New Life Gillette Church Teachings

New Life Gillette Church
New Life Gillette Church Teachings Podcast

Listen to the teachings from New Life Gillette Church in Gillette, WY where they invite you to come as you are and become who God created you to be.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Acts: Life On Mission - Week 4 - Pentecost

    Week 4: Pentecost | Acts: Life on Mission When most people think of the Holy Spirit, a variety of images and ideas might come to mind. Some may think of miraculous signs or speaking in tongues, while others might recall the more dramatic, even sensational, displays often associated with charismatic movements. For many, the term "Holy Ghost" evokes a sense of mystery, or perhaps the Holy Spirit feels like an elusive or distant concept altogether. However, the aim of today’s reflection on Pentecost is to focus on the relationship that every believer is invited to have with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an event, but a divine person with whom we can have an intimate, ongoing relationship—one that transforms not just our individual lives but also the world around us. Waiting for the Gift: Now What? The message begins by looking at the moment the apostles were in a state of anticipation, following the instruction of Jesus to "wait for the gift" from God. This moment of waiting lasted ten days, and while they didn’t fully understand what they were waiting for, the answer comes at Pentecost. In Acts 2:1-4, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise is recorded: "On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." (Acts 2:1-4, NLT) This moment marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit in a powerful, tangible way. Imagine the sound: it was like a tornado ripping through the room, perhaps akin to the roar of a freight train in modern terms. The sheer force of the Holy Spirit’s presence was unmistakable, and the impact on those in the room would not leave them the same. 1. Holy Spirit Changes the Individual One of the immediate effects of the coming of the Holy Spirit is transformation. Every Christian is now given access to the Holy Spirit, not just the apostles or select few. The Spirit’s presence is not conditional on being "good enough" or having an emotional experience—He is available to all who follow Christ. The significance of this happening during the Jewish holiday of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, is profound. Pentecost originally celebrated the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. But now, with the arrival of the Holy Spirit, something new is happening. As Romans 12:2 reminds us: "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2, NLT) God, who once gave the law to Moses, is now writing His law on the hearts of believers, renewing their minds and guiding them through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This isn’t about rigid rule-following, but about an intimate relationship with the living God. The Spirit convicts, guides, and reveals truth, making it hard to continue in sin without feeling a deep, internal conflict. When the Spirit is present, life changes. The internal struggles that weigh heavily on a person—be it anxiety, depression, or a sense of burden—are often linked to living in ways contrary to how God created us to be. In Galatians 5:25, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to let their lives be led by the Spirit: "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:25, NLT) 2. Holy Spirit Changes the Church While the Holy Spirit works individually in the hearts...

    33 min
  2. 9 SEPT

    Acts: Life On Mission - Week 2 - 2024 Kickoff Sunday

    2024 Kickoff Sunday: Acts - Life on Mission The second week of the series "Acts: Life on Mission" focuses on a core question: What should the church look like today? This message, drawn from the early church’s example in the book of Acts, brings to light three powerful mandates for believers—worship, spiritual battle, and celebration. It also touches on how the Bible addresses aspects of church life, such as dress and behavior during worship, with a call to build a stronger, mission-focused church community. What Does the Bible Say About What to Wear to Church? The Bible has little to say directly about clothing for church gatherings, especially in the New Covenant. In the Old Covenant, there were some subtle indications, like covering one's head for worship, but the New Testament mentions it only briefly. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, writes: 1 Timothy 2:8-10 "In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." Here, Paul doesn't refer to church buildings as “sanctuaries” but as places of worship, emphasizing that worship should be the primary focus. Men are instructed to lift holy hands, drawing attention to God, not to themselves. Likewise, women are told to dress modestly and appropriately, not to create barriers for outsiders or make it about self-image, but rather to make God the focal point. Learning from the Early Church (Acts 2:42-47) The book of Acts provides a powerful model for how the early church functioned. Written by Luke, it describes a church devoted to key practices that every believer and church community should emulate. This passage offers a glimpse of what church gatherings should look like: Acts 2:42-47 "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." Luke emphasizes five critical aspects of the early church: Devotion to TeachingThe believers were serious about learning and applying the apostles' teachings. It wasn't a passive experience. They actively engaged with the teachings, discussed them in their communities (Life Groups), and applied them in their daily lives. This example challenges the modern church to not just listen but live out the Word of God. FellowshipGod created humanity for fellowship. Even in the Garden of Eden, God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, despite his companionship with nature and animals (Genesis 2:18). Fellowship builds up believers, providing the encouragement needed to continue through lif...

