This weekend, Pastor Joaquin Pardo continued our Christmas series with a message centered on the life-changing truth that God is with us.

Matthew 1:23

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”

The Christmas story isn’t cute—it’s powerful.

The manger in Bethlehem reminds us that God didn’t shy away from the mess of our world. He stepped right into it, showing us that no matter how broken or messy life may feel, He is with us.

God will interrupt your plans.

Just as He interrupted Joseph’s life with the news of Mary’s miraculous pregnancy, God may show up in ways that challenge your comfort or convenience. But His interruptions are never random—they are invitations to trust Him and realign with His purpose.

God is approachable.

In the Old Testament, God’s presence often felt overwhelming. But through Jesus, He shattered the distance. The baby in the manger grew into a man who loved sinners, touched the untouchable, and embraced the broken. The Christmas story proves that God isn’t distant or terrifying—He is approachable, knowable, and deeply desires a relationship with you.

Luke 2:6-7

 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

No matter how messy your life feels, God isn’t afraid to step into it. He’s not looking for perfection—He’s waiting for your openness. Will you make space for Him today?

What words are you waiting for? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our THIS CHRISTMAS series with a message about God’s life-giving Word.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The miracle of speech is not only the mechanics of it, but the meaning behind it.

Words are a window.

Words can bring us closer to people, form bonds and give meaning. They are more than sounds, they are expressions of who we are.

Words have weight.

Some people spend their lives waiting to hear certain words. The right words can change our lives for the better.

Words aren’t just for communication, they are for communion.

At Christmas, God spoke in a language that we could understand best. The Word made flesh was more than information, it was an invitation to draw near to Him!

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is near to the Father, has made him known.

The Christmas story is not always comfortable! This weekend Pastor Steve Andres began our THIS CHRISTMAS series with a message about the Magi.

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

The Magi were outsiders to God’s people, and yet they have a prominent place in Matthew’s account of the Christmas story. What can we learn from this?

1) The Christmas story is irritating in its inclusivity.

All throughout the Christmas narrative we see unexpected characters given starring roles in God’s redemption story. The Gospel is the story of God’s wild grace extended toward people who don’t deserve it, and that begins with us.

2) The Christmas story is irritating in its exclusivity.

King Herod knew that the arrival a new king was a challenge to his rule. At the heart of the Gospel story is the challenge to every ruler that would take God’s place in our hearts. Jesus didn’t mince words when he said, “I AM the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus was born to be LORD and KING!

Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our BIG DREAMS series with a message about Abraham’s trust and surrender.

Genesis 22:2

God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

During the 25 years that Abraham and Sarah waited for the child that God had promised, there were moments when it was difficult to hold on to hope. 

HOPE MAKES US VULNERABLE. 

When Abraham or Sarah laughed at the promise of God, it was a defense against disappointment. But God asks Sarah the question:

Genesis 18:14 

Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?

We have all experienced hurt or disappointment, but faith is about expecting God to make good on his word. 

ARE YOU PROTECTING OR ARE YOU EXPECTING?

Our expectation shapes our priorities and our behavior. The Apostle Paul says that Christ-followers are groaning like a woman in labor. This groaning is the expectation of life, not death. It is the pain that precedes the miracle!

THERE ARE NO CHRISTIANS IN THEORY, ONLY IN PRACTICE.

In our text the man of faith is challenged to choose between the GIFT that he received (Isaac) or the GIVER of that gift. In every step of our faith journey, trust and surrender will work together to keep our loves in the right order.

It would never be Abraham’s son who would be a sacrifice, it would be God’s own son, willingly offering himself to bring healing and reconciliation to our world. PRAISE GOD!

Do you have overdue gratitude? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our BIG DREAMS series with a message about putting FIRST THINGS FIRST.

Genesis 14:19-20

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Abraham has experienced a hard-fought victory, but he remembers to acknowledge God’s goodness and provision.

1) Giving starts with gratitude.

Gratitude is the art of being present to God’s goodness, of being eyes-open to the gifts that he has given us.

2) Money is meant for managing, not for meaning.

All throughout the Bible, and especially in the teachings of Jesus, we see that we are managers of our resources, not owners. Don’t look for meaning or significance in money.

3) Tithe is a testimony.

Abraham gives a tenth of all he gained to Melchizedek as a testimony of God’s provision. Tithing keeps our source in focus. 

4) Generosity produces joy.

When we sow generously, the Bible says that we reap with joy. When we put God first in every area, our hearts become free to enjoy his goodness and see his miraculous provision today!

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your initial thoughts or reactions to the video?

2. How does disciplined giving teach us to be better managers of our resources?

3. Do you see a connection between a commitment to generous giving and other areas of our lives (relationships, career)?

4. What does giving say about our trust in God as our source?

5. Do you have a story of God’s faithfulness in your generosity?

Blessed is a story, not a status! This weekend New City began a new journey of faith, and Pastor Steve kicked off a series called BIG DREAMS! 

Genesis 12:2

“I will make you into a great nation,

  and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

  and you will be a blessing.”

This season will be a defining moment for our church, and our prayer is that everyone who calls New City Church their home will participate, heart and soul! The BIG DREAMS INITIATIVE is an effort to prepare our church for the next season of growing ministry, expanded outreach, and a permanent home for our church.

As we enter this season, what does Abram’s call from God teach us about our journey? 

1) It’s easier to believe that God is powerful than to believe that he is good.

But in Abram’s call we see an incredible moment of GRACE from God. God’s promise of BLESSING came to Abram BEFORE he ever did anything for God.

2) Faith begins with trust in God’s goodness.

Faith says I believe in God’s GOODNESS so thoroughly that I can ASK him for what I need, and I can TRUST him to do what’s best.

3) This journey is not about what God wants FROM YOU, but what God has planned FOR YOU.

The BIG DREAMS that we have as a church are rooted in God’s promise to Abraham, “I WILL BLESS YOU, and YOU WILL BE A BLESSING.” We believe that as we remember God’s blessing in our lives, we will have a clearer sense of how he has called and equipped us to be a blessing to others!