New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

”The Believers’ Guide to a Happier Life” (part 4) Matthew 11:28-29 Sermon-”Running on Empty?”

“Exhausted”, “weary”, “worn out”, “empty”- such are the words that often describe our day-to-day lives. Whether we are physically fatigued or emotionally exhausted (or some combination of both) many constantly feel they are always behind without enough time (or energy) to ever catch up.  Life is intended to be more than weariness.

Perhaps more “rest” is the key to “restoration”, and that is what Jesus offers.

”The Believers’ Guide to a Happier Life” (part 3) Luke 10:25-27 Sermon-”No Man is an Island”

One of the tragic effects of the pandemic of recent years was the heightened sense of isolation.

But the pandemic didn’t create loneliness (for it has been the cultural trend for much of this last generation) and the pandemics conclusion does not by itself fix the problem. There is a deep part of our humanness that requires interaction with others and yet we are prone to pull away. The path to being happier may be found within the community that the Body of Christ is intended to be for us.

”The Believers’ Guide to a Happier Life” (part 2) Philippians 3:10-14 Sermon-”No Regrets”

We love starting a New Year and the fresh start it offers. Unfortunately, we often feel that struggles of the past just follow us into the “New”.  The Bible teaches us to keep our heads up and our eyes forward, but also what to do with the past that sticks with us.

”The Believers’ Guide to a Happier Life” (part 1) Matthew 6:25-34 Sermon-”Breaking the Worry Cycle”

Starting the New Year is filled with hope, but also a good bit of uncertainty of what lies ahead. Anxiousness and worry flourish in uncertain times, and as they grow, our lives do not flourish. A happier life awaits us if we could somehow worry less, but how?

“Keeping Christmas All the Year Through” Luke2:22—35

For all the build-up of getting ready for Christmas, we are often quick to move on to the next thing. True, our celebration of Christmas falls on a singular day, yet the power of Christmas is intended to encompass every day of our lives.

Today we’ll note that in the Gospel, Luke doesn’t rush off the Christmas event but pauses to introduce us to two often overlooked characters, Simeon and Anna, who will help us approach the uncertainty of the New Year.

Advent Series: Making Room (Part 5) “The Most Amazing Gift” Matthew 1:20—25

The waiting is over, Christmas has arrived! Part of the excitement of Christmas is the gifts that have been awaiting us beneath the tree are now unwrapped in all their glory. Gifts are part of our Christmas experience, and not just those we have/will unwrap from under the tree.

Christmas is about the most amazing gift ever given; the gift God wrapped up for each of us. Today we’ll consider the gift and consider how to make it our own.

Advent Series: “Making Room (part 4)” LOVE Matthew 1:18-24

With Christmas nearly upon us and Advent nearly complete, we continue to prepare our hearts. It is a busy time, a full time, sometimes a chaotic time, but what is the core reality we seek? It is about God’s love; His love for us and His love through us for those around us. This week we look at his gift to us, and the way we play our part in the love of Christmas.

Advent Series: “Making Room (part 3)” Choosing Joy Luke 2:8-20

The season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) is both a time of preparation and anticipation. We begin to anticipate the Christmas celebration and must prepare our hearts lest we miss out. The bright lights of the season are to represent the Joy of Christmas, yet this season
can be tainted by sadness and uncertainty which often diminishes our ability to rest and rejoice.  The angel announced, “I bring you good news of great joy....”. Today we’ll look at how we can choose joy regardless of our circumstances.

Advent Series: “Making Room (part 2)” Expectations Luke 2:1-14

The season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) is both a time of preparation and anticipation. We begin to anticipate the Christmas celebration and must prepare our hearts lest we miss out. One of the gifts we can expect is“Peace”, but the struggle of unmet expectations or the fear that they won’t be met rob us of this peace.; We’ll look at how we can live secured by His peace amidst the clamor of expectations.

Sermon Series: “Making Room” The Weight of Waiting Isaiah 7:14

The season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) is both a time of preparation and anticipation. We begin to anticipate the Christmas celebration and must prepare our hearts lest we miss out. One of the gifts we can expect is “Hope”, but sometimes waiting in hope can turn to discouragement. God gave a sign to those who waited for the Messiah. We’ll look at how we can keep hope alive in the face of discouraging times.