NMC Audio Podcast

There’s so much to learn from the conversations of Jesus. As apprentices, His conversations give us clear guidance on how to interact with people. His conversations teach us that there’s so much that precedes speaking. Learning from the Master positions us to be used by Him for His purposes and to fulfill His calling on our lives.

The Gospel accounts are full of emotionally-charged moments and interactions. There are moments of deep sadness and moments of pure joy. There are moments of righteous anger and moments of heartfelt compassion. Jesus not only teaches us the right way to think and act, but also the right way to feel.

We tend to talk about the things that we are passionate about. What do you find yourself talking about most frequently? Your family? Food? Sports? A TV show that you are watching? As we read through the accounts of the Gospels, it begins to become apparent that Jesus talked a lot about things He was passionate about. He spoke frequently of the kingdom of God, challenging dead religion, the seriousness of sin, belief, forgiveness, and other themes. If Jesus spoke the most about such things, maybe we should follow suit.

Show me where you spend your time and money, and I will show you what’s most important to you. Where you leverage your resources announces your priorities. So, just where did Jesus spend time? What was truly important to Him? How did He use time to accomplish His mission? Where am I spending my time? What adjustments need to be made?

Jesus had resolve. He held unflinchingly tight to the plans and purposes of the Father. He was intentional and mission-focused. What about you? What are you here to do in this life? What mission did Jesus model for us? And what would happen if we, too, became like Jesus—intentional and mission-focused?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) If we want to become like Jesus, we need to spend time with Jesus. We need to study His life, His rhythms, His passions, His words, and His ways. We do this because Jesus is the Way, and His way is not our natural way. Let’s be transformed into the way of Jesus.

January 2, 2022 / Ephesians 5:15-16
Everyday each of us is given an amazing gift, the gift of “time”. But how do we spend our time? How should we spend our time? We will look into three words that will help you make the most of the time you’ve been given.

While all of our attention is focused on Jesus’ birth (His first coming that is often referred to as the Advent season), Jesus pressed His disciples to focus on His second coming. Throughout the Gospels, we continually hear the words of Jesus – “BE READY!” Jesus uses a variety of stories and illustrations to motivate His disciples to be prepared for His second advent – His second coming. The words to His disciples need to ring true to us. Be ready!

In times of turbulence, it’s easy to ask, “Is anyone in charge?” In this time of global disruption, people are wondering if this is the end of the world. Is it all coming to an end? What’s going on? When everything seems to be coming apart at the seams, it’s important to know the one that holds all things together. The entrance of Jesus fulfilled prophecies from yesterday. It also provides us everything we need to live for today.