Christmas meal & fellowship at our home

Thanks to the Lord, we had one of the best weekends at New Life Bible Church. After the worship service on Sunday, Shawn and I invited everyone back to our home for a Christmas lasagna dinner. The sweet closeness and fellowship reminded us of the earlier church planting days in Lancaster, PA.

If you know of anyone who is looking for a church and would like to attend NLBC, please give us a call at 817-788-9810. May you have the most blessed, Christ-filled Christmas with family and friends.

Worship Service/Charter Membership Day

Christ-centered Worship at Christmas

Worship is never man-centered, but Christ-centered. Therefore, the proper emphasis and spirit of Christmas is worshiping Christ. The famous evangelist of the past, Charles H. Spurgeon, once said: "The holiday will come and go, so we must now take the opportunity to exalt Jesus Christ."

Christmas is the heralding of the entrance of Christ into human history. It is heaven descending to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Our response should be the same as the angels on Christmas Eve: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"(Luke 2:14).

From a biblical perspective, every personality attached to the birth of Christ worshiped Him joyfully and with sincerity of heart. Here are some examples:

1. Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)

2. Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68)

3. Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)

4. Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)

5. Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)

6. Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)

7. Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)

8. Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47)

Please keep Christ at the heart of your Christmas holiday celebrations.

Change

A special thank you to all of you who are praying for NLBC! God is using you to scatter gospel seeds in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We've been encouraged to see some of those seeds take root and begin the growing process. Other seeds need more watering, and will require nurturing through prayer. Be assured that you share in the fruit....that which is visible, and that which we believe will become evident in the future, through the power of our Lord.

Our average attendance has been around 20, and the spirit in our services has been refreshing. The Lord has added a few new couples to our core group, and their faithfulness and participation encourages us. One young man who has been regularly attending recently expressed a desire to rededicate his life to the Lord. Others have expressed interest in membership and everyone is always willing to serve. This eagerness to grow and develop and serve is a direct answer to your prayers and ours, and is at the very heart of church planting.....CHANGE. We are seeing change in the lives of saved and unsaved alike. And God is also changing our own hearts by increasing both our burden for the lost and our dependence upon Him alone. True change here in the North Richland Hills area occurs slowly and without flash and drama. We must keep our focus on Christ alone who is able to do the saving, the restoring, the growing, and the changing.

Last week's canvassing brought some interesting results. In one group of young people who had gathered outside we met a professing Atheist, an Agnostic, and another who obviously had some Bible background. In that one group we witnessed hardness, coldness, bitterness, openness, and hopefulness....all who needed the permanent change that only faith in Christ can bring. We trust that one of them might accept our invitation to attend our church services. If not, perhaps they will read the gospel message printed on the brochure and someday trust the Lord to save them. The results are in God's hands.

We plan to hold a Charter Membership Service on the first weekend of December. Please pray that our spirit of oneness will continue and that we as future charter members of New Life Bible Church will always be open to change as God leads and redirects our paths. As some of you have experienced, church planting requires flexibility and the ability to change at a moment's notice....change of location, change of strategy, change of plans, but never change of goals, purpose, or doctrine. Our stand for the truth must be unchanging.

Having lived in Pennsylvania for the past 19 years, we confess that we miss the beauty of autumn....the colors of the changing leaves there are always breathtaking. The seasons are changing here in Texas as well, but with little obvious color....almost unnoticeable, except for the welcome gradual decrease in temperature. How fitting, and what a perfect reminder of the church planting ministry in this area. The change is occurring, but not as overtly, and perhaps not as visible to the casual observer. But upon closer inspection, we see signs of growth and change that God, by His grace, has brought about, and these changes are beautiful. The fact that He is using NLBC (and YOU) to bring about this change makes us feel humble, grateful, and desirous to daily change into His image.

To God be the glory!

In His Service,
John and Shawn

II Corinthians 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Church Service & Bowling Fellowship

What Does The Bible Say About MONEY?

