New Beginnings Lutheran Church

It all began with a seed of doubt. We cannot afford to forget our family history for we are all sons of Adam and daughters of Eve. And we are just like our parents: we struggle with faith and doubt. But what if the ‘and’ is the most important word in that last statement? Genesis 3:1-23 shows the root of our struggle.

Are you ready for joy-graduate-classes? The Joy Story continues this week, but now we’re getting into a joy like no other--a pure joy that comes in the form of trials and difficulties of life. You want to know joy that demonstrates true grit--a joy that perseveres?

Feelings are an inside job. For example, if someone steals your parking spot, you become livid, but if a cow meanders into your spot and lies down, you’re bemused. Likewise, when shepherds encounter an angelic host, the story begins with fear, but turns to joy. It all depended upon the meaning of the encounter.

God gives us joy in Jesus, but also in one another. If you want joy, give joy. The people you give yourself to will become your joy. This is a theme of the Bible, actually. Our personal joy in symbiotically connected to the body of Christ and finds its culmination with the coming of Jesus.

Nothing says Christmas-time like singing our favorite carols in candlelight. This is how we’ll celebrate that God has fulfilled His promise to shine forth light in the darkness. Invite family and friends for a rich evening of praise and to grow in the joy that Christ can give—even during difficult seasons.

Merry Judgment Day! You’ve probably never considered Judgment Day topic for the holidays, but Advent is all about the coming of Jesus—both that first Christmas and at the end of all things. And we are told that when Christ comes, He will judge the world—which happens to be the basis for the song, Joy to the World—no kidding!

Imagine the reaction at a baby shower when you provide the new parents with embalming fluid. The plot-twist in the Christmas story is that Jesus was born to die. Jesus’ joy made possible His pursuit of the cross. You might think this is a bit morbid, but Jesus joyfully gave us the greatest gift for the holidays.

Most people cannot resist the joy a baby brings. Prepare the way for joy, ‘cause that is what the baby we’re reading about was born to tell. We’ll smile no less when we learn about the geriatrics who are told they’re expecting!

This is a terrible question: If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Here is a better question: If someone asked you to give the reason you are a Christian, would you be ready to give your answer? You will be if you come to this week’s message,

We’re easily underwhelmed in our sensationalized and cynical age. We’ve seen too much to believe too much—though we crave the next great spectacle. Jesus promises even greater things than what we read in the biblical accounts. In other words, God isn’t finished with us yet!

“Do you trust me?” It may seem obvious, but if you pose the question, then trust is in question. Whether to trust or not depends less on the subject and more on the object of trust. So, Abraham shows what we all need to know. Can God be trusted?

This is a terrible question: If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Here is a better question: If someone asked you to give the reason you are a Christian, would you be ready to give your answer? You will be if you come to this week’s message.

Everyone is part of the human race, but not everyone is part of your family. We were made for genuine relationships. We were not made to be spiritual orphans either. God puts us together on purpose and uses us in each other’s lives to accomplish His purposes through us. Come discover a fuller expression of faith family.

Ever been with someone who is always talking about themselves? The conversation always seems to come back to them! It’s as if they want you in order to have a person to talk at, rather than to have a conversation. God’s not like that. Come discover what it means to interact with God.

Has God ever spoken to you? Do you want God to speak to you? Or speak to you more? God is not far off. God is present and you can experience His real presence in increasing measure. Come discover how God speaks to you?

Have you ever considered what it means that God has made Himself known to you? God has given you His name: Jesus Christ. When you know Christ it changes everything! That may look much more ordinary than you think—or not. Come discover what a Christ-centered life looks like for you.

Ever miss someone? Only a real person can be missed. Want to make sure you'll never lose those you love? You can only fear losing someone you know. That ache is God-given and we learn how to respond to it.

We're all searching in life, but will we find what matters most? And if we find what matters most, will we want it enough to pay the cost? You’re not going to expect how this story unfolds!

Jesus said, "ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find." The opposite is true too: when you get you know you can ask and when you find you tend to seek!

We all like to receive assurances of love. You can hear it all your life, but it is so good to hear it again: “I love you.” And we enjoy other expressions of love—special reminders. God wanted His people to have a reassurance of His love—an objective reference point. Abraham got one. What’s yours?

Is sinning our only option? After all, I said it was the last time, last time. Seriously, how many times can I do the wrong thing and still be forgiven? Is there a limit to God’s forgiveness?

What happens when we die? Many books and movies describe NDE: Near Death Experiences. Light at the end of a tunnel. Outer body experiences staring down as doctors seek to save your life. Warm welcomes from loved ones in heaven. What are we to make of it all?

What do you feel when I tell you, “You need commitment”? Do you feel I’m demanding more commitment FROM YOU or recommending someone be more committed TO YOU. If you struggle with being overcommitted or could use more commitment, then this message is for you.

Have you ever been “in love”? How about “in despair”? Do these expressions give us any idea of what the Bible means when it says that we are “in Christ”? When you are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” you are forgiven and much more!