New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church

Church leaders often sin and harm those they lead. But this does not invalidate Christ’s design for the church. A sermon on Acts 1:12-26, the calling of Mathaias. Sermon outline:  I. The source of Church hurt is not Christ’s design, but sinful humans II. God himself will deal with bad pastors III. The church is to continue to appoint godly leaders IV. All of this is brought about by prayer Quotes:  Many are numbered with the saints in this world The post 2. The Ministry of Christ first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Everyone longs for lasting change in this world. But who is able to bring it about? A sermon on Acts 1:1-11 Sermon Outline: I. The kingdom of Christ is the answer- The kingdom of Christ is the answer to every human misery , and problem and desire that has ever been The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important fact for the church and even human history The Kingdom of Christ is of great interest to all of humanity.But The post 1. The Kingdom of Christ first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

How is it that God is Three and God is one? Does it make any sense? Maybe not but there’s plenty we can say about what the Bible says about the Trinity. A sermon for Trinity Sunday Sermon Outline: I. God Is One: He alone is to be worshiped Dt 6:4 II. God Is Three: His love saves us Gen 1:1-3 Luke 3:22 2 Thess 2:13-17 III. God Is Triune: He never changes. Rom 1:20 Col 1:15 James1:17 Sermon Transcript Liturgy The post The Doctrine of the Trinity first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

What changed a group of people huddled in fear into the powerhouse leaders of the Christian faith, who testified before rulers and confessed faith in the face of torture and death? A sermon for Pentecost Sermon Outline: I. The Spirit enlivens and empowers all things II. All of the Christian life is by the Spirit III. The Spirit regenerates us IV. The Spirit unites us V. The Spirit empowers us VI. The Spirit sanctifies us VII. The Spirit will raise The post The Ministry of the Holy Spirit first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Major human achievements like the recent trip to the Moon unite people together and transcend differences. But what if we had something far greater and permanent to raise our humanity? A sermon on the Ascension of Jesus Christ Sermon quotes: But to go to Him and withdraw from us was this: to change and make immortal the mortal that he took from us and to lift into heaven that by which he was on earth for our sake. Who would The post Rocket Man first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Of the basic contours of the life of Jesus Christ, many scholars shed great doubt on the historicity of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. But what if there was a strong proof? A sermon on the credal statement from 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 Sermon outline: I. If Christ is risen nothing else matters. II. The disciples genuinely believed in Christ’s resurrection. III. The only explanation for the church is the resurrection of Jesus Christ IV. Christ is risen indeed V. Nothing else matters The post The Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Love is not some romantic, twitterpated, infatuation of beat skipping hearts and off-feet-sweptness. Love, true love, is a verb. A sermon on 1 Corinthians 13, the “Love chapter.” Today we have a guest sermon by Pastor Emeritus Steve Froehlich. Sermon text: 1 Corinthians 13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and The post Love Is Kind – Pastor Steve Froehlich first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We have our own ways of dealing with life, but after the resurrection of Jesus, everything has changed, and the old ways no longer work. Jesus calls us to new ways: Word and Sacrament. A sermon on the miraculous draught of fish and the restoration of St. Peter. Sermon Outline: Jesus calls us to cross from the old ways to the new The old ways are dead after the resurrection Jesus blesses the new ways with resurrection fruitfulness Jesus calls The post Feed My Sheep first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Pastor Nick McDonald joins Pastor Tim LeCroy in a discussion and response to Bart Ehrman’s arguments given in his interview with the New York Times columnist Ross Douthat. This week we have a special episode where we are honored to welcome Nick McDonald to the podcast. Nick has a Substack called The Bard Owl and has published two books, Faker and The Light in Our Eyes. Nick and Tim were pastors together in Columbia, MO a few years back. Now Nick The post Midweek Podcast – Response to Ehrman’s Interview with Ross Douthat first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Almost everyone has some sort of divine encounter in their lives. Only God’s Word and Sacrament can help us understand and experience it to the full. A sermon on the Emmaus Road encounter from Luke 24. Sermon Outline: II. The divine encounter is astounding. II. The divine encounter can only be explained by God’s word. III. The divine can be known through the breaking of bread Sermon text: Luke 24:13-35 That very day two of them were going to a The post A Divine Encounter first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

