In the final message of our Gravity teaching series, Pastor Mike Wilson tackles the weight of perfectionism—the cultural pressure to look flawless, live pain-free, and have it all together. But what if the pursuit of a perfect life is actually pulling us further from God?

Using 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Pastor Mike unpacks how the Apostle Paul viewed weakness not as failure, but as a place where “God’s power is made perfect.” In a world obsessed with self-reliance and curated lives, this message reminds us that God didn’t create us to be perfect—He created us to be dependent on Him.

Scripture References:
Genesis 3:4–5
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
1 Samuel 8:6–7
Genesis 1:2–3
Luke 22:42
Matthew 25:40
Lamentations 3:22–23

Key Takeaways:

• Perfectionism is a form of self-worship

• God brings order out of chaos

• Our weaknesses are where His strength shines

• God's grace is always enough

• Self-sufficiency leads to pain, dependence leads to peace

Two Action Steps:

1. Start your day with awe, not anxiety

2. Serve someone regularly to shift your focus off yourself

Subscribe and join us as we discover how to let go of the illusion of perfection and live with freedom, purpose, and grace.

For more messages from the Gravity series, visit: newlifegillette.com

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• (00:00:00) - Perfectionism
• (00:02:55) - Don't Want A Perfect Life
• (00:08:23) - "A Thorn in My Flesh"
• (00:10:45) - Why God Allows Self-Dependence in Our Life
• (00:18:19) - Paul on the Thorn in His Flesh
• (00:25:27) - Paul: My Power Works Best in Weakness
• (00:30:46) - How to Stop Perfecting Yourself
• (00:33:43) - Prayers for All People

In this message from our Gravity series, Pastor CJ Ward confronts the cultural lie that success equals ease. Whether it’s your job, your marriage, your parenting, or your faith—our world tells us that if it’s hard, it must be wrong. But in Genesis 2, we see that God’s design has always included work, purpose, and responsibility—even in paradise.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
— Genesis 2:15

Ease was never the goal. God calls us to work not for our worth, but from it. This message challenges us to reject the gravitational pull of comfort and instead embrace the responsibility God has given us right where we are.

Key Themes:

• God gave us a place, work, and responsibility

• The goal of life is not ease but purposeful obedience

• Work is not a curse—it’s a gift from God

• Don’t wait for "someday"—make a difference today

Additional Scriptures:

• Genesis 2:15–17

• Genesis 1:28

• Colossians 3:23

• Romans 8:1

Challenge:
Pick the “Life on Mission” skill that’s hardest for you (Connect, Gather, Give, Influence, Serve), and commit to growing in that one area from now through Labor Day.

For more from the Gravity series or to get connected at New Life Gillette, visit: [YourChurchWebsiteHere]

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In Week 3 of our Gravity series, Pastor CJ Ward dives into one of the most powerful and misunderstood forces shaping our culture today—sex. While the world treats sex as casual, transactional, and purely physical, Scripture shows us something far more sacred.

CJ unpacks Genesis 2:24-25, revealing God’s original design for sex: a beautiful, intimate, and spiritual union meant to occur within marriage. But when the gravity of cultural lies pulls us away from God's truth, things get broken fast—hearts, relationships, and identities.

This message covers:
✔ Why sex is sacred, not shameful
✔ The devastating lies of pornography
✔ How boundaries protect what’s holy
✔ What Scripture really says about sexual sin
✔ God’s grace for those with sexual wounds
✔ The freedom that comes with surrender and holiness

Whether you’re single, married, dating, or healing, this message is full of truth and hope.

“Not every boundary means something is bad—some boundaries protect what is good.”

“God forgives, heals, and restores sexual brokenness.”

Scriptures referenced:
Genesis 2:19–25
Romans 8:1
Song of Solomon
1 Corinthians 6:18–20
Hebrews 13:4
Ephesians 5:3
Matthew 5:28

Looking for clarity and healing in your view of sex? Start here.

