Last Seven Sayings of Jesus

This Sunday we begin a focus on the Passion of Christ and specifically his last seven sayings from the cross.  I can't wait for Easter and the upcoming Water Baptism on March 31st.  I hope you will make time to join us for worship this Sunday at the ARC (10:15 AM).  Psalm 103:1-5 says, Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Jesus and Serving

This Sunday we are focusing on Jesus as he washed his disciples feet.  Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

We are going to do something a little different this Sunday.  As I preach, we have asked two couples to volunteer to wash their spouse's feet.  I'm praying this will have a memorable impact on everyone present.  Make plans to join us this Sunday as we think about serving in practical ways.  Sunday School at 9:30 AM.  the Sunday gathering begins at 10:15 AM.  See you at the ARC.  Pastor Tom

Seek and Serve with Lydia in Philippi

Christianity can be spiritual, mystical, and practical.  I enjoy the practical side of Christianity.  If we love God, we will give his work priority in our lives.  If we love others, they will know it by how we treat them and serve them.

This past week, I heard a well known Televangelist (I think that is what they are called) say that going to a local church is no longer necessary.  I was stunned.  The gist of his statement seemed to be "because of technological advances believers could just gather at home for prayer with family members and watch Christian TV".  This idea seemed so shallow and self-serving to me.  I still can't get his statement off of my mind.

The truth is -- we all need a local community of faith to help us believe, help us serve, help us reach out to others, and to fulfill the great commission together.  I'm thrilled that New Life Community Church is more than just my family gathering in our living room for times of prayer and Bible study.

So, here's my point, if you are a Christian, building up the kingdom of God in your community of faith should be a priority.  We are called to change the world with the message of Christ.  Church might begin in our homes, but it shouldn't end there.

This week we are going to learn about a business women named Lydia who offered her home for God's work when the church had no where to go.  The church quickly grew and grew.  In Acts 16 three lives are changed and the church is born.  Paul's letter to the Philippians demonstrates the later health of the church.

Join us Sunday at the ARC (10:15 AM) as we consider Lydia's service to the church and the power of the gospel to change lives.  See you there.  Pastor Tom

What a great start!

It's Ok to brag on someone else, right?!  I'm proud of New Life.  This past Sunday we had a great launch to our Rise and Build Campaign and $31,400.00 was pledged to the campaign.  The figure is sure to grow, but this was a great start.  Can't wait until New Life has a permanent facility and I believe the church will grow spiritually and numerically as we push forward by faith.

Another blessing, we are experiencing right now at New Life is our Life Groups.  Here are a few reasons to jump in and find a group.

1) Life groups move us out of self-centered isolation -- Relationships are fun.  Go ahead and get connected and learn how to love one another in God's family.

2) Life groups help us develop spiritual muscle - I'm always amazed by how many of us have never read the Bible through from cover to cover.  Reading the Bible and spending tim in prayer can change your life.  Life groups can help you do that!

3) Life groups confirm our identity as genuine believers - if we identify with christ, we will identify with a specific group of believers.

4) Life groups are one of the best ways to share in the mission of the church  to "go into all the world and share the good news".

5) Life groups keep us accountable for spiritual growth.  We have a tendency to stagnate or backslide.  Life groups can help.

I hope that these reasons encourage someone to take the time and get connected in a life group at New Life.  the five reasons come from Pastor Rick Warren at www.pastors.com.

See you Sunday at the ARC - 9:30 AM Sunday School -- 10:15 AM Worship gathering.