New Work Fellowship Podcast

More Than Meets the Eye - "Who's In the Fight With You?" (Acts 19:13-20)

A quick review as we pick back up with our series, More Than Meets The Eye: Jesus said we have an enemy; there is a fight; and we need to be ready! However, it's not just about having all the right equipment. We need to be in relationship with the ONE who defeated the enemy. In this section of scripture there is an example of how NOT to fight a spiritual attack. The sons of Sceva tried to rebuke demons in the name of Jesus, but they didn't have a relationship with Jesus in the first place. The Name of Jesus has ultimate power when facing spiritual warfare. The way to combat it is through His Name and His Word, but we must first know Him and have a relationship with Him.

Eva Self shares her story with us and reminds us that the Lord is good!

More Than Meets the Eye - "Get in the Fight with a Plan" (Matthew 4:1-11)

There is a fight. We have been equipped for the fight, but every fighter knows before the fight you have to get ready for the fight to come. The fight begins long before the fight. How did Jesus handle a spiritual attack? He combated the schemes of Satan with God's Word. Each temptation He faced was met with the words, "It is written..." How can we follow this example when under attack? Know God's Word and use it. We must all be in the Word and growing. Jesus confidently stepped into the fight. What about you?

More Than Meets the Eye - "Getting Ready for the Fight" (Ephesians 6:10-18)

We've learned there is a fight. We can set ourselves up for struggle because we ignore the struggle, or we assume we are not equipped. But...we are equipped with the full armor of God. We have to be prepared and be ready for the fight!

More Than Meets the Eye - "There Is a Fight" (John 8:31-47)

Jesus confronts the blind listeners in his world alerting them to the reality that not only is there a fight, but there is a source behind the fight. Jesus affirmed that 1) there is a devil, 2) the devil's end goal is death and destruction, and 3) the devil's primary weapon is lies.  Step one of winning the fight is understanding what Jesus understood - you have an enemy; there is a fight. Are you ready?

On This Very Spot - "One for the Road" (Acts 21-23:11)

As the church explodes into the great commission - Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth - the great apostle/planter, Paul, is compelled by the spirit to come back to Jerusalem one last time. He was warned, but he was compelled. He was ready to be poured out.  This would, in fact, become the moment that launches the church to the ends of the earth. Whereas Pentecost was the spark that lit the fuse, this is the full thrust. Paul will go to Rome and the church will turn the world upside down. The church - the temple - is going on the road to the very household of Caesar himself. And to you too! Don't miss that!

On This Very Spot - "One More Time" (Acts 2)

After 40 days, you come to the day of Pentecost - the day when the Spirit of God falls in power. It is Sinai all over! (Exodus 19) But this is the coming of the Holy Spirit. God is pouring out His temple to all people; Jesus is for you; Jesus came for you; He died for you. The Holy Spirit is for you; He has come for you; He lives in you! 3,000 believed that day. What about this day? One more time God is coming to you. Will you come to Him?

On This Very Spot - "This Is It" (John 19:30, 19:4--42, 20:1-18)

Resurrection is the moment that everything has been building toward. Jesus is the rescuing sacrifice. He is the Passover Feast in the flesh (remember John 6:56). He is the altar of sacrifice; He is full embodiment of the glory of God - the God that could never be contained in a house. He is the untamed God who can never be put in a box. He is the greater glory. He is the salvation of all; the glory of God - and He is the only Temple! And what should be our response? Fall to His feet in worship, and then...go tell!

On This Very Spot - "Wait. What Temple?" (John 2:13-22)

It wasn't His first visit to the temple, but it was the beginning of the end of His visits. John places the temple conflict early in his gospel to tell the reader - this is the reason for the coming conflict. Likely, it was at the end of His ministry, and it was the final straw that led to Jesus' death. It was a temple battle, and while it may have seemed that the great battles of the temple were in the past (when Babylon destroyed the city), the real battle came with the arrival of Jesus. He dares to speak of "destroying the temple." Now, we know he was talking about His body, but He was also talking about the temple. After Jesus, the presence of God is not just in that "very spot." It will soon be made available to every person who believes and puts faith in Jesus. What is your temple? Have you come to the temple?

On This Very Spot - "He Is Here" (Luke 2:25-49)

Luke includes two early visits of Jesus at the temple. The first time, Simeon declares, "I have seen your salvation...He is the glory of [Israel]." Anna immediately erupts in praises to God. And then she talks to others about how God's rescue has come. At the end of this story - Jesus then makes another pilgrimage to Jerusalem - and this time, it is the great festival migration of Passover. Don't miss the foreshadowing of Joseph and Mary's searching for a missing Jesus - 3 days later they find him. There, in the temple, Jesus is the focus and in the middle of all the instruction. He is asking questions, but He is also answering questions.