    37 min
  3. 3 SEPT

    Acts: Life On Mission - Week 1 - Three Stepping Stones

    Acts: Life on Mission - Week 1: "Three Stepping Stones" As we embark on our journey through the book of Acts, it's essential to remember that the early Christians were known as "Followers of the Way." This term isn’t just a label; it encapsulates the essence of what it means to live a life centered on Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself made an exclusive claim that He is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). This claim, while challenging to the world’s desire for relativism, remains the cornerstone of our faith. The Apostle Paul, facing persecution for his faith, boldly declared, "I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors" (Acts 24:14). Paul’s words echo through the ages, reminding us that following Jesus often means standing against the tide of popular opinion. In a world that often seeks to find its own path, the call to follow Jesus as "the Way" requires us to step onto a path that Jesus Himself laid out. The Way: A Path of Stepping Stones Imagine "The Way" as a path with three significant stepping stones that every follower of Jesus must walk on. These stepping stones represent the journey Jesus invites us to take, a journey that reshapes our lives and reorients our priorities. Stepping Stone 1: "I’m a Sinner" The first stepping stone is the recognition of our own sinfulness. As G.K. Chesterton once wrote, "We’re all in the same boat, but we are all seasick." We are all sinners, unable to save ourselves because we are all in need of rescue. But what does it mean to acknowledge our sin? The world often associates sainthood with moral perfection, but Chesterton also pointed out that "a saint only means a man who knows he is a sinner." This awareness of our sinfulness is crucial because it drives us to seek God. The law given to the Israelites served to reveal their sins, and in the new covenant, God gives us a conscience that convicts us of our sins. Thomas Aquinas captured this truth when he said, "The heart is restless until it rests in God." In our restlessness, we often turn to substitutes for a relationship with God—wealth, pleasure, power, and honor. These pursuits are ultimately sinful because they center our lives on ourselves rather than on God. St. John of the Cross described our desires as "an infinite cavern that can only be filled by God." When we try to fill this cavern with anything other than God, we fall into sin. Jesus, in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). This teaches us that no earthly pursuit can satisfy the deep longing in our souls—only God can. So, the first step on "The Way" is to recognize our sin, name the vices that lead us astray, and understand that only God can truly satisfy our deepest desires. Stepping Stone 2: "Jesus Is the Center" The second stepping stone is making Jesus the center of our lives. During a visit to Christ Church in Oxford, known for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance, I noticed a recurring theme in the design of many ancient churches. In these churches, the rose window—a circular stained glass window—depicts Jesus at the center, surrounded by His followers. This design isn’t merely decorative; it’s deeply symbolic. When Jesus is at the center, everything else falls into place. When we make mistakes, it’s often because we’ve allowed something other than Jesus to occupy the center of our lives.

    39 min
  4. Lead Like Christ - Week 6 - Come and See Evangelism

    29 JUL

    Lead Like Christ - Week 6 - Come and See Evangelism

    Come and Become Evangelism Understanding Evangelism Beyond the Pulpit In the book of Acts, the focus often lands on the apostles who preached and performed miracles, but what about the regular church members? Their contributions, though less documented, were pivotal in growing the church. Most people in the church today will not receive a vocational calling to ministry or become pastors, yet their role in evangelism remains crucial. Shifting Focus from the Pulpit to the People The church often seeks out rare talents for leadership roles, but there's more to ministry than just having a select few on staff. The work of growing the church isn't solely the responsibility of pastors. Everyone in the church has a part to play. This brings us to a critical concept: Come and Become Evangelism. Come and Become Evangelism Evangelism is about inviting others to follow Jesus. "Come and Become Evangelism" involves Christians inviting others to church, forming the primary strategy for growth. This approach has three main benefits: 1. Time to Consider the Cost and Consequences Inviting someone to church allows them to connect with a community where they can wrestle with questions and grow gradually. Instant decisions are rarely lasting; true discipleship involves a series of encounters with Jesus. Lasting conversions typically take multiple encounters, emphasizing that discipleship is about introducing people to Jesus and supporting them as they grow. "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24 (NLT) 2. Instant and Natural Follow-Up This strategy ensures that new attendees are immediately connected and can start growing within the community. Everyone plays a role in welcoming and integrating newcomers. The goal of evangelism isn't merely to elicit a prayer but to foster ongoing discipleship. Church involvement provides the support necessary for new believers to continue their journey of faith. "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) 3. Accessibility for All Christians Evangelism becomes a natural part of a Christian's life. How one lives reflects their faith, influencing their ability to evangelize. Everyone is on a mission to grow the church, embodying the invitation to others. Jesus made it clear that there is plenty of room in His Father’s house, encouraging believers to invite others to join the family of faith. "There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" - John 14:2 (NLT) The Messiness of Growth Inviting others into the church means welcoming diverse and sometimes messy lives. The early church dealt with a range of issues, and so will today's church. But this messiness is a sign of life and growth. "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20 (NLT) The Urgency of Evangelism Jesus' return is imminent, and this urgency compels believers to show others the way to God. If the sole purpose of faith was personal salvation, God would take believers to Heaven immediately upon conversion. Instead, He leaves them with a mission: to eva...

