NMC Audio Podcast

We cannot stop growing as physical beings. Our bodies age, our brains develop, and our shoe size changes. The same is not necessarily true as it pertains to our spiritual walk. Are we simply reliving the same year over and over and over again? Is there growth in wisdom and knowledge of who God is or who we are in God? The writer of Hebrews gives a call for the believer to grow up!

Can the Bible be trusted? Is God’s Word reliable for today? In a society where tolerance is the highest value, is the Bible still valid? How did we get the Bible? How should we interpret Scripture? All of these are valid questions, yet none of them negate the absolute authority and accuracy of God’s Word to us—the written Scriptures. Knowing the Word is essential. Living the Word is imperative.

It isn't guaranteed that life will be easy. We are not exempt from problems and difficulties. In this world, we will have trouble. Yet in the midst of it all, we can find that place of rest, the place of peace. Living in obedience and complete faith in Him takes us to His "sweet spot." We are continually challenged to work towards that end, to strive diligently so we can abide in the sweet spot of His best for us.

Often we are asked to do two things that seem mutually exclusive. It’s like trying to do two things simultaneously that are opposites. Throughout scripture, there are truths that need to be held in tension. Holding one part of the truth without the other leads to error. The writer to the Hebrews wants his readers to have a deep confidence in God while simultaneously taking responsibility for their own conduct. It’s the balance of these two ideas that produces incredible health in our journey.

There are thousands of styles of picture frames. While choosing the right frame is important, it’s not about the frame but the picture that’s in the frame. The picture we choose says much about who we are. The book of Hebrews focuses on a single picture. It’s all about Jesus! It’s all about putting Him at the center of our lives. It’s all about Him being the picture in the frame.

Dr. John Avant, Executive Director of Life Action Ministries, was our guest this past Sunday. His message comes straight from the mission of Life Action Ministries, to “inspire your next YES to God.” John passionately shared that when we say yes to God, He will say yes to us.

The schedule at home and in the community is about to drastically change as another school year is about to kick off. Life can get crazy and survival mode can kick in. What if we, as a church, didn’t simply count down the days, but instead made the days count?

We all have expectations—expectations for the future and expectations in relationships. If we are being honest, we even have expectations of God. In all areas of life, we need to press into the difference between expectations and expectancy.