Welcome
Welcome to iNewChurch.
Listen to sermons and talks for children by Reverend Grant Schnarr and others, based on the Bible as illuminated by the spiritual teachings of the scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg, and years of personal and practical experience. Click on the Sermon link on the right.
This web-site is an extension of worship of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you are part of the congregation. Welcome to iNewChurch.org and thank you for your participation and support!
For more information contact: The Reverend Grant Schnarr at: grschnarr@aol.com.
Beliefs:
About God
There is one loving God, called by many names, whom we recognize as the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Source of all life, love, and goodness. He is always present, lifting us up, as we open our hearts and lives to Him. “I and My Father are One” (John 10:30).
About the Purpose of Life
God, being Love Itself, created the human race as partners in a loving relationship. We receive that love and return it by turning from evil and living a charitable and God honoring life of service to others. “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 2:27).
About the Bible
All religions have truth. The Bible was written in such a way that the truth contained within it is infinite. This is why it is called the Word of God and is the Source of wisdom for our lives. Through discovering the Bible’s deeper spiritual meaning each story comes alive, showing us a living picture of God, ourselves, and the path that leads to eternal life. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
About Living Faith
Living faith is more than a profession of belief. Spiritual life is a process of turning away from anything evil and hurtful, and living a life of loving kindness. When faith and love are expressed in action, they become real. Otherwise they are simply intellectual abstractions. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
About Eternity
Eternity begins now within each of us. We create our own heaven and hell by the life we lead. Heaven is not a prize nor hell a punishment. Our life after death is the product of the lifetime of choices we make in this world. “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
Other Important Teachings
The marriage of a man and a woman is a sacred covenant between a couple and also with the Lord. Couples who continue to cultivate their love for each other and grow together continue together after death. God does not will or cause bad things to happen to people. He cares about us, and gives us every opportunity to draw closer to Him in every situation we encounter. His ultimate goal for us is our eternal happiness in heaven. All who cultivate love in their hearts and follow God as they understand God are part of the Lord’s kingdom and are received into heaven. The Second Coming of Christ is not in a cataclysmic end of the world scenario, but rather in a new understanding of who Christ is in our lives, and in the growth of a new spiritual era for humanity based on that understanding.
Our Church Affiliation
Our Church is part of the world-wide New Church (often referred to as “Swedenborgian”), which is based on the Bible and the teachings of the Eighteenth Century scientist and theologian, Emanuel Swedenborg.
“INewChurch” – very nice!
~CBM
Crazybaldman
5 Oct 09 at 4:12 am
Feels like home…
Nicole Lanker
26 Oct 09 at 7:31 pm
Great to see this up and running, Grant. What are we supposed to do here?
Mike Goodenow
30 Dec 09 at 12:42 pm
Hi Grant, will the name of this website change to “Creekside New Church” or will you open something new for that?
Thomas Rehorst
16 Feb 10 at 7:46 pm
Thomas, interesting question, especially when it comes to branding. I have been looking at the name iNewChurch.org as being the larger global congregation that joins us online each week, perhaps even moving toward an international coalition of some kind, perhaps an “autonomous collective.”
However, it may be more useful to begin with inviting all who join us online to be part of “Creekside” congregation globally? Not sure…. Need to get feedback about this. I do know that many people, more than 100 a week, sometimes way more than that, do listen in, so we already have established a budding group of internet associates who are familiar with the site as “inewchurch.org. All that being said, we do plan on a Creekside New Church site, and own the domain name http://www.creeksidenewchurch.org. I was actually thinking that after our conversation maybe it would be easier for people to remember “goingcreekside” and get that name. What do you think? Lot’s of good thoughts and opportunities before us. Very happy for the Lord’s blessings! And thanks for all your help. Let’s keep the dialog going.
admin
16 Feb 10 at 9:39 pm