New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

New Advent Series “Getting Ready for Christmas” #2 “Peace in the Midst of the Storm”

We live in an anxious world, battered by uncertainty and insecurities. Words of assurance or hope are often met with that skeptical inner voice “don’t be silly, that can’t/won’t happen.” Today, before we get to the birth of Jesus, we are given a glimpse into the heart and life of Mary. Her story reveals one who confronted with the clamoring of uncertainty yet finds the peace that drowns out the noise. These weeks before Christmas are about more than finding the perfect gift, rather it’s about finding that place of peace. 

“Getting Ready for Christmas” #1 “Hope when Life goes awry” Luke 1:5-25

The season of Advent (4 weeks prior to Christmas) was not designed to kick off our Christmas shopping season, but to prepare the hearts of Christ followers for Jesus birth. Before we get to the birth of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel we find people and events that help set the stage for His arrival. In our haste we often rush past them to the manger scene, but if we slow down, we’ll find they guide us to a profound truth: there is hope! 

Teach us to Pray (part 5) “The remedy for an anxious heart” Philippians 4:6-7

We live in anxious times. The level of anxiety seems to heighten by the day, we feel unable to stop its spread. Yet anxiety has always been a plague on humanity, with its ability to steal our peace in the present and hope for the future. Philippians 4 offers us the “vaccine” for the anxiety epidemic. 

Teach us to Pray (part 4) “Praying to Win” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Many pray and yet still find that path they walk littered with obstacles. We question “why” only to find we have an adversary. But we need not be defeated by the truth, the good news is that God has already provided the weapon to win in the struggle against the devil; prayer. 

“The ‘Always’ Challenge” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The call to pray continually (or pray without ceasing) seems like an impossibility. Is the Bible setting us up for failure or giving us the key to a deeper prayer life? 

“Beyond the Vote” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

In times of political uncertainty, we are quick to join the debate, but often slow to pray. What does it mean to be a good citizen and play our part in the society in which we live? Paul encouraged Jesus followers to play their part in advancing His Kingdom goals. In this country, we have the privilege of participating in the political process, but as citizens of God’s Kingdom we also have the responsibility to pray. 

“Better Pray or Pray Better?” Luke 11:1-4

Of all the amazing things Jesus did, only once did the disciples ask to teach them how to do it. Perhaps it was because they understood that this one thing would be the key to so much more. That one thing? “Teach us to pray” they asked. Prayer, at it’s core is so simple, yet praying well seems so elusive. Today we’ll begin with a foundation of the 3 P’s of prayer. 

The 3 P’s
The P__________ of Prayer
The P___________ for Prayer
 The P_____________ for Prayer 

“The Whispering Spot” Various Scriptures

Do you have a favorite place? How do you feel when you are there? As we continue to discern God’s voice, we have to realize that God is every- where and He chooses to speak to us in specific places. Jesus had places to be alone. We are encouraged to have a place to be alone with God. Solitude, silence and a place are elements that help our spiritual walk grow closer to the One that has already set the pattern for us. 

“A Whisper” Various Scriptures

We as people might have a hard time believing God still speaks. We are shown through scripture in the Bible that God spoke in ancient times and mysterious ways. The question is, “how do we hear his voice now?” The truth is God often speaks and communicates with His people, but often it’s through a whisper. It’s not to make it difficult to hear Him, but to draw us closer. 

“Surprised by Blessing” (Exploring the Book of Numbers #7) Numbers 24

A foreign prophet in the enemy camp was summoned to pronounce a curse on Israel, but found that God would not waver and would only bless them. The odd story of Balaam continues with yet another twist, a surprising reminder despite what may be a dire situation around you, that God is for you.