Hello Church,

At New Life, we seek to be a vibrant, reproducing church who lives out the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission. We want to see Christ alive in us and Christ alive in others. People are hungry to live a meaningful story, and meaningful stories often involve risk. But there are counterfeits. Over the last two weeks we have looked at some of those counterfeits and how they can impact both us and the people around us.

In week one, we explored gambling and our drive for control. Yesterday we focused on sports betting and the cost it can carry for others. In both weeks we returned to the same foundation: Jesus calls us to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. He said all the Law and the Prophets depend on these commands, and they shape who we are as a church. Join us this coming Sunday as we explore the invitation into the larger story of risk-for-gain in the Kingdom of God. I can’t wait to see what God inspires, awakens, and puts in motion as we close this series together.

Practical recap from Sunday, 2/8/26:

Observation: What did you notice during your Super Bowl experience? Restraint: The next time you are thinking about placing a sports bet, skip it and pay attention to what surfaces inside you. Confession: If you already know sports betting is a struggle for you, would you tell someone you trust this week?

Who will you talk to about what you are noticing around you or inside of you this week?

May we continue to be formed by Christ and not by our culture.

With you,

Jay, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team