This week’s sermon did not record due to a technical issue. Here is another sermon on the same text from last year. What are we to do with our doubts and questions regarding faith in God? Is faith in God a reasonable proposition? A sermon on “doubting” Thomas Outline: I. Doubt is reasonable for the Christian II. Jesus dignifies the doubter III. Jesus gives the proof we ask for Quote: It would be very difficult to explain why the universe The post Believing Thomas first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Space exploration has revealed that we are quite vulnerable and alone here on this planet earth. Many think that there is no one to come to our aid. But what if God himself became one of us to save us? A sermon for Easter Sunday Scripture text: Matthew 28:1–15 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a The post What If God Was One of Us? first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Our 2026 Good Friday Service in its entirety. See the bulletin link for all the scripture readings and songs. Liturgy Bulletin “Behold the Man” preached by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. LeCroy, Friday, April 3, 2026 at 7:30PM at New Life Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, NY. Come see the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and worship God with us. www.newlifeithaca.org. Sermon music is from “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” provided by Sandra McCracken and with her permission. www.sandramccracken.com. The post Behold the Man – Entire Good Friday Service first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We all have deep longings that we yearn to be met, but everything in this world falls short. There is a true king who meets all our longings and who will fix the world and make it new. A sermon for Palm Sunday Sermon Outline: I. The King we want II. The King we need III. The King we have Scripture text: Luke 19:29-46 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he The post The King Is Coming first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Desiring things that belong to others or that we’re not supposed to have may seem like a small thing. But wisdom teaches that we cannot minimize or play around with covetousness. It is the source of all evil in the world. A sermon on the tenth commandment. Sermon Outline: I. Everyone is guilty II. No one can do it III. God did it for us Scripture texts: Ephesians 5:1-5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk The post 5. The Source of All Sin first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Every religion has some version of the Golden Rule: love your neighbor as yourself, yet none of us are able to fully and perfectly obey this maxim. The God of the Bible has the answer to this problem. A sermon on Commandments 6-9 Sermon Outline: I. Everyone is guilty We have all failed in loving our neighbor II. No one can do it 1. Right use of the body 2. Right use of property 3. Right use of the tongue The post 4. Right Love of Neighbor first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

People are familiar with the 10 Commandments, especially the one to honor your father and mother. But what if this commandment was not simply about obeying one’s parents but centered on the right use of authority in general? A sermon on the Fifth Commandment. Sermon Outline: I. All of us are guilty II. None of us can do it III. God did it for us Scripture text: Exodus 20:12-17 12″Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be The post 3. Right Use of Authority first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Some think they don’t worship because they are not religous. Others believe they can worship however they like. But, actually, worship is inescapable, and God calls us to right worship. A sermon on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th commandments. Sermon Outline: I. All of us are guilty II. None of us can do it III. God did it for us Quotes: The sins forbidden in the third commandments are, the not using of God’s name as is required; and the The post 2. Right Worship first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

In an enlightened world we think we think there are no gods. But what if we never actually stopped serving them? A sermon on the first two commandments. Sermon Outline: I. All of us are guilty II. None of us can do it III. God did it for us Scripture text: Exodus 20:1-6 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house The post 1. No Other Gods first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Paul writes a few verses at the conclusion to the letter, verifying his identity and summarizing his argument. A sermon on Galatians 6:11-18 Sermon Outline: I. Apostolic authentication II. Apostolic evaluation III. Apostolic commendation Scripture text: Exodus 20:1-6 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not The post 17. A Signature Conclusion first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Most religions are essentially about avoiding God’s punishment and getting on his or her good side to earn his blessing. But Christianity is radically different. Sermon Outline: I. Legalism leads to eternal death; Spirit filled obedience is necessary for eternal life. II. Legalism leads to deadly comparison; Spirit filled humility leads to proper confidence III. Legalism leads to self-centeredness; Spirit filled humility leads to generous self-sacrifice. Scripture Text: Galatians 6:1-10  Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are The post 16. The Law of Christ first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

