.
People may have heard about the Ten Commandments before, but are they still valid for us in the modern world? Which ones do we follow, and which ones are outdated? Does God still want us to abide by them? In part one of "The Ten Commandments", Pastor Joe gives an overview of the Laws God gave Moses on Mount Sinai to share with His chosen people, as well as explains the role Jesus' life played in changing - or not changing - what they mean for us today.
*And remember, this is Pastor Joe's last Sunday till September - please pray he and his family have an incredible sabbatical and rejuvenating season!
Spiritual health can have a great impact on how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. When things aren't right between us and God or us and others, there can be collateral damage in many ways. Is it possible to be healed once the damage is done? In the finale of "The Book of James - Faith in Real Life" Pastor Joe teaches that Jesus didn't just die on the cross to save us from sin - He died so we could have a life that can be continually renewed and healed. When we confess our sins to Him and others, we can find healing through faithful prayer.
The more we get to know people, the more opportunity there is for us to realize that they think, believe, and live differently than us; and when that happens there’s potential for conflict. What does God want us to do when we disagree with others? In part four of "The Book of James - Faith in Real Life" Pastor Jon teaches that conflict begins in the heart, especially in the areas where we want to put our own desires first. In order to work through conflict, we must offer grace to others in the same way God offers grace to us.
It's often easy to make snap judgments about how people look or act when we meet them for the first time - especially those who seem very different from us. How can we learn to love everyone equally? In part three of "The Book of James - Faith in Real Life" Pastor Joe and Amber Jennings co-teach that we should not judge people or treat them differently based on how we perceive them with our own eyes. God calls the Church to care for and bless everyone we meet out of the abundance of blessing He has first given us; even those who may never be able to give us anything in return.
There are certain things in our lives that are completely useless if they’re missing a key component. One of them is our faith! Is it faith alone that saves us, or do we also have to prove ourselves to God through our actions? In part two of "The Book of James - Faith in Real Life" Pastor Jon teaches us that if we have faith but don't do anything with it, it's as if it is dead. God calls us to have a living faith that actively goes out and accomplishes things to change the world around us. Will we?
Check out part one of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Wouldn't it be nice if bad things never happened to us? Sometimes it's hard to believe that the trials we face can be used for good, but God says differently. In part one of "The Book of James - Faith in Real Life" Pastor Joe introduces us to Jesus' brother James, and teaches us that God wants to use the difficult experiences in our life to grow our faith. In order to be complete, we must walk through trials with God at our side, trusting that He is in control and can help transform us through any challenge.
Check out our other series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
No matter where we’re starting from when it comes to reading the Bible, God’s Word is alive and active. He has new wisdom, fresh grace, and multifaceted mercy just waiting for each of us in its pages. God says that we will be 'equipped for every good work' when we live out what the Bible says, but what exactly does that mean? In the finale of "What is the Bible For?" Pastor Joe teaches us that we will only be able to fulfill our calling if we use the Bible as it was intended. When we choose to follow God's loving guidance we will be our most complete selves, accomplishing amazing things for both Him and the world around us.
Check out the other parts of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Wouldn't it be great if we could be perfect at everything on our first try? Unfortunately, in our jobs, relationships, and especially our spiritual lives, it takes time and effort to go from knowing the right way to live to actually doing it. How can we train ourselves to accomplish what God asks of us? In part three of "What is the Bible For?" Pastor Jordan teaches us about training in righteousness and how we each have an important part to play in becoming more like Jesus. Although it takes discipline and practice to change our heart and mind, God's Word is there to give us everything we need.
What do we do when we live in an age where it seems like “up is down” and “left is right”? Culture is rapidly changing - so we all need God’s wisdom from the Bible to teach us the best path to take, tell us when we’re off track, and to correct us so that we'll keep our lives heading in the right direction. In part three of "What is the Bible For?" Pastor Joe reminds us that the Bible is unlike any other book and we should use it for God’s purposes in our lives. When we know what the Bible is for and then start practicing it, God can correct our hearts and minds and lead us in the way we should go.
Have you ever read all the names in the Bible and thought, “Like, come on. Who cares!?”
But what if you knew the people who were in its pages? Would that change the way you thought about the rest of what’s written in this book? In part two of "What is the Bible For?" Pastor Joe hones in on how the Bible records real accounts of historical events that happened to real people, and that God Himself commissioned their 40 authors. It's not just knowing the words, but knowing WHO wrote them that leads to truly experiencing the Bible as the living, breathing word of God. And when that happens, you'll experience God breathing life into YOU.
4.24.22 Some people believe that the Bible is just an old, outdated book designed to help the people who lived 2,000 years ago. But the Bible isn't dead at all - it’s alive and active and equips us with everything we need to know! In part one of "What is the Bible For?" Pastor Joe teaches us that the Bible is the key to encountering God’s Words to God’s people through the ages. When we read what was written to them, the Holy Spirit makes those words come alive for us today. The Bible teaches us the vital things we need to know to live the purposeful life God desires for us.
4.17.22
Some people cope with overwhelming circumstances by trying to numb the pain. Others just pretend like everything's great when they're really falling apart. Overwhelm blurs our vision - but we’re called by God to live authentic lives that deal with reality, not avoid it. So what do we do when we can't see clearly? In the finale of the series "RISE", Pastor Joe uses the story of Mary Magdalene to remind us that when we see the risen Jesus clearly, everything else comes into focus. Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross so we could find freedom from being blinded and paralyzed by difficult circumstances. He wants to open our eyes to see how He can work in any situation to make every part of us brand new!
4.15.22
When life becomes overwhelming (and at some point, it will!), the good news is that we are never left alone to try to overcome it ourselves. At least not unless we want to be! In part two of the series "RISE", Pastor Joe teaches us that whenever we face overwhelming circumstances, we are in good company. When Jesus was on earth, He himself was overwhelmed - literally to the point of death - so that we could have a close relationship with Him. When we invite Him in to help us with the overwhelming situations in our life, we will realize that with His power, we can be strengthened to overcome them.
We will all have to deal with pain and suffering at some point in our life. Even as Christians, we can't avoid going through painful circumstances. If Jesus, who was perfect, suffered while He was on earth, why should we believe we can avoid it? In part one of the series "RISE", Pastor Joe reminds us that Jesus himself dealt with pain - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even the Son of God was not immune to headaches and heartaches, so He understands the daily trials we go through. The good news is that when we choose to follow Jesus, He allows us to repurpose our pain and suffering in a meaningful way.
4.3.22
It's easy to make excuses for why we shouldn't use our gifts to serve God and others. "I don't have time." "I'm not good at anything." And if we're honest, "I don't want to!" But those reasons will keep us from experiencing the fullness and joy that comes from using the gifts God has given us to change the world! In the finale of the series "Gifted and Called", Pastor Jon encourages us that we don't have to serve God with our own limited power or to make ourselves look "good enough". We are designed to serve using God's strength so we can point everyone around us to Him.
3.27.22
As we move toward our purpose and begin asking ourselves how God wants to use us, fear or uncertainty may try to hold us back from taking a next step. But God has big plans for each of our lives, and sometimes the pathway to fulfilling our greatest calling starts with saying "yes" to something small. In part three of the series "Gifted and Called", Pastor Joe uses his personal experience to show us how trying different things out may lead us to successfully using the gifts God has given us for our unique purpose. As we grow in experience, He will enable us to do greater and bigger things!
3.20.22 Some of us may be convinced that we 'aren't that interesting' or 'don't have a whole lot to offer the world', but the Bible says differently! Did you know that when you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you're given at least one supernatural gift? In part two of the series "Gifted and Called", Pastor Jordan teaches us that every Christian has been uniquely created to accomplish God's purpose for their life, and is given one or more spiritual gifts to help them on their journey. When the Church comes together to use each of their different gifts, it can radically change the world!
3.13.22
The enemy of our souls will often try to convince us that our life is meaningless, our pain is pointless, and that we don't have much to offer the world. But that is the exact opposite of the truth! In part one of the series "Gifted and Called", Pastor Joe reminds us that as Christians we are each called to participate in a vibrant purpose. God doesn't just want us to be a fan of His - He is calling us to a life of relationship, holiness, and using our gifts to accomplish great things.
3.6.22
When a relationship that God intended to be a source of good turns into a source of perpetual pain, it’s tempting to call it quits. But two people who keep God at the center of their relationship can experience a lifetime of commitment filled with joy and strength - rather than what seems like a life sentence. In the finale of "Before You Say "I Don't"", Pastor Joe gives practical advice to people in every relational stage of life, reminding us that when we go to God for help with our closest relationships we can leverage all of His power and find lasting fulfillment.
Who we allow to have influence over our lives and relationships matters greatly! If we're only trying to please other people or meet the social standards of our fallen world, we'll be moving in a direction that leads us away from God. So how do we stay on track? In part two of "Before You Say "I don't"", Pastor Jon discusses the importance of Christian community and having godly people in your life to support you - but also to let you know when you're on a dangerous path. God desires for us to have healthy relationships with everyone, so we must be careful to choose our closest companions wisely.
