got life march & april 20115
DESCRIPTION
A newsletter for spiritual enrichment for the body of ChristTRANSCRIPT
NEW LIFE ! MARCH/APRIL 2015
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Take A Load Off...Growing up it seemed
like adults were always saying, “Life’s too short!” But as a kid it seemed like it was very long for some people.
As we get older we see how short life really is. And it’s way too short...
It’s too short to always see the world from a negative view point. It’s too short to always be angry. It’s too short to always blame others for life’s outcome. It’s too short not to enjoy a good laugh. It’s too short not to appreciate good company. It’s too short to rush through a meal. It’s too short to not enjoy making new friends. It’s too short to let other’s opinions of you take away your happiness. It’s too short not to try something new. It’s even too short to rush through church service.
So take a load off, and learn to enjoy...enjoy life. Don’t let the load cause you to miss out on life. There are flowers waiting for you to enjoy. Don’t wait until you’re dead, when everyone else will enjoy the flowers, to take a load off. Life’s too short.
-Pastor Mel
GOT LIFEShow Your Inside
Scripture text and setting: 1 John 1:4-7; John 1:1-9; Matthew 5:14-16
God is the Word (John 1:1). He is life and also the light of man (John 1:4) which means that God is the light of man that shineth in darkness that comprehended (understood) it not (John 1:5). It is also said that there was a man sent from God whose name was John (John 1:6). John had come to bear witness of the Light, which is God (John 1:9 and 1 John 1:5)
You are to let that which is in you shine (Matt. 5:15) and let it shine before man (Matt. 5:16). When you let the light that is in you shine before man, you are letting people see a new, or different “you”. You can let people see a “new” person first by being buried with Jesus, meaning being baptized in His name (Romans 6:3-4). What a life changing experience! Now your old man is crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be destroyed. Romans 6:4-5 talks about the death, burial and the newness of life. When you are buried with Him through baptism, you will be raised up just as Christ was (Romans 6:4), and be planted
together in the likeness of His death (Romans 6:5).
Now your personality should reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When you let your light shine before men (Matt. 5:16) you encourage other people to want to come to Him, all because your light is reflecting what is inside you….the fruit of the Spirit. This is also a form of witnessing, which Jesus wants (Matt. 28:18-20).
There may be times when your light may not shine, and you fall back into sin (Romans 3:23). Just repent and turn from sin/old man (Luke 13:3). The way of the wicked is as darkness, and they know not where they are, so they stumble (Proverbs 4:19). The path of the just is as the shining light (Proverbs 4:18). You must walk in the light (1 John 1:7) so that you can let people see Christ when they see you.
A writer of God’s word, who encourages people,
Ray Dodd, Jr.
NEW LIFE ! MARCH/APRIL 2015
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WE ARE BLESSED IN CHRIST JESUS
Bishop Brenda K. Perry,Sr. Pastor of NLTC
Willingness is defined as “ready to do something voluntarily, ready to do something without being forced. Helpful, cooperative and enthusiastic, offered voluntarily, offered or given by somebody readily and enthusiastically”.
I’m so thankful to our God, our Father that He was willing to give his only begotten Son for humanity. I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down His life so that we may have life and that more abundantly. His death redeemed us back to the Father. Christ, the Messiah, took the cup of suffering, the sins of the whole world past, present and future so that we might attain love, joy and peace from our God.
Many times we think of “willingness” as giving, and giving to be our money. When I think of willingness, in the arena of Christianity, I think of a heart of compassion and love, giving oneself to others with a free heart and a Christ like Spirit. Being that helper which will aide in building,
empowering and enriching the lives of others.
Yes, Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian Church about the Churches of Macedonia’s giving. They were in great trials and much affliction, and deep in poverty but were rich in willing to give to the cause. 2 Corinthians 8:3 reads “For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing.”
My question today is, are there any willing hearts in the Kingdom of God to serve, to give and love with a willingness of heart? Hearts that are looking for nothing in return or recognition.
