My New Life

What happens when God truly becomes first in your life—not just in what you say, but in your heart, mind, and soul?In this message from the Love Perfected series, Pastor Mac McDonald explores the different expressions of love God has given us and ultimately points to the love that lasts.Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. When God becomes the focus of our lives, it changes the way we pray, the way we love others, and even the way we respond to life’s trials.Pastor Mac also shares a personal lesson about pride, surrender, and the moment he realized he needed to get out of the way and allow God to lead. Sermon 4 Text Script.txtWhen we put God first—with all our heart, soul, and mind—we can be thankful through life’s challenges and grateful for life’s blessings.Main Scripture:Matthew 22:37–40Love Perfected: Understanding Human Love and the Eternal Love of GodFirst Baptist Church of Casa GrandeCasa Grande, Arizona

Have you ever failed God and wondered if He could still use you?In John 21, Peter comes face-to-face with his greatest failure. After denying Jesus three times, Peter must now face the risen Christ. What follows is one of the most powerful restoration stories in all of Scripture.In this message from the Love Perfected series, Pastor Mac explores Peter’s failure, Christ’s forgiveness, and the truth that our standing with God rests on Christ’s faithfulness, not our perfection.Scripture: John 21:1-19Series: Love Perfected – Understanding Human Love and the Eternal Love of GodFirst Baptist Church of Casa GrandeCasa Grande, Arizona

Love Perfected is a verse-by-verse sermon series exploring humanity’s deepest need: love.From creation and the fall to redemption and restoration, this series follows God’s eternal plan to reveal His perfect love through Jesus Christ.Together we will examine:• Why we were created for love• How sin broke our relationship with God• The different expressions of love found in Scripture• God’s pursuit of broken people• The love demonstrated at the cross• Restoration through Jesus Christ• What it means to love God and love others biblicallyWhether you are a lifelong believer, a new Christian, or simply searching for answers, these messages point to the One whose love never fails.“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”— 1 John 4:10 (KJV)First Baptist Church of Casa GrandeSundays • 9:30 AMFBCCG.org

The book of Ephesians concludes with one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture—the Armor of God. But Paul isn’t simply giving us a list of spiritual equipment. He’s calling every believer to stand firm in the strength of the Lord against the schemes of the devil.In this final message of the Inside Out series, Pastor Mac McDonald walks verse-by-verse through Ephesians 6:10-24, showing that spiritual victory isn’t found in our own strength but in the power of Christ. Every piece of armor points us back to the gospel and reminds us that we fight from victory, not for victory.Whether you’re facing temptation, discouragement, fear, or spiritual opposition, God’s Word teaches us how to stand.In this message you’ll discover:• Why spiritual battles are real• Who our true enemy is• The meaning of each piece of God’s armor• How prayer strengthens the believer• What it means to “stand” when everything around you is shakingAs this chapter closes, so does our journey through Ephesians. Join us next week as we begin a brand-new series:Love PerfectedDiscovering God’s Perfect Love and Living in Response.“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” — Ephesians 6:10First Baptist Church of Casa GrandePastor Mac McDonaldService TimeSundays at 9:30 AM (Arizona)WebsiteFBCCG.org

Paul reminds us that the Christian life is not confined to Sunday morning—it reaches into every area of our lives. In Ephesians 6:1–9, we see how the gospel transforms our relationships at home, in the workplace, and in everyday life.Children are called to obey. Parents are called to nurture. Workers are called to serve Christ with sincerity, and those in authority are reminded that they, too, answer to a greater Master. Throughout this passage, Paul points us beyond mere duty to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.Because Christ has changed our hearts, the gospel changes the way we live every day.In this message, Pastor Mac McDonald continues the Inside Out series through the book of Ephesians, showing how God’s grace shapes not only what we believe, but how we live.Scripture: Ephesians 6:1–9 (KJV)Series: Inside Out – A Study Through EphesiansPastor: Mac McDonald“The Bible Says…”

Marriage was never intended to be merely a contract between two people—it was designed by God to reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and His Church.In this message from Ephesians 5:22–33, Pastor Mac McDonald examines one of the most discussed passages in Scripture, revealing God’s beautiful design for both husbands and wives. Rather than focusing on cultural debates, this sermon points us to the Gospel itself.When husbands love sacrificially as Christ loved the Church, and wives respond with biblical respect, marriage becomes a living picture of God’s grace, love, and redemption.Whether you’re married, single, widowed, or preparing for marriage, this passage reminds us that every Christian relationship ultimately points to Jesus Christ.Scripture: Ephesians 5:22–33“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” — Ephesians 5:32 (KJV)Thank you for listening to My New Life with Pastor Mac McDonald.Remember… salvation isn’t about what you’ve done. It’s about what Jesus Christ has already done for you.

