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What do you do when faith doesn't feel certain anymore? In this message, we look at the story of Doubting Thomas (John 20:24-29) and ask what Jesus actually does when we bring Him our hardest questions — rebuke, or welcome? Using an extended rock-climbing illustration, this message shows how doubt works like a cycle — the more we fear falling, the more likely we are to fall — and how both intellectual doubt (hard questions about Scripture and suffering) and emotional doubt (feeling like God answers everyone's prayers but yours) can multiply in silence and shame. But Jesus doesn't ask us to hide our doubt. He moves toward us in it. Scripture: John 20:24-29 ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY ️ Series: While I Breathe, I Hope (Week 6) Next Steps: Join a Life Group Connect with our care team Find mental health resources Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #WhileIBreatheIHope #NewLifeGillette #GilletteWyoming #DoubtingThomas #John20 #MentalHealth #SundaySermon Chapters (00:00:02) - Introduction and Scripture Reading: John 20 (Doubting Thomas)(00:02:19) - Opening Prayer(00:02:56) - Rock Climbing: Top Rope vs Lead Climbing Explained(00:06:00) - The Danger of Falling in Lead Climbing(00:07:22) - Focus and Fear: Alex Honnold and the Mind's Role(00:09:06) - Doubt as a Self-Fulfilling Cycle(00:10:36) - Thomas's Doubt in Context(00:12:38) - Why Doubt Feels Distant Until You're In It(00:13:26) - Doubt and Mental Illness: Depression and Anxiety Parallels(00:15:22) - Intellectual vs Emotional Doubt(00:19:04) - Personal Struggles with Doubt: Infertility and Loss(00:20:20) - Faith, Therapy, and Mental Health Together(00:22:58) - Satan's Strategy: Shame and Secrecy Around Doubt(00:24:47) - Jesus's Response to Thomas's Doubt(00:26:36) - Climbing Story: The Fall and Being Caught(00:30:51) - Learning to Trust the Belayer (and God)(00:31:26) - Letting Jesus Catch You in Doubt(00:32:13) - Doubt Throughout Scripture and the Call to Honesty(00:34:29) - Closing Prayer

Have we traded friends for fans? In this panel discussion, CJ and Pastor Mark walk through Acts 2:42-47 — the first description of church in Scripture — and ask a hard question: are we actually devoted to our church family, or just fans who show up when nothing better is going on? We unpack the loneliness epidemic in America (including the 2023 Surgeon General's report), what the early church actually looked like, and why the definition of a church isn't a building or a service — it's a community of friends pursuing the mission of Jesus together. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY ️ Series: While I Breathe, I Hope (Week 5) Next Steps: Join a Life Group: [link] Plan a visit: [link] Connect with our care team: [link] Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #WhileIBreatheIHope #NewLifeGillette #GilletteWyoming #Acts2 #Community #LifeGroups #SundaySermon Chapters (00:00:02) - Introduction and Scripture Reading from Acts 2(00:02:42) - Why Acts 2 Matters to the Church(00:05:43) - Mission, Hope, and Overcoming Tragedy Together(00:07:32) - Defining Characteristics of the Church(00:08:54) - Devotion: Fans vs. Family in the Church(00:12:12) - Experiencing True Community vs. Just Attending(00:14:45) - Made for God, Not for Money(00:16:44) - Sharing Possessions and Meeting Needs as Friends(00:20:06) - Life Group Stories of Support and Care(00:21:30) - Friends Shape Your Faith and Future(00:24:45) - Large Gatherings and Life Groups at New Life(00:26:56) - The Loneliness Epidemic in Gillette and America(00:30:02) - Jesus Kills What Kills Us: Sin and Isolation(00:32:15) - The Gospel, Friendship, and Changing Our Community(00:33:53) - Call to Join a Life Group and Closing Prayer