Does money have a controlling influence over us? Do we worry about the lack of it? As a pastor I’ve found that the subject of money, its use and misuse, is normally the main topic of discussion in all domestic struggles. What does God’s Word say about this subject? How are we to use it and acquire it? What should be our perspective on finances? God has an incredible amount of instruction for us in regards to money:

1. Love people and God more than money- Matthew 6:33.
2. Adhere to sound financial principles (get out of debt; establish a budget; do not spend more than you take in; shut down impulsive buying; invest wisely)- Prov. 15:22.
3. Be content with what God has given you- I Timothy 6:8.
4. Remember always that God owns everything- Psalm 50:10-12; Exodus 19:5.
5. God promises to supply all our needs, not wants-Philippians 4:19.
6. Be conscious that one day your riches will perish- I Timothy 6:7; Job 1:21.
7. Give your employer an honest day's work for an honest day's wage-Colossians 3:22.
8. Do not be lazy in providing for your family-Proverbs 6:6.
9. God may withhold spiritual/material blessings due to a sinful life- Isa. 59:1-2.
10.Be cautious how you spend and acquire money-I Timothy 6:9-10.
11.God condemns the "love" of money- I Timothy 6:10.
12.Be concerned with "righteousness" over riches- I Timothy 6:11-12.
13.Give to God regularly, cheerfully & wholeheartedly- I Cor. 9:7;16:2.
14.Freely share what you have with others in need- I John 3:17.
15.Be thankful for what you have- I Thess. 5:18.

CHURCH UPDATES:

Thank you for praying for New Life Bible Church! God has brought two more families to join us in corporate worship. Last Saturday several of us passed out doorhangers in the surrounding community. This Sunday afternoon we will have our first NLBC activity with a noon meal at the church, followed by a time of bowling fellowship.

Our pulpit ministry at NLBC is paramount. We believe that God's Word is the panacea to all of life's problems. The Psalmist said (119:24): "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." Here is a schedule of our preaching topics/themes for the next few months:

1. October- Applicable messages on the Christian life: How to handle pressure and stress; How to pray; The importance of private devotions; What does God say about money; Overcoming worry & discouragement; etc.
2. November- Preaching through our church goals
3. December- Christmas themes
4. January- Practical book study in Philippians

Using Your Spiritual Gifts to Serve

We at New Life Bible desire to use our spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ. In order for the church body to be healthy and look more like Christ, every believer must be a functioning organ exercising his or her gifts. Our physical bodies are never as healthy as they could be if our organs are not operating. It’s the same in spirituality in regards to the body of Christ. What gift(s) do you have?

1. Gift of showing mercy- This means to exercise deeds of loving-kindness. It is a compassionate ability to lesson the afflictions of others.
2. Gift of evangelism- This is a heavenly gift from God to mightily preach the gospel to non-believers. It is a gift that challenges others to witness for Christ.
3. Gift of teaching- It is a God-given ability to explain Scriptural truth clearly to others. Others in the church will recognize this gift in you.
4. Gift of administration- This gift is a divine ability to provide leadership in & outside the church.
5. Gift of exhortation- This is the capacity to come alongside fellow Christians and encourage them in the Lord. The devil is working overtime to discourage people.
6. Gift of giving- All believers are commanded to give; however, this spiritual gift goes beyond to assist those in need. It is a complete denying of oneself for the sake of others.
7. Gift of discernment- God has raised up certain believers who help protect the church from false doctrine and discern between good and evil. This gift goes beyond natural insight and human wisdom.
8. Gift of faith- This is often called the gift of prayer. Every saint is to have faith, but this gift speaks of those who have extraordinary confidence in God. These are prayer warriors!
9. Gift of prophecy- This gift refers to preaching. Prophecy means to “tell forth and declare.” It does not refer to predicting the future (it’s proclaiming). It is possible that church musicians could be included here as they declare the Word through song, which is an act of worship.
10. Gift of helps- It is a gift that humbly serves other people. Most of the time this gift is done behind the scenes.

It was Dwight Moody who said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do." God miraculously used Moody to bring spiritual revival to England and America because of his willing to serve. How about you?

