New Life Evangelical Free Church

The Sufficiency of the Gospel

Ben — Sun, 05 May 2013 22:44:33 +0000

This morning, as our praises filled the room, thoughts of the gospel filled my mind. There happened to be someone attending our church today who openly apposes Jesus and I caught myself thinking; “finally, the gospel will be ‘shared’ with someone on Sunday morning.” My erroneous reasoning was swiftly greeted from The Lord with “my Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 ESV). My heart was reminded that the Gospel is sufficient not only for justification, but for sanctification and glorification as well! The Gospel isn’t done working in my life or anyone’s life for that matter. It remains active and when I assume that any person needs it anymore than I, it highlights my gross misunderstanding of its sufficiency!
Friends, let us remember that the gospel works as much in the life of a believer as it does in the life of the unbeliever.

Heart Exfoliation

Ben — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 22:11:32 +0000

The heart is dynamic, not static. It is always moving in one direction; toward either sensitivity or callousness. In Mark 3 we read the account of a Sabbath showdown between the Pharisees and Jesus.

“Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.” Mark 3:4

The confrontation is over the healing of a man with a withered hand. The text says he was angry at the hardness of their hearts and after the healing of this man they allowed their hearts to harden further. The condition of our hearts is fundamental in loving God and man. So I ask, what is the condition of your heart today and where is it headed?

Discipleship

Ben — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:23:04 +0000

Will you follow Jesus? A simple invitation. However, this invitation isn’t for those who want to blaze their own trail. Why you ask? Well, let me ask you this – is a man walking south following the man walking north? You see, a man cannot claim he follows another unless he abandons his current path and aligns with his leader. So, I ask again; will you follow Jesus daily?

Mark

WP-Admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 18:37:57 +0000

Sermon: May 5, 2013 - Pastor James Galland – “Don’t You Understand?” – Mark 8:11ff

Sermon: April 28, 2013 - Pastor James Galland – “It’s the Heart that Counts” – Mark 7:1-23

Sermon: April 21, 2013 – Greg Anderson – “Jesus Can Calm the Storms in Our Lives – The Five Reasons for Good Cheer ” – Mark 6:45-56

Sermon: April 14, 2013 – Pastor James Galland – “Go Home and Tell” – Mark 5

Sermon: April 07, 2013 – Pastor Scott McCall – “Jesus Builds our Faith in the Storms of Life” – Mark 4:35-41

Sermon: March 31, 2013 (Easter) – Pastor Scott McCall – “He Has Risen, He Has Risen Indeed” – Mark 16:1-14

Sermon: March 17, 2013 – Ben Miller – ” Soft Hearts Love” – Mark – Chapter 3

Sermon: March 10, 2013 – Pastor James Galland – ” ” – Mark – Chapter 2

Sermon: March 03, 2013 – Pastor Scott McCall – ” ” – Mark – Chapter 1

Sermon: February 24, 2013 – Pastor Scott McCall – “Introduction to the book of Mark” – Mark – Chapters 1-16

Before the Throne

Ben — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:08:38 +0000

As we had sweet fellowship this last Sunday with the men and women of Teen Challenge, who just so happen to be my personal heroes, The Lord laid something upon my heart.

As I heard testimony after testimony, song after song, one consistent theme was present. In their life and through the program, they have come to a place of brokenness; recognizing and vocalizing their own incapability and lack of strength. Highlighted against their honesty, The Lord showed me that I, with all my “little ducks in a row,” am every bit a broken mess as my friends before me. The only difference is, they are honest with Jesus about their brokenness, while I pretend I am not even broken…

Lord, help us all see our brokenness and our deep need to come before You, as You are the only one able to make something beautiful from that mess.

Peace

Ben — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 04:42:54 +0000

As the Word of God was spoken publicly this morning, the Holy Spirit highlighted one specific word that invited my contemplation down a path I hadn’t traveled before.

And let the peace of Christ “RULE” in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 ESV)

Does peace rule in my heart? Is it so unwavering that daily worries avert at its sight? Is peace so so evidently ruling in my heart that in perilous moments my bystanders feel a contagiousness about it? Perhaps it doesn’t as it should…

To rule is to have control, and peace, in control, rules with a gentle hand. Will we let peace “rule” in our heart?

