Newlife Church Toronto Special Speakers

When we read the story of the birth of Jesus, we know it so well yet often miss the rich references to the Spirit. Since the last of the prophets 400 years previously, the Jews had been waiting, and now he is moving again in power. Look in the mirror and know you are part of the new creation through the Spirit alive within you. He is the power of God on earth. (Various scriptures)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 40 (Various scriptures) Rather than being someone who was hidden till Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was an active agent in the Old Creation, worked tirelessly to prepare the way for Jesus, and is now working in us, bringing dry bones to life in the New Creation.

The options we have a. Come to God on our own terms b. Put on the free gift of Jesus Christ and wear him. Choose the second one, daily! It is not what I have done, but what he has done, cancelling out my shame (Matt 22 & 23)

What is Jesus talking about when he tells people to build their house on the rock? How do we actually do this? Because for certain, storms will come! (Luke 6:46-49 & Rom 8:38-39)

Christ desires to make a difference in our home. He does this through our hearts. Jesus will not be Lord in our homes until he is truly Lord in our hearts. (1 Kings 17:8-24)

A church where people know they are deeply loved by God will be a church that is known for its love for others (1 John 4:7-21, Eph 3:14-21)

It so is sad to see churches experiencing divisions regarding response to the pandemic. At least two of the NT churches (Rome and Corinth) faced divisions over the issue of what believers were free to do, whether the exercise of their freedom should be restricted by other people who maybe were in a different point in their faith journey. (Rom 14 & 15 and 1 Cor 8-10)

As we read the Story of David and Barzillai in 2 Samuel we learn some lessons including how to prepare to live to a God-pleasing old age (2 Samuel 17:27-29; 19:31-40)

When talking with someone about spiritual issues, use questions and conversation to try to get to the issues of that person’s heart. (Mark 10:17-22)

Jesus clearly taught that the love of God would be made known by the unity and love within his church. We explore the how and why of this extraordinary statement. (John 17:22-23)

These verses will encourage your prayer life as you see the amazing power working through this means. Even five minutes in prayer is an investment in eternity (Ephesians 1:15-23)

In Luke 3 & 4 Jesus heard he Voice of the Father in the Jordan, the voice of the Enemy in the wilderness, and the Voice of the World in Galilee. Like Jesus we need to: Recognize where thoughts are coming from; Reject it when it is not coming from God, and Replace it with the truth of what God says (Luke 3 & 4)

Sometimes our life plans are suddenly forced to change and we can feel overwhelmed. This is what happened to Jacob when he mourned the loss of the son he was devoted to. Our faith can get week, so let’s spend some time being encouraged by God’s promises. (Genesis 37:12-36)

As we start a new year with so many negative things happening, let’s focus on the core of what defines us as Christians. Today I want you to soak in this good news (Ephesians 1:1-14)

Victory in spiritual warfare comes from knowing first where the battleground is, and second how to fight it. Then we can have real assurance of victory. (1 Eph 6:10-17)

True victory ultimately comes in the place of human weakness. It was not at Mount Carmel, when Elijah was at his strongest, but at Mount Sinai, when he was at his weakest, that the purposes of God were released on earth. (1 Kings 18 & 19)

Are these verses in Proverbs there to hold up some incredibly high standards for what women should attain, or men should look for in a wife? When we look at the context we find something very interesting! (Proverbs 31)

You know for sure that he already loves you, so put on behaviour that reflects his love. As we receive the truth than God thinks of us as his dearly beloved and chosen, our behaviour begins to change. (Colossians 3)

-These words give us a window into the heart of Paul, and are full of practical encouragement to love more fully. (Philippians 1:1-11)

Wolves are coming. If a church is going to be safe and healthy for Jesus’s people, we must be aware that wolves will find their way inside. And when they do, we can’t hesitate about what to do. Remind yourself of truth because it matters, and eliminate false teaching because it kills. (2 Timothy 2:14-18)

Moving from the story of a rock called “Ebenezer” in 1 Samuel to Paul’s “death” and “resurrection” story in 2 Cor. This study re-frames the meaning of suffering. It can give us a new way to engage with God, a new hope and a new strength. (1 Sam 7:3–14; 2 Cor 1:1–11)

Three keys for when you are going through a storm, when your experience is not matching up with your expectations (Luke 7:18-23)

Be encouraged by some amazing Scriptures, some stories from the past of a fearless church, and from the the antidote to fear, the gift of faith from the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Can you approach God with confidence? Braden shows us how we can approach God with confidence, despite our natural state being one that makes this impossible. (Hebrews 10)

We are living in an age where distractions are everywhere, including on our phones. Psalm 1 is very practical and motivating to replace them with the words of God.