More Pictures From Our First Service

FIRST SUNDAY SERVICE

We praise the Lord for a terrific start on Sunday! After much prayer and preparation, we had an enthusiastic group of 28 folks in the morning service. They were joyful, friendly, ready to worship in song, and eager to hear the preaching of God's Word. We saw some visible results of our Saturday canvassing time...we were able to distribute almost 300 door hangers and had some meaningful conversations with area residents.

Please be in prayer as we make phone calls and visits in preparation for next week's services. If you know of anyone who lives in the DFW Metroplex, we welcome the contacts. We would love to invite them to NLBC.

Thank you for ministering with us in prayer!

Looking For Used Majesty Hymnals!

Our first service on September 9th is quickly approaching, and we're gradually collecting items on our "Needs" list. We thank those of you who have contributed! Our biggest need right now is for hymnals. If anyone has (or knows of someone who has) extra Majesty Hymnals (used...even if they're not in the best condition), we would be thrilled to have them, and would gladly pay for the shipping cost. We plan to purchase some eventually, as our group and our resources grow. But if you're able to donate a few, it would greatly help our ministry. We believe that uplifting, worshipful, distinctively Christian music is crucial for a good beginning, as well as all of our future services.

Please drop us a line to let us know that you've visited our blogsite, and to share your own prayer requests with us. We're all partners in Kingdom work, busily spreading the seeds of the gospel. Some of us are planting, and others are watering, but we know that our faithful God has the power to give the increase, and make something eternally beautiful out of our small, seemingly insignificant efforts. Perhaps our little corner of Texas will someday bloom with growing, discipled believers...more lovely than the fields of Texas Bluebonnets which arrive each spring. That is our desire, and that is our prayer.

More pictures of new location

NLBC First Meeting Location

Starting Sept. 9th, we will meet for our Sunday services at the Black Belt Academy, 5750 Davis Blvd.(suite 201), in North Richland Hills. Thanks to the owner's kindness, we were given a reasonable rent price for a storefront that provides great exposure from a busy highway. We look forward to exercising our faith :-).

We'll provide more details later. In the meantime, God continues to bless our midweek Bible Study. This past Wednesday we had a group of thirteen. It was a sweet time of prayer and fellowship.

To God be the Glory!

Going Forward? Expect Friction!

When we attempt something for God, we expect persecution...in the form of mockery, criticism, condescension. But sometimes it's even more difficult to deal with common inconveniences and the adverse circumstances of life.
Yesterday we experienced one of those days. Perhaps you did as well. As some of you know, I have a part-time job as Chaplain of a local Drug and Rehabilitation Center. I've thoroughly enjoyed the ministry of giving heavenly hope to those who struggle with their addictions and the consequences of their harmful habits. Last night as I left the facility at a fairly late hour, I was greeted with an unwelcome sight...someone had smashed the window of our van and had stolen some valuable items.
I had just given the lecture, "What Price Are You Willing to Pay?", and stressed the need for commitment in doing what God wants us to do. As I faced the scene outside, I was reminded of my own commitment and our calling to plant this new church in Texas.
Commitment can be painful, costly, and messy. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Sometimes "our cross" involves harm to our body or even loss of life. Sometimes our cross is the loss of two weeks of part-time salary to repair a shattered window and replace missing items. Whatever our cross may be, we must go forward for God and fulfill His Great Commission.
We are more and more convinced that God has specifically called us to the DFW metroplex to do Kingdom work. It is a daunting task; however, we are encouraged by Luke 18:27..."The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

John and Shawn

Updates: Please pray for our weekly mid-week Bible study and prayer meeting. This afternoon, we will continue the search for a Sunday meeting place. We're encouraged by the possibility of additional seed family help in the form of a single young man and a young family.

Pray For A Church Meeting Place!

Please join us in earnestly praying for an affordable and accessible building to rent for our Sunday church services to begin on September 9th. We've done our survey work and have a general target area in mind, so now we'll contact business owners, school district offices, child care centers, etc. to inquire about occupancy.

We're holding on to Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."

