New Life Ministries Sermon Podcast
This podcast features recordings from the Sunday morning services of New Life Ministries. The church follows each message with a discussion of what the Holy Spirit has been drawing their attention to, and a portion of that discussion is included in each episode. The ministry encourages listeners to use the material in their own faith communities, asking only that they let the church know.
Episodes
Understanding Jesus as King A Bit Better
Any political leader has a value system and a list of priorities. When we talk about Jesus as king, what might expect to encounter?Part of the answer comes by understanding the values and priorities of King David in the Old Testament. Let’s join our service as we ponder the connection between the throne of David and the kingship of Jesus.
Do You Believe In Magic When Desperate
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Is magic and superstition just a silly game, or is there an element of truth in it? In today's passage, we see Saul turn to magic when he is in crisis. What does the Bible teach about using magic or avoiding it? As we listen to the message, maybe ask yourself how often you look to magic or superstition to help you in life.
I'd Rather Not Do the Right Thing
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. What's the most helpful way to respond when someone is constantly picking on you or making your life difficult? If we act the way the person is acting towards us, it rarely leads to peace. But admittedly, sometimes we really want to let them have it. How do we do the right thing when we'd rather not? Or what stops us from doing the wrong thing? L
Can I Lie to Keep Someone Safe
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Lying comes quite naturally. Sometimes we just want to avoid consequence, but other times we are genuinely trying to protect, either protect ourselves or protect others. While we say lying is bad, is it always? How can doing what is bad be good? Let's ponder this through our passage today.
Anger, Fear, Hate, Suffering
In today's passage, we see Saul increasing in anger, jealousy, fear, and hatred towards the young warrior David. We notice how he misinterprets people's words. We watch him create awful plans to hurt others. When anger gets a hold of us, it distorts us. We don't understand accurately and we start to act out our misguided reality.It's awful, but it is very human. Let's ponder a
When We're Called to Fight Goliath
David versus Goliath is one of the most famous stories from history. We celebrate it when the little guy takes on and defeats the strong man.Have you considered though that the Lord might be calling you to be David and take on some monstrous wrong or injustice? How does that affect what we hear in the text? Let's join our service as we look into the story.
Patiently Waiting for God
We know that being patient can be difficult, especially when a crisis is speeding towards us. Have you considered what it is like to be patient, waiting for God to do what He wants to fix the problem? Today we consider why the Lord's solutions are often better than ours and therefore why being patient matters.
Our Tendency to Make Scripture More Reasonable
It is not uncommon when we read Scripture to come across a passage or a teaching that we disagree with. It might even offend us. Do we respond with curiosity, trying to understand? Or do we judge God and change what He said? Today's Old Testament passage contains a command we might find hard to swallow. Let's join in and consider it together.
All In
Living free, being courageous, having no pressure against impossible odds, that is how a person who is fully trusting Jesus can live. When we are not all in with our trust, we end up unsettled, kind of panicked, and uncertain what to do.Let's see how two men live out the difference in today's passage.
My Excuse for My Disobedience
Have you ever been caught between a rock and a hard place, where each choice seems less than ideal. Or perhaps, each choice means not being faithful with a responsibility. That is the situation in today’s passage. Rather than ignore that these situations happen, let’s look for guidance in how to respond
Abdicating Responsibility for Your Faith
Today's passage looks at a tendency many religious people have to worship the Lord on Sunday and then worship other gods during the week. It might be doing what we think we have to do to be successful at business, make a good profit, have an intimate relationship, or have a family. The fault is giving our religious responsibility over to an authority who will tell us what we need to do so then
Becoming Less Than Human
Have you ever heard a news story that made you cringe or be revolted at a gut level because it seemed so barbaric or inhumane? Sometimes inhumane behavior makes a person inhuman. They are less than what being human should be. Today's passage contains such an incident. But consider, what makes behavior more human compared to inhuman or inhumane? Let's join today's service and consider t
God's Work in Your Mundane Day
Do you think your life matters that much? How we answer that question partly determines how we behave. Sometimes we are so involved in our private personal story, we don't think about how we affect the people around us.In today's passage, we get to watch the future King Saul's behavior before he realizes the camera is on him, before he realizes that he matters. Let's join today
Give Us The KING We Deserve
We often see people protesting the government, protesting a new policy, protesting when authorities start to implement what the government commands. Not everything a government does is welcomed by its people.In today's famous passage, we see the warning God gives His people when they set their eyes on a change in leadership as a way to solve their problems. Today's guest speaker is Randy J
Does God Have to Pin You Down
While we may agree that the Lord is good and forgiving, He is not a pushover. He does not accept being disrespected. Today's passage feels a little uncomfortable as we see the strong arm of the Lord be against folks who were treating Him as inferior to themselves and their own gods. Let's join our service as we begin.
