New Culture Church

Ever faced a major decision and wondered what God wants you to do?

Pastor Joe Oby from Northside Christian Assembly shares a powerful message on discerning God's will. Through personal stories and practical teaching, he reveals that discovering God's direction isn't a one-time prayer—it's a lifestyle of relationship.

You'll discover why God leads you from His known will to His unknown will, and how surrender, transformation, and daily devotion position you to hear His voice. Whether you're choosing a job, navigating relationships, or simply wanting to live more intentionally, this message gives you a roadmap.

God cares more about leading you than you care about making the right choice. Learn how to recognize His voice and walk confidently in His plan.

Bible References:

• Romans 12:1-2 (main text)
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Psalms 25:9
• John 10:10

What if the chaos of your daily life isn't something to escape, but something to reshape?

Pastor Nick Ertz returns to New Culture Church with a practical challenge: craft a rule of life before life crafts one for you. Drawing from John 15, Nick explores how Jesus invites us to "remain" in him—not as a quick visit, but as a way of dwelling. The word "rule" isn't about rigid restrictions. It's about giving your life a trellis to grow toward the light instead of sprawling wild on the ground.

Nick walks through seven life categories—personal/spiritual, relationships, physical health, emotional/mental wellbeing, work, service, and rest—asking probing questions that help you identify where you're thriving and where you're just surviving. He gets vulnerably honest about his own inner critic (yes, even over a beloved Stanley mug) and reminds us that mental health isn't an emergency plan—it's a way of life.

This isn't about adding more to your already-full plate. It's about aligning what's already there with the life Jesus designed specifically for you.

Your next step? Spend 30 minutes this week sketching out your own rule of life. Start small. Be specific. Write it down. And give yourself grace along the way.

Rule of Life Worksheet: https://newculturechurch.com/resources

Bible References:

• John 15:4-8
• 1 Corinthians 6:19
• Matthew 6:21
• Luke 10 (Parable of the Good Samaritan)
• Psalm 139

What if spiritual growth isn’t about trying harder, but practicing the ways of Jesus with a steady pace?

In this message, Pastor Abbie opens our Rule of Life series in Luke 10, where Jesus sends out the 72 with simple, Spirit-led strategy. You’re invited to travel light, stay present, go together, and trust God with the outcomes. Along the way, Abbie contrasts a performance mindset with a practice mindset—reminding us that we don’t show up to be perfect, we show up to keep showing up.

You’ll also hear a practical picture of New Culture’s Rule of Life (daily Scripture and prayer, pauses, examen, Sabbath, fasting, worship, community, and seeking renewal), plus a story of generosity from Big Give that points to God’s surprising provision. The message closes with an invitation to slow down, build sustainable rhythms, and find true joy rooted in Jesus—because the win isn’t outcomes…it’s belonging to Him. 

Bible references used

• Luke 10:1–20 (sending the 72; “the harvest is plentiful”; “stay in that house”; “rejoice that your names are written in heaven”)

• James 2:16–22 (faith and deeds; “even the demons believe”; faith made complete by action)

• Galatians (referenced in an illustration; no specific verse cited)

• Luke 9:23 (referenced idea: “take up your cross daily”)

• Ephesians 3:20 (referenced phrase: “more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine”)

What's the real shift from Advent to Christmas? In this message, Pastor Sean takes us from childhood memories of believing in Santa to the profound truth that God incarnated His Word in human flesh. Discover why the early church fought so hard to preserve the truth about who Jesus really is, and how the same Spirit that filled Christ now indwells believers today. This final Advent message prepares us to receive communion and celebrate the God who crossed the line between heaven and earth to be with us.

2 Peter 1:16-21 — Eyewitness testimony and the reliability of prophetic Scripture

2 Timothy 3:12-17 — All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for training in righteousness

John 1:1-4, 10-14, 17-18 — The Word became flesh and dwelt among us

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 — The Shema: Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and might

Jeremiah 31:31-34 — The new covenant promise: God's law written on hearts

John 3:16-21, 31-36 — For God so loved the world; light has come into the world

Psalm 40 (referenced) — A body was prepared for the Messiah

Psalm 139:23-24 — Search me, O God, and know my heart

Scripture References

What happens when life applies pressure?

Guest Speaker John Hunter invites us to slow down and notice what God is shaping beneath the surface.

Using the image of clay on a potter’s wheel, John reflects on how God forms us with care, patience, and purpose. Pressure does not exist to crush us. In God’s hands, it becomes a tool for growth. Even the trimming, the setbacks, and the moments we wish we could undo become part of the work.