2.20.22 Relationships can be one of the greatest blessings in life - but they can also be much more challenging than we expected. God designed relationship to mold us into the greatest version of ourselves as we work through our revealed weaknesses. But what happens when we want to call it quits? In part one of "Before You Say "I don't"", Pastor Joe teaches three key principles to maintaining a healthy relationship, and what pitfalls to avoid so we can find balance between our responsibility, our partner's, and God's.
2.6.22 Fasting is a powerful practice that reveals what's going on in our hearts so God can transform us from the inside out. But giving up food for a time and focusing on what God wants for us isn't the end - we can also use fasting to focus on others! In part 6 of "Hungry for God", Pastor Joe reveals a new part of God's intention and desire for fasting; to look outward and become more generous people. God is always available when we need Him, and He wants us to be there for those in need around us, too! Are we willing to give our time, energy, and even our money when an opportunity for generosity arises?
1.30.22 The physical world around us tends to keep our attention fixed only on what we can see, hear, and touch. But there is also a very real spiritual world that impacts everything we experience on a daily basis. When we by faith accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we gain access to the spiritual power of God Himself - power that can break any stronghold. The question is, are we using it? In part 5 of "Hungry for God", Pastor Jon teaches how Jesus demonstrated for us that regular fasting and prayer is essential for spiritual power. When we fast and go to God in prayer asking for supernatural help through His mighty power, we can find freedom and breakthrough in areas of our life that currently seem immovable.
1.23.22
We live in a time where humility is often seen as a weakness. We hear phrases like “only the strong survive!” or “if you’re not first, you’re last!” and work hard to avoid feeling fragile or frail because it's uncomfortable for us. But what if humility is actually the key to unlocking more spiritual power? In part 4 of "Hungry for God", Pastor Jon discusses three key ways that fasting with a humble heart can change the direction of our lives. When we're willing to choose temporary discomfort by fasting and asking God for His help in prayer instead of trying to use our own limited power, amazing things can happen.
1.16.22
Fasting is a time to strip away more than just food; it’s an opportunity to discover where our true focus is, and what the appetites of our body and emotions are telling us we can’t live without. If that's not God, we're in trouble! In part 3 of "Hungry for God", Pastor Joe reminds us that we will naturally move toward what we're focused on - and how there will always be distractions in life demanding our focus. Fasting helps us to keep God our number one priority, no matter how tempting other things may be.
1.9.22
One of the best things fasting does is reveal what’s really going on inside of us. By removing one of our favorite modes of soothing, we discover our true state of being. But we also must be careful that we're not fasting for the wrong reasons. In Part 2 of "Hungry for God", Pastor Joe discusses how the act of fasting is not about twisting God’s arm or trying to earn points with Him - it's about giving Him space to make inner transformation possible. Fasting isn't an empty ritual or task, but an act of the heart.
1.2.22
We all hunger for food on a regular basis because we need it to nourish our bodies and sustain us. But when we're willing to give it up for a set amount of time to better focus on being present with God and connecting with Him at a deeper level, spiritual breakthrough can happen! In Part 1 of "Hungry for God", Pastor Joe introduces the act of fasting - and how it was intended for all Christians to practice so we can find greater sustenance from God than we do from our human desire for food.
Many of us have faced a time in our life where we felt like giving up or running away from a situation when things got tough. The lie we’re tempted to believe is that if we just “get away” then we can also get away from our problems. But if we don’t change, our problems run right along with us. In this special one-part series “Home”, Pastor Jon digs into the parable of the Prodigal Son to remind us that no matter how far we stray from God, He will always invite us home and be waiting to embrace us with loving, open arms. He can then help us stand up to and overcome any obstacle we may be facing.
Celebrate the Gift - Part 4 with Pastor Joe Wickman | 12.19.21
There may only be a few people in our lives who really "get us" to the point of truly understanding who we are at our deepest core - including all of the things we've been through. But of anyone we will ever get close to, who will have the most empathy? Jesus! In part three of "Celebrate the Gift", Pastor Joe uses the gift of myrrh from the Magi to remind us that God came to earth in human form as Jesus so that we could receive perfect empathy from Him. There is nothing we experience on earth that Jesus didn't already experience Himself, so we can be comforted knowing that our merciful King understands everything we go through and wants to support us each moment of each day.
Celebrate the Gift - Part 3 with Pastor Joe Wickman | 12.14.21
Depending on how well we know someone, we may act differently around them. We may respect certain people more than others, treat some people with more kindness and care, or maybe open up to be our truest selves with those we trust. So if we were going to meet Jesus, how would we act? In part two of "Celebrate the Gift", Pastor Joe uses the gift of frankincense from the Magi to remind us that Jesus was both man and God - and that we should treat Him with all the respect and worship that God deserves by glorifying Him with our lives.
Celebrate the Gift - Part 1 with Pastor Joe Wickman | 12.5.21
Christmas gifts can be a great way to be generous in the holiday season and bless the people we care about. But what they're really meant for is to remind us of the greatest gift we’ve received as Christians - the gift of Jesus! He is the only gift that doesn’t wear out, doesn’t fade, and doesn't disappoint. In part one of "Celebrate the Gift", Pastor Joe uses the gift of gold from the Magi to remind us how valuable and precious Jesus is to the world, and how when we are given such an incredible gift, we should also give back to Him with our lives.
Thankful 365 - Part 2 with Pastor Jordan Dunlap | 11.28.21
Life can be like a roller coaster, right? Up one day and down the next, never knowing what twists and turns could be ahead. When something tragic or unexpected happens, we may think that God has abandoned us - but nothing could be farther from the truth! In part two of the mini-series "Thankful 365", Pastor Jordan teaches that God is able to use our difficulties - and even our tragedies - for a greater good. We can be thankful every day knowing that no matter what happens, God never leaves us in our pain, but instead walks beside us and redirects our circumstances toward future blessings
Thankful 365 - Part 1 with Pastor Jordan Dunlap | 11.21.21
It's easy to be thankful for all the good things in life, right? When things go our way we tend to be happy and joyful for our blessings. But when hard times come or things take a turn for the worse, are we still supposed to be thankful? In part one of the mini-series "Thankful 365", Pastor Jordan reveals that God calls us to be thankful at all times - even when things don't go the way we planned. When we learn to trust His character and realize that He always works things together for good for those who love Him, we can begin to shift our mindset and be thankful 365 days a year.
Wherever our heart is, our actions will follow. If our heart is committed to God above all else, He promises to strengthen us on our faith journey so we can do the work of sharing His love with those who don't yet know Him. The question is, are we willing to commit? In the finale of "From the Ground Up", Joe celebrates all that can be accomplished if we as a church commit to what God is calling us to. It takes faith to step out of our comfort zone and give our time, money, and talents to His cause above our own. But if we do, God will revitalize His church and use people like us to change the community around us.
Most of us would welcome a life filled with blessings with open arms, but normally not at the expense of sacrificing our own desires. Are we pursuing the favor of God more than we're pursuing a genuine relationship with Him? In part six of the series "From the Ground Up", Pastor Joe asks us this question: Will we sacrifice what’s good for what’s great? The glorious future that God is calling us to cannot be obtained without significant sacrifice. But when we're willing to give up certain "good" things for God's glory and purpose, we will still be blessed greatly in the process - just in ways we may not imagine.
Keeping our priorities in their proper place is tough, right? So many different parts of our schedule demand attention, and at times it's easy to put the things God wants us to focus on first, last. Why does God want our heart to prioritize Him, anyway? In part five of the series "From the Ground Up", Pastor Joe teaches us that because God knows what is best for us, He should be the God of our daily decisions - including our job, how we treat others, our personal relationships, and our finances. When we prioritize God with tangible things, He teaches us how to prioritize Him in all things, giving us a future filled with hope and His loving support. Even when it takes time for us to see His hand working in our lives, we can trust His promise that He will provide our every need in His perfect timing.
Check out the other parts of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
When we hear the word "surrender" it may be natural to believe it's a bad thing. Surrendering is typically seen as giving up or failing, right? But what about when it comes to our spiritual lives? Can surrender be good? In part four of the series "From the Ground Up", Pastor Joe challenges us with an important question: Will we surrender what must die in our life so that new life can spring up? As we follow God and He teaches us how to trust Him, He calls us to surrender our will to His - with a promise that we will be fruitful and more full of life by doing so.
Trusting God can be scary, whether it be with our marriage, kids, career, finances, health, relationships, or next steps. It's easy to desire a "road map" that shows us exactly where we are going before we get there! Is having faith in our future worth the cost of the unknown? In part two of "From the Ground Up", Pastor Joe asks the important question, "Will you really trust God with your whole life?" The good news is that God never asks His people to trust Him for a future that doesn’t include Him. When we do put our trust in Him, His presence goes ahead of us - which means our future will be secured in His goodness and love.
God is love, and it’s His will that all people hear and believe the Good News about Jesus. But because God gave us free will, not all will be saved. Some people will choose to spend eternity without God - but not if we get any kind of say in it. And we do! In part one of "From the Ground Up", Pastor Joe asks an important question - will we commit to following God wherever He leads? He uses people who will follow Him to save those who don't - and He wants to use us to change eternity for others!