Will God Fight in my Battle
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Have you ever had a plan or perspective that you are sure is what God wants His people to do, and then something happens to stop that plan? Have you ever wondered, why did God let that happen? In those situations, we often knuckle down and push harder. Today's passage of Scripture challenges us to step back and reconsider what we are doing.Let's
When God Notices Corruption
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Sometimes we call out to God to deal with corruption. How long until you do something about this? But when God steps in, sometimes He acts in ways that surprise or unsettle us. In today's passage, the Lord brings judgment to a family of priests, people who had become sloppy and indifferent towards the Lord Himself. Let's join today's message
When it is All Going Wrong... The Cost of the Fix
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. When everything goes wrong and the nation around you seems stalled and corrupt, what is the solution? In today's passage, we consider the life of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Through her incredible devotion to the Lord, we see God begin his work of renewal and hope.Let's join our service as we begin this morning's talk.
There's More To Forgiveness Than..
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. There's more to forgiveness than everything's fine. There's more to forgiveness than don't worry about it. Psalm 32 offers us a look at the layers and beauty God offers in forgiveness. If sin comes from our lack of trust in God and His ways, we also see God's desire to bless us with a good path, if we will trust. Let's join our se
Jesus is Alive! And now...
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. At the end of the first day of Jesus' resurrection, He appears to His disciples. They are confused, overwhelmed, afraid, and joyful, all at the same time.First, He proves that He is not a ghost. Then, He tells them what comes next, what the next thing is for them to do. Let's follow the story and learn what Jesus wants His people to understand.
Jesus Turns His Disciples Back From a Nationalistic Agenda
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. On Easter morning, the disciples were confused. What had happened? Some ran to the tomb, others decided to leave and go home. Why stick around when all their hopes had come to nothing? But what were they turning to instead? In today's passage, we see Jesus gently guiding his disciples back to their place with him.
Roll Out The Red Carpet... No!
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. When Jesus entered Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion, he was treated like a celebrity. He was treated like a king.But the religious elite didn't think it was appropriate. They missed recognizing Jesus. How often, how easily do we make the same mistake? Let's join our service.
I Am Not The Favorite Child
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Jesus often spoke in parables and stories to teach a lesson. If we consider what it would be like to be a person in that story, we are drawn deeper into its lesson. Today we look at Luke 15 and the story of the prodigal son. Let's dig a little deeper into what Jesus was wanting his listeners to learn.
Indecision about Jesus
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Once in a while, we encounter Jesus speaking in a harsh way. It almost sounds condemning. It's hard to reconcile his words with his normal message of love and forgiveness. Today's passage is one of those harsh teachings. What is he getting at? Why does he speak this way? Let's join our church as we begin the message.
Trusting The Divine
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. Trust is hard. We’ve been hurt; we’ve been let down so often. Yet Jesus calls his people to trust him… wholeheartedly. How do we make that bridge to trusting Him? and what do we do with our anxiety or unsettledness as we trust? Let’s look at Luke chapter 9 together.
