New Day Christian Church - Weston, WI

(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.

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)

Everyday Wisdom Part IV

It has been said that every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God. As we read through Proverbs and see warnings about the many paths that lead to trouble, let's also recognize that we set out on those paths because our hearts are thirsty for something real. There is a God who offers to satisfy our wandering hearts. (Message recorded 08-26-2012)

Questions for Reflection & Discussion

1. What temptation keeps tripping you up?

2. What real, God-created need do you think you are trying to fulfill by giving in to that temptation?

3. What lie(s) do you have to keep believing in order to stay trapped?

4. What truth about God will you hold onto in order to find freedom?

5. Read Romans 8:1-2 (NLT): So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the           life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

a. How will this truth help you stand up against the shame associated with sinful patterns?

Everyday Wisdom Part III

Throughout the month of August, we are taking a walk through the book Proverbs by reading a chapter a day.  This week's message specifically highlights what you should be using for "rain" to make your life produce healthy "fruit".  (Message recorded 08-19-2012)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. If someone did an audit of your thought life, what would they say are your priorities?

2. What challenges in your life could you attribute to spiritual warfare? How are you joining God in that battle?

3. What is your plan for maintaining a close, personal connection to Christ and to other Christians?