The Western world has somewhat changed the meaning and purpose of the cross so much so that our Churches are being filled with people that are looking for benefits and dividends. They become hardhearted in becoming an investor and good steward in what God has placed in their care for others and God. We need not be like the unwise steward that was given a talent to invest in the kingdom, and he burned it. Neither shall we be like the disciples who were fighting, trying to see who was the best, and who was the head leader.
A willing soul is that person that willingly loves their God first, with all their heart, mind, soul and strength, and not from the command stand point but
willingness. Our willingness does not stop with God, but it goes into serving in all walks of life. The Holy Ghost helps us to grow in wisdom and knowledge, and the fruit of the Spirit. We then become more willing to serve in a greater capacity. Yes, we know that the enemy of our soul is out to discourage, snare and entrap our feet. He knows many times when we get offended or hurt by those we look up to or respect we become less productive. If humanity could be willing to repent and forgive we could stump the enemy’s head. So be willing to let pride and arrogances go.
The benefits in willingness comes from Isaiah 1:19 which reads, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land”. I believe this to be spiritual and natural. How good God is to mankind when we are not willing and obedient. Luke 6:35b reads, “For He is kind to the unthankful and evil”. Matthew 7:11, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good thinks to those who ask Him”. If we are willing to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, the natural things along with the joy and peace will be added to us.
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NEW LIFE ! MARCH/APRIL 2015
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Sis. Sharon ClayCAYC Ministry Director
After reading the following article by Dr. Harold Sala, I was impressed to share it with you. Fulfilling a roll in leadership many times causes us to feel inadequate, and this inhibits our ability to make wise decisions. Dr. Sala provides helpful information for all leaders in this area.
“WHEN WE FEEL INADEQUATE TO LEAD”
I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way!" goes the old adage. The fact is, however, that some who should lead are reluctant to rise to the challenge. They are perfectly content to follow, or else settle down in a rocking chair and get out of the way. The problem is,
however, that God wants them to lead.
Take Moses, for example. When Moses was ready to lead, God said, "You're not ready! Take a few laps around the desert taking care of the sheep. And that's exactly what he did for the next 40 years. Finally, God said, "You're ready, Moses." And that's when Moses said in effect, "Uh-uh, not me!" That's not exactly what Moses said, but it's a good paraphrase.
Here's the text: God said, "'So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.' But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you...' Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, "The God of your fathers has sent me to you," and they ask me, "What is his name?" Then what shall I tell them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you'" (Exodus 3:10-14).
Lead, follow, or get out of the way. Like Moses long ago, many of us feel inadequate to lead, yet our failure to provide leadership creates a vacuum. Someone has to do it-whether it is in your family, your business, or your church.
Like Moses, our fears and dreads latch on to that word, suppose. We paint the dreaded scenario in our minds, saying, "Suppose they won't like me." "Suppose things won't go well." "Suppose they criticize me." And yielding to our feelings of inadequacy we chose to just get out of the way and let someone else do it.
In the beginning God made it clear that men were to provide leadership for their families by being there, by being the major provider, by leading the way, by being a role model to his kids, and a strength and defender for the whole family. "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior," writes Paul to the Ephesians (5:23).
The image is not that of a dictator, but that of an orchestra conductor with sensitivity and care. Men who love their wives and children are a strength and help, and no woman in her right mind would object to the loving, caring leadership which God intends.
When men are not there, someone has to do it, and that's when the burden falls on wives and single moms Leadership by
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New Life MinistriesWords from our ministries
NEW LIFE ! MARCH/APRIL 2015
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Willingness continued from page 2
God blesses us first, with skills, wisdom and knowledge naturally and spiritual that we may praise Him and worship Him in spirit and truth. Also with serving one another in a willingness of heart.
The Apostle Paul addressing the Corinthian believers in I Corinthians 9 states his willingness in preaching the gospel without pay, and with much suffering. He knew that a greater reward was coming from the Lord.
7Things continued from page 3
default is better than no leadership, but it often falls short of what it could and should be.
