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He was dead for four days. Buried. And then Jesus called him out of the tomb. That's not just a Bible story — it's why thousands of people showed up for Palm Sunday. In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Joe Wickman looks at the moment Lazarus walked out of his grave and why that one miracle changed everything — including what happened when Jesus rode into Jerusalem days later. You'll also hear real testimonies from people at New Life Church whose lives have been transformed by Jesus in 2026. Because Lazarus was just the beginning. Jesus is still raising people from death to life today.

What if worship is bigger than music?  In this message, we close our Spiritual Disciplines series by looking at the heart of worship. Every human being worships something. We were made in the image of God, created with a deep longing that only He can fill. This sermon explores: why every person is wired for worship the “God-shaped void” in the human heart how Jesus made a way for us to come near to God what it means that we are now the temple of the living God how worship becomes a daily practice of making space for God If you’ve ever felt empty, restless, or like something is missing, this message points to the only One who can truly satisfy the soul.

What makes a life truly meaningful? In Acts 9, we meet a woman named Tabitha whose life was defined by simple acts of service. She didn’t preach sermons or lead movements—she simply loved people and served them. Yet when she died, the entire community mourned because of the impact her life had made. Her story forces us to ask a powerful question: When our life is over, what will people remember? In this message from our Spiritual Disciplines series, we discover that the path to a meaningful life is not found in recognition, success, or accumulating more for ourselves. Instead, Jesus shows us that true greatness is found in serving others. Jesus said: “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:35) If you want to live a life that matters, the answer is simple—but not always easy: Serve like Jesus.

What does the Bible really say about submission? In a culture that celebrates independence and self-promotion, the idea of submission can feel uncomfortable. But Jesus taught that true greatness is found through humility, service, and surrender to God. In Part 5 of our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the biblical discipline of submission and why it is essential for spiritual growth. Jesus didn’t just teach submission — He modeled it perfectly, even to the point of death on the cross. In this message you’ll discover: • Why every person ultimately serves something or someone • How submission to God actually leads to greater freedom • The example of Jesus and His life of perfect obedience • What biblical submission is — and what it is not • Why submission should never enable abuse or domination • Practical ways to submit to God, Scripture, and others Jesus flipped the world’s definition of greatness upside down. Instead of seeking power, status, or control, He showed that true leadership is found in serving others. When we submit our lives to God, His Word, and one another, we experience the kind of transformation and freedom that only Christ can bring.

Are you constantly tired… overwhelmed… running on empty? In Part 4 of our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the life-giving discipline of Sabbath — not as a religious rule, but as a gift from God. From Genesis to Exodus to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12, Scripture shows us that Sabbath is woven into the rhythm of creation itself. God didn’t rest because He was tired — He rested to establish a pattern for us. If you’ve ever: Felt burned out Struggled to slow down Wondered why vacations don’t actually refresh you Believed rest feels “unproductive” This message is for you. Sabbath isn’t about legalism.  It’s about delight.  It’s about restoration.  It’s about friendship with God. The Sabbath will come for you — either as a gift… or as a consequence. Let’s learn how to choose it as a blessing.

What does the Bible really say about fasting? Is fasting required for Christians? And can fasting truly bring spiritual breakthrough? In this powerful message from our Spiritual Disciplines series, we explore the biblical foundation of fasting and why Jesus assumed His followers would practice it (Matthew 6, Matthew 9). You’ll discover: • Why fasting is more than skipping meals  • How fasting deepens intimacy with God  • Biblical examples of fasting for breakthrough, healing, repentance, and direction  • How fasting increases spiritual power and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit  • Practical steps to begin fasting safely and biblically  • A personal testimony of transformation through extended fasting Fasting is not about manipulating God — it’s about humbling ourselves, surrendering comfort, and pursuing deeper spiritual growth. When we hunger for God more than food, He meets us in powerful ways. If you’ve been praying for breakthrough, freedom from strongholds, healing, clarity, or renewed passion

In this message, discover how prayer and spiritual disciplines can completely transform your relationship with God. Many Christians struggle with prayer — feeling like they don’t pray enough, don’t pray the right way, or don’t know how to hear from God. But prayer was never meant to be complicated. It’s simply a conversation with your Heavenly Father. Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) — and that same invitation is available to you today. In this teaching, you’ll learn:  • What prayer really is (and what it’s not)  • How to build a consistent prayer life  • How spiritual disciplines strengthen your faith  • How reading Scripture transforms your prayer life  • How to hear from God through prayer and meditation  • Why small daily habits can change your spiritual life forever As Scripture says, “Train yourself to be godly.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through intentional time with God. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you build a deeper, more consistent relationship with Him.

Have you ever wondered why God feels distant—even when you believe, pray, and want to grow spiritually? In this message, we kick off a new series on Spiritual Disciplines by addressing a tension many Christians quietly wrestle with: the gap between discipline and desire. Is closeness with God about trying harder… or something deeper? Using Scripture, personal stories, and insights from Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, this sermon explores: Why discipline often feels heavy or legalistic The difference between outer discipline and inner disciplineHow spiritual habits are meant to form relationship, not replace itWhy Bible study is the foundation for spiritual growthHow God uses discipline to lead us toward peace, freedom, and transformation Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will help you reframe discipline—not as obligation, but as a pathway to intimacy with God.

What if your faith was never meant to stop with you? In Part 5 of our Growth series, we explore the biblical call to multiplication—the natural outcome of a life rooted in Christ. From baptism and spiritual maturity to disciple-making and bearing fruit, Scripture shows us that God’s design has always been growth that leads to multiplication. This message traces God’s heart from Genesis to the Great Commission, reminding us that every believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit not just to follow Jesus, but to help others follow Him too. You’ll hear: • Why spiritual maturity always leads outward • How God uses ordinary people to produce extraordinary fruit • What it means to truly live on mission • Why multiplication is central to God’s plan for your life and the Church If you’ve ever wondered whether God could really use your story, your growth, or your faith to impact others—this message is for you.

What does it really mean to bear fruit as a follower of Jesus?In this message from our Growth series, we explore Jesus’ teaching in John 15, where He calls us to remain (abide) in Him as the true vine. Spiritual fruit isn’t produced by striving harder—it flows naturally from a deep, loving connection with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.Using the metaphor of plants and growth, this sermon walks through: The stages of spiritual growth: seeds, roots, and fruit What healthy spiritual fruit looks like in everyday life Why pruning is part of God’s loving process Why we can do nothing apart from Christ How love, obedience, joy, and mission are all connectedWhether you feel like you’re still growing, already bearing fruit, or burned out and needing to reconnect with Jesus, this message offers biblical truth, encouragement, and practical next steps.

What does real spiritual growth actually look like—and how do we know if we’re growing?In Week 3 of our series, Growth: The Work of God, we turn to Colossians 2:6–7 to discover that spiritual growth isn’t about trying harder or managing better habits—it’s about continuing to follow Jesus the same way we first received Him: as Lord.If you’ve ever wondered why your spiritual life feels stagnant—or how to experience deeper trust, resilience, and thankfulness—this message will help re-center your life on Jesus, one faithful step at a time.