New Life Family Fellowship

There is nothing in our own power, whether in what we say or do that earns our salvation. So, what purpose does the fruit of the spirit serve if not to earn or help us keep our salvation? In fact, there is a difference between the purpose of the fruit and what they produce and the justification that was purchased for us by Christ on the cross. So let's take a look at the Word and dive into the details of fruit versus works.

 

7-6-25

Pastor Anthony 

When we hear the phrase, "fruit of the spirit," it seems like it would be singular? In reality, from a spiritual perspective, it is actually plural. There are nine fruit of the spirit, so it could be very discouraging to realize you are only good at one or two of them, while lacking in all the rest. Sometimes we view freedom as the right to do what we want, when we want. However, the Word describes freedom very differently. As a Christian, when you are learning to have the mind of Christ, it can be difficult to really understand freedom and what that means to you. Are you free, or aren't you? Let's look at how freedom and the fruit of the spirit connect.

 

6-29-25 Pastor Anthony 

The word 'Father' is more of a title than it is a word . The Aramaic word for father is Abba , which refers to an intimate relation.  As we dive into the story of the prodigal son we found that his dad's reaction to his return is not as expected. We often expect one reaction from God and get another. Could it be that it is easier to understand and look at God as a king and not so much as a father. Let us look into the father's heart and see what his true nature and character as a Father. 

 

6-15-25 Pastor Anthony 

When we think of the word "fruitful" many things come to mind. We often think of things like productive, fertile, and maybe even see it as the result of a process. All of those things are good, but the truest definition is "anything done with the partnership of God the Holy Spirit." So, on what wall does your ladder lean? Are we working by ourselves or are we partnering with the Lord and walking in HIS fruitfulness? Let's dive into the Word and explore what fruitfulness truly looks like.

 

6-8-25 Pastor Anthony 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom, however, is an invitation and not a command. As parents, we often command our children instead of inviting them to choose. Like God does with us, let's invite our children and the ones in our lives to search for the wisdom that comes from the Lord. If we listen, call out, and then search, we will find the wisdom of the Father, walk in the mind of Christ and think and behave more like the Lord. Let's Go to the Word and investigate all that comes with the pursuit of wisdom from the Lord.

 

6-1-25

Jeremiah  

When we look at the events in our lives, how do we see them? Do we see them as opportunities to align our day with the Holy Spirit and "go with the flow," or do we see it as something to face head-on or overcome with the mind of Christ? We oftentimes view things that happen unexpectedly as an opposition. So, the question is, how do we have the mind of Christ and become willing to yield in all that we do? The Word has a great outline of what that should look like.

 

5-25-25 Pastor Anthony      

We know that mothers are irreplaceable. Jesus himself had a mother who cared for him. Sometimes, they can also be underappreciated or forgotten. God's heart is to honor mothers every day of the week, not just once a year. Even when that may not be the easiest thing to do, His mind is always on honoring not just mothers, but everyone He puts in our lives, no matter how prickly they can be sometimes. He sees us even in our deepest, darkest places as demonstrated by Hagar. He hears our cries as mothers as demonstrated by Hannah and her son, Samuel. Let's look at the Word and dive into what His heart reveals to us about mothers and children.

 

5-11-25

Pastor Anthony

According to James 3:17, "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle..." Peace in Greek is "eirene" and indicates a state of tranquility, harmony and well- being. Gentle, likewise in Gree, is "eiko," meaning to humbly yield, to give way, to voluntarily submit. In seeking to have the mind of Christ, these are the attributes one should be striving to exhibit. However, without walking closely with the Lord, anyone would find difficulty exhibiting these attributes, even in the best of circumstances. Let us look at the Word in showing us how to obtain these qualities and what that should look like in our daily lives. 

5-4-25

Pastor Anthony  

In James 3:17, the wisdom from above is first pure. The word pure in English means a great many things to many people . It could mean anything from clean to untarnished or uncontaminated. However in Greek the word for pure/holy is Hagios .  This means to be set  apart for special use .  Pure is mentioned 40 times in scripture. To pursue the mind of Christ is first to pursue Purity, the likeness and nature of God. Let us take a look at scripture to see what it has to say about purity and the mind of Christ . . . 

 

4-27-25 Pastor Anthony

This week is called Palm Sunday because of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus on the donkey. At first glance, it seems that Palm Sunday is a big deal because of Jesus's entrance. It, in fact, marks the start of the greatest week of Jesus's life and ministry. Most would limit it just to the crucifixion, which is extremely important. However, if you look closer at this week, you may find that the greatest thing He ever did for us had more to do with what was done to Him instead of what He chose to do himself. He went from moving freely in power to being the victim and having to be the one enduring others effects on Him. Let's take a closer look at why this was so powerful, and how this can further transform our perspective of who Jesus is and what He did for all of us.

 

4-13-25

Pastor Anthony