In this kickoff message of our new series Gravity, Pastor CJ Ward explores the invisible cultural currents that shape our beliefs and behavior. Titled “The Waters We Swim In,” this sermon challenges us to identify how the world subtly pulls us away from the teachings of Jesus—and calls us to submit every opinion, belief, and preference to Christ.

Scripture Focus: John 6:60–69
Jesus’ followers were shocked by His teaching—and many walked away. What will we do when His truth contradicts our culture?

Key Takeaways:

• Culture shapes us without asking for permission

• Expressive individualism tells us to “look within” instead of to God

• True discipleship means surrendering not just our actions—but our opinions

• We don’t drag people toward agreement—we lead them closer to Jesus

Challenge: Are you willing to let Jesus change your mind?

Catch the full message and more from the Gravity series at newlifegillette.com

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• (00:00:00) - Jesus' Teaching
• (00:02:57) - Do You Love Dogs Or Cats?
• (00:06:56) - Confirmation bias and the Western culture
• (00:14:45) - The gravitational pull of our culture
• (00:15:39) - Jesus Challenges the World Around Him
• (00:22:25) - Come to Follow Jesus Today
• (00:27:31) - Letting Our Opinions Go
• (00:31:45) - Jesus Will Change His Mind

Many people walk through life carrying shame like a weight they were never meant to bear. In this powerful message, Pastor Mike Wilson reminds us that God doesn’t just forgive—He forgets. In Week 5 of Healthy to the Core, we unpack the relationship between shame and forgiveness, and how Jesus took on our shame at the cross so we could live in freedom.

Learn:

• The difference between guilt and shame

• Why God’s forgiveness is total and freeing

• How shame thrives in secrecy—and how confession breaks its grip

• What it means to find identity in Christ, not in your past

• Practical steps for walking in healing and wholeness

Key Scriptures:

• Psalm 103:8–12

• Hebrews 8:12

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

• Genesis 3:8

• James 5:16

• Hebrews 12:1–2

• Lamentations 3:23

⛪️ If you’ve believed the lie that your past defines your future, it’s time to hear the truth: You are forgiven, you are loved, and you are free.

Find more resources, connect with community, or plan your visit at newlifegillette.com

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• (00:00:00) - Foreign Church Teaching: The Lord is Compassionate and Merciful
• (00:07:09) - Forgiveness in a Real World
• (00:13:25) - Why Shame Keeps Me From God
• (00:19:26) - What is Shame in Our Life?
• (00:27:10) - The Shameful Lie That Satan Tells About Himself
• (00:29:49) - A New Life With God

Are you brave and prepared for the battles of life?

In this powerful message, Pastor Mike Wilson walks through Ephesians 6 and unpacks the full armor of God—not just as a childhood metaphor, but as a real strategy for spiritual survival and victory. This sermon reminds us that bravery without preparation is recklessness, and preparation without bravery is useless. Together, they empower believers to stand firm in a world full of unseen battles.

You’ll learn:
⚔️ How to recognize the enemy and his lies
️ Why truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Scripture matter
How prayer and the Holy Spirit equip you to live boldly
What it truly means to be spiritually brave and prepared

Scripture References:
Ephesians 6:10–18
Romans 12:2
Proverbs 4:23
Ephesians 2:10
Romans 8:1
Deuteronomy 31:6
John 14

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• (00:00:00) - Foreign Church Teaching
• (00:00:32) - Wearing the Armor of God
• (00:02:38) - Paul Recommends Putting On God's Armor
• (00:08:53) - Paul: Prepare for the Battle Against the Satan
• (00:15:04) - The Satan Will Tell You You're Not Strong Enough
• (00:15:47) - The Body Armor of God's Righteousness
• (00:19:00) - Armor of Faith for Fighting the World's Battles
• (00:25:05) - God is with me