Let there be light

In ancient days, God spoke the words, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). He's still speaking light and life into people's lives today through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Unfortunately we have plenty of darkness in our world today. Just check the newspaper or the nightly news. And what about the moral darkness prevalent in our lives personally? Who hasn't been impacted by child abuse, abortion, divorce, pornography, drug addiction, terrorism, poverty, or sex trafficking? The list could go on!! So what can we do to walk out of the darkness and into the light?

The first step is acknowledging God as the light. There's no question in my mind that God is light -- He is holy, good, true, and life. Why do so few turn to Him to find light? Darkness has a way of dulling our sense and blinding our vision. It's only when you see the true darkness of your life that you will turn to God's light for salvation.

The second step is walking in the light by following Jesus. It takes spiritual guts to walk away from darkness, especially in today's culture--it's called faith. Sadly, moral darkness and evil are celebrated in today's world. But darkness only complicates your life with destruction and death. Moral darkness never built a dream of any kind, except maybe Satan's dream to destroy your life.

God is light! Acknowledge Him. Your path will get brighter, I promise! join us Sunday as we focus on the God is . . . Series. Pastor Tom

Branching Out is only natural

Branching out is only natural. Did you know that living organisms grow and reproduce? New Life is a living organism full of people branching out in their spiritual journey and reaching out to help others Begin, Belong, and Become.

This past week at New Life, we had our largest crowd ever. It was loads of fun. Glad I'm a new lifer. I'm really looking forward to the month of March and our branching out series. God has a great big vision for you and your church. Imagine all the broken people in our neighborhoods just waiting for a friend to help them begin a journey of faith. God wants to use you to help them along the journey. Can't wait, the best is yet to come!!!

http://newlifecolumbia.org//Welcome_files/widget1_markup.html

http://newlifecolumbia.org//Welcome_files/widget1_markup.html

Posted using ShareThis

Peanut Butter

At New Life we are joining with the Central Missouri Food Bank's efforts to receive jars of peanut butter. Our New Life goal is 200 jars. We are also planning a work day at the food bank on February 27th. God's love in action. Join the fun!

Friends

There's friends and then there's friends. I've been missing summer a bit, so I was looking at some photos from this past summer. I ran across the "snake in my car" picture from one of my family swimming excursions. Steve Hudson, my personal snake handler proved to be a real friend on that day. He spent a good hour retrieve a large black snake form my suburban.

The moral of the story is . . . . "there's friends and then there's friends" and snakes end up in the strangest of places.

God is . . . Love

What is your definition of love? This past Sunday we took a look at the Bible's definition of love. We focused on John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13, and 1 John 4:7-11. We pushed past the "love is a feeling or a reaction to chemicals and hormones". Our culture celebrates romantic love and that's not a bad thing, but real love requires a different quality of love-a love we can only find in the heart of God.

Jesus taught us about love with the words, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) Love generates self-sacrifice. If you love someone with God's-kind-of-love, you willingly deny your wants and needs to help them reach their potential in life. That's what keeps a family together and can help you build relationships that last a lifetime.

If you really want to love someone, commit yourself to their welfare and take action to help them reach their potential. I'm looking forward to a week of love. Tom Ragsdell

GOD - All About GOD - a community of seekers, skeptics and believers

GOD - All About GOD - a community of seekers, skeptics and believers

Posted using ShareThis

Branching Out at NLCC

Can't wait for our vision series in March 2010. We're calling it "Branching Out." We're coming up with a new logo and a new look for New Life. The entire month of March we will be focusing on the vision and core values of NLCC. Don't miss it!!!

Happy birthday Ben

Can't wait for February 18th. Benjamin is a boy who loves birthdays--this year he will be seven. He loves receiving gifts and hearing words of encouragement. Everyone does, right?! A couple of years ago I was reminded of the power of encouragement, when Ben's eye's light up on his birthday. I don't even remember what I said. It was just a word of encouragement. Take time to encourage someone today.

Is God there?

Humanism or atheism is a wonderful philosophy of life as long as you are big, strong, and between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. But watch out if you are in a lifeboat and there are others who are younger, bigger, or smarter.William Murray