NMC Audio Podcast

Matthew 10:16-23—How many times have you said, “If only I would have
known...”? If somehow we knew the future, we would change our current
actions. Knowing the future would change how we handle our money,
our health, and our relationships. Jesus, however, did tell His disciples
about the future. What happened to them after His death didn’t take
them by surprise. They were prepared, and we should be also.

This Sunday, we welcomed Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass to our Worship Center services. Check out Sunday's unique sermon.

God uses improbable people in unlikely places to do unexplainable things because of his unimaginable greatness.

Bob Andrews, director of Devon Oasis Center in Chicago, Illinois, joins us this Sunday to share on "Owning Your Obligation to Your Neighbor." Bob and his wife, Lynne have lived and worked in the Little India neighborhood of Chicago for the last 30 years. This part of the city is a major hub for refugees from all over the world, and over the years, Bob and Lynne have actively built relationships with many of these people. Through meeting felt needs, they have shown the love of Jesus and have shared the Gospel. In the words of Bob, "Meeting people's needs is the Gospel."

Do you find it hard being present, to be in the moment, fully engaged? Frequently, we find ourselves holding on to the past or pressing forward toward the future with utter neglect of the present moment. It isn’t wrong to remember and learn from the past or to think ahead and strategically plan for the future, but there are dangers if we live in either the past or the future. God is always present in the now. Are you?

Galatians 5:13-6:10—God is a relational God. He created us with a need for relationships. Unfortunately, sin messes up all relationships. Thankfully, the power of God can heal and restore damaged relationships. God has made it possible for us to live in the land of healthy relationships.

Galatians 5:25—God is an amazing creator. His creative genius is seen every day in every way. The crowning part of His creation was man and woman. We were created in His image with gifts, talents, personalities and passions. We were also created as sexual beings. Unfortunately, what God created, sin distorted. It doesn’t have to be that way. With God’s redemptive work, we can live holy and healthy. Part of that healthy living is embracing God’s design for human sexuality.

Ephesians 5:17-6:4—Does it really work? Is it possible for God to do a deep work in our families where Christ-like living takes place? Is it pie-in-the-sky idealism, or can it be a reality? Do we fake it 'til we make it, or can a deep transformation at home really happen? God can bring revival and restoration to our families. The question is, will we let Him?

1 Corinthians 1-4—The best of times and the worst of times! That can be used to describe relationships. Since God is a God of relationships, He wants us to be relationally healthy and whole, both with Him and with others. Unfortunately, relationships can get messy. Hurts happen. Pain grows into scars. But that doesn’t need to be the end of the story. God’s grace can bring healing to damaged relationships.

Genesis 1-3, Exodus 20:3—It’s all about relationships! All the accomplishments in the world mean nothing apart from whole and healthy relationships. Because of sin, all of us are messed up. Messed up people mess up relationships. Relational messes are not a new problem. (In fact, we’ve been messing them up since the very beginning.) The path to healthy relationships with others will come as we properly align them to our relationship with God.