What's in your hands? In this message, guest speaker Katie Arriaza — President and CEO of Hope of Life International and daughter of the ministry's founders — shares the story behind one of our mission partners in Guatemala, and challenges us with the same question Jesus asked a boy with five loaves and two fish in John 6: are you willing to give what you have? Katie shares her family's story — her father Carlos's miraculous healing 40 years ago and the single "yes" that's since multiplied into thousands of partners and nearly half a million families reached — along with the realities of chronic malnutrition in Guatemala and Hope of Life's mission to meet physical needs first, opening the door to share the gospel. Scripture: John 6:1-13 ️ Guest Speaker: Katie Arriaza, President & CEO, Hope of Life International ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY ️ Series: While I Breathe, I Hope (Week 4) Next Steps: Learn about Hope of Life International: [link] Sign up for a mission trip: [link] Give or sponsor a child: [link] Plan a visit: [link] Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #WhileIBreatheIHope #NewLifeGillette #HopeOfLife #GilletteWyoming #FiveLoavesTwoFish #Guatemala #Missions #SundaySermon Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Welcome to Katie Arriaza(00:02:02) - Introducing Hope of Life(00:05:02) - What Hope Means at Age Five(00:06:21) - Malnutrition Crisis in Guatemala(00:08:13) - Five Loaves, Two Fish: Lesson in Generosity(00:09:54) - What's in Your Hands? Living on Mission(00:13:05) - Influence and Impact as a Church(00:14:30) - Carlos's Story: The First Yes(00:17:56) - From One Yes to Thousands(00:18:42) - Cheryl's Illness and Ongoing Faith(00:20:52) - 39 Years of Growth and Testimony Video(00:21:19) - Hope of Life Video Testimony(00:25:24) - Compounding Impact Over the Years(00:26:28) - Faces of Generosity and Rescue Stories(00:27:54) - Climate Crisis and Food Security(00:30:54) - Partnership Over Charity(00:31:44) - Practical Gospel: Earning the Right to Share(00:34:07) - The Story Isn't Finished(00:35:20) - Teaching to Fish: Sustainability Focus(00:37:31) - Katie's Personal Calling(00:38:43) - Closing Challenge and Vision for the Future(00:41:08) - Closing Prayer

Are you made for more than once-a-week encounters with God? In this message, Sawyer Poitra unpacks John 15 — "I am the vine, you are the branches" — and what it actually looks like to abide in Jesus, not on a retreat and not as a checklist, but as a daily, moment-by-moment relationship. The deeper we abide, the deeper we depend — and that's where the Holy Spirit grows real fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness. And because our hope is anchored in Jesus (Hebrews 6:19), we can walk through grief, hard diagnoses, and uncertain seasons with resilient hope. While we abide, we hope. Scripture: John 15:1-8, Hebrews 6:19 ️ Speaker: Sawyer Poitra ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY ️ Series: While I Breathe, I Hope (Week 3) Next Steps: Join a Life Group: [link] Get the "Becoming" book: [link] Plan a visit: [link] Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #WhileIBreatheIHope #NewLifeGillette #GilletteWyoming #Abide #John15 #SundaySermon #Hope Chapters (00:00:02) - Introduction: Family Resemblance and Influence(00:03:11) - Turning to John 15: The Vine and Branches(00:04:59) - What It Means to Abide in Christ(00:07:43) - The Plant Illustration: Weekly vs. Daily Connection(00:11:00) - Struggles with Abiding: Busyness and Checklists(00:14:21) - Inviting God Into Every Part of the Day(00:16:49) - The Promise of Fruit from Abiding(00:18:20) - Deeper Abiding Means Deeper Dependence(00:20:55) - Fruit of the Spirit and Transformation(00:22:32) - Resources: Becoming Book and Life Groups(00:24:09) - Connecting Abiding to Hope(00:25:04) - The Rappelling Analogy and Anchored Hope(00:27:46) - Hope Anchored in Eternity Amid Grief(00:30:31) - Closing Prayer

