Would You Do It For One? | BIG Dreams | Pastor Joaquin Pardo

November 10, 2024 • Pastor Joaquin Pardo • Genesis 18:9–23

First Things First | BIG Dreams | Pastor Steve Andres

October 27, 2024 • Pastor Steve Andres • Genesis 14:17–23

Do you have overdue gratitude? This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our BIG DREAMS series with a message about putting FIRST THINGS FIRST. Genesis 14:19-20 “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. Abraham has experienced a hard-fought victory, but he remembers to acknowledge God’s goodness and provision. 1) Giving starts with gratitude. Gratitude is the art of being present to God’s goodness, of being eyes-open to the gifts that he has given us. 2) Money is meant for managing, not for meaning. All throughout the Bible, and especially in the teachings of Jesus, we see that we are managers of our resources, not owners. Don’t look for meaning or significance in money. 3) Tithe is a testimony. Abraham gives a tenth of all he gained to Melchizedek as a testimony of God’s provision. Tithing keeps our source in focus.  4) Generosity produces joy. When we sow generously, the Bible says that we reap with joy. When we put God first in every area, our hearts become free to enjoy his goodness and see his miraculous provision today!

Blessed To Be A Blessing | BIG Dreams | Pastor Steve Andres

October 20, 2024 • Pastor Steve Andres • Genesis 12:1–4

Blessed is a story, not a status! This weekend New City began a new journey of faith, and Pastor Steve kicked off a series called BIG DREAMS!  Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation,   and I will bless you; I will make your name great,   and you will be a blessing.” This season will be a defining moment for our church, and our prayer is that everyone who calls New City Church their home will participate, heart and soul! The BIG DREAMS INITIATIVE is an effort to prepare our church for the next season of growing ministry, expanded outreach, and a permanent home for our church. As we enter this season, what does Abram’s call from God teach us about our journey?  1) It’s easier to believe that God is powerful than to believe that he is good. But in Abram’s call we see an incredible moment of GRACE from God. God’s promise of BLESSING came to Abram BEFORE he ever did anything for God. 2) Faith begins with trust in God’s goodness. Faith says I believe in God’s GOODNESS so thoroughly that I can ASK him for what I need, and I can TRUST him to do what’s best. 3) This journey is not about what God wants FROM YOU, but what God has planned FOR YOU. The BIG DREAMS that we have as a church are rooted in God’s promise to Abraham, “I WILL BLESS YOU, and YOU WILL BE A BLESSING.” We believe that as we remember God’s blessing in our lives, we will have a clearer sense of how he has called and equipped us to be a blessing to others!