We are all overflowing with something - whether it be good or bad. If we take time to analyze what kind of fruit we're bearing with our lives, we will notice if we're overflowing with thankfulness and the fruits of the Spirit, or with other things that may be rotting our branches. In the finale of "Rooted", Pastor Joe uses the last part of Colossians 2:6-7 to reveal how God wants us to overflow with His goodness as we stay rooted and grounded in Christ. Our fruit develops from what is within our hearts - and it will take our Father's help to cut off the branches that don't belong so healthier fruit can take its place and make us thrive
Did you know that every believer in Christ is called to ministry? If we want to follow the Great Commission God has given us to make disciples, it must start first at home, and then move out to school, work, and beyond. Before anyone decides to follow Jesus, they typically see Jesus made real through someone else who is following Jesus. Discipleship begins with one disciple representing Jesus well. So how do we do that? In part five of "Rooted", Pastor Joe focuses on how we must continuously be 'strengthened in the faith' - which happens by having intentional relationships with other believers that help us grow stronger in Christ.
We all have regrets, right? Those past day-to-day decisions we made that ended up hurting us in some way. If none of us can go back and hit the "undo" button, how do we live a new life that's consistently fruitful so we don't regret our future? In part four of the series "Rooted", Pastor Joe affirms us in this truth: no matter where we’re starting from, Jesus offers us the opportunity to live a life that pleases God and benefits us for the long haul. Our life can change for good as we continue to live rooted in Jesus - starting today!
Living the Christian life is so much more than just accepting salvation and staying in the same place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Just as Jesus rules over sin and death, He wants to be the Lord of every aspect of our life today - not just in eternity. In part two of "Rooted", Pastor Joe explains that Jesus isn’t interested in casual followers - He calls us to follow Him with complete commitment, knowing that as we put deep roots into His love we will live full, transformed lives that can overflow into the world and inspire others to follow Jesus too!
We all go through different seasons of life, including raging storms and long dry spells. Like a tree, some of us have never developed deep roots because we weren’t taught how to rely on God. Other's roots are rotted to begin with due to hurt in their past, unhealthy family relationships, or the fact that their habits and hang-ups have undermined their stability. Rootless people are one bad thing away from their lives toppling over. So what do we do? In part one of the series "Rooted", Pastor Joe explains the importance of being rooted in Christ, and that we must find our stability and nutrients in Him if we want to have a firm foundation and bear good fruit in every season of life
As we travel through this life, it’s important that we pay attention to which direction we’re walking. Many people act as though all paths lead to the same destination, and we can live however we want and still arrive somewhere good. But that advice will never be found in the Bible. So which way do we walk? In the finale of "The Body", Pastor Joe gives wisdom about the only direction we should be taking our feet. God has created a path for each of us that may not look like the easiest road, but it is the only path that leads to true life. If we want to act like Jesus, we must follow His way and walk like Him!
We probably all know at least one person who struggles with controlling their tongue. Perhaps they speak words that are demanding, angry, or cut others down. Or maybe they use foul language and don’t think before they open their mouth. Maybe sometimes, that person can even be us! What do we do when we’ve developed habits of speaking in harshness instead of in love? In part nine of “The Body”, Pastor Derek uses his personal experiences to share how God helped him change his words from being harmful to being helpful. When we adjust the condition of our heart we can then radically shift how we communicate with others - and practice looking more like Jesus.
How many times in our lives have we wished we heard a warning so we could react before something bad happened? Or perhaps we did hear a warning, but chose not to respond to it and ended up hurt. What is the best way for us to prevent ourselves from heading down a wrong path? In part eight of "The Body", Pastor Joe teaches us that God wants to speak clearly to us so we can live lives of wisdom. We can hear from God by engaging with His Word, the Bible, by spending time listening to Him in prayer, and by accepting godly advice from other believers in our lives. God is accessible to each of His children - and desires for us to hear from Him regularly.
There are as many kinds of needs out there as there are people. Some people need physical help, while others need help with their relationships, thoughtlife, or healing from past hurts they’ve experienced. How do we look at people when we see their need for help? Do we have compassion on them with an open heart, or do we judge the situation, make excuses, and look the other way? In part seven of "The Body", Pastor Joe reminds us that we cannot be the hands of Jesus and love other people well unless we first see them through the eyes of Jesus. Compassion is the key to taking action.
In Genesis, God breathed spiritual life into Adam's physical body - allowing Him to become a living being who was made in the image of God. This is why we care for our own bodies, and for the bodies of others. In part six of "The Body", Pastor Joe focuses on how we are filled with the very Spirit of Jesus - and what that means for us while we're here on earth. We are spiritual beings in physical bodies that are here to give glory to God!
Sometimes we know we need help - whether it be emotionally, physically, or spiritually - yet we don't know exactly where to get it from. And then there's our friends, family members, and coworkers who may be looking for help too. Where should they go to get it? In part five of "The Body", Pastor Joe reminds us through the story of the Good Samaritan that our own hands are meant to bring help where it needs to go. It’s time to serve others with our hands so we can look more like Jesus!
When we invite people into our homes, isn't there a part of us that doesn't want them to see all of our messes? We may take extra time to clean and put things in order, shut the doors to the most chaotic rooms, and pretend we have it all together. But what about when it comes to our hearts? In part four of "The Body", Pastor Brandon teaches that Jesus wants to make His home in our hearts, no matter how messy they may be. He not only wants to live with us each day, but His heart's desire is to help us clean up the rooms that need the most attention. Our job is to invite Him in so He can transform us from the inside out, and in turn reflect His image to those around us.
As we grow older we develop habitual thought patterns based on what we've experienced or what we do over and over. Some of these can be good, but oftentimes we also create bad pathways that can lead us in a direction away from how God wants us to think. How can we be more like Christ if we aren't thinking like Jesus did? In part three of "The Body", Pastor Jon explains the difference between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom - and how to ask God to reveal what He wants instead of following our own desires and plans. If we want to become like Jesus and show the world who He is, we must learn to have the mind of Christ so Christ can be formed in us.
When we hear the word “image” in relation to people, what comes to mind? How someone looks on the outside? Or maybe it’s more about their degree, job, car, house, or relationship status? What about in our spiritual lives? What kind of image should we have as Christians? In part two of “The Body”, Pastor Jon teaches about the difference between being made in the image of God and learning to be more like Christ as He is formed in us each day.
It’s scary to feel stuck and out of control isn't it? If we don’t see a way out of a difficult situation, or when things happen that are beyond our ability to handle, what do we do when we don't feel free? In a special July 4th message, Community Director Marissa Schweiger digs into what it means to truly find freedom in this life. First, through the cross where Jesus made salvation possible, and then in our everyday lives where we must rely on the truth of Scripture to remain free from all the things this world will try to weigh us down with. No matter where we've been or where we are now, freedom is possible!
Relationships of all kinds can be difficult, and sometimes they go sour. But being a true disciple of Jesus means that we must repent and make things right with both God and with the people in our lives. If we've sinned against someone, we cannot repent to God alone and act like everything’s okay. So what do we do? In the finale of "Not Feeling It", Pastor Joe provides guidance on how to make amends with people who we have hurt - or who have hurt us - in order to bring peace to our relationships
If we look to the world for what a perfect parent/child relationship should be like, we will never get a straight answer. As a parent, when we’re just not feeling it with our kids, how we live our life will have a greater impact than any words we can speak. In part 3 of "Not Feeling It", Pastor Jon explains that in order to effectively disciple our families, we need to put God first in everything - which sets an example of how we should live by looking a little more like Christ every day.
The world often tells us that relational commitment is restrictive. And without love, it can certainly feel like a straightjacket. But God’s greatest blessings are experienced within committed love, which is why marriage is one of the greatest - and most challenging - relationships! What do we do when we struggle to love our spouse? In part 2 of "Not Feeling It", Pastor Joe reminds us that when we get close to someone else, we both bring all of our dysfunctions together. That is why it takes turning to the perfect love of Jesus each day in order to love our imperfect spouse well - and build a marriage that thrives.
God has a lot to say about relationships in His Word because He invented them for our good! This includes all the advice we need on how to have and maintain healthy friendships. Friends should continuously be “sharpening” each other – or making each other better. But what happens when things start to go wrong? In part one of "Not Feeling It", Pastor Joe reviews what the Bible says about friendships, and shares how God’s wisdom urges us to choose our friends wisely for our own benefit.
It may be easy to think that if we give everything to God, it’s His job to work things out perfectly - and we’ll never experience pain. But God calls us to obey Him whether our plans turn out to be a success, or they end in failure and grief. In part four of "Beyond Grief", Pastor Joe reminds us that no matter what devastating or unexpected losses we may face in this lifetime, we can work through our grief and experience rebirth. Jesus’ specialty was raising dead things to life – so when we bring our hurt to Him and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in us, God will be faithful to strengthen us so we can experience a resurrected life. We can then go out and share our story of healing with others!
We don’t like waiting, do we? Whatever we’re waiting for, it's probably one of our least favorite things to do. When it comes to grieving, it's natural to want to rush through it so we can stop feeling pain as soon as possible; but what if that's not the best solution? What if God wants to do something in our waiting? In part three of "Beyond Grief", Community Director Marissa Schweiger explains that God sees us in our pain and wants to sit with and guide us in the waiting. Not just so we can learn more about ourselves, but also to learn more about who God is and the good things He wants to do in and through our lives.
