New Work Fellowship Podcast

Winds of Change
“Shadows on the Sand”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

“For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.”

Time makes us anxious because
it moves forward without asking permission.

How do we make the most of our time?

1. Accept that God works in both good and bad times
                     Psalm 31:15, “My times are in your hands.”

2. Affirm my faith in God during confusing times
                     Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good..”

3. Do the good this season gives you to do
                     v12 “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while
                     they live.”

4. Seize eternity in this moment of time

The greatest opportunity in every moment
is to awaken your heart to eternity.

This week on Beyond Sunday, Michael Shearon is joined by Josh Hensley, Chaney Guffey, and AB for a conversation that begins with an honest "Identity Check" game before diving into Michael's message from Ecclesiastes. The group shares personal reflections about vacations, productivity, feeling behind, and the challenge of separating identity from accomplishments. Their candid answers reveal how easy it is to measure worth by what we do instead of who God says we are, setting up a thoughtful discussion that many listeners will likely see themselves in.

From there, the conversation explores the realities of work, the dangers of envy, and the difference between pursuing success and living a life of significance. Josh shares how his perspective on work has shaped the legacy he hopes to leave for his children, while the team reflects on finding joy in serving others, whether in ministry or everyday occupations. The episode closes with encouragement for anyone feeling discouraged in their career, reminding listeners that our work ultimately belongs to the Lord and inviting everyone to take their next step through upcoming opportunities at New Work Fellowship.

Work without Worship

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:17-23, Ecclesiastes 4:4, Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

 

Under the Sun – Is believing the lie that life on earth is all there is.

Point 1: The Reality of Work

We brag about never neglecting work while neglecting the greater things in life

 

Point 2: The Ugly Truth about of Work

Envy is one of the primary motivators of our ambition

Three Practical Ways to end Envy
1. Repent of Envy – James 3:16
2. Remember His Promises – Psalm 84:11
3. Focus on Eternity – Colossians 3:2

 

Point 3: The Redemption of Work

Satisfaction in work doesn’t come from SUCCESS it comes from SIGNIFICANCE

Three Questions to Think About:
1. Am I Worshipping Work?
2. Is Envy my Motivator?
3. Am I working for Success or Significance?

Tate takes the host seat alongside Paxton, Steve, and Cliff for an unusually entertaining episode that begins with questionable news headlines, Elvis sightings, ninja parades, and a surprising amount of lawn mowing conversation. Somehow, it all leads into a much deeper question: with more information available to us than ever before, are we actually becoming wiser, or just more anxious?

The guys unpack this week's message from Ecclesiastes and talk honestly about information overload, anxiety, the danger of being consumed by what we consume, and the importance of filtering our lives through God and His Word. Steve shares his own experience with the "Spider Monkey" of anxiety, Tate reflects on his struggle with constantly checking the news, and the conversation turns toward Scripture, trusted community, and knowing when to ask for help.

Winds of Change

“Too much Noise”

Ecclesiastes 1:12-15; 2:12-16; 12:12-13

 

Where does the anxiety of knowing come from?

 

Lie 1: More information will fix me.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-15

We have infinite information and FINITE capacity.

Knowledge is good, but knowledge is not God.

 

Lie 2: More wisdom will save me.

Ecclesiastes 2:12-16

You cannot outsmart the grave.

Peace is not found in what you know. It's found in Who you trust.

Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Peace comes from trusting the One who already knows it all.

This week, Josh is joined by Steve Buttram, Justin Eshenbaugh, and Tate Wells for a conversation centered around Paxton's message on the tension between pleasure, legalism, and the grace of God. Through practical examples ranging from family traditions and work habits to music, generosity, and Bible reading, the team explores what it looks like to avoid the ditches of chasing pleasure at all costs or trying to earn God's approval through performance. The discussion is honest, humorous, and full of practical wisdom for recognizing when good things begin to take God's rightful place.

The conversation also looks ahead to this week's message in Ecclesiastes and takes time to celebrate Justin as he prepares to begin a new season of ministry in North Carolina. The hosts reflect on God's faithfulness, the importance of following His calling, and the lasting impact of investing in others. Whether you're wrestling with finding balance in your own life or simply looking for encouragement, this episode offers thoughtful conversation that points back to the grace and wisdom found in Christ.

 

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US

Overarching: The problem is not pleasure; the problem is asking pleasure to do what
only God can. Anytime there is tension anxiety is often present. Examples of tension creating anxiety Balloon as it gets close to popping. Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2 is going to talk about pleasure and in the process identifies
some tensions that are created, and whenever we put things under tension we typically identify some weaknesses. I want to talk about a few of those tensions this morning but first lets read through the text together.

Winds Of Change
Filling Buckets
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

 

The things we chase can never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Ecclesiastes reminds us that lasting peace is found not by pursuing more "under the sun," but by fixing our minds on God, whose presence fills the void, calms our anxiety, and gives our lives eternal purpose.

Winds Of Change
The Void We Chase
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, Ecclesiastes 12:13

Josh, Kevin, Michael, and Steve wrap up the Altared series by reflecting on God's design for relationships and why our differences are often His greatest gifts. From hilarious "Better Together" debates to meaningful conversations about marriage, friendship, singleness, and the value of healthy community, this episode explores how God designed people to strengthen one another instead of going through life alone.

The conversation also looks ahead to the upcoming Winds of Change series through Ecclesiastes, where the team discusses finding contentment in a world that constantly promises more. Plus, hear exciting updates from the Cadiz campus, student camp, and what God continues to do across New Work Fellowship.

Sermon Series – “Altared” – God’s Design in Life and Relationships

Sermon – Perfectly Different by Design

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25

The Problem: The Burden of Aloneness
We are built to find satisfaction in relationships

The Solution: The Gift of a Companion
Different by Design, but Designed to Fit Together

God’s Plan: The Covenant of Marriage
One Man, and One Woman. One Covenant. One Flesh. No Shame.