NewGrace Podcast

Life constantly tests our faith, patience, and character through various challenges. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians that these tests are common to everyone, controlled by God who knows our limits, and completable with His help. God allows tests to develop our learning and reveal our true character. He faithfully provides a way through every trial, monitoring us like a goldsmith watches gold in fire. Instead of asking God to remove our tests, we should seek what He wants us to learn through them, trusting His timing and remembering His unchanging faithfulness.

Building lasting relationships requires three essential elements: patience, passion, and persistence. Jacob demonstrated patience by working seven years for Rachel, showing that biblical dating follows a purposeful progression toward marriage rather than casual connections. His passion for Rachel made those years seem brief, highlighting the importance of loving the whole person and not just physical attraction. Finally, Jacob's persistence in working another seven years after being deceived demonstrates the commitment required to maintain relationships through challenges. These principles apply whether you're single, dating, or married—relationships that last require intentional effort and God-centered foundations.

Pastor Hunter Ramsay visited our midweek service to preach on Acts 19:13-17. Some Jews tried to invoke the name of Jesus to drive out evil spirits, but the spirits rebuked them, saying they knew Jesus and Paul, but who were these men? What must we do to be known in Hell as those who can call upon the name of Jesus? What should our lives look like to prove that we know Him?

In the church of Corinth, Paul identified a critical shortage of spiritual fathers and mothers - a problem that persists today. While instructors abound, true mentors who invest deeply in others' spiritual growth are rare. Effective mentorship provides confidentiality, loving correction, and personal development. Every Christian should have both someone pouring into them and someone they're pouring into. Through intentional relationships that go beyond Sunday services, we can address spiritual deficiencies and become people worth imitating, as Paul urged the Corinthians to imitate him.

Spiritual dry spells affect every believer, causing loss of joy, enthusiasm, and motivation in our walk with God. These periods often stem from internal issues rather than external circumstances—sin contaminating our spiritual well, resistance to God's leading, neglect of Scripture, or a weakened prayer life. The good news is that if the problem lies within us, we have the power to change it. By examining our hearts, dismantling spiritual dams, returning to God's Word, and earnestly praying for refreshment, we can experience renewal even in desert seasons, just as David maintained a vibrant connection with God in the wilderness.

Spiritual dry spells affect every believer, causing loss of joy, enthusiasm, and motivation in our walk with God. These periods often stem from internal issues rather than external circumstances—sin contaminating our spiritual well, resistance to God's leading, neglect of Scripture, or a weakened prayer life. The good news is that if the problem lies within us, we have the power to change it. By examining our hearts, dismantling spiritual dams, returning to God's Word, and earnestly praying for refreshment, we can experience renewal even in desert seasons, just as David maintained a vibrant connection with God in the wilderness.

Part 5 of our "Are You Awake Yet?" series from midweek services.

Luke 12:22-24

Pastor Thomas exhorts the church to move up past the elementary things. He encourages them to learn to feed themselves, grow closer to God, and rely on the Spirit in their walk with God, rather than blindly trusting a pastor to bottle feed them their spiritual meals.

Pastor JJ brings the word today. Memorial Day reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers, but it also points to Jesus Christ's supreme act of valor. True valor means acting bravely despite opposition, preferring honor to life itself, and facing death with calmness. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly, giving His life out of agape love—the highest form of love. He faced ridicule and mockery, yet still prayed for His persecutors. Understanding His sacrifice should transform how we worship and live, moving us to express genuine gratitude and step out of our comfort zones in service to God.