New Woodstock Community Church Sermons

5/10/2026 - "James' Last Instruction" (James 5:19-20) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"James' Last Instruction" (James 5:19-20)A) Seek Out Those Who Are Straying (v. 19a)B) Turning Them to Truth (vv. 19b-20)

5/3/2026 - "Hitting the Target With Prayer" (James 5:13-18) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community ChurchSermon Outline:"Hitting the Target With Prayer" (James 5:13-18) A) Prayer: It’s For Every Season (v. 13) B) Prayer: It’s Not Just For Leadership (vv. 14-16a)C) Prayer: It’s Not Just For the “Prayer Warriors” (vv. 16b-18)

4/26/2026 - "Perseverance" (James 5:7-12) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Perseverance" (James 5:7-12)A) In View Of the Lord’s Return (vv. 7-9) B) Examples In Those Who Have Gone Before Us (vv. 10-12)

4/19/2026 - "Listening In On The Conversation" (James 5:1-6) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"Listening In On The Conversation" (James 5:1-6) A) Where Their Treasure Is (vv. 1-3)B) Their Heart Will Be Also (vv. 4-6)

4/12/2026 - "In the Wrong Roles" (James 4:11-17) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"In the Wrong Roles" (James 4:11-17)A)  Acting as Judge (vv. 11-12)B)  Acting as Lord (vv. 13-17)

4/5/2026 - "That the Word May Be Fulfilled" (Luke 24:1-48) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"That the Word May Be Fulfilled" (Luke 24:1-48)A) An Unexpected Meeting (vv. 1-12)B) An Unexpected Lesson (vv. 13-48)     I. On the Road  (vv. 13-32)     II. Behind Shut Doors (vv. 36-48)

3/29/2026 - "An Illness in the Church" (James 4:1-10) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"An Illness in the Church" (James 4:1-10)A) The Symptoms (vv. 1-3)B) The Diagnosis (vv. 4-6) C) The Remedy (vv. 7-10)

3/22/2026 - "Who Among You Is Wise?" (James 3:13-18) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"Who Among You Is Wise?" (James 3:13-18)A) A Searching Question (v. 13)B) A Wrong Direction (vv. 14-16)C) The Right Location (vv. 17-18)

3/15/2026 - "By Your Words" (James 3:1-12) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"By Your Words" (James 3:1-12) A) A Word To Would-Be Teachers (vv. 1-2)B) Understanding the Tongue (vv. 2-6)C) How Then Should We Be? (vv. 7-12)

"Faith Without Works - Part 2" (James 2:20-26) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:I. Justified by Works - Explained (vv. 20-21)II. Justified by Works - Proved.      a. Abraham (vv. 21-24)      b. Rahab (vv. 22-26)

3/1/2026 - "Faith Without Works - Part One" (James 2:14-20) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Faith without Works - Part 1" (James 2:14-20) 1. Objection 1: I Have Faith, But No Works (vv. 14-17)2. Objection 2: You have Faith, I Have Works (vv. 18-20)

"Partiality Within the Church" (James 2:1-13) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.  Sermon Outline:A) Reminder to the Church (vv. 1-7)B) In Keeping with the Royal Law (vv. 8-13) 

2/15/2026 - "The Right Response to God’s Word" (James 1:19-27) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"The Right Response to God’s Word" (James 1:19-27)A) A Putting Away of Sin (vv. 19-21)B) A Doer of the Word (vv. 22-25)C) A Right Religion (vv. 26-27)

2/1/2026 - "Placing Blame Where It Doesn't Belong" (James 1:12-18) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"Placing Blame Where It Doesn’t Belong" (James 1:12-18)A. It’s Not God Who Is Tempting You (vv. 12-16)B. Remember Who Your God Is (vv. 16-18)

1/18/2026 - "Enduring the Trials" (James 1:1-12) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Enduring the Trials" (James 1:1-12)A. God’s Purpose in the Trial (vv. 1-4)B. God’s Provision Through the Trial (vv. 5-8)C. Only His Way Through the Trial (vv. 9-12)

1/11/2026 - "Praise From God or From Men" (John 5:1-44) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Praise From God or From Men?" (John 5:1-44)A) An Ill-timed Miracle (vv. 1-17)B) The Father and the Son (vv. 18-32)C) The Father’s Testimony of the Son (vv. 33-40)D) Why to Seek Praise From God (vv. 41-44)

1/4/2026 - "Awaiting a Future Kingdom" (Revelation 21:1-8) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Awaiting a Future Kingdom" (Revelation 21:1-8)A)  Immanuel: Worth Anticipating (vv. 1-4)B)  Immanuel: A Certainty (vv. 5-6a)C)  Immanuel: An Invitation (vv. 6b-8) 

"Christmas in the Letters" (Philippians 2:1-8) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Christmas in the Letters" (Philippians 2:1-8)A) Make My Joy Complete (vv. 1-4)B) Have This Attitude in Yourselves (vv. 5-8)

12/24/2025 - Christmas Eve Message by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.