Sometimes we can be really bad at grieving. Part of us may be scared of it - or maybe we just don’t know how. It can be awkward working through our sorrows; and it’s hard to know how to move beyond grief instead of just covering it up however we can. So where do we go to overcome our pain? In part two of “Beyond Grief”, Pastor Joe teaches us that instead of shoving down our painful feelings, true healing can only come when we surrender our grief to God. In order to be free, we must let Him lead us through it
Life can be filled with moments of great joy and celebration – but it can also bring moments, days, and even years of great grief. Some people may think that as Christians, God somehow shields us from all pain and sorrow in this life – but even Jesus himself experienced deep grief while on earth. In part one of "Beyond Grief", Pastor Joe teaches us that though life is messy and we may be challenged with loss, grief is not the end when we are in Christ. We may not continuously understand God’s purposes, but He is trustworthy – and will use everything for good in the end.
Although it's unfortunate, it is common for many Christians to feel inadequate in their prayer lives. But because of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit living in us, we get to talk to the Father as His beloved children without fear of being "good enough"! In the finale of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Joe digs into God's Word to reveal the access that is possible for each of us in prayer. He then asks the Holy Spirit to guide us through the questions, "What is God pleased with in my life?" "What needs to change?" and "What needs healing?"
The state of the world today makes it pretty easy to find things to be afraid of. There’s fear of failure, fear of what other people think of us, fear that the difficult circumstances we’re in will never change... the list goes on. But we can’t accomplish what we were created to do in this life unless we stand up to our fear. So how do we overcome it? In part 7 of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Jordan reminds us that we must utilize the Spirit God has put inside of us to combat fear - with His power, love, and wisdom. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can conquer fear and live in a Spirit of boldness that allows us to fulfill our purpose.
Depending on who it is, ‘reminding people of someone’ can be a good thing... or a bad thing. Who we resemble has an impact on the world around us, as different people’s identities carry different character traits. So who should we look like the most? In part 6 of “Welcome to the Family”, Pastor Joe teaches us that the Holy Spirit alone gives us the ability to look like Jesus - by acting how He did while He was on earth. When we do so, we can transform the lives of those close to us through His perfect love.
It can be comical looking back to when we were young and we “rebelled” against our parents, teachers, or other authorities thinking that true freedom comes from living life by our own rules. But it’s not so funny when we grow up and don't change that mindset - causing damage to ourselves and the people around us. In Part 6 of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Joe reminds us to pay attention to God’s guidance in the Bible so that we don't end up crashing through life’s ups and downs in our own limited ability. Luckily, God offers the members of His spiritual family all the power they need through His Holy Spirit so that we can lead lives that please Him.
In our Spiritual lives, there’s often something inside of us that likes keeping rules and earning “points”. Maybe we think that if we’re good, God will owe us, and we’ll get what we want. Or if we’re bad, maybe we’ll be punished. But that’s not how God works! In Part 5 of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Joe reveals the truth of God’s word – that because Jesus broke the power of sin over us, we are free to live holy lives that please God – not based on our human works, but by the grace of living with His Holy Spirit. We were adopted so we could live free!
With God, we have access to a new Spirit, freedom, power, Christlikeness, and boldness, and yet much of the time - we don’t live like it! Why is that? So many of us believe what the Bible says is true, learn the Good News of the gospel, and accept Jesus as our Savior, but never open the door to all that God wants to give us. In Part 4 of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Jordan teaches us about the Spirit of Adoption and reminds us what we gain access to as children of our heavenly Father.
What we believe about God and about ourselves is foundational to how we function. If we believe we have to do everything in our own power, we will consistently fall short every time. Trying harder to do better won’t solve our deepest problems – we need Jesus for that! In part 3 of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Joe explains how Jesus’ death and resurrection are the only way that we can be saved from the condemnation we deserve. The Good News is that Jesus willingly went to the cross and rose again so we can be free from sin and death for all of eternity – allowing us to be welcomed into God’s Family!
We will all go through - or know someone who goes through – a tragic situation at some point in this lifetime. Many people who have experienced abandonment, addiction, abuse, loss, or some other form of intense pain may assume that God doesn’t care about them while they’re walking through it. But nothing is further from the truth! In part 2 of "Welcome to the Family", Pastor Joe reminds us that the Christian faith has an answer to all of our suffering – and His name is Jesus Christ! During this special Good Friday message we can reflect on what Jesus went through for us, and how He was condemned so we wouldn’t have to be.
Families are far from perfect. Many grow up with parents and siblings that aren’t healthy or whole. Other families may be caring and supportive, but still can’t fulfill all of the needs we have in this world. In part 1 of “Welcome to the Family”, Pastor Joe goes back to the beginning of time to teach us how God prepared for all those needs by sending Jesus to solve the problem of sin. He made a way for us to be adopted into a truly perfect family - as an infinitely loved child of God.
It’s easy to assume that we should invest in the things we care about – and to an extent, we should. But what happens when we’re only investing in temporary things? In the finale of "The Pocket Change", Pastor Joe reminds us how Jesus taught His disciples about a change of direction we need to make when it comes to what we treasure. If we want to know where our heart is, we need only to look at where our treasure is. To lead truly free and fulfilling lives, we must shift our treasure from earthly things like money and possessions, to treasuring Jesus above all else. He is the true treasure that lasts for all of eternity!
Research shows that the #1 reason people spend money is to be happy - yet 87% of people say that their debt is what’s keeping them from happiness! In part 2 of "The Pocket Change", Pastor Jon shares real-life experience to explain how more debt equals less freedom. We serve a God that doesn’t want us to live lives that are enslaved by debt - but lives that are free to follow where He leads us. By transforming how we earn and spend what God has blessed us with using Biblical financial principles, we can find hope no matter what financial situation we’re currently in.
When it comes to our finances, it can be easy to confuse what we get to use with what we own. As an owner, we make all the decisions about what we do with what we own. As a manager, we have to consider the will of the owner with what we get to use. In Part one of “The Pocket Change”, Pastor Joe reminds us that everything we have is from God – which means it’s our personal duty to be wise with our blessings and use them for His purposes. When we focus on building our own kingdom instead of using our resources for His good, things get complicated quickly. Luckily, the Bible is packed full of financial advice so we can learn to avoid the most common pitfalls
Aside from the kingdom of Heaven, money is the most talked about topic in the Bible. There are more than 2,300 verses about wealth, money, and possessions in its pages – probably because God knew that the love of money, or the fear of not having enough money, is a pretty easy trap for us to get caught in. So what are we to do if money is becoming our god? In the finale of “The Problem with Problems”, Pastor Jon speaks through personal experience to remind us that we cannot serve both God and money. We must check the condition of our heart to see if our finances are our top priority – and if they are, we can refocus on the fact that God will never fail us no matter what our bank account looks like.
Recent research reveals that of the top ten most visited websites on the internet, two of them are porn sites – with a third being in eleventh place. Pair that with the fact that pornography is an estimated $97 billion industry, and there’s no denying it – our world has a problem with porn. In Part 4 of “The Problem with Problems”, Pastor Joe reminds us that we are not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds and living by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we lead impure lives, it damages our relationships and keeps us distant from God – but when we repent and turn from old sin patterns, forgiveness and freedom are waiting on the other side.
Healthy boundaries aren’t always easy. Circumstances arise where knowing whether to say “Yes” or “No” to someone or something can feel like a wrestling match in our mind. Each “Yes” or “No” we make has consequences – so how do we know which one to choose when the path isn’t clear or our emotions are in play? In Part 3 of “The Problem with Problems”, Pastor Joe looks at what the Bible says about making wise decisions regarding boundaries in our relationships – including the one we have with God - and how saying “Yes” to Jesus is the most important decision we can make!
There are many different types of pain we will encounter in our lives – not may, but will. Whether it be physical, mental, or emotional, pain can be all-consuming and leave us feeling helpless and alone. So what are we to do when it happens? In part 2 of "The Problem with Problems", Group Life Director Marissa Schweiger discusses different ways that pain can impact our life, and how we can take practical steps to react to it in a way that allows God to use it for good.
Listen to our other series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Even when we think that our mistakes are too great to be fixed or made into something better, God still has a purposeful plan for it all! It is up to each of us to leave the old life behind and start living in the newness of the life Jesus offers us. In the finale of "Stop / Start", Pastor Joe reminds us that our imperfections don’t disqualify us from making a difference for God’s Kingdom. God wants to use us to make disciples of Jesus no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been! Will we take the next step toward what He’s calling us to?
Although we may want Him to at times, God will never force us to stop sinning – that would go directly against the free will He gave us! There is no magical prayer request that will make the bad things we do suddenly disappear. So how do we stop doing the things we know don’t belong in our life? In Part 5 of "Stop / Start", Pastor Joe digs into the truth of how we can actually change our habits and hang-ups – and it’s only by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. While we’re on earth there will always be a battle between the flesh and the Spirit – so if we want lasting change, we must consciously choose to work through each day with God’s help so His perfect power can flow through us.