Why did Jesus give us communion and baptism? In this message, Pastor Mark Boettcher unpacks 1 Samuel 7:12 — where Samuel sets up the Ebenezer stone after Israel's victory over the Philistines — and shows how a simple, unremarkable stone became sacred because of what it pointed to: God's faithfulness. We are forgetful people. We forget the vows we've made, the promises we've broken, and where we've placed our hope — and that's exactly when the enemy moves in. Communion and baptism exist to help us remember. And baptism, specifically, is how we plant the flag: a public declaration that while I breathe, I hope. Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:12 ️ Speaker: Pastor Mark Boettcher ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY ️ Series: While I Breathe, I Hope (Week 2) Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #WhileIBreatheIHope #NewLifeGillette #GilletteWyoming #Baptism #Communion #1Samuel #SundaySermon Chapters (00:00:02) - Introduction and Scripture Reading(00:01:32) - Plymouth Rock Story(00:03:52) - Meaning Behind the Rock(00:04:44) - History of Israel, Philistines, and the Ark(00:07:13) - Samuel's Ebenezer Stone(00:08:18) - Sacraments: Communion and Baptism Explained(00:10:26) - We Are Forgetful People(00:12:54) - Baptism as Planting the Flag(00:14:45) - Missionary Story from Africa(00:16:30) - Being All In for Jesus(00:17:32) - Hope in Hard Times(00:18:41) - Invitation to Baptism(00:20:13) - Closing Prayer

Do you actually believe Jesus rose from the dead — or have you just checked a box? Week 1 of our new series, While I Breathe, I Hope, asks a question worth sitting with: What Have I Become? Almost half of Americans say they believe Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. But there's a massive gap between people who check that box and people whose lives have actually been changed by it. In this message, we unpack why a belief that isn't radical won't give you hope — and why the resurrection of Jesus is one of the most radical, world-altering claims a person can make. Scripture: Romans 10:8-13 ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY ️ Series: While I Breathe, I Hope Next Steps: Decide to Follow Jesus: [link] Join a Life Group: [link] Join the Prayer Team: [link] Plan a visit: [link] Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #WhileIBreatheIHope #WhatHaveIBecome #NewLifeGillette #GilletteWyoming #Romans10 #SundaySermon #Hope Chapters (00:00:02) - Introduction and Opening Prayer(00:02:51) - The Elk Hunting Story(00:08:18) - The Bigfoot Encounter Reveal(00:09:11) - How Radical Is Christian Belief?(00:11:18) - Believing Like We Believe in the Dodgers(00:13:41) - Belief Without Allegiance or Impact(00:15:18) - Checking the Data on Faith vs Practice(00:16:36) - A Belief That Isn't Radical Won't Give You Hope(00:19:07) - Jesus Is Lord: The Radical Roman Context(00:21:54) - Rome, Crucifixion, and the Resurrection's Power(00:23:24) - While I Breathe, I Hope(00:24:52) - Nathan Kissack's Story(00:28:00) - Nathan's Final Days and Salvation(00:29:48) - Hope Beyond Breath(00:31:30) - Invitation to Recommit(00:32:43) - Prayer of Salvation(00:34:52) - Response Cards and Closing

What did Jesus actually ask His first disciples to do before they followed Him? The answer changes everything about how we understand coming to Jesus. In this message, "Come and Become," we look at Matthew 4:18-22 — the moment Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John — and unpack three things easy to miss in a story we've heard a hundred times: 1️⃣ Jesus asked them to do nothing before they followed Him 2️⃣ Jesus promised to make them into something new 3️⃣ Jesus called them in the middle of ordinary, everyday life Our mission at New Life is to invite people to come as they are to Jesus and become who they're created to be — and this is where that mission comes from. Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22 ⛪ New Life Gillette Church | Gillette, WY Next Steps: Join a Life Group: [link] Explore Serving Opportunities: [link] Plan a visit: [link] Give: [link] Subscribe for weekly messages from New Life Gillette Church. #ComeAndBecome #NewLifeGillette #GilletteWyoming #MatthewChapter4 #SundaySermon #ComeAsYouAre Chapters (00:00:02) - His Name Is Higher(00:04:49) - How Songs Get Stuck in Your Head(00:10:09) - What Did Jesus Ask The Disciples To Do Before They Follow Him(00:15:10) - Billy Graham on Coming to Jesus(00:16:09) - Coming to Jesus as You Are(00:19:07) - Come Follow Me and I Will Make You a Christian(00:23:36) - Come as You Are to Become Who You're Created to Be(00:29:53) - Living our Mission in Gillette

