New Work Fellowship Podcast

Solomon Raised the Roof (2/25/24)

On This Very Spot - "Solomon Raised the Roof" (1 Kings 6-9, 2 Chronicles 5-7)

David so wanted to build the house of God. But that was not to be. The temple would be built not by a king of war, but rather by the king of peace. The entire dedication is a beautiful picture of God wanting to dwell with His people. The glory of the temple was spectacular! God's glory filled the temple. But all of this was a foreshadowing. Jesus Himself would embody God's presence among his people.

David Laid the Altar (2/18/24)

On This Very Spot - "David Laid the Altar" (2 Samuel 24:15-25)

After David sinned (this man who is described as having a heart after God); God calls upon David to build an altar to the Lord. This altar is to be the place where sin is put aside. David declares that he will not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing. In a very real way - that is also what God does for us. He makes a way for our sin to be removed - and it cost him far too great a price. It all points to Jesus.

The Feast is Under it All (2/11/24)

On This Very Spot - "The Feast is Under it All" (Exodus 12, Deuteronomy 16, Luke 2:41, Revelation 19:9)

The Passover, which began in Egypt, is transported to the land of promise - just like the people. By the time you come to Deuteronomy - the festival MUST be observed "at the dedicated place of worship." By the time you come to Jesus, it is the annual pilgrimage. Through the festival, God was not only reminding the people of what was before; He was teaching about what was to come.

He Began with Abraham (2/4/24)

On This Very Spot - "He Began with Abraham" (Genesis 22)

The near sacrifice of Isaac is stunning and disturbing. You cannot look at it in isolation. God is laying the foundation for all that is to follow. The path that Abraham must walk is a path that our Heavenly Father will walk. It all points to Jesus. Mount Mariah is deeply connected to both the Passover and the death of Jesus.

New Year, Same Mission (1/28/24)

New Year, New You! - "New Year, Same Mission" (Matthew 25:40)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19a

New Year, Same Gospel (1/21/24)

New Year, New You! - "New Year, Same Gospel" (Genesis 3, Psalms 17 & 18, Luke 15)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19a

New Year, Change Direction (1/14/24)

New Year, New You! - "New Year, Change Direction" (John 4:39)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19a

New Year, New Beginning (1/7/24)

New Year, New You! - "New Year, New Beginning" (1 Samuel 25)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18-19a

Getting Past the Past (12/31/23)

Traveling Light - "Getting Past the Past" (Matthew 1:1-6 & Hebrews 12:1-2)

There are three names that show up in the family tree of Jesus that are difficult: Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba. They are especially difficult if you are having family worship! For that reason, I'm not going into their life stories, but it won't take but a little while to explore their sordid history. But I'm so glad they are in there! They remind us that even Jesus' family tree had some issues. There was a history and a past that people would have liked to ignore. Just like you have a past. Just like your family has a history. But the amazing thing about the Christmas story is that Jesus makes room for you too, and through you, He writes a brand, new story. New Years is time for aspirations and hopes. The family tree of Jesus reminds us that it isn't too late for anyone. He can graft you - yes, even you - into His family tree.

Nostalgic Regret (12/23 & 12/24/23)

Traveling Light - "Nostalgic Regret" (Matthew 1:18-25)

Christmas stirs a lot of emotions in us; one of those is regret. And yet the Christmas story is much about letting go and trusting God's plan. With that vision, Joseph is like an unsung hero of Christmas. He doesn't get a speaking line in the story, but gosh, does he get a heavy load! It would have been easy for Joseph to give into bitterness or regret. The truth is Christmas can become the time that tough emotions bubble up. But we have a choice better than regret - we can TRUST that even in the mess that life becomes, God is still at work.