What is the proper motivation for living the Christian Life?  Some think it is fear, shame, and guilt. But what if there were a better way? A sermon on Galatians 5:13-26: The Fruit of the Spirit. Sermon Outline:  I. . In the Spirit we fight our corrupted flesh. II. In the Spirit we avoid the road to death. III. In the Spirit we walk the road to life. Quotation:  Our first parents, being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of The post 15. The Two Ways first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Freedom is a fundamental American ideal. But what is freedom, truly? In the Bible we see that Jesus wants to lead us into a life of freedom. A sermon on the baptism of Jesus. Sermon Outline: I. Jesus is baptized to lead the way II. This way-leader is God Incarnate III. The Lord Jesus is leading us to the New Creation Scripture Text: Matthew 3:1-3, 11-17  In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, The post The Lord Leads Us Home first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Stories about Jesus in his childhood are interesting to many. But the only one recorded in the Bible gives us a different picture than we would expect. A sermon on Luke 2:41-52 – Christ among the doctors, or, the boy Jesus visits the Temple Sermon Outline: I. Christ is present in his Father’s house II. Christ the Son is God incarnate III. Christ was born to rise again Scripture Text: Luke 2:41-52  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at The post The Son Visits His Father first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Jesus Christ is not like the gods of other religions. He became one of us and subjected himself to our pain and suffering that he might save us from it. A sermon on Luke 2:21-39, Jesus’s presentation at the Temple Sermon Outline: I. This Christ was subject to the Fall II. This Christ emptied himself, becoming poor III. This Christ is a savior for all people IV. This Christ delivers those who patiently wait for him Quotations: God chose to The post The Song of Simeon first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

While we are very familiar with the Christmas story, in its original context its details are quite unexpected. A sermon on Luke 2:1-20 Sermon Outline: I. Heaven breaks in in an unexpected time II. Heaven breaks in in unexpected places III. Heaven breaks in to unexpected people Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. The post Heaven Breaks In first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Christmas is usually depicted as silent, meek, and mild. But what if Christmas had a metal side? A sermon on Luke 1 26-56 Sermon Outline: I. Mary is the model disciple II. Mary is the Ark III. Mary is a shieldmaiden. Quote:  God chose to make man as he is–limited and suffering and subject to sorrows and death – He [God] had the honesty and the courage to take His own medicine. Whatever game He is playing with His creation, The post Shieldmaiden, Mother of Headcrusher first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed long for a child, but had given up hope. When the miracle baby comes, the father bursts into song. A sermon on the Song of Zechariah, Luke 1:67-80. Sermon outline: I. Redemption accomplished II. Redemption applied Scripture text: Luke 1: 67-80  And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn The post Benedictus first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We all have hopes, dreams, and longings in our hearts. Here is a story about God fulfilling someone’s longings, and the promise to fulfill ours as well. A sermon on Luke 1:5-75, the Song of Zechariah, part I Sermon Outline  I. Yahweh remembers (Zechariah) 1. He uses unexpected things 2. Yet he works through his appointed means II. Yahweh has been merciful (Jehohanon) 1. His salvation looks forward, not back 2. Our future hope is grounded in what he has The post His Name is John first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Song resonates with the human mind and psyche at a deep level we can only begin to understand. The Christian Bible is full of songs that express the full range of human emotion. A sermon on Psalm 80 Sermon Outline: I. Our problem is dire a. Pain anywhere is our pain b. We are at fault the the trouble II. Only a sovereign God can fix it a. Only he can bring us to repentance and keep us from back-sliding The post The Advent Cry first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Some things begin with great fanfare and hope, but do not deliver. The gospel knows this human reality and meets us where we are. A sermon on Matthew 11:2-15, the doubt of John the Baptist in prison. Scripture text: Matthew 11:2-15 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus The post Taking Inventory of the Darkness first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

