Voice of God

A new series begins at New Life Community Church on Sunday, August 24th entitled, "The Voice of God".  We will dig into the book of Exodus and the book of Acts looking at how God spoke to Israel and the early church.  Learning to hear the voice of God and apply his will and way to our lives is essential to walking with God today.  Share with your friends and invite them to New Life.

Building the Church

There's a lot of excitement at New Life.  This past week we had a terrific mid-week service.  If you missed it, you really missed it!  Renovations are coming along fast now.  Tomorrow morning another church form Southern Missouri is joining with us to continue renovations.

Sunday I plan to preach on 1 Corinthians 3 focusing on becoming a wise builder in God's kingdom.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:10, "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care."

It's amazing what can happen in our lives, our families, and our church when we begin to go, give, serve, and sacrifice for God's cause and kingdom in specific and intentional ways.

If you can't join us tomorrow morning for the all-church work day, I hope you will make it to the Sunday worship gathering as we experience God's presence and learn new ways to become a wise builder in God's kingdom.  

Blessed to be a blessing, Pastor Tom

The Valley of Praise

This week at New Life we continue the series, Victory in the Valley.  We have been learning some important truths about redemption, transformation, the power of faith, and the dangers of giving up or giving in when we are going through a valley.

The message Sunday will come from 2 Chronicles 20.  It records the story of King Jehoshaphat leading the people in prayer and learning about the power of praise.  Praise, like thanksgiving, gets our focus off our problems and refocuses us on God's greatness and goodness. Join us at New Life at 10:15 AM.

FAMILY FEST @ New Life

September 13 at 4:00 PM, New Life is hosting a special event called "Family Fest".  The event will focus on kids and families and making the community aware of New Life's new facility.  You are invited to join us.  Please take a moment and put it on your calendar and make plans now to join in the fun.

We are expecting 30 volunteers to help make the event a success.  If you are willing to volunteer, please contact Pastor Tom at tom@newlifecolumbia.org.

On the Edge of Victory

Sometimes in life, we are so close to victory that we can almost taste it!  Have you ever been there?  So many times in life (too many times), I have been on the edge of victory.  I remember playing in the semi-finals of the NCCAA Men's Basketball Championships in 1992.  The game came down to a last second shot after our leading scorer blew out his knee.  Unfortunately, our opponents won the game and went on to win the championship.  We had come up short even though we were on the edge of victory.

Sometimes we don't know why we come up short or if there is anything to learn from our experience.  But, life certainly teaches us that you won't win again if you give up after loosing.  We all have moments in our life which look like or feel like that.  Times when we are certain we can win, but we come up short of the goal or the expectation.

The Israelites were at a similar place in Numbers 13 -- the edge of victory.  God had called them, led them, and provided for them out of slavery and through the wilderness.  Now they were on the edge of victory ready to possess the promised land.  One thing stood in the way . . .  fear!

Fear of the unknown.  Fear of change.  Fear of the obstacles.  Only one thing could overcome the fear.  Faith in God's goodness and God's plan to come through on His promises.

Fear can be crippling and it can steal your faith, your joy, and your hope.  If you are struggling with fear in some area of your life.  I encourage you to increase your faith in God.  Faith pleases God and invites Him to help you.  Join us Sunday as we consider faith on the edge of victory.  Pastor Tom