This message creates space to reflect on what we have filled our lives with, what God may be gently removing, and how surrender allows Him to reshape what feels broken. No matter how messy things feel, the potter never walks away from the clay.

If you feel stretched, uncertain, or in process, this message offers hope and a fresh invitation to trust the hands that are still forming you.  

Scripture references

• John 3:16

• Isaiah 64:8

• Romans 8:28

• Romans 8:29

• Exodus 19

• Matthew 20:28

Pastor Abbie Sawczak invites us into the heart of Advent—not as passive waiting, but as active participation in preparing the way for Jesus. Drawing from Isaiah 40 and the story of John the Baptist, she explores how repentance, humility, and daily formation clear space for Christ to move in us and through us.

This message calls us to lift what’s low, lay down our pride, smooth the rough places in our relationships, and practice a life that helps others see Jesus clearly. With warmth and challenge, Pastor Abbie reminds us that God comes with comfort, strength, and renewal—and that we get to partner with Him in making room for His arrival.

Scripture References

• Isaiah 40:1–11, 21–31

• Matthew 3:1–12; Matthew 9:35–38; Matthew 1 (genealogy)

• Luke 2:1–12

We live between two great hopes. One who came thousands of years ago. One who is coming again. And a present hope that meets us right where we are.

In this first week of Advent, Nathan Hanna walks us through the original blueprint of creation, the fracture that followed, and the promise that carried God's people through centuries of waiting. Hope came down in a manger. Hope is coming again in glory. And hope is here now through the Spirit who lives within us.

This message invites you to ask where you're truly placing your hope and where Jesus wants to meet you in the mess and the mundane of everyday life.

Scripture References

• Isaiah 7:14
• Genesis 1:1
• Genesis 1:26-27
• Genesis 3:15
• John 1:14
• Romans 8:22
• Acts 1:10-11
• 1 John 3:2
• John 17:3
• John 14:1-7
• John 14:16-17
• 2 Corinthians 3:18

In this final message from our Colossians series, Pastor Abbie Sawczak walks through Colossians 4:2–18 and Paul’s closing instructions to the church. Together we explore what it means to devote ourselves to prayer as a daily posture, to ask God for open doors for the gospel instead of just comfort, and to let our conversations be “full of grace, seasoned with salt.” Abbie also names the cost of following Jesus, the gift of community when we feel alone, and the comfort of Psalm 23 when life feels like a dark valley. Listen in and be invited to say yes again to your call, remember Paul’s chains, and trust that Jesus is with you in every open door.

Bible References Used

• Colossians 4:2–18 – Main teaching text (devoted to prayer, open doors, clear proclamation, grace-filled speech, community, and calling).

• Psalm 23:1–3 – “The Lord is my shepherd… I lack nothing… He makes me lie down in green pastures… He leads me beside quiet waters… He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

• Revelation 22:13 (alluded to) – Jesus as “the Alpha and the Omega,” the first and the last.

What does it mean to live like Jesus when cultural expectations and power dynamics complicate our relationships?

Pastor Abbie Sawczak walks through one of Paul's most challenging passages in Colossians 3, exploring household codes that addressed wives, husbands, children, parents, slaves, and masters. She unpacks the historical context of these instructions and reveals how Jesus came to redeem all broken systems and structures.

Whether you find yourself in positions of power or feel powerless, this message offers a fresh perspective on living into your eternal identity as a co-heir with Christ. You'll discover how to reframe your roles and relationships through the lens of Jesus' resurrection power.

This sermon challenges us to ask: How can I live sacrificially like Christ, no matter where I find myself?

Bible References

Main Passages:

• Colossians 3:18-4:6
• Colossians 3:1-17

Supporting Texts:

• Genesis 1:26-31
• Genesis 2:4-25
• Genesis 3
• Matthew 28:19-20

This week, Ashleigh walks us through Colossians 3:1–17 with a simple, honest invitation: set your mind on Jesus and let that change how you live. Together we explore active steps—putting off the old self, clothing ourselves with compassion and love, and letting Christ’s peace shape our community. You’ll hear clear, practical ways to filter your thoughts, guard your words, practice daily rhythms, and extend forgiveness. If you’re looking for a gentle nudge to realign your heart and take one concrete next step with Jesus, this conversation is for you.

Scripture references used:

• Colossians 3:1–17 

• Colossians 2:13–15 

• 2 Corinthians 10:5 

• James 3:7–8