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#Sex #ChristianSexuality #FaithAndSex #NewLifeGillette #GravitySeries #PastorCJWard #ChristianTeaching #BiblicalTruth #GodsDesign #FreedomInChrist

• (00:00:00) - Sex and Sexuality in the Church
• (00:02:04) - God Made Woman
• (00:03:42) - Analysis paralysis: Too Many Options in Our Life
• (00:09:05) - Sexual Boundaries in a Christian Marriage
• (00:14:37) - Sex is Reserved for Marriage
• (00:20:38) - Sex and Pleasure in Christianity
• (00:22:30) - Sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful
• (00:26:34) - Sexual Sin
• (00:32:48) - Sexual Desire and Shame

We all feel it—that pull toward comfort, passivity, and self-preservation. In this week’s message, Pastor Mike Wilson dives into the concept of “Social Loafing,” where people do less when others are around to do the work. It’s a scientific reality—and a spiritual problem.

Using Galatians 5:17 and James 1:22, Pastor Mike shows how our sinful nature is constantly in tension with the Holy Spirit, creating a gravitational pull that keeps us stuck. Left unchecked, this pull can lead us to believe lies like, “Someone else will do it,” or, “I have to do it all myself.”

Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), we’re reminded that compassion isn’t optional—and passivity isn’t neutral. Every believer has a role in building the Church and blessing their city.

We also get challenged to trust God in our generosity and reminded that true transformation doesn’t come from more strength—it comes from more surrender.

Key Takeaway:
You weren’t saved by works, and you won’t be sanctified by them either. Let go of “social loafing” and step into the full life Jesus offers—together with the Church.

Need a challenge today? Ask yourself:

• Am I pulling my weight in my faith?

• Where have I said “someone else will do it”?

• Am I surrendering to Jesus or just trying harder?

Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay connected with New Life Church.
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• (00:00:00) - Foreign Church Teaching
• (00:00:34) - God's Gravity Pulls Us Down
• (00:09:28) - All God's Love For You
• (00:11:03) - Coming as You Are
• (00:15:54) - What is the type of Gillette person?
• (00:19:41) - Social Loafing and Gravitational Pulls
• (00:26:33) - Donor's Paradise
• (00:32:57) - Wonders of the World Take Communion

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

#ShameAndForgiveness #HealthyToTheCore #NewLifeGillette #MikeWilson #ChristianHealing #FaithOverShame #FreedomInChrist

• (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

Are we just souls trapped in bodies—or something more? In this powerful message, Pastor CJ Ward breaks down the misconception that our physical health is separate from our spiritual health. Drawing from Genesis 2:7, 2 Corinthians 5, and Matthew 12:34, CJ shows how we are fully integrated beings—body and soul—created in the image of God.

He challenges the cultural belief that the soul matters more than the body and reminds us that the hope of resurrection is not about escape but restoration. Using relatable metaphors like bicycles and water bottles, CJ helps us see why what we do with our bodies matters deeply to God.

Key Takeaways:

• You are a whole person—body & soul.

• What you do with your body has spiritual consequences.

• God’s goal for you isn’t perfection but holistic health.

• Healing comes through pursuit, prayer, and trust.

• Our ultimate hope is resurrection—not escape.

Scriptures:
Genesis 2:7 • 2 Corinthians 5 • Matthew 12:34 • James 5:14-15 • Philippians 4:7

Watch, share, and join the conversation.
newlifegillette.com

#HealthyToTheCore #BodyAndSoul #WholePersonFaith #CJWard #ChristianHealth #SpiritualWellness #NewLifeGillette #ResurrectionHope #FaithAndFitness #MindBodySoul

• (00:00:00) - Foreign Church
• (00:01:50) - God's Creation in Genesis 2
• (00:02:57) - Body or Soul?: What's More Important?
• (00:08:44) - The Soul and the Body
• (00:09:26) - God Created the Human
• (00:11:29) - What Makes a Human Being a Bicycle?
• (00:18:00) - Physical Health and Spiritual Life
• (00:24:24) - Healthy as Cautionly Possible
• (00:26:55) - 3 Things We Should Be Doing to Care for Our Body and Soul