Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Truth Project at New Life
The Truth Project is coming to New Life beginning June 6th. We are kicking of an awesome small group study called The Truth Project. The material is put out by Focus On the Family. If you're interested give us a call at the office -- 443-LIFE to get signed up.
the Gospel is . . . Freedom
Isn't it amazing that Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Paul followed up with words to the Galatians on freedom. He wrote, "It is for freedom that Christ set us free." (5:1) What did they mean? What kind of freedom were they talking about?
Freedom is at the heart of the Christian message and the gospel. Jesus spoke of spiritual or moral freedom when he spoke to his disciples about freedom. Jesus believed that people are enslaved by what they believe about God, themselves, and the world around them. He came to set us free from our slavery.
Paul wrote to the Galatians to remind them that true freedom comes, not as we observe external rules and regulations, but as we walk in the presence and power of Jesus. Paul believed that there is actual power in the teaching of Christ and the grace he offers to us. I believe it too.
If you want to be free -- free from sinful and destructive behaviors, free from self-loathing, guilt, and shame, free from negative emotions which trap us in the past -- then "stand firm" in the grace of God in Christ Jesus. True freedom is building a relationship with God which produces peace, power, and potential.
I hope you are enjoying real freedom today. See you Sunday as we continue our focus on the gospel. Pastor Tom
I Love America Festival Coming Soon
Check out the 93.9 the Eagle radio ad for I Love America Festival 2010. This year is going to be better than ever, so make plans now to attend. Go to www.iloveamericafestival.org for more information.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Stress management and Christianity
Just some thoughts about stress management and being a Christian. Isaiah wrote, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31) So why are we so stressed out theses days? If your stressed, here's two things you can do about it.#1: Honor the Sabbath. Jesus made it clear that the Sabbath was established for our benefit. We need to rest and to worship. I know far too many Christians that have no idea of how the Sabbath really applies to their modern Christian lives. Think of it this way the Sabbath rest is your defense against stress. That's why making it to Sunday gathering or whenever you worship shouldn't be optional. Sunday worship is an opportunity to honor God, rest, and worship God. Don't miss out on the rest God wants to provide you on a weekly basis.
#2: Feed on the Word of God. The Bible is a very special book, the word of God. The Bible can encourage you when you are discouraged, provide hope, when you are hopeless, and direct you when you feel lost. So why do so many people turn to therapists (I'm not against good therapists or counselors) or hypnotists (not really in favor of hypnosis) to find relief from their stress? Why not turn to God's word in the Bible.
The Bible encourages us to meditate on the word of God. The word for 'meditate' is like a cow chewing it's cud. We are encouraged to read the word and then think about it over and over again -- that's feeding on the word of God.
#3: Give you situation to the Lord. Jesus encouraged us to turn to Him with our troubles. He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Sometimes we just have to accept that we cannot control our lives or the situations in my life. We need to give it over to the Lord.
I hope that helps if you are feeling stressed today or this week. Tom Ragsdell
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bill Federer at New Life
Call 443-LIFE or go to www.newlifecolumbia.org with questions.
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