    30 min
  5. Lead Like Christ - Week 5 - Humility

    22 JUL

    Lead Like Christ - Week 5 - Humility

    Defining Humility Richard starts by defining humility, emphasizing that while social media often showcases pride and arrogance, true humility is rarely celebrated. He cites Rick Warren’s quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” This perspective shifts the focus from false modesty, where individuals downplay their abilities, to a genuine self-assessment in relation to God and others. C.S. Lewis adds to this understanding, suggesting that a truly humble person doesn’t think about humility or themselves at all but instead takes a genuine interest in others. Biblical Aspects of Humility The Bible offers extensive insights into humility, which Richard categorizes into three main aspects: Low Esteem: This form of humility places an individual at the bottom of the societal hierarchy. Romans 12:16 encourages believers to live in harmony and associate with the lowly, while Psalm 95:6 calls for worship and bowing down before God, emphasizing that in His presence, humans are on the ground, acknowledging His greatness. Not Demanding Perks: Richard contrasts worldly desires for perks with Jesus’ example. Despite being entitled to the best of everything, Jesus chose a humble path. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus gave up divine privileges and lived humbly, even to the point of dying on a cross. Jesus’ life exemplifies not demanding special treatment but serving others, as highlighted in Matthew 8:20, where He states, “Foxes have dens… but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Occupying God-Given Space: True humility involves recognizing and occupying the space God has created for each individual. Romans 12:3 advises believers to measure themselves honestly by the faith God has given. Psalm 149:4 reveals that the Lord delights in His people and crowns the humble with victory, affirming that God honors those who humbly occupy their designated roles. Jesus as the Ultimate Example Richard illustrates Jesus’ humility through the act of washing the disciples’ feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants. This powerful gesture, described in John 13:1-17, shows Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself for others, setting a profound example for His followers. Leadership and Humility Drawing from the book "Good to Great," Richard introduces the concept of the "window and the mirror." Great leaders attribute success to their team (the window) and take personal responsibility for failures (the mirror). Jesus embodied this leadership style, sending out His disciples to perform miracles and promising they would do even greater things (John 14:12). Ultimately, He took humanity’s failures upon Himself on the cross, offering redemption. The Significance of Humility Humility is vital because it aligns believers with God’s will, allowing Him to work through them. David’s story from 1 Samuel 24 exemplifies this, where despite being anointed as the next king, David refrains from killing Saul, respecting God’s timing and authority.