Colossians

WP-Admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 17:49:31 +0000

We are studying the book of Colossians.

Paul writes and challenges the Colossians to increase in Hope, Love and Faith.

Sermon: Febuary 17, 2013 Pastor James Galland - ” ” Colossians

Sermon: February 10, 2013

Sermon: Feburary 3, 2013

Pastor James Galland – “Pray and then Pray Some More” Colossians 4:2-4

Sermon: January 20, 2013

Pastor Scott McCall – “Do Everything in the Name of Lord Jesus” Colossians 3:18-4:1

Sermon: January 13, 2013

Pastor Scott McCall – “Let the Word dwell in your Heart” Colossians 3:16-17

Sermon: January 6, 2013

Pastor James Galland – “The Perfect Peace” – Colossians 3:15

Sermon: December 2, 2012

Pastor James Galland – “The Perfect Church” – Colossians 3:12-14

Other references:

1 Peter 2:9, Philippians 3:9, Romans 12:9-13:10.

Sermon: November 25, 2012

Pastor Glenn Olson – “Some Things Don’t Belong in…. a Masterpiece” – Colossians 3:5-11

Video: God’s Chisel

November 18, 2012

Pastor Scott McCall – “Living as Those Made Alive in Christ” – Colossians 3:1-4

Sermon: November 11, 2012 (no audio) – Pastor Scott McCall – “Salvation in Christ Alone” – Colossians 2:18-23

Main theme: Be aware of false humility and remember, no set of works can get you to heaven.

Sermon: November 4, 2012 - Pastor James Galland – “Keep First Things First – Resisting Rules” – Colossians 2:16-17

Sermon: October 28, 2012 – Pastor Glenn Olson – “Christ in you, the hope of glory” – Colossians 2:9-15

Video: Sewage Pond Parable

Handout: Who I Am in Christ

October 21, 2012 – Pastor Scott McCall – “Are you Marked?” – Colossians 2:1-8

October 14, 2012 – Pastor James Galland – “A Calling From God” – Colossians 1:24-29

October 07, 2012. – Pastor Scott McCall – “The Conversion of the Colossians” – Colossians 1:19-23

September 30, 2012 – Pastor Scott McCall – “Jesus is Our Supreme Commander” Colossians 1:15-18

September 23, 2012 – Pastor Scott McCall – “Walk Worthy in the Lord” – Colossians 1:9-14

September 16, 2012 – Pastor Scott McCall – “The Church at Colosse ” -Colossians 1:1-8

Christmas 2012

WP-Admin — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:39:12 +0000

Last Week’s Sermon:

Sermon:December 30, 2012

Pastor Al Schirmacher – “Moving the Elephant in 2013″ – Nehemiah Ch 1- 6
Previous Sermons

Sermon: December 23, 2012

Pastor Al Schirmacher – “Christmas Restores our Focus” – Isaiah 8:21-9:7

Sermon: December 16, 2012

Pastor James Galland – “The Indescribable Gift”

Sermon: December 09, 2012

Pastor Al Schirmacher

Advent or Event?

Ben — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:58:29 +0000

As we kick off Advent season with a disappointing, or perhaps gratifying, Vikings-Packers showdown, I can’t help but find myself contemplating the “reason for the season.” For we (who claim the blood of Jesus Christ as propitiation for our sins) ought to find great excitement in all that the Advent represents. “Adventus” or “coming” has the power for the re-invigoration of gratitude and dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Advent represents not only the passing of a seasonal Holiday, but much more! From the prophetic promise of salvation through the glorious restoration, the birth of the messiah marks a moment in time that declares the hope of an eternity.

“Father, let us not miss the birth of the messiah for jingle bells and mistletoes.”

What is a masterpiece?

Ben — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:40:45 +0000

When we hear the word “masterpiece,” what is it that populates your mental picture frame? Perhaps a well-known painting by a master painter like Van Gogh, or perhaps your favorite song by a skilled band.

If I were to answer that question on the fly, free of context, likely I would think the same, but with our third child possibly only moments away, a child comes to mind. A child is masterfully crafted with fear and wonder in the womb of a woman (Psalm 139:14), doesn’t this constitute as “masterpiece?”

This week, let your thinking be challenged. God took the time to knit you in the womb and hand select your personality, and He will be faithful to turn us into His masterpieces, if we allow.