Listen to Parts 1-4 of Stop / Start at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Oftentimes we try to make new commitments to good things before we break our old commitments with the bad. We may think that we can change simply by ignoring the past and starting over again – but eventually, we will fall back into the same patterns we’ve clung to because we haven’t properly detached from them. In Part 3 of "Stop / Start", Pastor Joe teaches us the importance of repentance. If want to start experiencing all God has for us in Christ, we must first decide to reject the things that Christ rejects. When we repent of the sinful parts of ourselves and stop doing the things that drive a wedge between us and God, our new life can begin!
Listen to Parts 1&2 of Stop / Start at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Sometimes we never stop what needs to stop, or start what needs to start, because we fool ourselves about the reality of where we are or where we're headed. We can want many things - even to have a healthy relationship with God and commit ourselves to be a disciple of Jesus Christ - but we won't achieve them if we keep repeating the same self-defeating cycles again and again. In Part 2 of "Stop / Start", Pastor Joe reminds us that through prayer we can prioritize what needs to stop or start in our lives, and that three key things will help us accomplish our goal – the help of God’s Spirit, God’s Word, and God’s people.
Did you miss Part 1? Listen at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
When a new year starts, it’s pretty normal to want to set goals, right? But did you know that in every area of our life, God has His own goals for us? And they’re for much more than just our benefit - God’s goals benefit others, too! In part one of the new series “Stop / Start”, Pastor Joe discusses one of the greatest goals God gave us to accomplish on earth – the Great Commission – and explains that before we start to go out into the world and try it in our own power, we must first stop and ensure that we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Without the power of God in us, will we be able to do what He has called us to? Or will we focus on other goals instead?
Want to listen to our other series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
As human beings, our hearts are always going to be drawn to something outside of ourselves for comfort in our times of need – whether it be money, experiences, possessions, relationships, or something else. When life gets crazy, we may say “well at least I have this!” But what happens when that thing becomes a god in our life? What happens when even that thing we believe will keep us safe, fails us? In this special one-part series “First Things First”, Pastor Jon reminds us of the importance of keeping God as our number one foundation; and how because of Jesus, we can be right with God and make Him our one true God by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Want to watch our other series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons
We’ve all felt the sting of being judged unfairly - and it can feel awful when someone makes a snap judgment of us when they don’t even know us. But even though the world may judge us on temporary things alone, God does not. In part 4 of “Hope in the Darkness”, Cassie Wickman takes the "big church" stage for the first time, preaching on the book of Revelation and how it reveals important truths about our future. God may judge us based on how we act, but that’s not all He looks at! If we want to have hope for our future, we must look to Jesus – the one who made a way for us to have an eternal relationship with our Creator.
Want to listen to parts 1-3 of this series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
There’s a danger for us as adults if we never move beyond a 2-dimensional view of Jesus. There are a lot of "flat" versions in this modern world of who Jesus is - so what did He really look like when He walked the earth? In week 3 of "Hope in the Darkness", Pastor Joe dives into the real and raw life of Jesus - who He was and what He did - to remind us that just as we can see who God is through Jesus, when we live lives like Jesus did, the world will see hope and light in us.
Did you miss the first two weeks of this series? Listen at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
We may not often think about it, but there was a time before anyone had hope in Jesus – before He was born into this world to save us all from the darkness of our sin. There are many people today who have not yet stepped into the light of Christ, and others who have a dark part of their heart that they think His light can’t reach. In part 2 of “Hope in the Darkness”, Pastor Joe teaches us that the arrival of Christ means that hope can dispel any and all of our darknesses – past, present, and future. The question is, will we invite His light in, or stay in the dark?
Listen to part 1 of this series by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
We don’t have to look far to see darkness of every kind in 2020 - whether it be mental, emotional, physical, or relational. Dark situations can create fear, overwhelm, and trauma that may seem impossible to overcome. What are we to do when it seems like there’s no light to be found? Where do we go to get hope? In part one of our new series “Hope in the Darkness”, Pastor Jordan Dunlap reminds us of two important truths in God’s Word - that there is no darkness Jesus cannot light up, and that hope for our day to day lives is available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Listen to all our past series by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts
Here it is! :)
When someone hurts us, wouldn’t it be nice if they magically came to us to beg for our forgiveness? Unfortunately, that’s not how it works most of the time. Direct communication is the only path to a relationship reset – and although it may seem unfair, we are the ones who must take the first step. In the finale of “Relationship Reset”, Pastor Joe discusses four important steps that Jesus calls us to in order to reconcile a damaged relationship. By using the guidelines laid out for us in Matthew 18, we can confidently move in the direction of healing and forgiveness.
Want to hear the first three parts of this series? Find them at newlifefm.com/past-sermons
Because we’re all broken in our own ways, most of us do not have the skills or power to reset broken relationships alone. As a result, when we reach a frustration point with someone, we may try to avoid a solution or blame it on the other person. The hard truth is, if we’re waiting for someone else to fix our relationships, we may end up waiting forever. In part 3 of “Relationship Reset”, Pastor Joe reveals that we cannot outsource real change in our relationships – we must engage in the work ourselves. If we’re going to successfully reset damaged relationships, we will need the power of Jesus Christ to help us!
Want to listen to part 1 and 2 of this series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Although relationships are intended to be a blessing, there are many times that brokenness and pain turn them into a curse. What if the hands of a parent hurt instead of protect? Or the actions of a spouse cause trauma instead of trust? Or the words of a friend tear down instead of lift up? What are we to do when these situations happen? In part 2 of “Relationship Reset”, Pastor Joe teaches us that we must daily rely on the perfection and truth of God’s Word to guide us through the healing process by renewing our mind. We may not be able to fix other people, but when we fix our eyes on Jesus and how He teaches us to live, we can unlock relational transformation by loving like He does.
Want to watch or listen to part 1 of this series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Did you know that the primary problem the Bible addresses is relationships? With all the connections we make with other people in our lifetime, we are bound to have some that include painful experiences and lasting hurt. Unfortunately, a broken relationship with God is what leads to broken relationships with people. The good news is, our God holds the keys to relationship resets! If we can experience a reset with Him, then we can begin to reset our damaged relationships with friends, family, and anyone else. Find out how by listening to Pastor Joe’s message in part one of the new series “Relationship Reset”.
Want to listen to other series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Can we talk about politics? An election is not just about choosing the “right” candidate; it’s a perfect opportunity to exalt the one true King of Kings by showing the love of God to those who have different views than us! In the finale of “Can We Talk?”, Pastor Joe reminds us that instead of trying to “win the argument”, we can focus on pointing to Jesus as the ruler of our hearts. No matter who is in power in the United States, God is in control – and it is our job as believers to trust in His reigning power above all else while loving people from both sides of the aisle.
Listen or watch the rest of this series by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Can we talk about racism? Although God designed each and every one of us to reflect His glory in unique ways, and even though He loves each of us equally, the world tends to put people into categories – especially by outward appearance. This can cause division and brokenness between us and the neighbors God intends for us to love. In part three of “Can We Talk?”, Pastor Joe reveals God’s heart for unity among His children and reminds us that we are called to celebrate our differences and connect with people of all nations to share the Good News of the Gospel with others.
Listen or watch the first two parts of this series by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Can we talk about sexuality? The world has turned sexuality into an expression of our individuality - a definition of who we are. But God has a lot more to say about it than that. In part two of “Can We Talk?”, Pastor Jon compares what modern culture says about sexuality with what the Bible says so we can understand how we as followers of Christ should handle the controversy surrounding it today. We are called to love people well enough – especially those struggling with sexual sin – to be able to tell them the truth in love and share the light of Jesus with them!
Watch part one of this series by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons
As each year passes, society is becoming more and more sensitive to the opposing opinions of others. There is a growing list of topics that trigger people into instant debate mode – such as sexuality, race, and politics. It often seems like we are being forced to pick a side – and division is wreaking havoc on how we treat our neighbors. In part one of “Can We Talk?”, Pastor Joe reminds us that no matter who we talk to or what we talk about, we are accountable to God for every word. If we don’t learn how to talk to each other in love instead of opinion, we will ruin our opportunities to be salt and light in 2020 and beyond. When we are more interested in winning people to Christ than we are in winning arguments, lives will be changed!
Want to watch past series? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons
Here is the finale write-up! :)
We all know that life can be painful at times. But when we experience hardship that drives us to the Lord – and emerge victorious – we not only gain credibility that helps us help others in ways we never could before, but we learn to find joy in the trials! In the finale of “We Can”, Pastor Joe shares six pieces of guidance that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi to help them live lives of joy in the midst of difficulty. If we want to experience the kind of transformation that trades pain for joy, WE CAN!
Watchto the first three parts of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons
Whether or not we live Christlike lives has a lot to do with the examples that were set for us growing up, as well as the examples we choose to follow each day. In part 3 of “We Can”, Pastor Joe stresses the importance of outside influence by observing the Christian lifestyle of Paul. If we want to look more like Christ than we did yesterday, we must surround ourselves with godly examples and pay attention to what and who we are looking to for guidance. If we are willing to mold our lives to look more like Jesus, we will not only accomplish God’s will, but pass on a positive example for the rest of the world, too!
