NMC Audio Podcast

Stepping into the unknown usually invokes fear. What might go wrong? What’s the future going to be like? Could this end badly? Should I even take a step, or would it be wiser to just stay where I’m at? Abraham provides us great coaching on learning to walk with God, especially when He calls us to step into the unknown. As we walk with Abraham, we’ll learn the basics of simple faith and trusting God. When we follow the One who sees the unseen and knows the unknown, we walk with confidence.

What would it be like to spend an afternoon with Noah? What lessons could he teach us? What animals did he grow tired of? What moments would he describe as pivotal? What stories would he tell of the dark moments? What did he feel when God expressed His grief and pain over His creation? How would he describe seeing that first rainbow? What coaching would he give us for the times we are living in? Noah is the example of a simple man of God who, in faith, stood alone trusting God, and was rewarded by God.

Predictions for the future are interesting to read. What’s more interesting is to see how any of them came true and how many were bogus. Whether we like it or not, the future is going to happen. God always asks His children to boldly and bravely step by faith into the future. No matter what happens, we place our confidence in Him.

Today we celebrate the completion of NT90, when more than 2500 from 19 different countries came together to read through the New Testament in 90 days. We believe in the beauty, wisdom, and authority of God’s Word. We did it together. We shared insights with each other. Instead of just going through the Word, we wanted God’s Word to go through us.

In today’s service, Pastors Dave and Tim are joined by Linna Sommers as we celebrate together the completion of NT90, look back at God’s faithfulness in this journey, and a challenge for the days ahead.

The book of Revelation is a dramatic piece of literature that reveals the cosmic battle that the Church has faced, is facing, and will face. Revelation is a letter written to seven early churches in Asia. Revelation is prophecy, announcing the future movement and actions of God. Revelation is apocalyptic in that it allows the reader to see what is mostly unseen. Revelation is the great unveiling.

Distractions are one of the greatest causes of automobile accidents. Our minds wander. Our eyes are off the road. Our alertness diminishes. The results can be devastating. Learning to laser focus allows us to safety travel and reach our final destination. It’s the same for our spiritual journey. A sharp, laser focus on Jesus, amidst all the background noises and distractions, is the only way to truly live.

Lots of us look good on the outside, but on the inside, well, that’s another story. Internal bruises of the spirit can be limiting at best and fatal at worst. Paul, a wise and seasoned mentor, challenges his young protégé to stay healthy in spirit. Paul’s final words to Timothy can be God’s fresh words to us: "May the Lord be with your spirit."

You may have heard it said, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” Does this saying apply to our own salvation, though? Can we, in effect, save ourselves? Paul, in his letter to the church in Philippi, tells them to “work out your salvation” and later uses terms like “striving for” and “pressing on.” What is Paul saying? Can we somehow earn salvation through hard work?

Most human beings have a continuous, nagging fear in their minds. “What if there isn’t enough for me?” What if there isn’t enough food at the dinner table? What if there isn’t enough saved up in the bank? "What if my parents don’t have enough love to go around for all of us kids?" A scarcity mindset drives us to compete, to hoard, and to focus on self. But what if there was another way—the way of Jesus?

Nobody wants to be bullied. Strong, dominant, opinionated, overbearing people can act like porcupines. You're afraid to get close to them. Nobody wants to get bruised. Life is rough. Words said or conflicts done poorly create deep bruises. Yes, life is tough, but Jesus not only changes our hearts but can heal our relationships. Through Christ, we can die to a prideful, arrogant spirit and experience healing from deep wounds.