New Day Christian Church - Weston, WI

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?

Can I lose my salvation?

Q&A Part 8: Can I lose my salvation? (Recorded 11-25-2012) John 3:36 (NLT) And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment." Questions for Reflection and Discussion Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. How would you explain this in your own words? What are you thankful for? What are you stressed about? Pray. Read Hebrews 6:4-6. How does this fit (or not) with 1 Cor. 3:10-17? 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?

The second greatest law is Love

Q&A Part 7: (recorded on 11-18-2012) The Second Greatest Law (Matthew 22:34-40) 1 Corinthians 5:12 (NLT) It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. Colossians 3:12,14a (NLT) 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love… What qualifies someone as an advocate/judge in the church? Spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:19-23; John 15:4) Personal integrity (Matthew 7:1-5) Relational currency (Mark 2:15-16) An advocate walks with a person towards holiness (James 5:16-20): Questions for Reflection and Discussion Read James 5:13-20. How would you explain this in your own words? What are you thankful for? What are you stressed about? Pray. Read 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. How does this fit (or not) with James 5:19-20? 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?

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.

True Spiritual Enlightenment

In part four of our Q & A series, we learn more about how Buddhism and Sikhism compare to Christianity.  Is there really a clear path to enlightenment? (Message recorded 10/28/2012) Q&A Part 4: True Spiritual Enlightenment Matthew 16:15 (NLT) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Enlightenment: Eliminating attachments, or attaching to the Light of the World? Questions for Reflection and Discussion: What are you thankful for? What are you stressed about? Pray. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 How would you explain the reading in your own words? There is general scholarly consensus (agreed upon by Christian and secular historians alike) that 1 Corinthians was in fact written by Paul around 55 A.D., about 20 years after the crucifixion of Jesus. Why is the timing of a document important to note? Why is it important to be aware of the historical reliability of the New Testament in general? What does this passage say about what Christians should agree upon? Who do you say Jesus is? Who needs to hear this story? Is there anyone who needs help? What can we do? Make a plan.

What is the difference between Christianity and Mormonism?

Q&A Part 3. Recorded 10-21-2012 What is the Difference Between Christianity and Mormonism? Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Salvation: Faith in Christ, or faith plus works? Questions for Reflection and Discussion: What are you stressed about? Pray. Read Acts 20:20-21 (NLT) [The Apostle Paul speaking] 20I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. How would you explain “repenting from sin and turning to God, and…having faith in our Lord Jesus” in your own words? Read Acts 20:24 (NLT) But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. What is your understanding of “the Good News about the wonderful grace of God”? How have you experienced God’s wonderful grace in your life? How will you apply the biblical text above in the future? “I will…” 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.