Loyalty in Temptation
Today we begin a new sermon series that helps us prepare for Easter. In today’s talk, we look at the temptations of Jesus. At one level, his experience helps us learn how to respond to our own temptations and trials. But at another level, it reveals something very unique about Jesus. Let’s join our service as the message begins.
When Afraid, Let God Have The Last Word
Sometimes we are scared; afraid of what we see, anxious at what might happen. What do you do? Avoid looking at the potential danger? Force yourself to think about something else? Being afraid is a very common experience for people in the Bible. When it happens, their attention is called back to God for perspective and instruction. Let’s look at this in the words of 1 Peter 5
Good Leaders, Bad Leaders
What makes someone good or bad at leading? Part of it is their motivation - why are they doing it and what do they expect to get out of it? in today’s passage, we consider leading that is really about the well-being of others. We also look at an appropriate response to that type of leading. Let’s join our service as we look at 1 Peter chapter 5.
Are We Supposed to Suffer because Suffering is Good for Us?
Does suffering have value in-and-of itself? In today’s message we look at how suffering can be misunderstood and how people can manipulate scripture for their own purposes. This chapter in First Peter does in fact talk about the call to suffer, but in a way that makes sense. Let’s join today’s service as we begin.
Do I Make Myself Suffer?
How does a person figure out what God wants them to do? So often we look for signs by interpreting the things that happen to us. Have you every had a day go badly and asked, “Is God punishing me for something?” In today’s service, we are encouraged to build our confidence in the choices we make in following Jesus. A confidence that comes by trusting Jesus and his victory.
When You Are Married to a Non-Believer
When a person becomes a Christian after they are married, how should they relate to their spouse? Should they take steps to force that person to go to church, or to make friends with their new Christians friends? All too often that ends up alienating their spouse and putting up barriers to Jesus. Today’s text calls us to the nuances of serving one’s spouse through submission and equality for the
What To Do When You Get Bullied For Being a Christian
Have you ever experienced getting picked on or nit-picked by someone who makes fun of your faith in Jesus? Have you ever lost an opportunity because you would not compromise your faith? These experiences can be infuriating. What’s the best way to respond? We know how we want to respond, but what does scripture tell us and why? Let’s join our service as we look at 1 Peter chapter 2.
I Thought Being a Christian Would Make My Life Better
As we learn to follow Jesus, not everyone in our life is excited by our change. How should we think about this? Why does God seem to let our life have these difficult experiences? Today’s passage looks back to the past as well as the future to help us understand today.
How Do I Navigate Living in this World?
The folks Peter is writing to are experiencing hardship and social exclusion as a result of becoming Christians. How are they to respond? Do they fight the government? Do they prove their views to their neighbours? What should they focus on? Today’s passage gives them guidance… guidance which also helps us as we navigate living in this world.
An Elder's Perspective
Today we consider the contribution Simeon and Anna made to our understanding of the Christmas story. We might be familiar with their words of blessing. If they were not present, what might we miss that is important for us to consider today.
Christmas Eve Reflections
Today’s podcast is a portion of our Christmas Eve service. We ponder what the birth of Jesus, the one who would become both saviour and king, says to an empire that is flexing its power and claiming to do what is best for you. We invite you to remember the story of the birth of Jesus with us.
You Gave Us a Child
This mornings message was delivered when the tensions from the States were first beginning in Canada. Our country was beginning to feel politically threatened. This was not un-similar to the land of Judah when great prophecies about Jesus were given. Let’s consider what those messages where about in light of how we feel in our world today.
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
Welcome to the start of this Advent series! As we read these stories in the Bible, the scents and sensations that were present are something that we can't experience solely by reading. Scents can evoke emotion, memory, and meanings. So as we discuss this year's theme of kingship, let's explore the symbolism carried by the scents on the air when the king finally came.
