New Life Philly

What does true religion actually look like? In this episode, Greg Snow walks through James 1:18–27, challenging common assumptions and showing that biblical religion is not about empty rituals but a transformed life flowing from the gospel. Discover how Jesus is the model, the mediator, and the means of our religion—perfectly living the life we couldn't, making us right with God, and empoweri...

Our words have the power to build up or tear down. In this message from Ephesians 4:29–32, Pastor Larry Smith explores how followers of Christ are called to use their speech to encourage, edify, and extend grace to others. Learn how guarding our tongues reflects a transformed heart and helps us walk in kindness, forgiveness, and unity as God's people. We'd love to connect with you https:...

What can separate us from the love of Christ? In Romans 8:31–39, Pastor Larry Smith unpacks one of Scripture’s most powerful assurances: if God is for us, who can be against us? Through every trial, hardship, and uncertainty, believers can rest in the unshakable truth that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Discover the confidence, hope, and security that belong to those...

Psalm 146 reminds us not to put our trust in princes, leaders, or human strength, but in the Lord whose faithfulness endures forever. In this message, Elder Bob Haymes explores why God alone is worthy of our trust and worship, and how true hope is found in the One who reigns forever. We'd love to connect with you https://newlifephilly.churchcenter.com/people/forms/224507 Would you like Prayer...

In Keep Your Eyes on Jesus from Galatians 4:1–20, Pastor Larry Smith reminds us that the Christian life is rooted in our identity as God's beloved children, not in religious performance or human effort. As Paul urges the Galatians not to return to spiritual slavery, we are challenged to fix our eyes on Christ, embrace the freedom He has purchased for us, and allow Him to be formed in our live...

This Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Larry Smith explores The Absolute Necessity of the Holy Spirit through John 16:7–15. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit not as an accessory to faith, but as the very presence believers need to walk in truth, power, and intimacy with God. The Church was born through the Spirit — and we still desperately need Him today. We'd love to connect with you https://newlifephil...

The world promises peace but often leaves us exhausted. Jesus never promised a burden-free life—but He did promise rest for weary souls. Join Pastoral Candidate Nes Espinosa as we dive into Matthew 11:25–30 and explore Christ’s invitation to trade heavy burdens for His yoke, discovering peace, purpose, and the kind of rest only He can give. We'd love to connect with you https://newlifephilly....

In this second week, Larry Smith continues the journey through Galatians 3:26–29, pressing deeper into the reality of the New Kingdom. In Christ, the old categories that once divided—ethnic, social, economic, and gender distinctions—no longer define value, access, or calling. The Gospel creates a new identity rooted in faith, not status. This message explores how the Kingdom of God reorders our un...

Larry Smith unpacks Galatians 3:26–29 and explores what it means to truly be one in Christ. In this engaging conversation on women in ministry, we dive into identity, unity, calling, and how the Gospel breaks down barriers while empowering every believer to live out their God-given purpose. Whether you’re wrestling with questions or looking to grow deeper in understanding, this episode invites you...

What does it really mean to be clothed with Christ ? In this episode, Pastor Larry Smith unpacks Galatians 3:26–29, revealing the powerful truth that our identity is no longer defined by our past, our status, or our differences—but by Jesus Himself. Through faith, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God, united as one in Christ, and invited to live from a new identity marked by grace, belongin...

What does real Christian community actually look like? In this Youth Sunday message, Seth Cross unpacks Hebrews 10:23–25 and the way Jesus built relationships in circles—the 72, the 12, and the 3. Following Jesus was never meant to be solo. It’s layered, intentional, and deeply connected. From wide community to close discipleship to inner-circle vulnerability, we see a model that challenges how we...

The world holds a tight grip on us—pulling us to chase status, security, and self. But Jesus flips it all. In Matthew 10:37–39, we’re confronted with a hard truth: if we try to keep our life on the world’s terms, we’ll lose it. But when we loosen that grip and trust Him, we finally find what real life is. In this episode, Greg Snow unpacks what it means to let go, trust deeply, and discover the li...

This Easter Sunday,  Pastor Larry Smith takes us beyond the empty tomb and into the lives of the often-overlooked witnesses of the resurrection. From Mary Magdalene—the first to see the risen Jesus—to Peter and the disciples back at their nets, to the two travelers walking the road to Emmaus, we see a powerful truth: Jesus meets people in unexpected places, in their doubt, grief, and even their re...