12/21/2025 - "Christmas in the Gospels" (Matthew 1:18-25) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Christmas in the Gospels" (Matthew 1:18-25)A) Now All This Took Place (vv. 18-23a)B) Immanuel, God With Us (vv. 23b-25)

12/14/2025 - "Christmas in View" (Luke 1:67-80) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"Christmas in View" (Luke 1:67-80) Dear Theophilus, it’s Important That You Know:A) The Father Kept His Promises to His People (vv. 68-75)B) The Promise is For You As Well (vv. 76-80)

12/7/2025 - "Christmas in the Land" (1 Samuel 1:1-20) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:A) Hannah: Going to God When All Seems Like Darkness (vv. 1-11)B) The Lord Remembers His Promise Through Hannah (vv. 12-20)

11/30/2025 - "Christmas in the Beginning" (John 1:1-5) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Christmas in the Beginning" (John 1:1-5)A)  He Was in the Beginning as the Creator God (vv. 1-3)B)  He Was in the Beginning as the Savior God (vv. 4-5)

11/23/2025 - "A Reason to Give Thanks" (Psalm 138) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"A Reason to Give Thanks" (Psalm 138)I) Recognizing What God Has Done (vv. 1-3)    a) Gives Us Boldness to Tell Others (vv. 4-6)    b) Gives Us Assurance of God’s Goodness for the Future (vv. 7-8)

11/16/2025 - "Having Put on the New Self" (Ephesians 4:25-32) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"Having Put on the New Self" (Ephesians 4:25-32)I) A Change in Behavior (vv.25-29) a. Speaking Truth (v. 25) b. Angry, Yet Without Sin (vv. 26-27) c. No Longer Stealing (v. 28) d. No Unwholesome Words (v. 29) e. Not Grieving the Holy Spirit (v. 30)II) A Change in Heart (vv. 31-32)

11/9/2025 - "Does it Appeal to the Old Self or the New?” (Ephesians 4:17-24) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Does it Appeal to the Old Self or the New?” (Ephesians 4:17-24)A) Reminded of Who We Were - A Life of Sin (vv. 17-19)B) Remembering What We Know (vv. 20-21) a) We are to Lay Aside the Old Self (v.22) b) We are to Put on the New Self (vv. 23-24)

11/2/2025 - "Confidence in the Son" (1 John 5:18-21) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Confidence in the Son” (1 John 5:18-21)A) Confidence in the Son’s Keeping (vv. 18-19)B) Confidence in the Son Who Gives Understanding (vv. 20)C) Confidence to Stay the Course (vv. 21)

10/26/2025 - "Confidence" (1 John 5:13-17) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Notes:"Confidence" (1 John 5:13-17)A) Confidence before the Father (vv. 13-15)B) Confidence in Difficult Circumstances (vv. 16-17)

10/19/2025 - “Testimony” (1 John 5:6-12) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Notes:"Testimony" (1 John 5:6-12)A) An Assurance of a Greater Testimony (vv. 6-9) B) A Warning Toward Disbelief (vv. 10-12)

10/12/2025 - "The Victorious Life of Faith" (1 John 5:1-5) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.  Sermon Outline:"The Victorious Life of Faith" (1 John 5:1-5)A) Faith, It’s Simple (v. 1a) B) Faith Displayed (vv. 1b-3) - Loving the Child of God- Loving His CommandmentsC) Faith, Overcoming the World (vv. 4-5)