Praise God When You Are Not Enough
Claiming that God needs to save us can sound offensive… I should be enough as I am! But what if I’m not enough? What about when I don't feel strong enough to tackle a hard situation? or if I realize God protected me from something I couldn’t handle? In today’s passage we see the good side of when we are not enough… because that is when God pours out so many blessings all we can do is offer
Christians Feeling Excluded From Society
As you walk with Jesus and try to follow him in your days, it is not uncommon to feel like more and more, you fit into society less and less. Sometimes you just don’t want to participate; other times people might exclude you. How are we to think about this experience? What is the best way to respond? Let’s consider what the book of First Peter says to encourage Christians who experience being
Being Free from Trying to Be Better than Others
Climbing the social ladder… or, climbing the corporate ladder... just trying to get ahead in life, … inevitably that means getting ahead by pushing someone behind. The writer of this morning’s text looks around at how people live, likely also looks back at his own life, and asks: “Is there a better way? A way where I am not left behind but where I don’t have to climb over others to get ahead?” Ye
I'm Back Here Again
When does Lady Folly call you to come and be foolish? Does she call everyone or does she have her eye on specific targets? It’s the latter. In today’s talk, we look at different ways of responding to live’s challenges and the call from both wisdom and folly as we make our decisions. Let’s join our service and learn together.
Being Successful, Lady Wisdom's Gift
Does Jesus want you to be successful? Has the question even ever crossed your mind? Success matters to us - we want to have good careers, be good parents, have a successful marriage. In chapter 8 of Proverbs, lady wisdom says that she can bring you success. Let's join today's message and see who she is and how she can make such a claim.
The Strange Man
As Christians, we are called to serve and help others. It's part of reflecting what the LORD is like. Have you ever encountered someone who asked you for something that seemed against your better judgement to give? Are we always to give and trust God with what happens or at times can we rightfully say no? Proverbs chapter 6 gives us three examples that give us pause to think about what is wa
The Lord has a Claim on your Body
If the Book of Proverbs helps us to navigate living well, what does it have to say on the subject of sexual desire? Quite a lot, actually. There are three large speeches in the opening chapters. Today we look at the first, where, in a man-to-man talk, the father advices his son on how to be in control of his sexual activity. Let’s join our service as we begin today’s message.
The Habit of Wisdom
Have you every been taught a little proverb and thought “I’m not sure I believe that is true”? Not all the wisdom we learn aligns with the goals of the Bible. In today’s passage we consider how important it is to use discernment when applying wisdom.Let’s join our service as we begin Proverbs chapter 4.
What is The Fear of The Lord
Have you ever struggled to understand the phrase “the fear of the LORD”? Are we supposed to be afraid of God? And yet scripture says "The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom". What does that mean? In today’s service we found that many people have questions about its meaning. Let’s join Curtis as we dig into today’s passage.
What is Wisdom
The book of Proverbs helps us learn wisdom…if we want to learn it. But what is wisdom? Is it just the natural consequence of things? or Understanding how the world was made to work? or is it something more? Let’s join Curtis as we begin today’s message.
What is a Blessed Life
Today we begin a new series from the book of Proverbs. What does a blessed life look like? Is it where you’ve been successful in your career, marriage, and health? Most of us would say “yes.” Proverbs is full of teachings to help us live well, to be successful, but its understanding of blessed might be different that ours. Let’s join our service as we begin.
Reading the Book of Philippians as a Letter
Today we come to the end of our series on Philippians. This book of the Bible is actually a letter. Letters are meant to be read and listened to in one sitting. How does hearing the letter as a whole affect what it says to you? Let’s join our service as we begin
Money and Relationship
Money can bless a friendship but it can also hurt a friendship. We might lend and help with another’s expenses freely and with joy… but then there comes a point where the joy and freedom ends. What happened? What went wrong? Today we look at how Paul speaks to his friends about their financial help to him. Let’s join today’s message.
Getting Away from Worry
The book of Philippians has repeatedly told us to rejoice, to have joy! But, how do we do that? How make that happen in our life? Just saying it doesn’t reduce worry and anxiety. In this next chapter, Paul tells us what we need to do to make joy a reality in our life. Let’s join our service together.
