New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

New Series: Close Encounters (part 3) “Inviting” John 1:35-45

A Close Encounter with Jesus (is what you were made for &) will change your life! The Gospel of John opens with a series of stories of those who encountered Jesus. As we look at these encounters, we’ll discover aspects in our relationship with Jesus that will unlock and empower this life we live for Him. Today we begin with his encounter with His first followers (Andrew and Phillip) and see how their encounter changes the world for them.

Close Encounters (part 2) “The Bread That Divides” John 6

This Sunday, we continue with the second installment of our sermon series, Close

Encounters with Jesus. In John 6, we see many of Jesus’ followers turn away, struggling to accept His bold claim to be the Bread of Life. What caused their frustration and rejection? How does this moment challenge us to examine our own response to Jesus’ call? Join us as we dive into this pivotal passage, and be encouraged and strengthened in your faith. May this message deepen your understanding of the true gospel of Christ and inspire you to walk in faithful obedience to Him.

 

John 1:19-34 “Answering the “Why” Question”

A Close Encounter with Jesus (is what you were made for &) will change your life! The Gospel of John opens with a series of stories of those who encountered Jesus. As we look at these encounters, we’ll discover aspects in our relationship with Jesus that will unlock and

empower this life we live for Him. Today we begin with his encounter with John the Baptist and how Jesus answers the “Why” question.

'25 (On the Precipice) Psalm 25

As we close the book on 2024 (with all its ups and downs), we now stand on the precipice of a new year. Can we leave the challenges of the past year in the past? Will the fresh start we yearn for merely bring new challenges that we cannot yet see? Psalm 25 offers a path to navigate the coming uncertainty of 2025.

Embracing Immanuel #4 What’s In Your Stocking? Matthew 1:18-24

The season of Christmas can mean many things to many people, but at its core, the message of Christmas is truly “God is with us”. The Prophet Isaiah foretold of a day when a virgin would give birth, and that child would be called “Immanuel”-Hebrew for “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Abiding in “God with us” allows us to experience God’s unconditional love. Although we yearn for it, we often struggle to accept this precious gift.

Embracing Immanuel (God With Us) #3 “The Joy of the Lord” Luke 2:4-12

The season of Christmas can mean many things to many people, but at its core, the message of Christmas is truly “God is with us”. The Prophet Isaiah foretold of a day when a virgin would give birth, and that child would be called “Immanuel”-Hebrew for “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Abiding in “God with us” is the recipe for joy in the midst of adversity. Each of us are invited to receive this gift.

Calming the Anxious Spirit” Luke 2:8-14

Christmas is approaching, it’s time to get prepared! The season of Christmas can mean many things to many people, but at its core, the message of Christmas is truly “God is with us”.  The Prophet Isaiah foretold of a day when a virgin would give birth, and that child would be called  “Immanuel”-Hebrew for “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). What ought we receive when we embrace this reality? Peace, though illusive, is but one of the gifts we are invited to embrace.

Embracing Immanuel Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas is approaching, it’s time to get prepared! The season of Christmas can mean many things to many people, but at its core, the

message of Christmas is truly “God is with us”.  The Prophet Isaiah foretold of a day when a virgin would give birth, and that child would be called “Immanuel”- Hebrew for “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). The world was changed at His arrival, and this change we celebrate every Christmas. So how do we get ready? How can the presence of “God

with us” change our lives? How can we embrace this Immanuel?

Be the One Luke 17:11-19

Many are looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving: food, family, football, etc. Yet the power of Thanksgiving to bring healing to our lives is not found in whether we can have a second helping or not (nor if that certain person is present or absent), it’s whether thankfulness can crack the critical nature of our hearts. Giving thanks has the power to transform your life. Let’s give it a  try!

Body Building #3- “Unlocking the Power of the Body” Ephesians 4:1-6 & 15-16

“Who am I? Why am I here? Where do I belong?  What am I to do?” We ponder such existential questions and seek their answers in hopes of making sense out of life. 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. Each of us doing our part (in love) unlocks the power to change the world.