New Day Christian Church - Weston, WI

(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.

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.)

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)

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)

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?

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?

Throughout the month of August, we are taking a walk through the book Proverbs by reading a chapter a day. (Message recorded August 19, 2012. Special guest Pastor Charlie Salamone.)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What is the difference between positional and performance based righteousness?
2. Do you find your identity in your performance or your position?

Throughout the month of August, we are taking a walk through the book Proverbs by reading a chapter a day. (Message recorded August 5, 2012)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What fears do you have?  What fears have you faced and conquered?
2. Read Acts 9:31 (NLT) The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.
   1. How does the fear of the Lord make people stronger?
   2. How could fear of the Lord make this church stronger?
3. How would your life be different if you had a more accurate understanding of God’s attributes—His deep love, His profound holiness, His perfect justice, and so on?

What does serving at church have to do with the hope of the world? (Message recorded 7-29-2012)

As your willingness intersects God’s will, and you endure conflicts from all sides, you are transformed. There is no going back to the innocence and ignorance of the past. Are you willing to undergo such a metamorphosis? You must count the cost…and the rewards. (Message recorded July 15, 2012) Intro video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOGsB9dORBg&feature=related