NMC Audio Podcast

When Mary of Bethany poured out her expensive perfume on Jesus, her act of adoration was met with different responses. What others saw as wasteful, Jesus saw as beautiful. This story invites us to consider what extravagant worship looks like, what it means to give Jesus our very best, and whether we're more concerned with the opinions of others or with expressing our wholehearted love for Him.

The first followers of Jesus were not unlike you and me. Like them, we have a place, we're surrounded by people, and we also have problems. As we look into the living room of a woman named Mary, we can learn lessons about trusting Jesus in the everyday aspects of our lives—both big and small. What's the reputation of her home? And how will our own homes be known?

In the story of Mary and Martha, we discover that serving Jesus is about more than what we do; it’s just as much about how we do it. While Martha was busy serving, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His words. Let’s examine our own hearts, consider what truly motivates our service, and ask whether the means by which we pursue God’s vision align with His heart. Because ultimately,...

Mary was young, ordinary, and largely unknown. Yet God chose her for something far greater than she could've imagined. When the angel Gabriel announced God’s plan, she simply responded with humble, willing obedience: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” God loves to work through ordinary people who are willing to say yes. Nothing is impossible with God. 

What does it mean to truly know love, and what happens when that love takes hold of you? Paul says it grips us and is compelling. But where does it place us, how does it steady us, and what does it do with our waiting? Let’s discover the grip of Christ's love.

“Zeal in the day-to-day is about being alive to the important things around us. It is about being awake to God, aware of His presence and calling especially in those hidden moments of our day.” —Uche Anizor, "Overcoming Apathy"

“The spiritual life is neither an art nor a science. To arrive at union with God, all one needs is a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, do nothing but for His sake, and to love Him only.” —Brother Lawrence, "The Practice of the Presence of God"

Ever wish you could see people differently—past the annoyances, the assumptions, the judgments? And do you ever wish people would see you without those same obstructions? Jesus makes it possible! We're diving into what it means to be compelled by His love, constrained by grace, and made completely new. Come see with new eyes.

Someone will always seem better, faster, or more impressive than you. And somewhere, someone is quietly questioning why you do what you do, or why you say what you say. When that happens— and it will—what will shape your identity?

One of the most relatable moments in the gospel narratives is when a hurting father utters these words to Jesus: “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” Are you struggling to be compelled to live for Jesus instead of yourself because of doubt or unbelief? Faith in Christ requires just that—faith. Are you convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died, and rose again from the grave? Are...

Are you awake to God? Paul says that the love of Christ should compel us. When we truly grasp what Jesus has done for us, we can’t keep living as if life is all about us. His love changes our direction, our priorities, and our purpose. We no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who died and rose again for us. The question is simple: What would change if the love of Christ truly compelled the...

When the church talks about doing life together, it has a singular, plural, and plural meaning. There’s always impact, commitment, and growth in my life. There's something that develops and grows and shines the love of Christ in our group settings. And there's an additional outpouring that happens as we do life together. Paul describes it to the church in Rome, and we're invited to imagine it happ...

You could sit in the same seat for 20 years and still have almost no one in this room know what’s happening in your life. Romans 12:14-16 is where Paul names what it costs to close that gap. What would it cost you to let someone get close enough to actually require something of you? And what if the distance you've been protecting is the very thing keeping you from what you actually want? 

Looking at Romans 12:9-13, we'll explore the necessity for Christian community. We're saved INTO a family, and the Apostle Paul gives a powerful series of commands on what life together should look like and be shaped by. What's Paul's foundation for this radically loving community? God has loved us, so we love each other. 

Drawing from Luke 5:1-11, this message explores Jesus' call to His first disciples and what it means for believers today. Through the story of the miraculous catch of fish, we'll see how Jesus calls ordinary people into His extraordinary mission, invites His followers to work together for the gospel, and sends them into every sphere of life to reach others with the hope of Christ. 

How can something so familiar be so valuable? Without question, Psalm 23 is one of the favorite and most familiar of all the Psalms. There’s something about its imagery, relatability, and depth that causes us to come back to it time and again. What more could we possibly learn from it? What else does David hope we’ll notice? Is there another reminder God wants to share in these well-worn verses? S...

We encounter another shift in verse five of the twenty-third Psalm. The LORD becomes the Host of all Hosts. He goes above and beyond in a stunning manner. Lord, you would do that for me? God, I’m just grateful for you.

Verse four is a total change in tone from the previous three verses. We're first introduced to green pastures, quiet waters, and paths of righteousness. Sounds nice, right? However, in striking contrast, verse four introduces us to the valley of the shadow of death. The valley is dark, daunting, and full of potential evil. We all have valley lows, but to whom will we turn to in our greatest times...

It’s not uncommon for something small to affect great change. Two words can do it. “I’m sorry” can diffuse a giant disagreement, and “I do” seals a man and woman together in marriage. A five-minute wait at a “fast food” restaurant tests one’s patience. And just eight seconds makes or breaks a bull rider. David offers something in 36 seconds that can change our lives if we're willing to trust.

David paints a picture of a Shepherd who lovingly provides what His sheep can't provide for themselves: true rest. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters.” Sheep don't naturally rest easily. They're fearful, anxious, restless, and distracted. Yet the Good Shepherd removes fear, calms the chaos, provides, and gently leads us to peace.

Psalm 23 begins with a staggering declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd.” David doesn't place his confidence in circumstances, resources, or even himself. His trust is rooted in the eternal God who feeds, leads, guards, and sustains His people. Even in crisis, trust psalms like Psalm 23 declare confidence in the faithfulness of God. The greatest comfort of Psalm 23 isn't the green pastures or stil...

Joseph spent 13 years in pits, prisons, and waiting rooms he never asked for. But Genesis 50:20 is the moment the whole journey comes into focus. What do you do when your life doesn't look like what you thought it would? And what if God is working in it rather than around it?

Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands in Scripture. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, guilt lingers and relationships remain complicated, but Joseph responds to God’s calling to overcome evil with good. Where we see hurt, God can still bring healing, redemption, and good.

As Joseph's life unfolded, he learned more about himself and continued to understand God’s character and ways. As we look at the choices Joseph made, we turn to ourselves and know we have the same opportunities to decide how we'll respond to God and the obstacles we face. 

Joseph faced temptation, pressure, and false accusation, but he refused to compromise his character or dishonor God. Even when no one else was watching, Joseph chose integrity over convenience and obedience over pleasure. The life of Joseph explores how real faith is revealed in private moments and how God honors those who stand firm when compromise would be easier.