Watch part one and two of this series by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons
There are many misconceptions about being a Christian – one being that we will automatically receive an easy life if we invite Jesus into the picture. But if we’re waiting for the stressors and strains of life to disappear before we experience joy and purpose, then we’ll always be waiting. In part 2 of “We Can”, Pastor Joe reveals through the life of Paul that Jesus is not some magical genie whose purpose is to grant all of our wishes here on earth. He is a Savior who wants to transform us from the inside out so that our internal reality can shape our external reality! With Jesus, we can experience joy in any circumstance – whether it be good or bad.
Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, it’s time to focus on what we can! In part 1 of the new series “We Can!”, Pastor Dana brings hope and encouragement by sharing wisdom from the book of Philippians to remind us that even in dark, confusing, and painful circumstances we can still bring light to this world – through the power and love of Jesus!
Don’t forget! You can access all of our past series videos by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons
If we are going to find true, lasting freedom from our hurts, habits, and hang-ups, recovery must happen from the inside out – and deep transformation won’t happen if we pursue it alone. In the finale of the “Summer of Freedom” series, Pastor Joe reviews the first seven steps of recovery as they compare to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and unveils the last principle; and our own Tyler Brink joins Pastor Joe on stage to deliver a moving testimony. When we yield ourselves to God, He will use us all of our experiences – especially the difficult ones – to bring the Good News to the world!
You can listen to the first 8 parts of “Summer of Freedom” by visiting newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Recovery is a dynamic process of getting the freedom that God has for us into our lives - but oftentimes it takes longer than we'd prefer. So what should we do when we feel like giving up? Or see that we’ve made progress but then fall right back into the same problem? In part 8 of “Summer of Freedom”, Pastor Joe reveals that on our own, we will keep gravitating back to our old “presets” when life gets hard. But if we have a plan, people in our life to support us, and a daily connection with God, His power can work through us so we don’t have to keep repeating our past!
Want to know more? Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts to hear the first 7 parts of this series!
Without forgiveness for both ourselves and for others, hurt will make its way into our home, head, and heart – causing damage that can last a lifetime. In part 7 of “Summer of Freedom”, Pastor Joe answers two important questions: “Why should I forgive others?” and “Why should I make amends with those I’ve hurt?” If we want to let the peace of Jesus Christ rule in our hearts, we must reconcile our hurts with God first, and then with other people. Because of Jesus, forgiveness is possible – and with it comes freedom and hope for recovery!
Want to learn more about recovery? Visit newlifefm.com/nlcr to see what recovery is all about, and hear the other parts of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts
As we discover areas in our life that we know need to be different, one question often arises; “Why is it so hard to change?” Simply deciding to change isn’t enough – we must actually change! But what happens when we try and try again with no success? In part 6 of “Summer of Freedom”, Pastor Joe discusses the core reasons that change is so difficult, reveals the importance of Principle 5 of Celebrate Recovery, and offers seven valuable steps that will lead to lasting change. When we surrender our entire lives to God by putting the changes we need to make in His hands, progress will begin!
Don’t forget - you can visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts to hear the first 5 parts of this series, or share it with a friend!
When we fail to get a grip on the negative habits and hang-ups in our life, it’s easy for guilt, shame, and unworthiness to set in. We may feel like we’re trapped in a box with the weight of our failures with no way to get out – and believe that we’re helpless to change in the isolation of it all. How do we overcome those guilt-causing habits and find freedom when we feel too embarrassed to share them with others? In part 5 of “Summer of Freedom”, Pastor Brandon gets real about his own struggles and reveals how he overcame his strongest addiction with the help of God’s forgiveness, an accountability partner, and the realization that we are never meant to pursue freedom alone. We need the help of other believers and the powerful love of Jesus who already paid for every sin we’ve committed!
Even though we often want to have full control over our lives, there will be times when we feel stuck, hopeless, and completely out of control – and most likely exhausted from trying too hard to fix everything ourselves. The truth is, we are not designed to be God! Instead, we are designed to need a relationship with Him. In part 4 of the series “Summer of Freedom”, Marissa pairs her testimony with what God’s Word says about common hindrances that keep us trapped in the desire for control. The good news is that we can consciously commit our life and will to Christ – and when we do, we will finally find freedom from the weight of control we were never meant to carry.
Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts to hear the first 3 parts of this series!
If we want to experience all the freedom God has for us, we can’t stop at simply believing He exists. We must realize that He has an incredible plan and purpose for each of us – filled with power, love and self-control – and that the areas of our life that feel impossible to recover from are not impossible with God! In part 3 of the series “Summer of Freedom”, pastor Jon emphasizes how God knows our situation, cares about our situation, and can change our situation – and that freedom happens when we embrace His power instead of our own.
The idea of having control feels great, doesn’t it? Control over our bodies, our minds, our jobs, our plans, the people around us – the list goes on. Even though we’re not God, we can live in a state of denial for a long time thinking that we are in fact in control of everything we experience. But what happens when we have an awakening that destroys that false reality? In part two of “Summer of Freedom”, our New Life Celebrate Recovery Director Ken Lacoursiere shares his testimony about a radical awakening from God. He realized he had a lot less control than he imagined and uses his experience to teach us the first step of recovery: admitting we are powerless. When we decide that our identity is in Christ instead of our own control and surrender our life to God, the Holy Spirit becomes our source of power - and a beautiful recovery of our broken parts can begin.
If we are honest, many of us probably have times in our life where we want to obey God but find that we don’t have the power to do it. Or we struggle with a secret sin that we’re afraid to tell anyone else about. Or we want to get free of a habit or relationship that dominates our life but feel helpless to change it. The good news is that hope is not lost! In part 1 of the new series “Summer of Freedom”, Pastor Joe shares that we don’t need to “just try harder” on our own to get free - and it certainly won’t happen by accident. By looking at what the Bible says about freedom and by learning and utilizing the eight principles of recovery we will see that the more dependent we are on God, the freer we will become!
In 2020 we have learned more than ever that church is not about a building – church is who we are. But we’ve also learned just how important it is to meet face-to-face, as God created us to live and experience faith in relationships with other people. What does this mean? That we all need to intentionally step into being the church like never before – whether in a building, online, or out and about in our daily lives. So how can we be the church? What (or who?) does that look like? In the finale of “The New Normal”, Pastor Joe reveals an important part of why Jesus saved us: so that on our way to Heaven we can be His representatives – saving others as we follow His example of love and reconciliation.
You can find the first 5 parts of “The New Normal” at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, and listen to all of our past message series through our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts
If we don’t pay close attention to what’s going on in our head and heart during challenging times, things can easily become out of alignment in our relationships. Marriage, parenting, and friendships will all be impacted if our weaknesses are exposed and we neglect to let God into our lives to help change us from the inside out. So what are we to do when we notice our relationships with others have become damaged or broken? Can they become new again? In part 5 of “The New Normal”, Pastor Joe explains that the cause of broken relationships is sin, and that without real and lasting heart change, all worldly strategies will fall short. The good news is that God has already done the work needed to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus, and He is willing and able to do a deep work in our day to day relationships too.
Did you miss any parts of this series? You can find “The New Normal” parts 1-4 at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, and listen to all of our past message series through our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts
It is an undeniable fact that we are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. But what about the neighbors that are radically different than us? What happens when God’s call to love others makes us uncomfortable? In part 4 of “The New Normal”, Pastor Joe focuses on the importance of unbiased love in not just our communities, but the world as a whole. If we’re going to love God, love people, and make disciples of all nations, we must practice going out of our way to love everyone equally - just like Jesus did.
You can find parts 1-3 of this series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or listen to our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts. --
God’s desire for us to intentionally grow in godliness, but let’s be honest - we can all waste time chasing useless things day after day. The current of the stream of this earthly life is strong – so if we’re going to swim against it, we must train mentally, emotionally, physically, and especially spiritually. How “in shape” are we really? And are we willing to put in the work it takes to change? In part 3 of “The New Normal” Pastor Joe teaches an important lesson in training for godliness, and reveals how we can benefit in the short and long term while also leaving a lasting legacy for others.
You can find all of our past sermons at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or listen to our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
We all have moments when we worry about specific “what ifs” in our lives – especially regarding the people or circumstances that we care about the most. Unfortunately, worrying isn’t good for anything. It doesn’t fix a situation or make it better - it only sucks the life out of us. So what do we do when worry seems to be our normal? In part two of “The New Normal”, Pastor Joe digs into the Word and teaches us how God’s love makes confidence possible – in the middle of any circumstance! As our confidence in God’s love goes up, our anxiety about other things will go down.
Did you miss the first part of this series? Don’t worry! You can find it at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts.
In 2020 and beyond, we cannot go back to the way things were - we can only go forward and find a new normal. But is normal really the best for us? The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to earth so we could live lives that are not normal, but brand new. What does that look like for us? Are we choosing to live that way? In part 1 of “The New Normal”, Pastor Joe explains how we can move forward by understanding more clearly how God wants us to live, and by leaning into the “new us” – and we can’t do that by staying the same as we were before. The question is, are we ready to trade our idea of "normal" for something better?