The Early Church

Just like the early church, we at New Life Bible are meeting in a home- our home. The Wednesday Night Bible Study continues to be a sweet time of fellowship around God's Word. Last week, we had an attendance of ten folks who were eager to search the Scriptures. Our collective and individual faith continues to be strengthened. Two individuals were able to share exciting answers to prayer concerning a need for employment. We are always reminded and uplifted by Matthew 7:7- "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

We at NLBC believe that church planting is Scriptural. Below are a few reasons why we desire so passionately to continue in this work:

1. Church planting is a biblical process (Acts 9:31; Acts 16:1-2, 5).
2. The older most churches get, the less evangelistic they become (Acts 1:8). Statistically, almost half of all U.S. churches last year did not add one new individual through conversion growth. According to church researchers, most newcomers are simply a “circulation of the saints.” Someone once said: “Evangelism is not complete until the evangelized become the evangelists.”
3. Numerous churches today are either stagnant or in a survival mode. There is a spiritual barrenness and deadness in our churches today. One church planter said: “Overall, 80-85% of U.S. churches are on the downside of their life cycle.”
4. Church planting is the best way to reach the growing number of ethnic groups in America (Revelation 5:9). The mission fields are no longer entirely overseas. Statistically, over half of our U.S. population lives in 43 cities with populations of over one million. As of now, there are over five million people in the Dallas/Forth Metroplex.
5. Church planting actively involves believers in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20). It has been said: “The New Testament church is an organized body of saved and baptized believers united together for the main purpose of carrying out the Great Commission.” Larger churches become hiding places for saints who want the convenience of a New Testament church, but do not want to fulfill the Great Commission.
6. Church planting confronts the surge of false religions in our country (I John 4:1). Immigrants to America have brought with them a legion of New Age/diverse religions.
7. Church planting is cost efficient. The emphasis is ministry over maintenance; not big buildings.
8. Church planting produces enthusiasm, renews vigor, and dispels complacency among God’s people. The focus is on Christ (I Corinthians 3:11), and not on personalities. Kingdom work is done with eternal results.

Recent Bible Study Topic: Anger Management

At our last New Life Bible Church meeting we had nine individuals in attendance as we studied and discussed the topic of "anger." Other than a Christian's struggle with his thought life, I don't know of any other area that troubles a believer more than the subject of anger. It can make or break our testimony for God. Proverbs 25:28 says, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."
Here are some other notes and Bible references that we studied: TYPES OF ANGER, CAUSES OF ANGER, RESULTS OF ANGER, AND CURES OF ANGER...Mark 11:15-17; Prov. 12:16, 15:1, 21:24; Gal. 5:20; James 1:20; Col. 3:12-13; II Tim. 1:7; Job 5:2; Prov. 19:19; Phil. 2:3; Psa. 37:8; Luke 18:1; Romans 12:17; Eph. 4:30-32; Prov. 16:32; I John 1:9; I Cor. 15:57.
If our anger is not managed and controlled by Christ, it brings harsh ramifications. One author put it this way: "Anger in some ways is a feast for a king; it can be enjoyable...the chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is YOURSELF. The skeleton at the feast is YOU."

Totally DEPENDANT on Christ

We're looking forward to our next Bible study/prayer meeting in our home on Wednesday, July 11. If you're in the area and would like to join us, please call (817)788-9810 for more information.

We ordered tracts for New Life Bible Church and received a phone call informing us of that our incorporation forms(for tax exempt status) have been filed with the state of Texas. In the coming weeks we will search more aggressively for a temporary facility for our Fall church services.

If you know of someone who lives in the DFW Metroplex and is searching for an opportunity of service in a good Bible church, please have that individual contact us. We're praying for more co-laborers!

Ministry Updates

June 27th (Wednesday evening, 7PM)- First New Life Bible Church prayer meeting/Bible study will be held in our home (7009 Herman Jared Dr. North Richland Hills). Call 717-519-9551 or 817-788-9810 for interest or questions. Please come and join us.

Dallas/Fort Worth area photos