What does a true journey of generosity look like? In this final week of our series titled "Storehouse," Pastor CJ walks us through Malachi chapter 3, looking at how surrendering our time, finances, and need for control changes our walk with Christ. Discover why generosity is a matter of percentage and trust rather than just an amount, and how God uses our obedience to make a massive impact in our community and around the world. In this message, you’ll discover: The mindset shift: Moving from entitlement to recognizing God as the source of all things. The power of percentage: Why generosity is measured by trust and sacrifice rather than the size of a check. Real-life impact: Celebrating how your generosity has rescued children, fed kids locally, and fully funded our teens for camp. Whatever your next step is, run from zero and discover the freedom of trusting God as your provider. Chapters (00:00:02) - New Life Gillette Church Teaching(00:00:39) - December 6: Thanksgiving Celebration!(00:02:43) - Malachi 3, Verse 6(00:04:43) - I Learned How to Become a Runner(00:07:54) - What it means to become more generous?(00:14:14) - God's answer to generosity in the Bible(00:20:05) - The Wealth of Generosity(00:23:44) - How to Be More Generous When You Have a Lot(00:28:17) - A Monkey Named Papa Joe(00:32:02) - A Step of Dedication to Giving

What does a true journey of generosity look like? In this special panel discussion message, our team sits down with Sam & Ingrid Harris, Cole Simonson, CJ Ward, and Seth & Jessa Curran to talk candidly about how surrendering their time, finances, and control changed their walk with Christ. In this message, you’ll discover: The mindset shift: Moving from "I deserve" to recognizing God as the source of all things. Real-life testimonies: How God provides right on time in seasons of financial crisis and medical hardship. Why generosity breeds maturity: How unhooking your identity from your resources accelerates spiritual growth. Whatever your next step is, run from zero and discover the freedom of trusting God as your provider. Chapters (00:00:02) - New Life Gillette Church Teaching(00:00:38) - Panel Discussion(00:02:03) - The First Step of Generosity(00:05:01) - God's faithfulness in tithing(00:10:03) - Generosity breeds maturity(00:14:04) - What has been the greatest challenge in learning to live generously?(00:19:08) - God's provision for the first year(00:22:35) - God's Faithfulness Through My Giving(00:26:46) - How Has Practicing the Tithe Affected My Relationship with Jesus(00:29:40) - Obedience to God(00:30:46) - What Would You Say to Someone Who Is Hesitant to Give?(00:32:47) - What is the Next Step?

Why is money the most common topic in Jesus' teachings?. In week two of our Life on Mission: Give Generously series, Chad Sheehan explores why our resources are the most honest indicator of our heart's true condition. In this message, you’ll discover: Why money exposes the heart: How our spending reveals what we really trust. The "Idol Factory" trap: Why we look to temporary things for lasting happiness. The path to surrender: Moving from behavioral modification to a transformed heart. Are your resources reflecting a heart that trusts in God’s abundance?. Chapters (00:00:02) - Teaching(00:00:35) - Let's Talk About Money(00:05:25) - Idols of Money(00:10:59) - How to Give Money Back to God(00:14:42) - God's Love for Us(00:19:13) - Romans 12:1(00:22:35) - How Much Does God Love You?(00:28:36) - All I Want Is Your Heart

Are we really going to talk about money for four weeks?. In the kickoff to our new series, Life on Mission: Give Generously, CJ Ward explains why money is the most discussed topic in Scripture—and why it’s not about the church's budget, but your heart's freedom. In this message, you’ll discover: Why Resources Indicate Relationships: How your financial habits reveal your true priorities. The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset: Why we view others as competition and how to break free. The Purpose of Tithing: Why God calls us to trust Him with the first 10%. Is your heart anchored in the generosity of God, or are you living in the fear of scarcity?. Chapters (00:00:02) - Life on Mission: Generosity(00:01:32) - Genesis 4, Personal Character(00:03:27) - Red flags in your marriage(00:08:07) - Cain and Abel: Relationships(00:12:48) - Cain Kills Abel(00:19:09) - Abundance is Freedom and Trust(00:25:49) - God's Call to Action