Question: Are you a reluctant leader? If you nod your head in the affirmative, ask yourself, "What are you waiting for?" One dad asked his five year old, "Son, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Looking into the face of his father, the little boy answered, "Dad, I want to be just like you!" That is the reward of leadership.
God told Moses that He would be with Him, and God honored that commitment. When a man does what is right, He can be sure that He is moving in synch with God's purpose for his life and family. Don't expect to be perfect before you lead. You have to know, however, when God's time has come to lead, to follow, or simply to get out of the way.
Share Your StoryVideo Campaign
So many of us have a story to tell that may have gotten lost in our “God’s Grace” memory box. Maybe you’ve told your story before, or maybe it’s one that no one has heard.
We would like to give you an opportunity to sit down and record your testimony, and share it with New Life during a Sunday Morning service.
Email [email protected] to set a date and time to record your STORY.
PRAISE
TESTIMONY
NEW LIFE ! MARCH/APRIL 2015
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CELEBRATING HISTORYChildren With Purpose “Celebration of the Contributions of Blacks In American History”
Presentation
Looking AheadPlease mark your calendars for the upcoming events for March & April
MARCH
8 Day Light saving8 Evening Service14 Leadership Prayer14 Marriage Bowling28 Leadership Prayer & Staff 29 Rodeo Sunday 29 Palm Sunday
APRIL
3 Good Friday - Office Closed3- 11 Passover5 Resurrection Sunday & Passover First Fruit Offering $300—400.0011 Leadership Prayer12 Evening Service25 Leadership Prayer & Staff26 Passover First Fruits Offering (last Sunday)26 Evening Service
March 2!! Lenda Davis
March 3!! Kathryn Bates
March 5!! Mary Colemon!
March 5!! Roger Williams
March 6!! Lillie Sauls
March 8!! Donna Stephens
March 16! Krystle Sampay
March 18! Linda Daniels
March 18 ! Roy Seivwright
March 20! Tameka Clark
March 23 ! Raymond Wright
April 7! ! Sonny Jones
April 15! Gladys Simmons
April 17! Gwendolyn White
April 18! Kamyron Thompson
April 30! Lauren Clark
Anniversaries
John & Linda Davis April 7
Birthdays & Anniversaries
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Perfecting Light -Membership ClassSunday School
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NL Ministry Leaders
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor [email protected]
Mel A. Perry, Assistant Pastor & Global Relations Director [email protected]
Pastor Steve Stephens, Associate Pastor [email protected]
Pastor Elmer Powell, Associate Pastor [email protected]
Donna Ross-Powell, Administrator [email protected]
Deacons Roy, Head Deacon [email protected]
Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. [email protected]
Donna Stephens, Ladies Minstry [email protected]
Elder Roy & Min Pam Clark, Perfecting Light Ministry [email protected]
Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach [email protected]
Sis. Sharon Clay, Singles Ministry [email protected]
Statement of Faith
We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as omniscient and omnipresent.
We believe this one true God, who revealed Himself as Father in Creation, as Son in redemption, and as Holy Ghost in regeneration.
We believe that - in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.
We believe in the death, burial and resurrection.
We believe in being born again of water-by immersion in the name of the Lord “Jesus” Christ for the remission of sins, and in Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost - speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
We believe in divine healing, communion and foot washing.
We believe in presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
We believe in expressions of praise with lifted hands, hand clapping, playing of musical instruments, voice of praise and dancing.
The purpose of New Life is to instill the faith of Jesus Christ into the lives of all people, bringing them into spiritual perfection with a spirit of excellence.
Weekly Service Schedule
SundaySunday School! ! ! 9:00amSunday Worship ! ! 10:00am
WednesdayBible Study! ! ! 10:30amBible Study! ! ! 7:30pmYoung People On Fire! ! 7:30pmChildren With Purpose! ! 7:30pmCouples In Unity! ! 7:30pm(1st & 3rd Wednesday)
ThursdayMusic Ministry! ! ! 7:30pm
Saturday! ! !Intercessory Prayer! ! 9:00am
*NLEC Senior Connection Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm for all seniors 60+