Watch past sermons at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or listen to our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
In the fallen world we live in, we often face situations that don’t seem fair. And before we know it, seeds of resentment toward a person or situation can grow into deep roots of bitterness. We may think we’re strong enough to carry it around without damaging ourselves, but it will eventually crush our spirit. So how do we handle and heal hurts that cause bitterness in our heart? In the finale of “Alive and Free”, pastor Jon gives valuable insight on how to reconcile a world that’s constantly getting it wrong - with a loving Heavenly Father who never does!
You can find the entire “Alive and Free” series at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or check out our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
People problems are everywhere – and developing a heart of unforgiveness is easy to do – especially when someone hurts us deeply. But what does the Bible have to say about forgiveness? In part 5 of “Alive and Free”, Pastor Joe invites us to look closely at the relationship between Jesus forgiving us, and us forgiving others. What are we to do with all our sin we’ve been holding onto? Is unconditional forgiveness too good to be true? How do we forgive others if we haven’t first been forgiven ourselves? The good news is that Christ shows us not only how to be forgiven, but how to gain the power to forgive.
Looking for past sermons? We've got you covered! Visit newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or check out our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
Wrong behavior is always rooted in wrong thinking – and it won’t change without effort. When we start believing what God says about us and about Him, we tend to get resistance from ourselves, from our own broken thinking patterns, from our “friends”, and even from our family. How are we to break past the lies and make progress? In part 4 of “Alive and Free”, Joe teaches us an important truth: If we want our life to change, we’re going to have to start thinking the way God thinks. His truth alone has the divine power we need to demolish strongholds.
Don't forget - you can find all of our past sermons at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or listen to our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts.
When we experience pain from relationships that should be a blessing, the effects of that disappointment can be long-lasting and deep-rooted. Unfortunately, that pain can also create an obstacle to us having a life-giving relationship with God. So what are we to do? In part 3 of the series "Alive and Free", Joe reveals a cure for this relational pain, the role of God's sacrificial love in our healing, and how accepting His love can transform our relationships.
In case you missed the other parts of this series, you can find them online at newlifefm.com/past-sermons, or check out our podcast at newlifefm.com/podcasts
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The roots of our biggest problems are most often relational - something becomes broken between us and God or us and other people. So how are we to pursue our mission to love God, love people, and make disciples if there are barriers getting in our way? In Part 2 of our Alive and Free series, Pastor Joe shares how this struggle can be resolved, and how through Christ and the Holy Spirit, God has given us access to all the power we need to address our biggest relationship problems.
Did you know that Jesus walked through walls? In this Easter Sunday message "Alive and Free", Pastor Joe explains that no matter what walls we think there are between us and God, nothing can stop the love of Jesus! His blood was willingly given to pay for our sins so that we could have a one-on-one relationship with God. If we are seeking peace and freedom in this life, there's one perfect way to find it: the cross.
It's easy to be impatient when life doesn't go our way - or when we have to wait on God for certain things to happen. We may even begin to wonder if God is going to keep His promises to us. In this Good Friday message, Joe digs into the reality of our greatest need, and shares the hope of God's greatest promise - Jesus!
What good is a King who dies on a cross? What does that mean for us as we move through this crisis? In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Joe answers those questions and more as he reminds us that Jesus is still King, and His Kingdom is still moving forward. No matter what happens while we're on earth, we are invited to be His Kingdom and live out our God-given purpose. Will we answer the call and invite Jesus into our heart and home?
When we’re in crisis, we discover what’s really going on inside of us. In this week's message, Pastor Joe shares how trials, stressors, and limitations can actually help bring us to a better place if we run to God with our struggles instead of away from Him. No matter how confined we may feel, we will never be cut off from His love!
Life as we know it has been interrupted for all of us. But there is good news: no matter whether we are calm, frustrated, tired, or stressed, because of Christ, we can have hope even now. In this special sermon from Pastor Joe, hear how Jesus really is the hope of the world, and this is our time to shine! We don't need to panic or cower, there is Hope for Tough Times.
In part two of "Pocket Change" we learn about the power debt can have over our lives if we follow the credit and loan status quo. The more debt we're in, the more limited our financial future - so what are we to do? Joe shares Biblical wisdom that focuses on pursuing freedom from spending money that we don't have to buy things we may not need. Would our lives be better or worse if we had less debt? Thankfully, we can change our financial future if we apply God's principles now.
If you missed part one of this series or want to share past messages with a friend, visit newlifefm.com/podcasts or newlifefm.com/past-sermons
In part one of our brand new series "Pocket Change," we learn how we can have a solid financial future built on the wisdom of God's Word. Whether you're looking to correct money mistakes from your past or you're just starting out on your financial journey, there is hope! When we trust in God by creating a plan for our money that honors Him first, we are able to radically transform our lives and the lives of others.
Want to check out past sermons? Visit newlifefm.com/podcasts and newlifefm.com/past-sermons
In the finale of “How Do I Hear From God?” Joe discusses an important truth: if we want to clearly communicate with God then we must respond to Him with our lives by keeping His commandments. He is faithful to listen to every word we say - but what happens when we are disobedient? Joe reveals how unconfessed sin can prevent us from hearing from God, and the two important steps we can take to hear clearly from Him again.
Want to listen to past sermons? They're available on newlifefm.com/podcasts and newlifefm.com/past-sermons
Is it possible to hear from God about every aspect of our lives? In Part 3 of “How Do I Hear From God?” Joe explains the role of prayer in our relationship with God, and how the Holy Spirit was sent to believers after Jesus returned to Heaven to teach us all things and remind us of what God says in the Bible. If we want God to speak to us on a regular basis, we must be willing to quiet our minds and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit in prayer. Are we taking the time to focus our attention on Him and listen?
Don't forget! All our sermons are available on newlifefm.com/podcasts and newlifefm.com/past-sermons
We have everything we need to KNOW what God's revealed will is for our lives! In Part 2 of "How Do I Hear From God?" Joe teaches us that God speaks clearly through His written Word, the Bible. All Scripture is breathed out by Him for teaching, reproof, instructing and training so that we can be complete. It lights up our path and guides our steps so we know how to live godly, fulfilling lives. Let's be real and ask ourselves, are we reading His Word regularly? Are we listening to and applying the instructions He has generously provided for us in the Bible?
Listen to Part 1 of this series at newlifefm.com/podcasts or check out other sermons at newlifefm.com/past-sermons
This past Sunday, Pastor Joe said that listening is a lost art in our culture. One of the deepest needs people have is to be heard and understood - but are we actually paying attention? And how does that impact our ability to hear from God? Pastor Joe reveals that in order to be better disciples, we must become better listeners. The good news is that no matter who you are or where you come from, if you're willing to listen to God you CAN hear from Him! Find out how this is possible in our first message of the new series, How Can I Hear From God?
If you ever miss a message, don't forget that you can listen or watch whenever you want at newlifefm.com/podcasts or newlifefm.com/past-sermons
Jesus knew that where we spend our money is where we send our hearts; and when we give, we condition our hearts to realign around God’s values. In our finale to This is My New Life, Pastor Joe shares how God created a spiritual act to help us train and guard our hearts against greed: the tithe. He also brings Caroline and Derek Waddell on stage to share their journey of generosity, and how it can become especially complicated when you're not starting out on the same page...
Take a listen or a look at newlifefm.com/past-sermons or newlifefm.com/podcasts - and don't forget, New Life Listens is on iTunes!
Community in Christ | We can't live out Christian lives disconnected. In order to share the light of Christ, we have to be willing to share with each other; this means opening up, being vulnerable, and putting trust in your fellow human being. Part four of our series, This is My New Life, talks about how crucial community is in our walk with Christ, and how transformational relationships with other souls can be on our hearts. Don't let the fear of commitment keep you from experiencing what you were made for: community.
Is it time for your Next step? Visit newlifefm.com/events to learn about all of our Seasonal Community Opportunities and sign up. If you're interested in learning more about small groups, head over to newlifefm.com/grouplife to get started!
You are a MASTERPIECE! God has given us all gifts, and we can put them to use to share the light of Christ. Part 3 of This is My New Life focuses on volunteering at church. It's not about recognition, admiration, or earning anything at all; we should serve because we love the Lord and because he’s called us to use our gifts. Check out Pastor Jon's message and learn how you can use your gifts every day, so that others can see the light of Christ shining through you!
God created Baptism as a way for us to show others that we’ve trusted Jesus to save us. But what's the big deal with "showing others"? Why can't our faith be lived out just in our hearts? Part 2 of This is My New Life talks about living out our faith, for others to see, as part of being new in Christ. Take a listen to learn more about these outward expressions of inward changes.
As 2020 kicks off, a lot of us are trying to make ourselves better. But instead of praying for "better," what if we prayed for God to make us NEW? We can have all the "better" in the world, but without "new," "better" will someday be gone. Jesus didn’t come into the world to make sinners better. He came to make us new. 2020 is the year for us to leave "better" behind and step into all the "new" Jesus makes possible.
Check out part one of this year's first message series, This is My New Life, and discover how we can come together as a forever family, and live new lives in Christ.
In our final service of 2019, One Thing, the message is simple: don’t lose focus and let the stuff of life keep you from sitting at the feet of Jesus; Make Him your one thing!
