New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

“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.

Sermon Series: Angry no more! Part 3: “Learning to Slow your Roll: James 1:19-20

One of the universal emotions that we humans share is anger. It is only natural that when some- one hurts us, or something offends us we get angry. Anger is not sin, but it can give “the devil a foothold” (Eph.4:27), depriving us of true peace and joy in life. Today we wrap up the series with ways to become “slower to anger” and growing in gratitude.

”Let there Be Light”

Kit Maddox guest speaker.

Part 2 ”Freedom in Forgiveness” Matthew 18:21-22

One of the universal emotions that we humans share is anger. It is only natural that when someone hurts us, or something offends us we get angry. Anger is not a sin but it can give "the devil a foothold" (Eph. 4:27), depriving us of true peace and joy in life. Today we continue to explore how tricky and sticky anger can be for us and find a path to greater freedom that Jesus opens for us.

Angry no more! Ephesians 4:26-27 Removing the Exemption

One of the universal emotions that we humans share is anger. It is only natural that when someone hurts us, or something offends us we get angry. But what do we do with the words of Jesus who said we are not to be angry "with our brother and sister" (Matthew 5:22). "Is that really necessary Jesus?" Is it even possible? Should I even try to obey His words? The answer is yes! Today we'll begin to explore how tricky and sticky anger can be for us and find a path to greater freedom that Jesus opens for us.