New Work Fellowship Podcast

Calming Presence in the Chaos (6/16/24)

Not of This World: Daniel - "Calming Presence in the Chaos" (Daniel 2)

Step into a journey through time and truth as we explore “The Chaos of a Broken Culture.” In a world where the lines of masculinity are blurred and the pressures of power weigh heavily, we find a tale as old as Babylon itself. Nebuchadnezzar, a king driven to the brink of madness, demands the impossible: to know his dream and its interpretation. Amidst the turmoil, we discover Daniel—a man who embodies true strength and wisdom. As we delve into this ancient narrative, we uncover timeless insights into the essence of manhood, the pitfalls of toxic masculinity, and the divine blueprint for a life of purpose. What is a man?

Feeling the Heat (6/9/24)

Not of This World: Daniel - "Feeling the Heat" (Daniel 3)

Chapter 3 of Daniel follows well the reality of Chapter 1. When you awaken to the reality that this world is not your home, the immediate result of that is that you will feel the heat. This is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who stand firm under persecution. They refuse to worship a statue. (The crazy thing about our culture is we worship everything and anything. It really is like Paul wrote in Romans 1.) The Jews were singled out; targeted specifically because of their faith. The same is true today. Christians are often portrayed as mindless and ignorant, as well as cruel and judgmental people. Look at how Christians are portrayed in modern entertainment. We also see it in our everyday life. If you don't "go along" in order to "get along," you are ostracized. So how do you face the heat?

This World Is Not Your Home (6/2/24)

Not of This World: Daniel - "This World Is Not Your Home" (Daniel 1)

In Chapter 1 of Daniel, we are introduced to these uprooted and transplanted "aliens" who find themselves living in a strange world. But even though these Hebrew men are taken out of the Promised Land, it is clear that the Promises of God are still deeply rooted within them.  This chapter illustrates how to negotiate a faithful life in a pagan culture. Daniel sets an example of staying loyal to God in a culture that is less and less influenced by God (or a society that is no longer Christian).

Fighting Back (5/26/24)

More Than Meets the Eye - "Fighting Back" (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

The longer we are in the fight, the better fighter we should become.  Are you keeping an inventory of lessons learned in the fight? Are you repeating the same fights over and over again? The Bible talks about the idea of spiritual strongholds. When we allow a place in our lives where the enemy can "set up camp," he wreaks havoc in our lives. Therefore, we must demolish the strongholds within us to be better equipped in spiritual warfare. Any stronghold has the ability to make it easy for the enemy to attack - prey on our weakness, so to speak. The Lord desires for us to demolish these strongholds by taking thoughts captive as Paul explains in 2 Corinthians.  There is a fight for the mind - your mind! Are you fighting back?

Who's In the Fight With You? (5/19/24)

More Than Meets the Eye - "Who's In the Fight With You?" (Acts 19:13-20)

A quick review as we pick back up with our series, More Than Meets The Eye: Jesus said we have an enemy; there is a fight; and we need to be ready! However, it's not just about having all the right equipment. We need to be in relationship with the ONE who defeated the enemy. In this section of scripture there is an example of how NOT to fight a spiritual attack. The sons of Sceva tried to rebuke demons in the name of Jesus, but they didn't have a relationship with Jesus in the first place. The Name of Jesus has ultimate power when facing spiritual warfare. The way to combat it is through His Name and His Word, but we must first know Him and have a relationship with Him.

Blessed From Generation to Generation (5/12/24)

Eva Self shares her story with us and reminds us that the Lord is good!

Get in the Fight with a Plan (5/5/24)

More Than Meets the Eye - "Get in the Fight with a Plan" (Matthew 4:1-11)

There is a fight. We have been equipped for the fight, but every fighter knows before the fight you have to get ready for the fight to come. The fight begins long before the fight. How did Jesus handle a spiritual attack? He combated the schemes of Satan with God's Word. Each temptation He faced was met with the words, "It is written..." How can we follow this example when under attack? Know God's Word and use it. We must all be in the Word and growing. Jesus confidently stepped into the fight. What about you?

Getting Ready for the Fight (4/28/24)

More Than Meets the Eye - "Getting Ready for the Fight" (Ephesians 6:10-18)

We've learned there is a fight. We can set ourselves up for struggle because we ignore the struggle, or we assume we are not equipped. But...we are equipped with the full armor of God. We have to be prepared and be ready for the fight!

There Is a Fight (4/21/24)

More Than Meets the Eye - "There Is a Fight" (John 8:31-47)

Jesus confronts the blind listeners in his world alerting them to the reality that not only is there a fight, but there is a source behind the fight. Jesus affirmed that 1) there is a devil, 2) the devil's end goal is death and destruction, and 3) the devil's primary weapon is lies.  Step one of winning the fight is understanding what Jesus understood - you have an enemy; there is a fight. Are you ready?

One for the Road (4/14/24)

On This Very Spot - "One for the Road" (Acts 21-23:11)

As the church explodes into the great commission - Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth - the great apostle/planter, Paul, is compelled by the spirit to come back to Jerusalem one last time. He was warned, but he was compelled. He was ready to be poured out.  This would, in fact, become the moment that launches the church to the ends of the earth. Whereas Pentecost was the spark that lit the fuse, this is the full thrust. Paul will go to Rome and the church will turn the world upside down. The church - the temple - is going on the road to the very household of Caesar himself. And to you too! Don't miss that!