New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

Sermon: This Is Amazing Grace (#2) Luke 15:25-36

Today we’re looking at the 2nd half of the familiar (yet brilliant) story of the Prodigal Son (found in Luke 15). The story of the younger son is much beloved, the story of the elder son is often overlooked. Yet it is here that Jesus brings the point of the parable home. Today we’ll look at the problem of pride, a formidable barrier to experiencing the “amazing grace” of God.

Sermon: This Is Amazing Grace Luke 15:11-24

Today we’ll begin a two part look at the familiar (yet brilliant) story of the Prodigal Son (found in Luke 15). The story reveals so much both about our human condition in relation to God as well as God’s character that may surprise or even offend our sensibilities. Today we’ll begin to answer the question, “What’s so amazing about grace?”

Sermon: This is the Day! Psalm 118

There is something special about worship in the park and we are so glad you are here to experience it! If nothing else, moving outdoors breaks our routine and the differentness can bring the goodness of God into a fresh focus for us. That is the purpose of Psalm 118 as well, to be a daily reminder of His goodness, and our place in His purposes. So that not just today, but everyday we can express "This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it!"

Sermon: “And Finally, Look Around” James 5:19-20

James concludes his letter with a very practical call to action: “look around and restore those who have wandered.” At times, we all experience degrees of spiritual drift, and some to the point of walking away. We are called to be a place of restoration.

Sermon: Never Forget! Psalm 25

The world changed on the morning of September 11, 2001. In the wake of what is still the deadliest terrorist attack in history, the nation pulled together and pledged to “Never Forget”. But what are we to remember? As a nation, our sense of security was shaken and that normalcy has not fully returned. Where do we turn when we are insecure? The Bible clearly addresses this new reality we live in.

Sermon: A Faith that Works (#12) Effective Prayer James 5:13-18

Prayer is not rocket science, but for some reason most of us struggle, feeling we don’t pray well. That would be OK if prayer wasn’t a vital piece of our spiritual lives, but it is. Wrapping up his letter on how to develop a faith that works, James concludes not with a guilt-trip, but with the invitation to experience more of what God has for us through prayer.

Sermon: Raising Up and Letting Go Mark 10:16

“And Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

•  Love Them
• Prepare Them
• Pray for Them

Sermon: A Faith That Works (#11) How to Hold On James 5:7-11

No one likes the “waiting game”, yet much of our life is spent waiting. Waiting on hold, waiting in line, waiting for God to answer... Yet here in the final chapter of James we are invited to take hold of the key to surviving and thriving in our faith: Patience.

Sermon: A Faith That Works (#10) What About Tomorrow? James 4:13-17

It’s beyond obvious that the choices we make today will affect our tomorrow. But it’s also true that what we think about tomorrow will affect how we live today. It is easy to miss out on the present because we are consumed with getting ready for the future. James gives us advice on how to live well, fully aware that time is not something we can control.

Sermon: A Faith That Works (#9) Can’t we all just get along? James 4:1-12

All humans yearn for relationships, yet in our relationships conflict seems to be inevitable. Today looking at chapter 4 (of the book of James) we’ll explore why conflict is so prevalent, where it comes from and how can we better navigate the key relationships in our lives.