10/5/2025 - "We Love Because He First Loved Us” (I John 4:15-21) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:“We Love Because He First Loved Us” (I John 4:15-21)A) Love: A Work of FaithB) Love: Casting Out FearC) Love: Because It’s CommandedOwen's previous sermon on 1 John 4:7-14 was given off location and wasn't recorded. For your reference we've included his written sermon in this episode's description.Sermon Outline: “A Love Like No Other” (1 John 4:7-14)A) Love is from God - vv. 7-8B) Love That Takes the Initiative - vv. 9-11C) Love’s Assurance - vv. 12-13D) Love’s Exhortation - vv. 14A) Love is from God - vv. 7-8L - Sabrina and I were married about two years, I had become saved, and as I started being in the Bible more, I came upon the verses concerning a woman honoring her husband. I never took into account the verses that told me to love my wife as Christ loved the church - which means total sacrifice. I never saw Peters writing that I should live with my wife in an understanding way - as the weaker vessel - so that my prayers would not be hindered. Instead - I saw my wife as the one who should honor me first - as I was the head, the…..boss. The bitterness turned anger, into arguments, into yelling. It reached it’s crescendo when I left work one day, not sure if I would return home again.I ended up finding myself at Barney’s house. I explained in depth Sabrina’s lack of respect, Sabrina’s failings as a wife, how I had been praying for her to be a better wife….and how I could not put up with it anymore. After listening patiently, Barney gave me his counsel. He said to me, “I want you to stop praying for your wife. I want you pray that the Lord would give you His love for your wife."I was dumbfounded, because that's why I married her right? Because I loved her, wasn't it?? So I prayed. I didn't add prerequisites that she would act better, or be more honoring - I only prayed that God would give me his love for her. In doing so, I realized, I didn't love her sacrificially. I loved her with a love that had expectations as to who she would be, and what she would do as my wife. It wasn't a love from God - It was a selfish love that came with expectations - mine.S - John is reminding his readers of their love for one another - but it is a love from God - not from themselves.P - 1 John 4:7-8 - 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.D - We left off last week with John directing his readers to test the spiritsIn doing so, John reminded them of that which he spoke about back in chapter 2 - the anti-christs that are in the world. In ending his thoughts concerning this issue of false teachers, John ends with this statement: 1 John 4:6 - 6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.A powerful statement, full of apostolic authority aimed to remind his readers that right doctrine comes from the apostles Christ has ordained to teach the churches. But in light of such a direct statement - there very well may be a surge in the desire to get things right - and to be overly harsh in their examination of others.This could include arguments over secondary issues - and as fellow humans we can almost hear them say:“Does this person, or that person, truly know God?”So John reminds them in verse 7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.So for those who seek false spirits under every rock and behind every tree, this would be a reminder of who they are to be in Christ.Because we can, at times, in our desire to get it right - or our desire for others to get it right - we forget that we are to love one anotherand not just in the testing of the spirits, but at all timesBut whose love is John speaking about? Turn with me to Romans 5.Romans 5:1-5 - 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.So the love that his readers are to have toward one another is not something they can produce or manufacture on our own.It is a love  - the very love of God - that is poured into them - by someone specific.The Holy Spirit - a person - sent by God - pours God’s love into, or within, them.Hence why verse 7, John writes, “for love is from God”!He is correct, indeed it is!The love of feelings, or affirmations of others in sin, is a human love.It has no eternal value.So what does the love of God look like? We are going to look at several verses, so bear with me. Turn with me to Hebrews 6 -I will not go into the full context of this verse, as it can stand on its own:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.Notice how the writer of Hebrews encourages his readers, that God does see the work and love that they have shown toward His name…..How is that defined? - in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.His readers are loving other saints - and it is work and it is in love.Turn with me to 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 - 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention [of you] in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,What do we think this means? Work of faith, labor of love, steadfastness of hope?Work (remember Hebrews 6:10) - toil (as an effort or occupation); or an act:We are to live and move by faith - trusting our Father in heaven.Labor - intense labour united with trouble and toil - (BLB)The love of God that is poured into you is not an easy love.It is a hard love, that needs to strive when things are difficult.Steadfastness - “the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings”"G5281 - hypomonē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (nasb95)." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 6 Sep, 2025. <

9/28/2025 - "God Knows Me" (Psalm 139:13-18) by Pastor Barney at New Woodstock Community Church.

9/21/2025 - "God's Presence" (Psalm 139:7-12) by Pastor Barney at New Woodstock Community Church.

9/14/2025 - "God Knows" (Psalm 139:1-6) by Pastor Barney Freeborn at New Woodstock Community Church.

8/31/2025 - "Passing the Exam" (1 John 4:1-6) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:“Passing the Exam” (1 John 4:1-6)1. Don’t Believe Every Spirit - (v. 1)2. The Correct Confession - (vv. 2-3)3. Just the Facts - (vv. 4-6)

8/24/2025 - "When in Doubt" (1 John 3:19-24) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:“When in Doubt” (1 John 3:19-24)1. Our Heart and our God (vv. 19-20)2. Confidence before God (vv. 21-22)3. An Assurance Checklist (vv. 23-24)

8/17/2025 - "Why We Are Different" (1 John 3:10-18) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:“Why We Are Different” (1 John 3:10-18)1. We love the brethren (vv. 10-11)2. We are not of the evil one (vv. 12-15)3. We follow Christ’s example (vv. 16-18)