Is that all you’ve got, Jesus? As Gospel of Luke 19:28–44 unfolds, the crowd celebrates what looks like a victorious moment—palms waving, voices shouting, expectations rising. It’s Palm Sunday, and everything feels like the arrival of power, rescue, and glory. But Jesus doesn’t meet their expectations—He rewrites them. In this episode, we wrestle with a question many of us carry: What happens when...

In this episode, Reverend Wesley Johnson II calls us to slow down—and that’s exactly what this season of Lent is about. Before we move forward, we reflect. Acts 2 shows us a Church devoted to what mattered most: the Word, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. No distractions. Just deep, steady devotion. Lent invites us back to that kind of faith. Less noise. More presence. Less rushing. More sur...

In this episode, Pastor Larry Smith walks through Galatians 3:18–25 , helping us understand the purpose of the law and how it ultimately points us to Jesus. Paul addresses three important questions about the law: Why was it given? Does it undermine God’s promise? And how does it actually work in the life of God’s people? Rather than replacing God’s promise, the law exposes our need and prepares th...

So much of life teaches us that blessings must be earned. But the gospel tells a different story. In Galatians 3:15–18 , Pastor Larry Smith reminds us that God’s relationship with His people has always been rooted in grace and promise . The inheritance promised to Abraham wasn’t secured by human effort but by God’s faithfulness—and fulfilled through Jesus Christ . Through Christ, we are welcomed i...

Jesus said you can’t pour new wine into old wineskins. So what happens when the King marks your life? In Kingdom Wineskins: Marked By the King , Pastor Larry Smith walks us through what it means to become a new wineskin disciple — shaped by humility, reflection, and holy curiosity. This is about embracing hardship instead of running from it. Taking holiness seriously. Choosing love when it costs....

Jesus said you can’t pour new wine into old wineskins. When the Kingdom comes, it stretches us. It disrupts comfort. It refuses to fit inside systems that were never built to carry resurrection life. In this message, Pastor Larry Smith calls the church to become wineskins that can hold what God is pouring out right now — not stale religion, but living, active Kingdom life. And when we make room fo...

Passage: Mark 2:18-22  Jesus didn’t come to tweak religion — He came to flip it. And when He talked about new wine and old wineskins, He was warning us: the move of God will make you uncomfortable. New wine stretches. It presses. It feels risky. When God’s Kingdom shows up, it won’t fit inside your safe routines, your polished systems, or your “we’ve always done it this way.” Main point: When God’...

In this episode, we’re joined by guest preacher Drew Hart as we sit with one of Jesus’ most puzzling stories—the Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19. At first glance, this parable can feel confusing… even unsettling. But together, we slow down and listen closely to what Jesus might actually be inviting us into. What if this story isn’t about pressure to perform, but about learning to trust the hea...

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. In this episode, Elder Bob Haymes explores how spiritual formation happens most deeply in community , as we learn to become like Jesus together. Drawing from key New Testament passages—including Galatians 2:11–14 , where Paul publicly confronts Peter—we see that even mature leaders need loving accountability, truth-telling, and community shaped...

Fruit doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from staying connected. In this episode, Greg Snow of New Life Philly explores Jesus’ invitation to abide in the true Vine, embrace the Father’s pruning, and live a life rooted in love that actually lasts. We'd love to connect with you https://newlifephilly.churchcenter.com/people/forms/224507 Would you like Prayer today? https://newlifephilly.ch...

What does it really mean to live a new life in Christ? In this powerful message from Colossians 3, Guest Pastor Fred Harvey of Spirit and Truth Fellowship unpacks the hard but holy truth that new life requires a death—the putting off of the old self so we can be fully alive in Christ. With clarity, conviction, and pastoral wisdom, Pastor Fred invites us to examine what we’re still clinging to and...

In this message for Sanctity of Life Sunday, Elder Jed Trott walks us through Hebrews 11 and the faith of Abraham—a faith that trusted God’s promises even when the path forward was uncertain and costly. He also shares his personal story of facing an unplanned pregnancy at 18, and how faith, not fear or cultural pressure, became the turning point. In a culture where abortion is often seen as the de...