What is the Price Tag on Trust
When you think about where you are in life, what was the price you paid to get there? Did you pay it willingly? Did you know where it would take you? In today’s passage, we consider what the price is to trust Jesus, but also to know the price is where joy is found. Let’s join Curtis as we begin.
Reflecting on Their Example
Sometimes we encounter little passages in the Bible that make us wonder why they are there or what we are to do with it. In the middle of Paul’s letter to the Philippians he talks about his plans for Timothy and Epaphroditus. We might just skip over their travel plans as being irrelevant for us. But Paul spends time talking about them for a reason. Let’s join our services as we consider this p
What it Means to be a Citizen of Heaven
Philippians chapter 2 contains a famous and deeply loved poem or hymn about Jesus. It starts, “Though Jesus was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” How does this fit into the conversation about being a citizen of heaven and caring for folks at church? Let’s look at this passage together and reflect on its meaning.
How can Paul have joy while in Jail?
As we continue looking at the first chapter of Philippians, Paul will give his friends an update on how he is doing. But remarkably, instead of giving details on things that are frustrating... he speaks with joy. Abounding with joy. How can that be? Being in prison without having committed a crime would normally leave a person incensed at the injustice. Let's see what is driving Paul’s exper
Live With Tact Under Opposition
Have you every found yourself in a situation where being a Christian makes life harder for you? How do you live as a Christian in a setting where other folks are against your faith, against what Jesus represents?Today we begin a new series on the book of Philippians. It’s a book about joy and thankfulness, but lived in a setting of oppression and suffering. Let’s join Curtis as we begin today’s me
Communion is Declaring. Declaring what? To whom?
Today we continue looking deeper into the meaning of communion, to expand our understanding and help deepen our experience with it. We will look at 1 Corinthians 11:26… what does it mean that communion declares the Lord’s death? Why? To Whom? And how does that help us? Let’s join Curtis as we begin our message.
Communion With Others
Sometimes our confession or belief says one thing, but in practice we show something different. When it comes to the practice of Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, the early church was forgetting to live out unity and equality in Christ. How do we continue to miss this lesson today? In today’s message, Pastor Curtis is joined by Pastor Steve Pearson from Ochre River, Manitoba. Let’s join our messa
The Lord's Supper... With
The ritual of Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is a tradition practiced through all of Christian history. Have you ever pondered why Jesus gave it to us? What did he intend that we gain from it? Rather that it just being a time to remember his death, do we need to reframe it as being connection with his life?
The Weapon of Power
When you get angry, what type of weapon do you pick up? Yelling? Maybe violence? Do you prepare a speech for how you were right and the other person needs to change? Is there demand and command and control in your spirit? None of those things sound like the way of Jesus, and yet there are things that have gone wrong and need to be made right. What is the other way? Let’s continue with our second s
Not The Spartacus Way
Today we begin looking at the letter to Philemon. If you had to stop the institution of slavery, how would you go about doing it? By force? Through petition? or Legislation? Today’s passage invites us to consider a more powerful, and yet more subtle way… a way that can also speak to problems in our society today. Let’s join Curtis as we begin today’s message.
What He Does To Your Life
Today we are wrapping up our journey though Titus. We will read through the entire book and listen to how it speaks as a whole. Maybe grab a pen and paper and mark down what stands out to you.Let’s join Curtis as we begin.
You Are Worth More
Have you ever walked through a neighbourhood under construction where everything on the outside is beautiful but on the inside it is empty. What gives a home value? Is it its looks or its purpose? What about the house that is broken down beyond all repair? is it worthless? Let’s discover the deeper impact and purpose you have.
People Cannot See Your Faith
What does a healthy person look like? Good cholesterol and low blood pressure? That’s hard to see on the outside. What about a healthy relationships, like a good marriage, being a trustworthy employee, or kindness to neighbours. Let’s look at a passage that expands our understanding of health.
