New Community Church

Hell. Hell is not a fun subject. For some Christians, the concept of hell has become an embarrassment. Non-Christians may ask, “You mean that God actually puts people in hell because they aren’t Christian?” Unfortunately, many Christians answer this question in the affirmative. But, that’s not why people go to hell. So, why do people go to hell? How can a God who is love send people to hell? How can Christians say that Jesus is the only way to avoid hell when there are so many different religions? These are all very good questions, and nobody should be ashamed to ask them. Hell is a difficult subject, but it is also a scriptural reality.

In the parable of the net (Matthew 13:47-50), Jesus tells us about a separation. Just as fishermen separate the good fish from the bad fish, so God’s angels will separate the wicked from the righteous. What makes one a good fish? Come and join us in worship on Sunday at 11:00 AM as we explore these questions using the full counsel of scripture.

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37

The parable of the “Good Samaritan” is one of the better-known parables of Jesus. It’s one of those stories that speak to the listener on a number of levels. Some people read this parable and think about racism. This parable certainly does provide us with good reason to conclude that racism is not what God wills for us. Others read the parable and see a call to action against abortion or other social justice issues. Those who are able to care for the helpless who cannot care for themselves must do so. The most obvious interpretation of this parable is that we should follow the greatest commandment: Love God with everything we have, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves – our neighbor being the one who needs the love of God.

Jesus tells us, not who are neighbor is, but how we should be a neighbor to others. This story is a story about incarnational love – being Jesus Christ to others. Incarnational love requires sacrifice. Not empty sacrifice. Not simple ceremonial sacrifice. It requires sacrifice that hurts. Sacrifice is an essential component of this parable. Love in a fallen world almost always comes with sacrifice. Are we willing to sacrifice for (or love) those we don’t know? Scripture calls us to die and rise with Jesus daily. Dying isn’t easy.

New Community Church of Newaygo seeks, by the grace of God, to be Jesus Christ to the people of Newaygo. We hope to die more to ourselves and be alive in Christ every day. By God’s grace, we hope to reach out to the city of Newaygo and call the community to die to itself, but be alive in Jesus Christ. Come, die and rise in Christ with us this Sunday.