Pastor Jon shares the story of when Jesus visited Mary and Martha and explains how we are all Mary or Martha - we get to choose! Take a listen to our podcast or watch the video sermon at newlifefm.com.
Merry Christmas! In our series finale to The Journey, we focus on family. Jesus’ family was as real as our family, and just as messy. He didn’t wait for them to have everything perfect before He arrived, he showed up right in the middle of the mess of their lives and our world. So what about you? Are you willing to welcome Jesus into the middle of the mess of your life? There is hope in Jesus; put your faith in Him and receive this gift!
Remember how in October we said that Jesus is a TROUBLEMAKER? He is. Jesus’ arrival was problematic for Joseph, and Joseph was about to decide to not be a part of God's plan because of the consequences it meant in the culture he lived in. Part 3 of The Journey looks into the personal journey of Joseph, and what the immaculate conception meant for him. Learn with Joseph that if you want Jesus in your life, it is going to take bravery. We have to have the courage to give up our right to run our lives OUR way; Joseph willingly risked his reputation for Jesus. Will you?
God’s plan for Mary to bear Jesus included sacrifice and pain as well as great joy. The woman who said YES to God’s plan, who labored and gave birth to Him in a filthy barn, who raised Him, taught Him, worried about Him and did all the things that a Mom does... this woman stood at the foot of the cross and watched her own son be executed... so that He could save us all and rise again. Mary’s story models what we all must understand: YES to God is only the beginning; There will be trials. No one is spared from suffering. But instead of being afraid of what all that means, we have the comfort of having Jesus alive in us.
In Part 3 of our Christmas series, The Journey, we explore Mary's incredible faithfulness without any comprehension of what was to come, and ask ourselves what miraculous thing God wants to do in and through us. Will you let Jesus be born in you?
No matter how long it’s been, no matter how slim the odds or how difficult the circumstances, you can trust God’s faithfulness. Place your faith in Him this Christmas and don't stop believing. Jesus is the answer to any doubt.
In this stand-alone series, Pastor Jordan Fairchild asks two very big questions: Why do we have trials in life? And If God loves us, why does He allow us to go through pain? Simple: redemption; Learn how God uses our trials and pain to change the world, just like He used the pain that Jesus went through on the cross to save it. We can be a beacon of light to people struggling with the same trials that we’ve overcome - or that we’re currently going through. Because of God's love out of the ashes, we rise, redeemed.
In our finale of Get Out, we're asking you to get "SALT"-y at work! Ok, so that may not mean what you think it does... Pastor Joe came up with a handy acronym to help us be the salt of the Earth, especially at work. How we work matters; If we represent Jesus well at work, then God will use us as His witnesses in powerful ways. Wherever we work, let’s work for God every day of the week.
For some of us, the holidays can be tricky because we see people we might not typically hang out with if they weren't family... and navigating these relationships and conversations can be hard. No one's family is perfect - even Jesus' brothers mocked him before they understood who he was! But no matter what, there is hope for even the most broken families. God has sent an ambassador of Christ to your family: You. Learn just what that means in Part 3 of Get Out.
In Part 2 of Get Out, we learned the best way to make disciples of Jesus is to BE a vibrant, authentic disciple of Jesus! And guess what - You don’t have to be perfect, you have to be in the process of being perfected. Invite God in, and YOU will BE the invite to God for others; it really is that simple.
Are we doing what God says is important? Or are we just getting a bunch of people together on Sundays? It’s time for us to love God, love people and make disciples by GOing into our community and doing the things Jesus did.
Your not too much trouble for Jesus. No matter how many times you've tried to satisfy your thirst from empty wells, Jesus pleads for you to drink from the only well that will never run dry.
On our own, we are selfish. Often, we demand and fight for our own way. Why? The fear of becoming less. If we give, then we have less. If we surrender control, submit... then we lose. But that's just not true. Jesus served everybody. He was never made less because He was a servant.
If you start living like Jesus because you know and trust Him, you will become a troublemaker. Jesus and His ways will revolutionize your life and your relationships, and He wants you to trust Him enough to serve others WITHOUT fear of becoming less.
Are we willing to let Jesus trouble us about our sin? How can we expect to fully walk with Jesus, if we aren't willing to turn away from our sin. Jesus confronts our sin because He loves us! Now we get to CHOOSE how to respond.
Jesus is the ultimate Troublemaker. He is not neutral and will not allow you to remain neutral.; this is what Christians have been discovering for two thousand years. Jesus makes the best kind of trouble! In part 1 of our new series we ask ourselves, are we troubled by Jesus’ claim to be God? The answer: we SHOULD be. Take a listen and find out why.
Are we willing to leave behind comfort and predictability for the sake of reaching people? It might get uncomfortable. It might get messy. You might even get labeled as the Troublemaker... But it's our duty, our honor, and our hope to share this wonderful message of reconciliation. It used to be that only special people were called to do God’s work of bringing people to Him. But now the Lord has made us ALL Christ's ambassadors!
We used to put up barriers between people and Jesus Christ. It used to be, "You can't come to Christ until __" But we left that behind. If we welcome sinners into our church, we will love them. We will show them that, although they may expect us to throw stones, instead we’ll take their hand and lead them to Jesus, who saved us from our sin. Everyone who comes to Christ has to deal with one huge obstacle: Christ. So, we shouldn't make it harder for them with more barriers! It's time to leave those behind.
Anything worth doing isn't going to be convenient. Like the old proverb, "Without oxen, a stable stays clean." In an effort to help God fill his pastures with lost sheep, looks like we're gonna have to get our hands dirty! Roll up those sleeves and get out the elbow grease, Part 2 of What We Left Behind is gonna send us laborers out into the world and leave behind the convenience of the pasture.
Jesus is the good shepherd. When one goes missing, he goes after them and finds them! He came looking for you.
In Part 1 of our new series, we talk about the 99 vs the 1; It doesn’t make any sense to leave the 99 to go after one... until the one is your kid. Every single person you and I meet is precious to God, His child. Do you care enough to pray for them, and invite them to new life in Jesus Christ? Would you want somebody, anybody to show your child the love of Jesus? To pursue them? New Life is going after the 1. Will you join us?
Very little in Christian life is automatic. We are in constant need of guidance, reminders, reinforcements, etc. And we are blessed because the Lord delivers just that! In the finale of Pray Like This, we cover the final line of the Lord's prayer, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." We talk about the word "LEAD" and how crucial it is for us; God doesn't push and shove us around against our will. We choose to let God lead us away from evil, or we can decide to pull against His guidance...
If we can be forgiven, then we can forgive. In Part 4 of Pray Like This, we discover that as we bring our sin to the foot of the cross, and find forgiveness for ourselves, we'll find forgiveness we can give to others. This is how we can honestly pray, "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
Just ask! No, really, God wants us to pray for our needs. All throughout Scripture the heroes of our faith asked God for a whole range of needs. So why aren't we? And what about all those "needs" in our prayers that God hasn't answered? Those questions and more are answered in Part 3 of Pray Like This. Pastor Joe has us asking, what if we prayed like Jesus told His disciples to pray? As we learn how to depend on God for small things, everyday needs, then He will teach us how to rely on Him for our biggest needs of life and eternity.
Imagining heaven on earth can seem a little hard in today's climate. But in Part 2 of Pray Like This, we learn that God’s plan to save the world and bring His kingdom realities into existence on the Earth TODAY, is simple! All it takes is for ordinary Christians to live in the fullness of His power - letting God work IN us in order to work THROUGH us.
A lot of us struggle with prayer; are we doing it right? What are we supposed to say? How does God want us to pray? Well the disciples asked Jesus the same thing! And as always, He answered. For the next few weeks, we will be going through Matthew 6:9-13, also called, The Lord's Prayer. We'll explore the famous prayer together as we leard how the Lord wants us to pray.
The finale to our "Yeah, But..." series has us checking our watches - because this one is all about time. How we spend and manage our time might seem like something we can't control, but in actuality, it's deeply rooted in obedience to God's will. Let's break down those excuses for not giving our time to God, and rejoice in this simplicity: God is calling us to TODAY. Learn how each day, one at a time, we get to CHOOSE to put God first.
God's word is incredibly powerful - he SPOKE the Earth into existence. And there's power in our words too; Power to hurt, and to heal. In Part 3 of this series, we learn how our tongues need to be tamed, and that if we fill our hearts with God's word, what flows from our mouths could change the world forever. We can't fill our hearts with one thing, and then have our mouths pour out another!
Money, money, money... God knows how hard it is for us to resist the temptation to love and desire money. So He gave us a simple exercise in faith that we can practice to keep our hearts holy: give a little back. Let's not forget who gave us this money and trusted us with it! And boy has He heard every excuse as to why we can't give him that first 10%. Part 2 of "Yeah, but..." breaks down those excuses to make room in our hearts for God instead.
7.7.19 | It goes like this: sin, feel bad, make excuses - over and over. It's time to break the wheel! In part one of Yeah, But... we talk about a topic not too many people are comfortable discussing at church: sex. But it's so important that we DO talk about it because God has quite a bit to say on the subject. Let's make an honest effort to be holy and honorable, and say goodbye to guilt and shame!