Love the new set-up!

This week we will focus on what it means to "LOVE LIKE JESUS"!  If you have not joined us in a few weeks, please make plans to attend this Sunday for great fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth. Pastor Tom will lead us through the story of the Good Samaritan.  New Life is truly a blessed church and you are one of the reasons it is such a fun place to be on Sunday mornings.  Join us with the whole family!

See you Sunday at the ARC (10:15 AM).

Think Like Jesus

Last week we focused on the Lord's Prayer (in Luke 11) as we were reminded of the importance prayer in our journey of becoming like Jesus.  This week we are focusing on what it means to "think like Jesus".  I have a confession.  So far this series is challenging me to see how much I am not like Jesus.  But, I am also encouraged to keep becoming more like Him! 

Yesterday, I read through the gospel of Luke and encountered all the hard sayings of Jesus, especially in Luke 6 (it's worth reading). In Luke 6, we are encouraged to love our enemies, avoid a "judgmental" attitude, and build our lives on the foundation of obedience -- all three are very hard to do.  In fact, outside of Christ and without God's help, I would say each of these behaviors are impossible to live out.    But the Apostle Paul encourages us with the words, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

So what does it mean to "think like Jesus"?  The gospel promises to renew us, if we turn to Jesus and follow Him.  A primary aspect of spiritual renewal is mental renewal.  Paul wrote to the Romans , "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  (Romans 12:2)  As we are transformed by the gospel and the presence of Jesus in our lives, we will experience a renewal in our mind and increasingly think like Jesus.  To live like Jesus is to think like Jesus.

Join us Sunday at the ARC (10:15 AM) as we explore this important topic.   Bring a friend!

Praying like Jesus

Abraham, friend of God, was a man of prayer.  Moses, as well, talked with God, as one speaks with a friend.  Elijah, the praying prophet, called fire down from heaven.  Daniel prayed and was thrown into the lion's den.  Daniel prayed again and was restored to great position.  Learning to pray; to talk with God and listen to his voice is the great adventure of your spiritual journey.

Learning to pray is more important than secular success or earthly happiness and it is the key to unlocking and living in God's will for your life.  The first step to learning how to pray is admitting that we don't pray or don't know how to pray as we should.  The second step is similar -- learning to listen.  Listening requires quietness of spirit and humility of heart.  Prayer produces a fruitful relationship with God and A+ living (John 10:10; John 15:1-5).

Join us Sunday as we focus on our need to learn how to pray like Jesus!  See you Sunday at the ARC! Pastor Tom