This weeks’ sermon did not record. Here is a similar sermon from last year for your edification. We prepare for all sorts of momentous and important things. How shall we prepare for the return of Jesus Christ? A sermon on Luke 3:1-18 1. Christ’s advent is historical in fact and universal in scope 2. The call to prepare for his advent falls first to the Church 3. We are to prepare for his advent by repenting of our sins Links: The post Make a Way first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Many people would like a message from God as proof that he’s real. But what if it is too late for us when he finally reveals himself to everyone? A sermon on the second coming of Jesus Christ Outline: I. The gospel is apocalyptic II. The apocalyptic is symbolic III. The apocalyptic is a call to action Scripture texts: Isaiah 2:2-5 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall The post Stay Awake first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We typically think of saints as super holy people, heroes of the faith who never sin and do many good deeds. But the Bible speaks of saints in a different way. A sermon for All Saints Sunday Outline: I.A saint is a member of the people of God II. Saints share communion with God and all other saints III. The saints will inherit the New Earth IV. A saint is a sinner saved by grace Liturgy bulletin link Sermon transcript The post What Is a Saint first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

In our search for meaning, many of us are enslaved to performance, appearance, and comparison. But Christ died to free us from all these things.  A sermon on Galatians 5:1-12 Outline: I. Freedom from performance to run in grace II. Freedom from appearance to abide in hope III. Freedom from comparison to love in faith Scripture text: Galatians 5:1-12 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Look: The post 14. Freedom in Christ first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Most people think that the Church is just for pious, upstanding, religious people. But the Gospel turns all our conceptions about Christianity on their heads. A sermon on Galatians 4:21-31 Outline: I. The Gospel is polarizing II. The Gospel is surprising III. The Gospel is convicting Quotations:  No one can have God as his Father without the Church as his mother. -St. Cyprian of Carthage, 3th c. This Holy Church is the mother of us all –which is the spouse The post 13. The Closing Argument first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Many of us have been betrayed or used by so called friends. Biblical teaching actually helps us navigate those challenging situations. A sermon on Galatians 4:12-20 Outline: I. True friends grow together II. True friends bless each other III. Faithful leaders strengthen followers IV. Faithful leaders sacrifice themselves Quotes:  For behold the love of God to man! We ought on every ground to have been punished at the first; in that having received the natural law, and enjoyed innumerable blessings, The post 12. True Friends, Faithful Leaders first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Many people are wary of the church because they do not feel accepted or they have legitimate criticisms of Christians. Paul calls us to radical love and acceptance of each other, because we are all sinners saved by grace. A sermon on Galatians 4:1-11 Sermon Outline: I. Two brothers: both born as heir II. Two brothers: estranged by the Fall III. Two brothers: redeemed and adopted IV. Fervent appeal to both brothers Scripture text: Galatians 4:1-11  I mean that the heir, The post 11. The Two Brothers first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We live in an age of disenchantment. But increasingly people are seeking spiritual things to fill the void for transcendence and awe. Paul argues that while the world is changed with Jesus Christ, it is still an enchanted world. A deep dive into the “stoicheia cosmou,” the elements of the world. Sermon Outline: I. God created humanity to mature II. The post-Edenic world is a world of boundaries enforced by heavenly beings III. Christ redeems us from the Elements of The post 10. Redeemed from the Elements of the World first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We live in a very divided and disillusioned world. People are anxious, afraid, and isolated. Our souls long for something greater. What could that be? A sermon on Galatians 3:26-29 Outline:  I. Baptism unites us to Christ II. In Christ we are sons of God III. In Christ we are offspring of Abraham IV. In Christ we are one with each other V. Baptism breaks every chain Quotes: Ye have all one form and one mold, even Christ’s. What can The post 9. The Breaker of Chains first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Paul says that we are saved by faith and not by the works of the Law. What then is the purpose of the Law? Outline: I. Faith Is Secure II. Faith is Superior III. Faith is Eternal Quotes:  The Law was given to probe our wounds, that we might long for a physician. -St. John Chrysostom, 4th c. We are free from the law, from the prison, and from the schoolmaster; for when faith is revealed, the law terrifies us The post 8. The Superiority of Faith first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Attempting to find our self worth through our own performance is a fools errand. St. Paul exhorts us to a better way. A sermon on Galatians 3:6-14 Sermon Outline: I. Legalism is stupid; faith is smart II. Legalism brings a curse; faith brings blessing III. Legalism brings debt; faith brings redemption Quotes: Therefore, faith, not the law, makes a man just, for justice is not through the law, but through the faith of Christ. But he who casts aside his The post 7. The Wonderful Exchange first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Many of us search for our sense of purpose and meaning. What if that were given to us by the creator? A sermon by guest preacher James Touchton Quotes: I can only answer the question, “What am I to do?” if I can answer the prior question, “Of what story or stories do I find myself a part? -Alasdair MacIntyre The most evangelistic thing the church can do today is to be the church. -Bryan Stone Man’s chief end is The post Mission and Meaning – James Touchton first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Many of us experience salvation from a realization of the unmerited grace of God. But why do we then revert to doing the Christian life through our own effort? A sermon on Galatians 3:1-6 Outline: I. Spirituality by faith II. Suffering by faith III. Salvation by faith Quotes: If by the Law, then not by the preaching of faith; if by the preaching of faith then not by the Law. There is no middle ground between the two. For all The post 6. How Were You Saved? first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

