New Beginnings Lutheran Church

We have won the lottery! We were born in the USA! We live in the 21st century! We have freedoms and opportunities galore! We need to be careful, though, because we very easily confuse these means with the end. Why are we so blessed?

God desires multiplication. From the outset God told his creation to “be fruitful and multiply.” Jesus applied this biological imperative to a spiritual commission: “Go make disciples of all nations.” Thinking biologically, what would happen if everyone stopped having babies?

We are not only unchained from legalism, but also from sin. Unfortunately, we are as susceptible to temptations are we are to the law. Like correcting a drunk on a donkey from leaning left, they just end up leaning right. So how do we avoid these extremes?

A common protest again “grace alone” teaching says, “If we’re saved by grace alone—if God forgives unconditionally—then people would live however they wanted.” This idea sure seems it might produce quantity believers, but not quality believers. So what prevents grace-abuse?

The truth expressed in love could be accused of “legalism.” How do we maintain Jesus-only mindsets, grace-based living, and still hold each other accountable? How do we love each other without chains?

Jesus plus anything equals nothing. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. The temptation to add something to what Jesus finished sneaks up on all of us. How do we avoid being chained by legalism?

Watch out for comparisons. Comparisons produce pride or despair. Only one opinion matters and when we know it, we are set free. Want to be unchained from comparisons?

We so easily allow ourselves to be plagued by guilt. As Pastor Joe inappropriately loves to say, “Don’t ‘should’ on yourself!” Jesus came to set us free. How do we stay unchained from all the feelings and thoughts that weigh us down?

What’s harder? To be a Christian, or not? When you follow Jesus, do you have an abundant life or a cross-carrying life? You’d probably answer, “Yes!” So, what does that look like?

What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to know God? How does it look? Maybe you’ve heard of the contrast between religion and relationship, but what does that really mean?

How much faith is enough faith? We often hear things like, “Believe in yourself and you can do anything,” or, “Trust in your own abilities,” but is that what Jesus said? The answer might surprise you.

Quality time is rarely achieved without quantity time. We cannot plan to be in the right mood, let alone all the details that need to come together for that fantastic, memory-making experience. If you want to improve the quality of your relationships, you plan quantity time together.

Sometimes we treat strangers better than loved ones. Remember the way things were before? How can we get back to those good times when we would get along and actually look forward to seeing each other. Relationslips is a sermon series about gaining traction in your relationships.

Don’t you hate it when someone questions your motives? It hurts when others assume the worst about your intentions! Have you ever questioned why you’re in such a big fight over such a small matter? Ever feel taken for granted? Relationslips is a sermon series about gaining traction in your relationships.

Sometimes we all get caught thinking of what we want to say rather than actually listening. Have you felt like the person you addressed heard you, but didn’t listen? Have you ever questioned why you’re in such a big fight over such a small matter? Relationslips is a sermon series about gaining traction in your relationships.

Are you ever frustrated that you must keep telling someone the same thing over and over again? Have you felt like the person you addressed heard you, but didn’t listen? Have you ever questioned why you’re in such a big fight over such a small matter? Relationslips is a sermon series about gaining traction in your relationships.

So many Christians are looking forward to heaven. They hold to a concept of life after death. They imagine a happily ever after. But they are wrong! If you only have part of an answer, it is incomplete and, therefore, incorrect! God has so much more in store than what we look forward to. The resurrection promises more!

If you could avoid making mistakes, would you? Less regrets makes life better. This episode in our series will show us how to avoid a trap set for us all. We can all avoid this fatal flaw!

What sets you apart from everyone else? You were born for a reason. How does your purpose in life make you different? Could you miss what God has in mind for you by listening to others around you?

You’ve made your choice—or it’s been made for you by necessity! So how will you achieve your goal? What do you think it will take? You might be surprised by the ‘missing ingredient’ that you already have for you to win!

Have you ever been faced with a challenging decision? Have you ever looked for a sign from God to know what to do? Want to know how to make the right choice most of the time?

Who has God put in your life to help you succeed? Most would agree that behind any successful man is a strong woman. Man or woman, we all would do well to have someone like Deborah in our corner.

Do you agree or disagree with the proverb: “They who spare the rod hate the child, but those who love their children are diligent to discipline them”? Sometimes love must be tough, but how do you know when that is?

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.” “If it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger.” These machismo quips from the U.S. Marine Corps miss the point of suffering. God redeems our hurts to bring help.

When you’re in love, the world looks different. When a cause is great, people make great sacrifices. What is it that compels you? And, to better understand your passion, we must also ask, what discourages you?