8/10/2025 - “John’s Warning to His Children” (1 John 3:4-9) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"John's Warning to His Children" (1 John 3:4-9)1. Can I Practice Sin and Have a Relationship with Christ? (vv. 4-6)2. Understanding the Truth About Who We Listen to (vv. 7-9)

8/3/2025 - "Anticipating His Appearance” (1 John 2:28-3:3) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Anticipating His Appearance" (1 John 2:28-3:3)1. We Abide in Anticipation (v.28)2. We Are Adopted and Anticipating (vv. 2:29-3:1)  3. We Hope in Anticipation (vv. 3:2-3:3)

7/27/2025 - “A Last Hour and God’s Provision for It" (1 John 2:18-27) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"A Last Hour and God’s Provision for It" (1 John 2:18-27)1. Don’t Be Surprised - What to Expect in this Hour (vv. 18-19, 22-23, 26)2. God’s Provision - His Spirit and His Word (vv. 20-21)  3. God’s Provision in Place - His Word and Spirit Abiding in You (vv. 24-25, 27)

7/20/2025 - “A Warning Concerning the World” (1 John 2:15-17) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:“A Warning Concerning the World” (1 John 2:15-17)1. Not Out of Love For the Father - (v. 15)2. Not of the Father’s Hand - (v. 16)3. Not Part of the Father’s Will - (v. 17)  

7/13/2025 - "Assurance Revisited" (1 John 2:7-14) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:“Assurance Revisited” (1 John 2:7-14)A) A Commandment, Old and New (vv. 7-8)B) An Abiding, Dark and Light (vv. 9-11)C) An Encouragement, For Now and Always (vv. 12-14)  

7/6/2025 - “Assurance of Salvation” (1 John 2:1-6) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Assurance of Salvation" (1 John 2:1-6)A) An Encourager of their Salvation (v. 1a)B) The Encouragement of their Salvation (vv. 1b-2)C) Assurance that is Known (vv. 3-5a)D) Assurance that Walks (vv. 5b-6)

6/29/2025 - "Concerning God, Sin, and a Savior" (1 John 1:5-2:2) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Concerning God, Sin, and a Savior" (1 John 1:5-2:2)A. Concerning God (v. 5)B. Concerning Sin   1.  What Sin Is (vv. 6-7)   2.  That We Have Sin (vv. 8-9)   3.  How to Handle Our Sin (vv. 10 - 2:1)C.  Concerning a Savior (2:2)

6/22/2025 - "Christian Fellowship" (1 John 1:2-4) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"Christian Fellowship" (1 John 1:2-4)A. The Basis of Fellowship (v. 2)B. The Proclamation that Brings Fellowship (v. 3)C. The Joy of Fellowship (v. 4)D. With Whom Do You Have Fellowship? 

6/15/2025 - "What Was From the Beginning" (1 John 1:1) by Elder Owen Simiele at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"What Was From the Beginning (1 John 1:1)A. The BeginningB. Having Heard the BeginningC. Having Seen the BeginningD. Having Touched the BeginningE. The Beginning Defined

6/8/2025 - "Blasphemy" (Selected Scriptures) by Pastor Josh at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outine:"Blasphemy" (Selected Scriptures)I. What It IsII. Who It Is AgainstIII. Hope for Blasphemers

6/1/2025 - "God Comes to Those Who Wait" (Psalm 25) by Pastor Josh at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:God Comes to Those Who Wait (Psalm 25)I. Why to Wait (vv. 1-3)II. How to Wait (vv. 4-11) A. Follow (vv. 4-5) B. Plead (vv. 6-7) C. Meditate (vv. 8-10) D. Confess (v. 11)III. Who Waits (vv. 12-22)

5/25/2025 - "Are You Welcome in God’s House?" (Psalm 24) by Pastor Josh at New Woodstock Community Church.Sermon Outline:"Are You Welcome in God’s House?" (Psalm 24)I. The LORD’s Hospitality (vv. 1-2)II. The LORD’s House Rules (vv. 3-6)III. The LORD’s Home (vv. 7-10)

5/18/2025 - "The Open Secret of Life" (Psalm 23) by Pastor Josh at New Woodstock Community Church. Sermon Outline:"The Open Secret of Life" (Psalm 23)I. Having the LORD as Your Shepherd (v. 1)II. This Shepherd Provides for Every Need (vv. 2-3)III. This Shepherd Protects in Every Calamity (v. 4)IV. The Shepherd Prepares in Every Moment (vv. 5-6)