We often think that our lives are our own, but if we’ve been rescued, forgiven & redeemed by Jesus, then our lives really belong to God. This message challenges us to answer the question, “What are you doing for God with your life?”

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

— Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

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This is the first message in a 3-part series entitled “Who Are You?” In this series, we’re looking at the issue of identity. Many people don’t really know who they are. They think they’re what they do, who they associate with, the things they’re involved in, etc. If a person is a follower of Jesus, who we are is ultimately tied to Jesus, not family, work, friends, hobbies, or sports. Those things can be good and serve a purpose in our lives, but they’re not who we are.

In the first message in the series, we look at Colossians 1:13, 14 to see that, first and foremost, in Christ we are forgiven, rescued, and redeemed. That is the foundation of who we are.

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Judas and Peter both made big mistakes on the night that Jesus was arrested — Judas betrayed Jesus to his enemies, then Peter denied that he even knew Jesus, three times! Both felt remorse, but while Peter was taken back by Jesus after the resurrection, Judas saw no option but to take his own life. What difference between the two men accounts for the completely different outcomes?

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Sometimes we talk as if Jesus is like a shot — a vaccination against sin. You get your dose of Jesus and you’re good to go. Heaven is assured; sin is conquered. That’s not wrong, but it’s not right, either. Other times we view Jesus as a sort of “life cleanser” — you “invite Jesus into your life” & he comes in and cleans things up. Then, again, you’re good to go.

The problem with both of these ideas is that neither fit with how Jesus described what he offered. This message is a look at what Jesus really offers us, not what we often think he is.

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I apologize for not updating the website as often as I should.  We have a very active youth group that usually meet every Sunday night.  We also have a Wednesday Night Bible Study.  Please check the Facebook account for Newport First Christian Church.  I will be posting events on that page as it is most convenient to communicate with the kids on Facebook.  You also can call me or the church anytime to find out what activities we have planned for the kids.

This is the last message in our series “What Would Jesus Feel?” in which we’re looking at Jesus demonstrations of compassion.

Matthew 9 gives us a glimpse into a typical day, or maybe a week, of Jesus’ life during this stage in his ministry. Jesus goes out into the world and heals, teaches, encourages, etc. And he does it all despite the naysayers running him down.

There’s a lesson or two there for us. Click here to be taken to the download/listen page.

The story of Jesus feeding the 5000 on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, found in Mark 6, states that Jesus’ actions that day were the result of him feeling “compassion” for the leaderless people. What we often overlook, though, is that Jesus’ first compassion-driven action was to teach the crowd. Apparently, imparting critical knowledge to people is a way to show compassion. Who knew?

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Are you looking for something to do on Saturdays in March?  Come stop by the church and help us spruce up the place before Easter.  We will be working EVERY Saturday in March.  We will begin each Saturday at 9AM and work as long as we can.  Please join us many hands make light work!  If you have any questions please contact Amy Reineccius or the church office.

The second message in our series on Jesus and Compassion, What Would Jesus Feel?, is entitled “Jesus Dared.”

In this message, we look at a story from Luke 7. A woman who is labeled a “sinner,” which likely meant that she had been a prostitute, shows up at the home of a pharisee where Jesus is and cleans his feet. Jesus’ host was scandalized that Jesus would let such a woman touch him. Jesus responds with a short parable and a bit of a lecture. Jesus quite often upset people with his tolerance and acceptance.

In truth, Jesus went a lot further than merely tolerating people who were not welcome in polite, respectable society. Jesus actively showed compassion for such people. If we claim Jesus as our example, what should be our attitude towards the rougher elements of our society?

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With this message, we’re staring a new series that is going to take a look at Jesus and his compassion. We’re calling it “What Would Jesus Feel.”

Sunday’s message, the first in this series, is called “Jesus Wept” and is a look at the shortest verse in the English Bible. The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave is an amazing, hope-giving story. However, within this demonstration of Jesus’ power over death there is also a lesson in compassion.

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