    38 min
  6. Lead Like Christ - Week 4 - Fathers Lead

    15 JUL

    Lead Like Christ - Week 4 - Fathers Lead

    Lead Like Christ: Fathers Lead The success of a community is deeply rooted in the strength and presence of its fathers. Communities with strong, involved fathers thrive, while those with weak or absent fathers often struggle with rebellious children and immature adults. Fathers play an essential role in shaping the future of their families and, by extension, their communities. Fathers Lead Christian fathers are called to lead their families toward a relationship with God and away from sinful desires. The impact of a father on his family is profound, and this influence can be for better or worse. The concept of "monitored freedom" is vital in this leadership role. Granting children freedom before they are wise enough to handle it is irresponsible. Instead, fathers should gradually allow their children more freedom as they demonstrate responsibility, stepping in to restrict that freedom when necessary. One father's personal experience illustrates this principle well. As a child, he was excited when his parents told him he no longer had a bedtime, only to quickly lose that privilege after staying up too late playing video games. This early lesson in responsibility paved the way for more significant freedoms later on. By the time he turned 16, his parents told him he was no longer accountable to them but to God, whose discipline is more severe (Hebrews 12:6). This transition was crucial, providing a framework for managing freedom responsibly by the time he reached college. The Gift of Freedom Freedom is a precious yet dangerous gift from God. It requires careful management and accountability. God's discipline, while severe, is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6). This divine model of parenting is a guide for earthly fathers, who should also discipline their children out of love. This discipline helps children learn to manage their freedom and grow into mature, responsible adults. Many young people today struggle with this concept, often rebelling without understanding the true value and responsibility of freedom. Loving fathers monitor their children's freedom, guiding them to maturity. This mirrors the way God disciplines and guides His children. Taking Responsibility Fathers must take responsibility for their children's actions. This responsibility reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, who took on the sins of humanity. Fathers should lead their homes with the same selfless dedication. When children face consequences for their actions, fathers should be involved, whether by making their children accountable or, at times, stepping in to help bear the burden themselves. The empathy that fathers feel when their children are hurting is a God-given trait designed to motivate them to help. However, fathers often need a reminder to stay engaged and not turn their backs on their children, as it is easier for them to distance themselves than it is for mothers. The Importance of Fathers The statistics are clear: fatherless homes significantly impact society. One in four children is raised without a father, compared to one in forty without a mother. Absent fathers weaken communities. God designed the family unit with both a mother and father to lead children into a mature relationship with Him. This partnership is crucial, and when fathers fail to fulfill their role, the entire community suffers. The Transition in Marriage A significant shift occurs when children marry. According to Matthew 19:5, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This transition marks the beginning of a new family unit, independent yet bui...

    33 min
  7. Lead Like Christ - Week 3 - Proverbs 31

    8 JUL

    Lead Like Christ - Week 3 - Proverbs 31

    The Proverbs 31 Woman: Embracing Integrity, Hard Work, Productivity, Faith, and Beauty Lindsay Lundvall, a dedicated school counselor at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School, shares her journey and insights into becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. Married to Shay and mother to two children, Skyin and Breen, Lindsay grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, in a strong Christian home. Attending church every Sunday was the norm, and Christian morals and values were deeply instilled in her from a young age. The Journey of a People-Pleaser Lindsay's story highlights her lifelong struggle with people-pleasing. As the youngest of three children and the only granddaughter, she developed a desire to be liked by everyone around her. This need for approval grew over time, especially during her high school and college years. Despite avoiding the typical party scene, she found herself deeply involved in Christian organizations like Campus Crusades for Christ and Oasis, a church outreach program for college students. The Challenge of Proverbs 31 Lindsay’s faith began to solidify during her college years, and she became acutely aware of the Proverbs 31 woman—a model of a virtuous and capable wife. However, she found the chapter both intimidating and unachievable. Like many young Christian women, she viewed Proverbs 31 as a daunting to-do list, feeling immense pressure to live up to its high standards. Shifting Perspective: Embracing Proverbs 31 as a Guideline Instead of seeing Proverbs 31 as a checklist, Lindsay learned to view it as a guideline for living out her faith. The chapter can be broken down into five key themes: integrity, hard work, productivity, faith, and beauty. 1. Integrity Proverbs 31:10-12 says, "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Integrity is about moral excellence and being uncommon in a world that often values conformity. The entire book of Proverbs aims to teach wisdom, discipline, and the ability to make right decisions, even when they are unpopular. 2. Hard Work Proverbs 31:13-15 highlights the hard work of the virtuous woman: "She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls." While the specifics may not be relatable today, the essence is clear: sacrificial giving for one’s family. Whether working inside or outside the home, God calls us to give our best in every endeavor. 3. Productivity Proverbs 31:16 says, "She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard." This verse, along with Proverbs 31:21, which states, "She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes," calls for using time wisely, planning for the future, and being productive with the resources God has given. This productivity extends beyond the home, impacting workplaces and friendships. 4. Faith Proverbs 31:25 proclaims, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." This verse challenges women to be so grounded in God's word that they can face life's challenges with confidence and trust. Leading in faith is not solely the husband’s role; women too are called to actively participate in spiritual leadership within their families and communities. 5. True...

    24 min

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Listen to the teachings from New Life Gillette Church in Gillette, WY where they invite you to come as you are and become who God created you to be.

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