The world around us is growing darker, but God's calling for His people has never changed: walk worthy of the calling you've received.In this message from Ephesians 5:1–21, Pastor Mac McDonald explores what it means to live as followers of Christ in a culture that often rejects Him. Paul challenges believers to walk in love, walk in the light, and walk in wisdom—reflecting the character of Christ in every area of life.This isn't a call to legalism or trying harder to earn God's favor. It's the natural response of a heart transformed by God's grace. Because we belong to Christ, our lives should look different from the world around us.Whether you're facing temptation, discouragement, or simply seeking to grow in your walk with the Lord, this message offers biblical encouragement and practical application for living faithfully in a dark world.Scripture: Ephesians 5:1–21 (KJV)Series: Ephesians – Inside OutPastor: Mac McDonaldFirst Baptist Church of Casa Grande

Lazarus came out of the tomb alive—but he was still wrapped in grave clothes.Many Christians are the same way. We've been saved, forgiven, and made new in Christ, yet we continue carrying old sins, old attitudes, old identities, and old ways of thinking.In this message from Ephesians 4:17–32, discover how God calls His people to leave the grave behind, walk in holiness, and live in the freedom that belongs to those who have been made new.You are not who you were. Stop dressing like it.That last line would make a fantastic closing sentence in the description because it sticks in people's minds. It captures the entire sermon in one memorable statement.

Ephesians 4:7-16, Salvation gives us the Holy Spirit. God gives a spiritual gift to all believers. Your gift is used to glorify God, build His kingdom, and edify your fellow Saints.

Salvation is the given to believers by God's Grace. This free gift is often misunderstood by nonbelievers. Listen is as Pastor Mac McDonald explains the free gift of God's Grace.

In Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul teaches the six qualities that protect unity and the Seven "Ones" that show we can't create unity, it is something that already exists in God.

Ephesians 3:14-21 Paul's prayer to believers: The Holy Spirit compels the believer to shine.

Ephesians 3:1-13 Paul reveals the Mystery, what he was told by Jesus Christ to reveal, that would be Paul's mission in life.

Once we are sealed with His Holy Spirit, we are seated with Christ and are part of The Family of Believers.

As sinners we are the walking dead, dead to the Holy Spirit and dead in sin.Paul tells us in Ephesians Chapter 2:1-10 what it is to be seated next to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:5-6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.No mediator needed, access to Christ by anyone willing to follow Him, and Him only! Trust in Christ, the only way to Salvation!

Follow along in Matthew Chapter 27 as we read and understand those 6 hours of Jesus on the cross and just what they mean for you and me.

First Annas, then Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, then Pilate, then Herod, then back to Pilate, the verdict? Innocent, yet they chose Barabbas the sinner to set free and sent Jesus to the Cross.

The betrayal of Jesus, was from the man he loved, but he was also betrayed by others, yet continued his Road to the Cross.

The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ. It is received when we Trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.Listen in to last Sunday's sermon at First Baptist Church of Casa Grande as I preach about the gift of The Holy Spirit.

March 1st was a day I will never forget. Listen in to the my ordination proceedings after meeting with the council the previous day and getting their approval to be ordained.

On today's message of the My New Life Podcast I address a few questions brought to me by LDS friends who think I am not looking at all the alleged facts. I address these issues including the "Temple of Melchizedek," enjoy!

Jesus Christ paid the price for your sins! No work you can do will ever repay or "out do" the ultimate sacrifice!Listen in to today's message on the My New Life Podcast on Redemption.

Listen in to today's message regarding some exciting news for My New Life Ministry and First Baptist Church of Casa Grande.

God chose you before you were conceived. Because of His Grace, he loves you, even though you don't deserve it. Listen into the My New Life Podcast as we discuss how God Chose us: Ephesians 1:3-6.

The Light of Christ, the Holy Spirit. It is the change that friends and family see in the Saved. It is the difference between darkness and light.

