Message from Grant Myles-Era on October 7, 2018

This Sunday, continuing our journey together through the story of Jesus’ first followers, we join these men and women as their time of waiting and prayer is brought to an abrupt end with a most extraordinary succession of events. Sound and light, amazement, and accusations of early morning drunkenness? What on earth can this story have to do with ours? Answering that question will invite us into the crazy, unpredictable adventure for which we were made and for which we have always longed. Crash helmets will be provided.

Message from Grant Myles-Era on September 23, 2018

Message from Grant Myles-Era on September 16, 2018

Message from Grant Myles-Era on September 9, 2018

For many Americans life consists of the continual search for an experience, possession or achievement that will finally satisfy them. Our economic and social structures have in many ways evolved around this human quest, and there is an almost limitless amount of voices and choices promising us fulfillment. It has been calculated that the average person is subjected to upwards of 5,000 advertisements every single day! The counter-cultural kingdom of God presents an entirely different form of economics. The best things in life may not actually be free, but they may lead us to freedom.

Message from Grant Myles-Era on August 19, 2018

Message from Grant Myles-Era on August 12, 2018

According to missiologist George Hunter, St. Patrick, missionary to the Irish, was alone successful in bringing the gospel to that society because he abandoned the “way things have always been done.” The Roman church required right belief and behavior before people could belong to the community of faith. Patrick enabled members of the community to experience belonging prior to correct belief or behavior. In this way Hunter says, “Christianity was more caught than taught.” The gospel accounts in the New Testament seem to indicate that the first followers of Jesus were similarly invited to belong even though they did not often believe or behave correctly. At what point are people able to belong here at NewSong? What does “All In” mean in terms of belief, behavior and belonging? In a culture where hunger for the spiritual life seems to be as strong as ever, yet where church attendance is generally in decline, might answering these questions provide wisdom and direction as we seek to let Jesus be known in our communities?

Throughout history, people have used Jesus and his teachings to support all kinds of radical movements and revolutions; political, religious and spiritual. This has usually resulted in some group of human beings being exploited or having violence done to them. Jesus and his kingdom are most certainly revolutionary! His revolution, however, is quite unlike any human movement towards change. HIs purposes are true and the transformation that he brings is thorough, lasting and inclusive. He calls all people to align themselves with his radical purposes in the world and to be willing to accept the negative outcomes that are sure to come to those who follow him. We at NewSong are called to be All In with the revolution of truth, love, and action that Jesus brings into our lives and communities.