New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

New Year Series: Running the Race (by faith) #1 Hebrews 12:1-3

The bible draws a comparison between our life of faith and a competitor running a race. A race requires preparation, perseverance and the intentional pursuit of the finish line. So does living by faith, and Hebrews chapter 11 illustrates several ways that our faith can/should grow and take shape.

Today we overview the “cloud of witnesses” we have to encourage and direct our steps into the New Year.

Sermon: Advent Series: On the Twelfth Day of Christmas Matthew 2:1-12

The 12th day of Christmas always lands on January 6th (yesterday). Long before the day was associated with the “protest”/”insurrection” at the nation’s capital, it has been known for centuries as “Epiphany”, commemorating the visit of the Magi. So let us begin the New Year reminded that Jesus is a gift offered to all, not just to insiders, and that He alone is worthy of our worship.

Philippians 3:12—14 “What to Do With 2023”

Happy New Year! Turning the page of the calendar sounds easy in theory, but it can be tricky in practice. The past can be sticky and getting stuck can make moving forward impossible.  Everything God has led us through is important, but we are not meant to stay there.  Letting go of the past is key to embracing what God has next for us.

Sermon: Advent Series: Wrapped up in Christmas “How to change the world” Luke 2:8-18

Tis the season, and while gifts are being wrapped and placed beneath the tree, it is easy for us to get so wrapped up in all the busy-ness, that we could miss out on God’s intended gifts for us. What has God wrapped up for us in Christmas and how can we unwrap those gifts this year? Today, we'll consider the gift of love that He brings to each of us.

Sermon: “Where’s the Joy?” Luke 1:46-49

Tis the season, and while gifts are being wrapped and placed beneath the tree, it is easy for us to get so wrapped up in all the busy-ness, that we could miss out on God’s intended gifts for us. What has God wrapped up for us in Christmas and how can we unwrap those gifts this year? Today, we’ll consider the gift of joy that He brings to each of us.

Sermon: “Practicing Peace” Romans 5:1

Tis the season, and while gifts are being wrapped and placed beneath the tree, it is easy for us to get so wrapped up in all the busy-ness, that we could miss out on God’s intended gifts for us. What has God wrapped up for us in Christmas and how can we unwrap those gifts this year? Today, we’ll consider the gift of peace that He brings to each of us.

Sermon: Recognizing Our Hope Psalm 37:1-6

In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, our text today reminds us to trust in the Lord and delight in His ways, recognizing that our ultimate hope is anchored in Christ. As we delve into the verses, may we discover the profound assurance that even in the face of adversity, our Savior is the source of unwavering hope and the steadfast anchor for our souls.”

Sermon: “A person of excellence– the story of Ruth” Part 5 “Giving Thanks” Ruth 4:9-22

Against all odds, the story of Ruth comes to its happy ending. Although early on Naomi felt strangled by desperation, we can now see that God was at work all along. Circumstances can overwhelm us at times as well, hope may seem unrealistic, yet the very God who moves through this Biblical story is at work in our lives as well. For that we can give thanks.

Sermon: “A person of excellence– the story of Ruth” Part 4 “Redeemed” Ruth 3:1-6

Through the kindness of Boaz, Ruth and Naomi have been spared for the moment, yet their situation remains precarious. Little by little, they are beginning to hope again, and learning to trust more completely. Now comes the moment when those who have been separated come to be restored. We catch a glimpse of God’s heart for the wounded and hopeless, in the actions of Boaz as he seeks to “redeem” them.

“A person of excellence– the story of Ruth” Part 3 “Finding Grace, Extending Grace”

Naomi and the young Moabite, Ruth arrive in Bethlehem, but their situation is still very precarious. With no means and little hope, how will they survive? As their story unfolds, we meet Boaz, and quickly see him use his position not for his own self-interest, but to extend grace to those around him. How do we handle the gifts God has given to us? How deep does the gratitude for God’s gracefulness to us run?