Our youth are our future! If we don't invest in them we have nobody to blame but ourselves for the bleak future that awaits.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 Buy this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Unconditional Love! Luke 15:11-32, the Prodigal's Son!

Finding peace among the challenges of every day life can be difficult. Knowing your salvation is assured is one way to have peace. Listen to today's message on peace and how Paul found it and encouraged the people of Philippi to also have peace.

Knowing the context, language, audience and intent of the message is the quest of all preachers. Exegesis allows the audience and presenter to agree with the Bible; Eisegesis seeks to force the Bible to agree with the presenter and the audience.

Is your faith in yourself, in a person, a pastor, your theology, your Church?Your faith should be in the resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ.Listen to today's message on the My New Life Podcast about Faith, and who it needs to be in for Salvation.

We receive so much from God, yet how much time in our prayers are we thankful for all that we have?Listen in to today's Podcast to learn of the 10 Lepers, and if they all were thankful.

Labels, whether "Anti" or "Phobic" etc end dialogue and unfortunately compartmentalize people. Labels end any discussion due to the image given when used. Without dialogue, and open honest conversation, we lose what is most valuable, knowledge.Listen in to today's Podcast message on the hope for honest open, loving dialogue, even if you agree to disagree, the changes that can happen.

Join me for a fun history lesson on Freemasonry, its origins as well as questions regarding any correlation with Christianity or early Jewish Temple rituals.

Lots has happened over the past months so listen in to get caught up on My New Life Ministries It seem like the Book of Abraham is once again a hot topic in the LDS Church, listen in to my take on the Book of Abraham Issues.

The Holy Spirit, God's Promise.

God's Holiness.

As the mustard seed, when the seed is planted in the heart, it grows into a mighty tree. Nicodemus inquiry to Jesus: "How to be Born Again?" Led to him being a follower of Jesus.

What soil is your heart? Is it ready for the Word of God? Todays sermon talks about Matthew 13:3-23, Enjoy!

His Authority was recognized by His Word, His Miracles and His overcoming death.

So many people live their lives, hoping to "prove" to God their salvation and belief by their works.Sure, paying tithing, going to Church, praying, reading your Bible are all things followers do once saved from their sins. But why? Will these works give them salvation? No, the Bible is very clear that your works are proof of your salvation, but works alone, are not your salvation.

The Pharisee were the best at following God's Law, yet it was their inner heart that was cold and accusing.

Esther is the only Book in the Bible where God is never mentioned, not even a reference to His Levetical Law.Yet in this Book is the undeniable Power of God's Hand!Listen now to the My New Life Podcast and hear how God's love is shown, even without mention of His Holy Name.

To show unconditional love to God, we cannot be selfish but selfless, like Jonathan to King David or John the Baptist to Christ.Selfless is unconditional love.

Everyone's walk with Salvation begins small, with a love for God.It's that unconditional love we have for God, that we have for each other.Our faith, like the Apostle Peter's, starts small and then grows.

When we have oneness with God, putting Him first with all our Heart, Soul and Mind we can make beautiful choices.When we don't put God first, we can make terrible choices.Listen to the My New Life Podcast today to see how David's oneness with God gave him great victories and how the opposite happens when he loses that oneness with God.

Love God with all your Heart, Soul and Mind! What kind of Love was the Savior talking about, Agab Love?, Phileo Love? Agapao Love?It is critical that we know, because with that love we are to love our neighbors!Listen in to the My New Life Podcast to here the first in the sermon series, The Greatest Commandment.

Disingenuous: lacking in frankness, candor or sincerity. Slightly dishonest or not speaking the complete truth.If you leave an important fact out when trying to persuade someone to your theology, simply because they "didn't ask," this is disingenuous!Understanding this when we as Christians reach out to nonbelievers, it is important to reveal all truths, good or bad and likewise, for the nonbelievers to do so as well.This goes for an atheist, and any religion that is introducing new non biblical beliefs, especially doctrine.Listen in to the My New Life Podcast and hear how damaging being disingenuous can be.

Sometimes we become so blinded by our beliefs, we can't see the forest through the trees.The Chief Priests were witnesses to so many miracles and prophecies fulfilled yet they were blinded by their hardened hearts, not seeing that the way to salvation was standing right in front of them!

Part 2 of Pastor Ray McCormick's message of sharing God's Word to your friends and family.