New Culture Church

Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak for a transformative sermon on the importance of the Sabbath and how to practice it in our modern world. Dive deep into the reasons why many of us have abandoned the practice of Sabbath and how it can lead to a life of freedom, flourishing, and fallibility. Drawing from scripture, including Isaiah 58:13-14 and Mark 2, Pastor Abbie explores the significance of the Sabbath as a time of rest and holy connection with God.

In this sermon, you'll learn about the true meaning of Sabbath, which means “to stop,” and its purpose in our lives as a proactive preparation to flourish rather than a reactive response to exhaustion. Discover the importance of removing distractions, finding rest, rejoicing in God's presence, remaining connected to our spiritual community, and releasing our burdens during this sacred time.

Listen in as Pastor Abbie shares practical tips on how we can proactively prepare for the Sabbath and help our community do the same. Reclaim the gift of the Sabbath and experience the joy and freedom it brings to our relationship with God and our everyday lives.

Today, we're talking about why we gather as a church community.

Let's start with the big question – “Why are you here?” As Christians, we're part of a body of believers with a mission beyond our church walls. But, we also need to come together in community to support and encourage one another.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But going to church doesn't make me holy!” And you're right. Only God can be God. But, gathering with fellow believers is an essential part of our spiritual growth. It's a chance to learn more about God, pray together, and be equipped to serve Him better.

Throughout the Bible, we see references to the importance of gathering as a church community. Acts, Colossians, Psalms, Ephesians – they all speak to the significance of coming together with other believers.

So, why do we gather? It's simple – we gather, so we won't give up. Life can be tough, and we all need support from time to time. By gathering, we can encourage and uplift one another, equip ourselves for ministry, and show the world the love of Christ.

In conclusion, we encourage you to gather regularly with your church community. It's a chance to connect with others, learn more about God, and have some fun along the way. As Pastor Nermalis reminds us, “The church is a powerful force for good in the world.” So, let's gather and make a positive impact in our communities.

Pastor Abbie shares a really important message about how valuable we all are as individuals. She encourages us to contribute to the world around us by adding value in whatever way we can. To explain this point, she references some powerful passages from the Bible, such as Acts 2:14-24, Mark 8:27-38, and Gen 1:26-27. These passages remind us that we were created in the image of God and that we are a part of His plan for the world. As a result, we all have the keys to the Kingdom within us, and we should celebrate this invitation to make a positive impact in the world.

She goes on to explain that there are three main ways to contribute: through time, talent, and treasure. She also shares some great suggestions for places to contribute, such as everyday communities, Christ-centered communities, local and global churches, and cities. To put this into practice, she encourages us to examine where we have been adding value already and to keep paying it forward.

Service of Sunday, March 5th.

A Rule of Life is a set of practices that helps us to be with Jesus, become like him, and do what he did, created with consideration of personality and stage of discipleship, balanced between structure and spontaneity and reviewed regularly.

Response:

Redirect - What rhythms or habits could you add a spiritual practice to or redirect towards becoming like Jesus? (Ex: pray while brushing teeth, listen to scripture while driving)

The vision of New Culture is to Create the Culture of Christ

How do we do this?

Being with Jesus, Becoming like Jesus, Doing what he did.

and how can we achieve that?

Spend time with him: Alone, in your daily rhythms.

And in Community.

So that we can contribute to the culture of christ daily

So What: Prayer is partnering with the heart of God

Now what: God's heart is for people. Pray for people!

So What: Prayer is where we find God in the midst of our pain

Now What: Be honest in your prayer

Psalm 43 

Sermon by Pastor Nerma

1.We feel overwhelmed

2. We need trust

3. We need to complain

4. We want to draw near to God

5. We want to know God more

6.We need absolutely anything

Psalms 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Why should we listen when we pray?

How do we practice listening to prayer?

-- Eli to Samuel (1 Samuel 3:9)

Application: Confess to the Lord the things that stop you from praying. Quiet your mind, and say “speak Lord”. Write down what you hear Him say. Respond, ask questions, give thanks, and repeat.

Sermon by Pastor Abbie Sawczak

Philippians 4:2-9

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

SO WHAT: Peace & joy are available through Jesus

NOW WHAT: Practice examine & gratitude

How to pray the examine

(adapted from 24/7 prayer tool sheet)

1. Replay - think over your day like a movie replaying in your head. Notice what you are noticing. What made you happy? What made you anxious? What made you angry?

2. Rejoice - thank God for those things which are obvious. But also thank Him for non-obvious things we sometimes forget - random acts of kindness, being healthy, a positive song or meal. Relish and savor these moments in gratitude to God.

3. Repent - say sorry to God for moments that come to mind as you review the day, e.g., getting involved in gossip, reacting with an aggressive tone, lacking compassion in a situation, ignoring a need, not responding to a nudge. Receive His forgiveness afresh.

4. Reboot – decide in your heart to live for Jesus tomorrow and ask for the grace to see His presence more clearly.