New Culture Church

In this powerful message, Pastor Abbie Sawczak explores Chapter 3 and 4 of Ruth, revealing how God works through seemingly insignificant moments to write extraordinary stories of redemption. Through the lens of Ruth's journey as a Moabite widow, Pastor Abbie shows us how to navigate seasons when we can't see the way forward. Using a compelling analogy of a pitch-black maze, she illustrates how we often get stuck asking "why" instead of taking the next faithful step. This sermon offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone feeling lost, reminding us that knowing how the story ends changes how we live in the present. Drawing from her personal experience of unexpectedly becoming a lead pastor at age 24, Pastor Abbie vulnerably shares how God weaves every detail of our stories—even the painful ones—into His greater purpose.

Bible References Used:

• Ruth 3:1-18 (The threshing floor scene)
• Ruth 4:1-17 (Boaz redeems Ruth)
• John 10:7-9 (Jesus as the gate)
• Matthew 23 (Reference to Jesus gathering people under his wings)
• Romans 5:9 (Justification by Christ's blood)
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Christ became sin for us)
• Genesis 38 (Reference to Tamar's story)

Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she continues our series in the Book of Ruth, exploring what it means to truly surrender to God's unfolding story. Through Ruth's powerful example of sacrifice, intentional generosity, and steadfast commitment, we discover how God weaves together both seen and unseen moments for His glory and our good. Pastor Abbie unpacks how Ruth's daily choices to stay faithful, even when the outcome was uncertain, can inspire our own journey of surrender. Whether you're in a season of waiting, transition, or seeking direction, this message offers profound insights on how small acts of sacrifice and staying present where God has placed us can lead to unexpected provision and purpose.

Bible References Used:

• Book of Ruth, Chapter 2
• Genesis 3:1 (Reference to the serpent being crafty)
• Isaiah 49:26 ("All mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob")
• Romans 11:26-27 ("The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob...")
• Acts 4:23-37 (The Believers' Prayer and early church's generosity)
• Psalms 2 (Referenced in relation to nations raging)

Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she unpacks the timeless story of Ruth, revealing how this ancient tale speaks directly to our modern struggles with survival mode and life's setbacks. Through the parallel journeys of Ruth and Naomi, Pastor Abbie explores what our responses during crisis reveal about where we place our trust. Whether you're facing uncertainty, wrestling with identity, or wondering how your story fits into God's bigger picture, this message offers fresh perspective on moving from survival to surrender. Discover why being the "main character" isn't always the blessing we think it is, and how stepping into God's greater story might be exactly what you need to move beyond mere survival.

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Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she explores how spiritual formation happens best in community. Drawing from Paul's letter to Timothy, she unpacks why our spiritual practices—from worship to fasting, from Sabbath to serving—were never meant to be solo endeavors. Through personal stories, including her own journey with running, Pastor Abbie illustrates how community empowers us to go "faster and farther" in our spiritual walk than we ever could alone. Whether you're new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, this message offers practical insights into how communal practice prepares us for both the present life and the life to come.

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Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she explores how our daily decisions shape who we become and how we can intentionally form practices that draw us closer to Jesus. Through practical insights and personal examples, she unpacks the concept of a "Rule of Life" - not as a set of restrictive rules, but as life-giving spiritual practices that help us grow in Christ's likeness. Pastor Abbie challenges listeners to examine their daily rhythms and consider what these habits are forming them to become, while offering hope that through Jesus, we can change and be transformed. Whether you're new to faith or looking to deepen your spiritual practices, this message offers both practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for living not just for today, but for eternity.

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Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she kicks off the new year with a compelling message about establishing a meaningful spiritual foundation through what she calls a "Rule of Life." Drawing from ancient spiritual practices, Pastor Abbie explains how this "trellis" of daily spiritual disciplines can help us grow in our relationship with Jesus and weather life's inevitable storms. She challenges listeners to move beyond simply knowing about Jesus to being transformed into His likeness through intentional practices. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by life's pace or seeking a fresh start in your spiritual journey, this message offers practical wisdom for building a life centered on Christ.

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Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she continues our Advent series, exploring Jesus as our "Mighty God" (El Gabor). Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, Pastor Abbie unpacks how God's might differs from human power - it's not meant for oppression but for restoration and justice. Whether you're someone who struggles to ask for help or facing situations that require divine strength, this message offers hope and practical insights on how to experience Jesus as our mighty God through His Spirit and His people. Discover how active waiting this Advent season can lead to renewed strength and transformed lives.

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Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she explores Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor during this first week of Advent. Drawing from her experience as both a pastor and counselor, she unpacks what it means to receive Jesus' supernatural counsel through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Learn how to move beyond surface-level conversations with God and experience the transformative power of His divine guidance.

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Join Pastor Abbie Sawczak as she explores what it truly means to let Christ dwell within us. Through a compelling mix of personal stories - from battling COVID while coaching her mom through jet lag to showing up unannounced at her brother's apartment with a pillow - Pastor Abbie illustrates how our relationship with Christ should move beyond casual visits to taking up permanent residence. She shares an inspiring story of a small San Francisco church that transformed their neighborhood by choosing to truly dwell there, leading to the creation of a successful high school and an ethically-minded tech company. This message culminates in a practical guide to the "examine prayer," a powerful tool for deepening our daily presence with Christ. Whether you're new to faith or a longtime believer, this episode offers fresh insights into living intentionally in the name of Jesus.

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Join us as guest speaker Pastor Nick Ertz shares a powerful message about the transformative nature of intercessory prayer. Through a compelling story of miraculous healing and personal insights about praying with his young daughter, Pastor Nick unpacks what it means to stand in the gap between heaven and earth on behalf of others. Learn how to pray boldly and align yourself with God's heart as we explore the promises we can stand on when interceding for others. Whether you're new to prayer or have been praying for years without seeing answers, this message offers fresh perspective and hope for those seeking to make a difference through prayer.

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