The Normal Christian Life
A message from the series “Guest Speaker: Richard Beatty.” Richard Beatty encourages us to live a normal Christian life in the midst of our weird, mixed-up culture. Rather than let the world influence our beliefs and attitudes, Christ should shape our worldview.
Protocols and Principles
A message from the series “The Search.” Series: The Search
Sermon: Protocols and Principles
Speaker: Dr. Jim Mann
Date: March 10, 2024
Though we are the crowning glory of God’s creation and made in his image, our sinful, animal instincts have put us on a par with the animals here under the sun. And the same fate awaits us both: death. But the difference between a dead man and a dead animal is clear. Eternity is set in our hearts. Our spirit will arise. We will receive reward for a life that pleases God, or face judgment for the injustice we do. And we will receive satisfaction for the injustice we might face under the sun. Join the search. Find beauty. Seek to please God. Play by his rules and embrace his principles. Continue your search for the giver of truth.
The Search for Fulfillment
A message from the series “The Search.” Series: The Search
Sermon: The Search for Fulfillment
Speaker: Dr. Jim Mann
Date: March 3, 2024
True enjoyment in life cannot be found when we chase after it. Instead, Solomon’s conclusion is that God adds enjoyment to life when we pursue God. When we spend our energy and effort looking for fulfillment from things, we don’t find that fulfillment and find ourselves distant from God and far from fulfillment. But when we pursue God, we find both him AND the fulfillment we desire.
We start with faith in the process – we give ourselves to him as an act of worship – we die to our fleshly pursuits – we put HIM first prayerfully and thankfully content with what he gives us. Then we find our lives pleasing to him and he is pleased to add wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to our lives. Or we could sum it up a lot quicker with the words of Jesus: “Seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these other things will be added as well.”
The Search for Meaning
A message from the series “The Search.” The futility of the world we live has a spiritual root – sin / disobedience. The answer to futility in the natural world is spiritual – and the answer is Jesus. The fact that the world seems meaningless is not an excuse to sit idly by…que sera sera…what will be will be…it is what it is. We’re reminded instead as people of God to take responsibility. Because we live in a futile, meaningless world we must live life connected to Jesus. We must connect with the Spirit in intercession. And because we love the Lord, he turns meaninglessness into purpose. He works even futile things for our good. Because he is the redeemer, only he can bring meaning.
Talk Two: Follow the Rabbi
A message from the series “Guest Speaker: Austin Mann.” Austin Mann shares a challenging message about being a true disciple of Jesus.
Hearing the Voice of God
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” God’s voice is easy to reject. Think of the time Jesus said to the 5,000 “‘You must eat my flesh and drink my blood.’ Therefore, when many of his disciples heard this, they said, ‘This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?'” (John 6:60) We understand now what Jesus meant, but many disciples left him at that point. Sometimes, Jesus’ teaching is simply hard to accept. But, if we want to hear God’s voice, if we’re available and we desire to be obedient to God’s instruction – a yes face, and we’re humble enough to listen, God will speak, we will hear, and we’ll be better for it! It’s up to us to listen.
Spiritual Gifts
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” One of the ways God communicates…is through YOU. As you pray for your brother or sister and God speaks to your heart, he wants you to share what he has told you…to encourage them, to build them up, to comfort them. So, when you hear the Bible say, “I wish that you all would prophesy,” pause for a second and hear the Lord in this: “I wish that you all would listen to me, take my words, and encourage, edify, and comfort each other.” That’s not nearly as spooky, is it?
The Natural
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” God loves to speak to his children. He enjoys revealing himself to us…to show us his love and his character. He loves to impart his wisdom in situations we find ourselves in. And he really loves to help us be better ministers to others. Sometimes God speaks to us through dreams or visions. Sometimes he speaks through impressions, defined as God’s influence on our minds or our physical senses, giving us an idea, feeling, or opinion about someone or some situation. And sometimes God speaks to us is through other believers, preachers, teachers, prophets, or folks ministering through spiritual gifts.
You don’t have to be a professional minister for God to speak to you or through you. This is why we should appreciate the voice of God. He doesn’t show favoritism or only speak to the “professional” Christians. He shares his voice with any and all of us, because he loves. And because he loves us, he lets us know.
The Supernatural
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” Why do some of us hear God’s voice and others hear thunder? What’s the difference? I’m not sure. But remember Job’s statement, “For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it.” (Job 33:14, NIV84)
I’ve personally never heard the audible voice of God. Maybe you have. I do believe I have heard his internal voice…and I’m sure I’ve met his angels. I know this for certain, God still speaks – and I need to learn to listen. I’d hate to hear God’s voice and think it only a bit of thunder. Are you listening for God’s voice?
Experience
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” Awareness is the key. What’s the old Boy Scout motto? “Be prepared.” You never know when God will speak. I’ve heard God’s voice in church and in prayer, in meditation, in worship. But I’ve also heard God speak to me in some pretty strange places. A funeral. A museum. An opera. In a country song. God’s even spoken to my heart in a YouTube video. I guess my point is this. God knows you intimately. He wants you to know him. So he communicates with us…he shares his character and his heart and his desires for our lives. And listen, there are no limitations on God. He can speak to you any way he chooses. So keep your eyes and ears open. He can speak through anything he chooses. Are you listening?
The Bible
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” We’re going to discuss the different ways God speaks to us. But it begins here…with his word. Howard Hendricks says it this way:
“God wants to communicate with you in the 21st century. He wrote His message in a book. He asks you to come and study that book for three compelling reasons: it’s essential for growth. It’s essential for maturity. It’s essential for equipping you, training you, so that you might be an available, clean, sharp instrument in His hands to accomplish His purposes. So the real question confronting you now is: How can you afford not to be in God’s Word?”
God still speaks. But do we listen? Listen for his voice this week.
Inspired Vision
A message from the series “Guest Speaker: Pastor John Lewis.” What does it mean to have vision? John Lewis shares the reasons why having a vision from God is important and the necessity of following that vision at New Life Church. At New Life, we are called to Grow in our relationships with Jesus Christ, Go out and share the good news in our communities, and do it all together as the body of Christ.