New Day Christian Church - Weston, WI

Finding Nourishment

Matthew 13:21 (NLT) But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. “Even the good plans of wise wizards like Gandalf and of good friends like Elrond go astray sometimes when you are off on dangerous adventures over the Edge of the Wild… --The Hobbit, Chapter III Key Question: How are you finding nourishment along your Spiritual Journey? Questions for Reflection and Discussion Read James 1:1-18. How would you explain this in your own words? Compare that passage to Matthew 13:18-23. What connections do you see? How do these passages apply to your life? What will you do about it? (Be specific.) Who else needs to hear about this? How will you tell them?

He appointed you to GO!

The Spiritual Journey of Bilbo Baggins, part II Matthew 8:21-22 (NLT) 21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.” “That leaves you just ten minutes. You will have to run,” said Gandalf. “But--,” said Bilbo. “No time for it,” said the wizard. “But--,” said Bilbo again. “No time for that either! Off you go!” --from The Hobbit, Chapter II Key Question: In what aspect of your life are you resisting the need to trust God? Questions for Reflection and Discussion Read Luke 14:25-35. How would you explain this in your own words? In the passage above, Jesus doesn't seem to have a good marketing plan. What was His goal? What can the church learn from His approach? What are some of the costs of following Jesus that you have discovered personally? What makes being a disciple worth the high price? What luggage might God be asking you to leave behind in order to move forward on your Spiritual Journey? As you discover that the journey doesn't move forward according to your terms, what do you need to be praying for?

He chose you

The Spiritual Journey of Bilbo Baggins John 15:16 (NLT) You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. Let’s have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you…There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. --from The Hobbit, Chapter I Key Question: How have you seen God inviting you to move from resisting Him to receiving Him? Questions for Reflection and Discussion Read Romans 9:10-24. How would you explain this in your own words? Read Romans 10:9-13. While Romans 9 suggests that God calls us, Romans 10 suggests that we call on God. How can we reconcile these ideas? There is a centuries-long debate about whether: (a) God wants everyone to be saved, but only a few people actually choose God, or (b) Everyone deserves destruction, but God mercifully chooses to save a few. Does this debate matter to you? Why or why not? The fact that you are reading this suggests that God is moving in your life—He is pursuing you. What do you see as the next step He is asking you to take?

How can I worship when I'm depressed?

Message recorded 11-11-2012.  Bonus interview with Nick LaFonte from the Center for Human Development - Wausau, WI. Q&A Part 6: How can I worship when I’m depressed? Psalms 86:15 (NLT) But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Questions for Reflection and Discussion What are you thankful for? What are you stressed about? Pray. Read 1 Kings 19:1-18. How would you explain this in your own words? What do these passages say about God? His character? What do these passages say about people? What will you do about this? “I will…” Who needs to hear this story? Is there anyone who needs help? What can we do? Make a plan.

(The Greatest Law is Love) What does Jesus think of people who are gay?

Q&A Part 5: What does Jesus think about people who are gay? 1 Corinthians 6:11b (NLT) …you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right by God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. BIG IDEA: The Greatest LAW is LOVE. NOTES: Questions for Reflection and Discussion: What are you thankful for? What are you stressed about? Pray. Read Romans 1:17-2:4. How would you explain this in your own words? Read Romans 3:21-24. How would you explain this? What do these passages say about God? His character? What do these passages say about people? What will you do about this? “I will…” Who needs to hear this story? Is there anyone who needs help? What can we do? Make a plan.

Renewal (Letting God do Your Laundry

(Message recorded on 10/14/2012)

Q&A Part 2:

Renewal (Letting God do Your Laundry)

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

BIG IDEA: God LOVES you right where you are, and He LOVES you too much to LEAVE you there.

Eight Simple Questions for Discussion

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What are you stressed about? Pray.

Read Acts 2:36-47

3. How would you put this account in your own words?

4. What does this say about God? His character?

5. What does this say about people?

6. What will you do about this? “I will…”

7. Who needs to hear this story?

8. Is there anyone who needs help? What can we do? Make a plan.

Why/how do churches do communion?

(Message recorded 10-07-2012) 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NLT) For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. BIG IDEA: Communion is an experience that weaves us into the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE of Christ. Greek Word: εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō) to recognize an undeserved gift and give thanks. • Sacrament or Ordinance. • Literal or Symbolic. • Formal or Informal. Check your readiness for communion: 1. Take a minute to reflect on the selfish and sinful attitudes that tend to guide your actions. 2. Are you sorry for rebelling against God by pursuing your selfish way instead of His righteous way? 3. Do you recognize that God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to take on the full penalty for your selfishness and sins—past, present and future? By faith, do you accept His gracious gift of forgiveness? 4. Do you trust that as Christ died for your sins, He also rose from the dead to give you a new, eternal life? 5. Do you call Jesus your Savior who saves you from the eternal penalty of sin, and also call Jesus the Lord of your life who leads you into righteousness? If you honestly answered “yes” to the questions above, participate in communion—to remember Christ’s past sacrifice, to celebrate His righteousness covering you today, and to look forward to His future kingdom. If you’re not sure, use this time to silently express your doubts to God, and open your heart to His lead.

The Gravity of $tuff (Stuff)

God doesn't need to have your money, but you need God to have your heart, and your heart gravitates to your money. (Message recorded on 09-30-2012) KEY TEXT: Matthew 6:21 (NLT) Wherever your TREASURE is, there the desires of your HEART will also be. Questions for Discussion and Reflection Do you give money to church? Why or why not? Do you give money to people in need? Why or why not? Luke records Jesus saying "sell your possessions and give your money to the poor" on three different occasions (Luke 19:21; 12:33; 18:22). Then Luke shows what that looks like in the context of the church (Acts 2:45; 4:32-34). Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of generosity in the church? How can we be better at meeting people's needs? What is getting in the way of you being more generous for God? How will you pray about that, starting now? (Suggestion: Write out a one-sentence prayer, and put it somewhere you will see it every day.)

Milestones

How are those New Year’s resolutions going? Haven't thought about them for a while? As we follow God's lead, it is helpful to plan milestones so we can see and celebrate how He is transforming us. (Message recorded 09-16-2012)

Everyday Wisdom Part V

Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. What are the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 wife?  Why is it still relevant today? (Message recorded 09-02-2012)