 "so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10
As we have started working through Colossians we have discovered that it is essential to create a healthy culture where people can mature in faith and demonstrate love for one another. Paul puts an emphasis on “bearing fruit in every good work”. At New Life, one of the primary places we demonstrate this type of mutual care is in the context of Community Groups.  The Christmas season is a reminder that Jesus is our ultimate treasure and satisfaction. Unfortunately, sometimes we let our brokenness distract us from fully realizing the complete joy that is found in Him. Jesus proclaimed that one of the purposes of His coming was that we might have joy and that our “joy would be made full” (John 15:11). It
is apparent then, that our ability to have joy is directly connected to what Jesus did. When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they declared: “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).  This past week I was teaching my Old Testament Survey class and I was reminded that many believe it is difficult to read through the Old Testament especially the sections of extended genealogies. Reading page after page of “Asa begat Josaphat” doesn’t seem to do wonders for the soul. As we enter into this Christmas season I have regained my appreciation for the Old Testament and specifically the never ending list of genealogies. In fact they have become one of my favorite sections of Scripture. I believe the genealogies throughout the Bible illustrate one of the most beautiful truths we will encounter: “Your faithfulness endures to all generations.” (Psalm 119:90).
 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1 Peter 4:9 (NASB)
The Apostle Peter provides a great challenge when he writes that Christ followers should show hospitality to one another without complaint. It is important to understand that hospitality is more than inviting people over and entertaining lots of guest in your home. It's much more than being ready, willing, and able to make a meal for someone at a moment's notice. Those things are very helpful and often a great blessing. But the heart of hospitality goes much deeper.  Campus Renewal reported in 2017, “Studies have shown that somewhere between 60 percent and 80 percent of previously engaged Christian youth become disengaged with their faith as they transition into college.” College students are an interesting group. They are individuals trapped between the phase of youth and adulthood. They’re away from home and their faith is really tested for the “first time.”
 If you enjoy history, particularly history of the early church then you might find a kindred connection with the book of Acts. I have always been fascinated with the collaboration of the early church leaders that formed the movement of Christianity. This letter contains 28 chapters and a quick survey of this book identifies that as the church developed and started expanding, church leaders made a concerted effort to establish a partnership for the purpose of advancing the gospel.
 This Sunday we will be examining a passage from Luke as we continue our Neighbors series. Luke 8:40-48 begins as Jesus is returning to Galilee. The Galileans rush to greet him. As Jesus is welcomed, two main events take place within this passage. The first person Luke wants the reader to recognize is Jairus and the second is a woman. Luke gives us no name for the woman, but the names are not what Luke intends for us to take away
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AuthorOur Pastor writes most of the blog posts we publish, however, occasionally some of our other church leadership (some staff, some volunteer) who also contribute to the New Life blog. Archives
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Sunday Worship 11 AM
111 Old Moncks Corner Road, Goose Creek, SC 29445
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2020
Realm Member Login
My NLBC Login