I Care Not For A Man's Religion, Whose Cat or Dog Is Not The Better For It
You know the phrase, “actions speak louder than words”? When you encounter a person of faith, what do you notice? What catches your attention in how they behave?Does it draw you to their faith? Let’s join Curtis as we look at the book of Titus.
Christians Among Pirates
Pirates, brigands, and robbers! Today’s new series is rated Arghh!.What would a young church in a country like that need to learn as they follow Jesus? Let’s join our sermon today.
Easter: Breaking Out of Our Algorithm
Happy Easter! Today, lets consider the responses to Christ's resurrection we see in Matthew 27 and 28 and what they might mean for us now.
Good Friday: When Life is a Trial
This Good Friday, we invite you to join us as we look at Psalm 109
A dream fulfilled is a tree of life
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. In the book of Proverbs, it says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life”. You know that experience where you have held a hope for so long that your hope begins to diminish. You start to lose your hope because you really can’t see it ever coming true. Let’s join Curtis as he reminds us of the most important time that
When you need a go between
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. God Heals. We have been told that through generations and tend to have a very particular mental image of what that means. But what happens when the wounds that God is working to tend right now are not the physical ones. When the wounds we carry are wounds to our identity, and our relationships, why does the healing hurt so much? Lets join Curtis.
The LORD Heals
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. God Heals. We have been told that through generations and tend to have a very particular mental image of what that means. But what happens when the wounds that God is working to tend right now are not the physical ones. When the wounds we carry are wounds to our identity, and our relationships, why does the healing hurt so much? Lets join Curtis.
What's Your Temple
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. This new series leads us through Lent towards Easter. In this week's podcast, we ponder our deep secrets. When someone knows our secrets, it leaves us feeling vulnerable. This can lead to either becoming aggressive or being humble. What happens to you? Let's join Curtis as he begins the message.
Covenant of Love
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. This new series leads us through Lent towards Easter. In this week's podcast, we ponder our deep secrets. When someone knows our secrets, it leaves us feeling vulnerable. This can lead to either becoming aggressive or being humble. What happens to you? Let's join Curtis as he begins the message.
What Hides
Welcome to the New Life Ministries podcast. When you were little did you ever have that experience where you walked into the kitchen and the smell was just mouthwatering and delicious but you knew that you shouldn’t touch the food. The longer you stood there, the more the temptation grew and grew until it overwhelmed your better judgement and you snuck a piece. So how do we grapple with our tempta
Talking about Money
As a Christian culture, we give our money to all kinds of charities. Have you ever had an experience where you've felt guilty that you won't be a good enough Christian if you don't give, even though you're not in a financially stable place yourself? Or an experience where you've gotten caught up in the idea that if you give 10% of what you earned, God will automatically give yo
If the End is Near, I Should Serve
A hallmark Christians are known for is serving. People using their gifts and abilities to help others. It's so common, we almost don't need to talk about it. Today's passages introduce an idea that's surprising: That our serving is tied to Christ's evaluation of us. Let's see what the Bible says.
Honest Witness
The idea of being a witness to Christ and giving our testimony at work or in our daily lives outside of church can sometimes feel awkward and can make our interactions with others feel forced. Today's sermon works to help us understand that being a witness does not have to be forced, that it's actually about being honest, real, and authentic to who you are. Let's begin!
Come, Let's Bring This To God
Would church still be church if you were to do it on your own? If you came to church Sunday morning and no one else was there? While it is vital and sacred to have that private solitude with just you and God, the answer to that question is always a persistent no. Today let's talk about worshipping God, and coming into relation with him together!
Look Like What You Worship
What would God be like if he came down to earth as human? And would he follow the 10 commandments? Nowadays there can be so many opinions if the laws of the Old Testament are relevant anymore. In today's passage, we'll listen to Paul give a more nuanced perspective on this topic. Let's begin 2 Corinthians chapter 3!
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