Throw-back Thursday! We pick up the next sermon in our Heaven Is Coming series from 2019. Pastor Brent teaches on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven. We need to know that it is only through Christ’s work on our behalf that we can have any hope. We believe in salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Original sermon by October 6, 2019.
It Is Finished (John 19:1-42)
We have now come to the pinnacle moment of the Gospel of John. Everything Jesus has done and said has led to this moment, everything that was foreshadowed in the story of Israel and promised in the Old Testament prophets, everything in God’s plan for redemption hangs on this passage. Pastor Brent describes how Jesus is exalted as King and lifted up on a throne of glory to become the Savior of the world.
The Real King (John 18:28-40)
Pastor Brent works through the next part of Jesus’ trial, this time focusing on his confrontation with the powers of a worldly kingdom: the Roman governor Pilate. We see that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world and his purpose is to testify to the truth about his sovereignty and saving work. This passage reveals the intensifying of the rejection of Jesus and the uniqueness authority of his kingship.
I Am He (John 18:1-27)
Pastor Brent begins a new section of the gospel of John: the passion narratives. Here Jesus is arrested and brought before the Jewish leaders. We see a contrast develop between Jesus and Peter, revealing the unique sovereign power of Jesus to save us.
Make Our Joy Complete (1 John 1:1-4)
Associate Pastor Steve Douglas turns to another letter from the Apostle John in order to set the stage for a new year. The opening of 1 John 1:1-4 describes the importance of proclaiming Christ, knowing Christ, and having fellowship with Christ.
TBT: The Groaning of Creation (Romans 8:18-25)
Throwback Thursday! Pastor Brent now focuses on the effects of the curse of sin and the longing for the redemption of all things. We live in a tension of spiritual rebirth while we await our resurrection bodies. The whole of creation will be transformed in the new heavens and new earth! Enjoy this message from September 29, 2019.
TBT: The Resurrection Body (1 Cor 15:35-58 and Luke 24:36-43)
Throwback Thursday! Pastor Brent goes deeper to explain the resurrection body. What will our new bodies be like? What will our experience be like in the new heavens and new earth? Why is it important to contemplate the hope of a resurrection body? These questions and more in this message from September 22, 2019.
TBT: Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-26)
Another throw-back Thursday! Pastor Brent explains the doctrine of the resurrection, focusing on one of the central passages about our future hope for a resurrection body. What is the significance of the resurrection in the message of the gospel? Why is this such a foundational truth? Enjoy this message from September 15, 2019.
I Am The True Vine (John 15:1-17)
(November 5, 2023) Associate Pastor Steve Douglas opens up John 15 to walk through Jesus’ 7th and final “I Am” statement: I am the True Vine. This passage reveals our deepest need to abide in Christ as our source of life and our security day-by-day. As the Father prunes and as we draw our life from Christ, we will bring glory to the Father through a fruitful life centered in the gospel.
Unified In Christ (John 17:20-26)
Pastor Brent shares a message from the end of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17. Here Jesus ends his prayer by praying for the coming generations of believers who will hear the message of the gospel. Jesus prays for unity that is founded on the substance of the gospel, flowing from the oneness of Father and Son, with the purpose of proclaiming the message of Christ to the world.
TBT: The New Heavens and New Earth (Isaiah 65:17-25)
Throwback Thursday! We are starting something new. We will be posting sermons from previous series on Thursdays for fun! If you’re new at New Life, or if you’d like to be reminded of our past sermons, take time to listen to the ways the Lord has taught us throughout the years. Our first series: “Heaven is Coming” from fall 2019. This series introduces a biblical vision of heaven and dispels some misconceptions about the new heavens and new earth. Enjoy! (original sermon from September 8, 2019)
Sent Into The World (John 17:6-19)
We continue in Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer as Jesus prays for his disciples who will be sent into the world to be witnesses of the gospel. He prays that the Father would protect them and sanctify them as they embark on this mission, rather than remove them from the difficulties to come. This is a source of joy!
Glorify The Son (John 17:1-5)
It is the first Sunday of Advent and we will be focusing on Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer from John 17 leading up to Christmas. Pastor Brent unfolds the opening of this prayer, helping us see the splendor of God displayed in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
I Have Overcome The World (John 16:16-33)
Pastor Brent walks through Jesus’ final words to his disciples before he goes to the cross. He says that they will have troubles in this world, but that he has overcome. This passage develops a series of contrasts that illuminate the tension we can feel when we encounter struggles and yet trust in Jesus Christ, the Overcomer.
The Work of the Spirit (John 15:26-16:15)
Pastor Brent dives into a passage that focuses on the work of the Holy Spirit. The disciples are confused and worried as Jesus tells them that he is going to be with the Father after the cross and resurrection. In this passage we learn a critical truth about the Christian life: We are not alone because we have the personal presence of God indwelling in us: The Holy Spirit. He will testify about Jesus, convict the world of sin, and guide Christ’s followers.
I Have Chosen You (John 15:18-25)
Pastor Brent continues our series through the Gospel of John. This Sunday we explore this question: What are your expectations as a Christian? Jesus challenges his disciples’ expectations about what life will be like as one of his followers. On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus encourages his disciples about what it will be like to encounter persecution.
Sending: We Give Away The Gospel (Matthew 5:13-16)
Pastor Brent wraps up our vision series by diving into Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus is describing our witness in the world using powerful metaphors that communicate our role as ambassadors of the gospel. We need to live by the values of the Kingdom of God as a prophetic contrast to this decaying and dark world.
Transforming: We Are Stewards of the Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)
Who are we living for? Whose kingdom are we trying to build? Pastor Brent looks at the parable of the talents to show how God has entrusted us with all kinds of skills, relationships, time, money, and ultimately the message of the gospel!. While we wait for his return, he has sovereignly commissioned us for such a time as this to boldly bear witness to the good news of his cross and resurrection in our community.
Welcoming: We Have Received The Gospel (1 Peter 2:4-10)
Pastor Brent opens a short sermon series on our church’s core values: Welcoming, Transforming, Sending. These three markers of our church are truly centered on the gospel. We begin this week by examining the biblical foundation for why we are a welcoming church where there is a distinct sense of family and commitment to each other. This stems from the gospel: We are sinners saved by grace, we have received a gift, and we have been welcomed into God’s household. Therefore, we extend the same grace for each other and open our lives to follow Christ together.
The Good News of the Triune God (John 14:1-31)
Pastor Brent circles back to John 14 in order to explain the beautiful truth of the Trinity from this text. John 14 reveals to us the distinct trinitarian shape of the gospel, it unfolds the truth that God is three-in-one, and it invites us to find our hope and joy in the Triune God. In other words, the Trinity is good news!