God calls us to obey him and work for him. But did you know that it is God himself who equips us and enables us? We never get by on our own effort. Dr. Jim Thomforde preaches on Hebrews 13:20-21 Quotes:  The benediction of Hebrews 13 “has within it the whole compass of the gospel. It is condensed spiritual meat, much in little, all things in one blessing.” -Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 19th c. “We are by no means fit to The post Fully Equipped first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Jim Thomforde gives an overview of the message of Galatians: Christ Is Enough! Quotations: Faith is the eye that looks to Christ, the hand that receives His free gift, the mouth that drinks the living water. – John Stott The Holy Ghost is given, not through our own merits, but by grace, and received by faith alone. It is not the law, but the promise, that brings the Spirit. – Martin Luther The gift of the Spirit is not The post Christ Is Enough first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

We all attempt to secure peace, security, and even salvation through out own effort. But is that even possible? Paul argues for a better, truer way. Sermon Outline: I. No one can earn justification through human effort II. Depending on human effort leads to death III. Life comes through trust in Jesus Christ Quotes: A Christian is not he who has no sin, but he to whom God counts not his sin, through faith in Christ. -Martin Luther, 16th c. The post 5. Alive in Christ first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

In this midweek podcast we do a deep dive into Paul’s biography, the conditions for the letter to the Galatians, and discuss some of the manuscript evidence for the letter. Links: Papyrus 46 Papyrus 51 Papyrus 99 Oxyrhynchus Papyri Codex Vaticanus, early 4th c. – Galatians begins on p. 1488 Codex Sinaiticus, 4th c. – for the beginning of Galatians, go to f. 278 v., or image 556 Codex Ephremi, 5th c. – you can see what a palimsest looks The post 4.5 Midweek Podcast: Introduction to Paul and Galatians first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

American culture is dominated by celebrities. This is true also in the church where famous, important people are larger than life and sometimes live above the law. What does the Bible say about this? Sermon Outline: I. The True Gospel Brings Freedom II. The True Gospel Brings Unity and Diversity III. The True Gospel Is Not a Respecter of Persons Scripture Text: Galatians 2:1-14 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with The post 4. The Anti-Celebrity Gospel first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.

How can we know that God is real? What if he sent a message directly to us? That’s what the Apostle Paul claims to have: a direct message from God. Sermon Outline: I. The source of the Gospel II. The message of the Gospel III. The encouragement of the Gospel Quotes: For when men have been vehement and eager on the contrary side, their conviction, if it is effected by human means, requires much time and ingenuity. It is clear The post 3. Paul’s Apostolic Bona Fides first appeared on New Life Ithaca Presbyterian Church.