New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

Body Building 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 27

“Who am I? Why am I here? Where do I belong?  What am I to do?” We ponder such existential questions in hopes of making sense out of life.  There are many competing voices in the world which only adds to our confusion. The New Testament offers a lens through which to see more clearly, that we are each created to be a various part of the Body of Christ. We begin a series today to help identify what the “Body of Christ” means and what it means for us to be a part of it. 

Joseph- Braving the ups and downs of Life #10 “The Grand Finale” Genesis 50:15-21

And now, the grand finale! Despite the ups and downs that have marked his life, Joseph continues to extend grace and peace to those around him. As the story of Joseph draws to a conclusion today, we will consider some of the keys to living and finishing well. 

Joseph- Braving the ups and downs of Life #9 Changing it up Genesis 49:22-26

Despite the ups and downs that have marked his life, Joseph continues to extend grace and peace to those around him. As the story of Joseph draws to a conclusion, today we will consider some of the keys to living and finishing well.

Joseph- Braving the ups and downs of Life #8 “Family Reunion” Genesis 45:1-10

Nothing is impossible with God. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and they are terrified. Of course, the brothers fear the worst, but their fears are met with amazing grace. This is a

profound picture of God’s reconciling grace to us and the hope that we can serve as agents of healing in this broken world. 

Sermon Series: Joseph– Braving the ups and downs of Life #6 “I’m only human” Genesis 42:1-8

Joseph, having attained a measure of security, is confronted by the wounds of his past. Those who had sold him into slavery now stand before him

pleading for his help. Emotions flood back in, what will he do? We cannot escape our past, but we must, with God’s help, come to terms with it.

God is Up to Something 2 Corinthians 5:17

Each year as we gather in the park, we are reminded both of what God has done and what he is doing right now! The New Life we receive in Christ is always an invitation to celebrate what God has done but also His on-going work in and through us. Biblically, everything from the writings of Paul to the naming of Joseph’s sons are reminders that we are not stuck, because God is up to something!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the newcreation has come: The old has gone, thenew is here!

New Series: Joseph– Braving the ups and downs of Life #5 How Joseph saved the world! Genesis 41

Just when he thought all hope was gone, Joseph goes from prisoner to prince!  Although his status changes, the story is yet far from over. It is so easy as we slog through challenging times to become embittered, depressed, or checked out, but then we can miss it when God moves to open a door. We, like Joseph, must not allow our circumstances to define us, but rather trust in who God says we are.

Joseph– Braving the ups and downs of Life #4 Forgotten, Not Forsaken Genesis 40

Stuck! Things are just not working out. Any glimmer of hope seems to get worn down or snuffed out. One begins to question if there is any light at the end of the tunnel? Joseph’s prison experience must have shouted, “This is all there is and all there ever will be!” So the question today is: How can we maintain hope in the midst of “the ongoing and unresolved”?

New Series: Joseph– Braving the ups and downs of Life #3 “Never Alone” Genesis 39

Insecure. No matter how much we yearn for control, we do not have ultimate power over our circumstances. Many of our best attempts to deal with this uncertainty only make matters worse.  Amidst the ups and downs of Joseph’s story we see the one constant, which is also our only hope regardless of if we are riding high or free-falling in life.

New Series: Joseph– Braving the ups and downs of Life #2 Genesis 37

NThe story of Joseph begins with dysfunctional family dynamics that set the stage for hurt feelings & deep divisions resulting in the devastation of the family torn apart & many lives turned upside down. Far from perfect role models, Jacob’s family (and Joseph himself) get off to a rocky start. Is there hope when feelings are hurt?  What can we do when bitterness takes root in us?