Are you tired of chasing things that never seem to satisfy?. In this message, CJ Ward breaks down the final commandment in the Decalogue: "You shall not covet.". Far from being a rule about behavior, this is a diagnostic tool for our hearts. When we desire things we do not have, we lose contentment for the things we do have. In this video, you will learn: Why Coveting is Different: Why this is the only commandment focused on a feeling rather than an action. The "Mordor" Effect: How desire, when left unchecked, becomes a consuming fire that burns up our peace. The Created Purpose: Why you were built for a relationship with an eternal God, not for finite material gain. Breaking the Cycle: How the cross of Jesus tore the veil, making the relationship with God accessible to you today. Scripture: Exodus 20:17. Chapters (00:00:02) - New Life Gillette Church Teaching(00:07:46) - How to Stop Desiring Things You Don't Have(00:10:05) - Don't Covet(00:17:22) - Pornography is Like a Burning Fire(00:22:24) - Knowledge of God for Eternity(00:28:38) - What Happens When You're Satisfied With God?(00:29:49) - A Prayer for Deciding to Follow Jesus

What does "You shall not bear false witness" actually mean? In Week 9 of our STONE series, Pastor CJ Ward explores the Ninth Commandment and shows why truth is essential for healthy relationships. This message unpacks how trust is built, why secrets destroy relationships, and how the Gospel calls us to live in truth. In this message you'll discover: Why trust is the foundation of healthy relationships How truth creates trust Why secrets damage relationships What false witness really means How Jesus invites us to live in the light Main Scripture: Exodus 20:16 If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. #NewLifeGillette #STONE #NinthCommandment #Truth #Trust #Exodus20 #Jesus #ChristianLiving #Faith Chapters (00:00:02) - New Life Gillette Church(00:01:45) - Truth is the Foundation of Trust(00:05:22) - Trust is the foundation of Healthy Relationships(00:12:18) - How to Build Trust in Your Marriage(00:13:44) - Jesus Will Restore and Heal Your Marriage(00:18:04) - Bearing False Witness(00:24:51) - Build Your Relationships on Jesus(00:28:45) - Prayer Wall

n Week 8 of our STONE series, Sawyer Poitra explores the Eighth Commandment and shows that stealing is more than taking something that isn't yours. It's a heart issue that affects our work, relationships, finances, and generosity. In this message you'll discover: Why integrity matters when no one is watching How Christians are called to work hard for God The connection between trust and generosity How the Gospel transforms us from takers into givers Main Scriptures: Exodus 20:15 & Ephesians 4:28 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. #NewLifeGillette #STONE #EighthCommandment #Exodus20 #Integrity #Generosity #Jesus #Faith Chapters (00:00:02) - You Must Not Steal(00:06:34) - What is STEALING?(00:12:14) - Heart issues of the thief(00:15:55) - Why You Shouldn't Worry About Your Needs(00:20:46) - Heart Problems of Self-centered Living(00:27:23) - Quit Stealing, Work Hard and Give generously(00:31:27) - Stealing and Taking Advantage of Others

What does the Seventh Commandment actually teach about sex, marriage, faithfulness, and God's design? In Week 7 of our STONE series, Pastor CJ Ward unpacks Exodus 20:14 and explores why God's boundaries around sexuality exist—not to restrict us, but to protect something valuable. This message addresses: God's design for sexuality Marriage and faithfulness Sexual temptation and modern culture Shame, secrecy, and healing The power of God's forgiveness and restoration Main Scripture: Exodus 20:14 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today. #NewLifeGillette #STONE #SeventhCommandment #Exodus20 #Marriage #Faithfulness #Jesus #ChristianLiving Chapters (00:00:02) - New Life Gillette Church Teaching(00:01:19) - Donor: Hope of Life(00:07:49) - My Dad's Crazy Baseball Cards(00:11:59) - The Sexual Sin(00:18:20) - Christians Should Have the Best Marriages(00:21:32) - The Commandment for Sex Outside Marriage(00:27:02) - Sexual Sin: Shame and the Healing(00:28:22) - God Forgives, Heal and Restores Everything(00:30:24) - Separation of Love and Porn