New Day Christian Church - Weston, WI

Burnt Offerings and Backyard Barbeques

‘Tis the season of Dads and Grads.  That means grilling and graduation parties.  This week we learn the connection between ancient, near-eastern Jewish worship ceremonies and the traditional American barbeque.  Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOKuSQIJlog to watch the Father's Day Video.  (Message recorded 6-19-2011) Points for Discussion The Big Idea: You should know the Lord. 1.    What are some superstitious ideas you find yourself following? 2.    Read Hebrews 9:12-14.  Since Jesus paid the penalty for our sins “once for all time,” what is our motivation to live a holy life? 3.    In Hebrews 8:8-12, the author quotes Jeremiah’s description of the New Covenant from about 500 years earlier (Jer. 31:31-34).  While we wait for the completion of that covenant, how can we tell our neighbors and family, “You should know the Lord”? 4.    Knowing the Lord through receiving Christ’s sacrifice and mediation means we have an eternal home in Heaven.  How does knowing the Lord affect our lives on Earth?

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

We have all heard of missionaries.  They are people who go to other parts of the world with the mission of making more and better disciples.  The goal is to see God’s Kingdom come and God’s will being done in other parts of the world, so in addition to the eternal spiritual impact, some great practical things come out of missions—schools, hospitals, wells, etc.  This week we’ll turn this idea around.  What if a missionary from another part of the world was planning to come here to your neighborhood?  What could they do that would get your neighbors’ attention (in a good way)?  What could they do that would make an impact right here?  What if those imaginary missionaries are you and me?  Listen in to this message and consider the possibilities.  (Message recorded -6-12-2011) Key Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Big Idea: To be neighborhood missionaries, God changes our posture from Selfish to Servant. Points for Discussion 1.    Why are people uncomfortable talking about Jesus? 2.    If a neighbor asked you, how would you answer the question, “What do you believe about God?” 3.    Earth isn’t Heaven (we know that).  What would be different about your neighborhood if it started to look more like Heaven, where God’s will is done? 4.    What would look different in your own household if God’s will was done at home as it is in Heaven? 5.    What must the American church do to better connect with people who are indifferent to Jesus?

Many Members, One Body (Membership)

Early followers of Jesus understood that they were part of something special—something important.  There was more going on than a Sunday event.  These early followers saw themselves as individual parts of a larger body.  In fact, Jesus had ascended to Heaven, but His ministry continued through His followers.  They were the Body of Christ on Earth.  Today that plan continues.  During this message, you'll hear what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ, and what membership looks like at New Day.  (Message recorded June 5, 2011)

God of Wonders - Sub-Atomic

The God who created the vastness of space also created the subatomic fabric of the universe.  The theories and observations about the subatomic world are mind-blowing!  We’ll take a look at some of those observations and recapture a sense of wonder for creation and the Creator.  (Message recorded 5-29-2011.  No recorded message from 5-22-2011.  The DVD Indescribable can be checked out from the church library for your viewing.)

The Earth

Across billions of galaxies, each with billions of stars, we know of one relatively tiny ball of rock that is able to sustain life. Earth is unique and amazing. It is a wonderful planet that gives evidence of a wonderful God, yet we often take it for granted. Next week we’ll recapture the wonder of the rock we live on every day, and the God who designed it.

Wonderfully Made- God of Wonders 1

We begin a four week series that will celebrate God the Creator by taking a closer look at His creation. The universe is larger than we can imagine. Sub-atomic is smaller than we can conceive.  Our bodies are more amazing than we appreciate. The Earth is more balanced than we realize. All of it points to an amazing Creator.  (Message recorded May 8, 2011) Eeview Key Scripture Psalms 139:13-15 (NLT) 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous— how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. Discussion 1. What do you find marvelous about the inner workings of your own body? 2. This psalm was written about 3,000 years ago. How could today’s advanced science and technology lead us to be less amazed about our bodies? How could today’s science and technology lead us to be more amazed? 3. The psalmist was expressing wonder about how intimately and constantly God was involved in his life. How does our own understanding of God’s presence (whether He feels distant or near) affect our daily lives? 4. The psalmist believes that humans are a product of God’s design. A popular belief today is that our lives are part of an unlikely, ongoing cosmic coincidence. What effects do these differing worldviews have on people? 5. What wonder will you thank God for today?

Just as He said...

Special guest Pastor Brad Main from Journey Church in Merrill, WI gives a message about Christ's promises.  For more information on Journey Church visit www.journeychurchwi.org.  (Message recorded 05-01-2011)

Growing through grief and loss - Palm Sunday

Jesus prayed three times for the plan of the cross to be re-drafted.  Was that suffering necessary?  Yes.  And we will also experience suffering.  When Jesus realized that suffering was the only path to fulfilling his Father’s will, he resolved to move forward.  We must have that same resolve.  Message recorded April 17, 2011 (Palm Sunday).  Rod Zimmerman speaker.

Creating a Rule of Life (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - 9)

Who has God created you to be? What would your life look like if you lived according to His plan? Often our default way of living is to act in reaction to our circumstances, rather than living with a plan (particularly God’s plan). This week's message illustrates how to see in Scripture how living with a plan (a “Rule of Life”) can transform our lives, our households, and our community into a clearer reflection of God’s love.  (Message recorded April 10, 2011)

Growing into an emotionally mature adult (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality- 8)

Our bodies grow up whether we like it or not.  It’s automatic.  Unfortunately, other aspects of our development are not automatic—like our spiritual and emotional maturity.  You know people who are grown up, but they still interact in the world as a selfish child, or a rebellious adolescent.  Until we recognize our own tendencies to be stuck in immaturity, our spiritual growth in Christ will be stunted.  (Message recorded April 3, 2011)