Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Bible Characters who Celebrated CHRISTMAS
The proper emphasis and spirit of Christmas is worship! Every personality attached to the birth of Christ worshiped God with jubilation and sincerity of heart. Worship is never man-centered, but Christ-centered! Worship is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and thanksgiving to God that it simultaneously comes out in adoration and praise.
Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)
Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68)
Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)
Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)
Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)
Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)
Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)
Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47)
May our main focus this Christmas be to WORSHIP our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)
Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68)
Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)
Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)
Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)
Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)
Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)
Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47)
May our main focus this Christmas be to WORSHIP our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
BIBLICAL THANKSGIVING
Psalm 100:4
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Biblical thanksgiving is a continuous expression of the heart. It is thanking God for who He is and what He has provided for us in Christ. Thanksgiving is an everyday occurrence for the redeemed of God. It should not take a special national holiday to motivate and stimulate us to give thanks to the Lord. The word “thanks” in one form or another is found some 140 times in the Bible. The song writer was absolutely correct when he penned the following words: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” The Apostle Paul said:“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).
Luke 17 gives us a great thanksgiving story about ten lepers who came to Jesus in order to be healed. Of all the stories in the Gospels, there is none that so passionately sets in contrast the difference between a life of gratefulness and a life of ungratefulness. The lepers had come to Jesus with a deep longing and a desperate need. Jesus miraculously cured all of them, but only one out of the ten had enough appreciation in his heart to return and give thanks. The Bible says,“And (he)fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks…And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” The nine lepers were guilty of the same sin that you and I commit regularly. They were more willing to get something than to give something.
God is our provider who meets our daily needs. Everything we have is from our Heavenly Father. James 1:17 says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” Asaph said in Psalm 50:14: “Offer unto God thanksgiving.” God commands us to give Him praise. This should be the constant activity of every believer in Christ. Psalm 92:1 says: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” Are you and I truly thankful? During this thanksgiving season, let us examine our hearts and give praise on a regular basis to God!
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Biblical thanksgiving is a continuous expression of the heart. It is thanking God for who He is and what He has provided for us in Christ. Thanksgiving is an everyday occurrence for the redeemed of God. It should not take a special national holiday to motivate and stimulate us to give thanks to the Lord. The word “thanks” in one form or another is found some 140 times in the Bible. The song writer was absolutely correct when he penned the following words: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” The Apostle Paul said:“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).
Luke 17 gives us a great thanksgiving story about ten lepers who came to Jesus in order to be healed. Of all the stories in the Gospels, there is none that so passionately sets in contrast the difference between a life of gratefulness and a life of ungratefulness. The lepers had come to Jesus with a deep longing and a desperate need. Jesus miraculously cured all of them, but only one out of the ten had enough appreciation in his heart to return and give thanks. The Bible says,“And (he)fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks…And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” The nine lepers were guilty of the same sin that you and I commit regularly. They were more willing to get something than to give something.
God is our provider who meets our daily needs. Everything we have is from our Heavenly Father. James 1:17 says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” Asaph said in Psalm 50:14: “Offer unto God thanksgiving.” God commands us to give Him praise. This should be the constant activity of every believer in Christ. Psalm 92:1 says: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” Are you and I truly thankful? During this thanksgiving season, let us examine our hearts and give praise on a regular basis to God!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Come Join us for our 9/11 SERVICE
SEPT. 11TH REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
(DARE WE FORGET!)
WHERE: New Life Bible Church
1810 Brown Trail
Bedford, TX 76021
www.newlifebibledfw.org
817-876-9901
WHEN: Sunday 10:30 AM
SPEAKER: Captain Mike Griffith, 720th MP Battalion Army Chaplain, Fort Hood
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Counseling Others
Here's a few reminders that I have learned from other mentors over the last 25 years of church ministry:
1. The Word of God is our best Counselor- Psalm 119:24. There is no substitute when it comes to seeking advice about a domestic relationship, a job, a health concern, a financial matter, etc.
2. You can only lead someone as far as you are spiritually- Romans 15:14. Our kids, and spouse, and loved ones, will grow as much as we have grown (or less).
3. Counseling is causing one to grow up in Christ- I Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:15. One of the goals in counseling is for the patient to solve his own problems from the Word of God where he is dependent on Christ, not the counselor.
4. Sin is irrational...and remember that in counseling with others.
5. Don't give counseling outside of your field.
6. Listen and gather information (James 1:19). Listen for themes and patterns- Proverbs 18:13; Proverbs 14:15.
7. Identify the problem (Proverbs 19:20; Gal. 5:19-23)- Get to the source of the problem (i.e.- bitterness- Heb. 12:15-16; depression; immorality; not surrendered- Rom. 12:1-2; etc.).
8. It’s been said: “Tears can deceive; there are different reasons why people cry." II Corinthians 7:9-10 reminds us that sorrow doesn’t always lead to repentance that is godly. Peter wept, but wasn’t walking with God (Matthew 26:75).
9. Always be solution-oriented in your counseling- Ephesians 4:29 (Give help, hope, and homework).
10. Observe time limits and be confidential. Keep it short and don’t bring 3rd parties into your conversation.
11. Remind folks that their problems and temptations are not abnormal (I Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15).
12. Be careful in counseling the opposite sex (Titus 2:4-5)...have some accountability.
13. Stress prayer as a vital tool (Matthew 21:22).
14. Thinking right leads to right actions, feelings, habits, etc.
15. Always follow-up with individuals you are helping. And remember, there’s no problem God’s grace cannot overcome.
1. The Word of God is our best Counselor- Psalm 119:24. There is no substitute when it comes to seeking advice about a domestic relationship, a job, a health concern, a financial matter, etc.
2. You can only lead someone as far as you are spiritually- Romans 15:14. Our kids, and spouse, and loved ones, will grow as much as we have grown (or less).
3. Counseling is causing one to grow up in Christ- I Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:15. One of the goals in counseling is for the patient to solve his own problems from the Word of God where he is dependent on Christ, not the counselor.
4. Sin is irrational...and remember that in counseling with others.
5. Don't give counseling outside of your field.
6. Listen and gather information (James 1:19). Listen for themes and patterns- Proverbs 18:13; Proverbs 14:15.
7. Identify the problem (Proverbs 19:20; Gal. 5:19-23)- Get to the source of the problem (i.e.- bitterness- Heb. 12:15-16; depression; immorality; not surrendered- Rom. 12:1-2; etc.).
8. It’s been said: “Tears can deceive; there are different reasons why people cry." II Corinthians 7:9-10 reminds us that sorrow doesn’t always lead to repentance that is godly. Peter wept, but wasn’t walking with God (Matthew 26:75).
9. Always be solution-oriented in your counseling- Ephesians 4:29 (Give help, hope, and homework).
10. Observe time limits and be confidential. Keep it short and don’t bring 3rd parties into your conversation.
11. Remind folks that their problems and temptations are not abnormal (I Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15).
12. Be careful in counseling the opposite sex (Titus 2:4-5)...have some accountability.
13. Stress prayer as a vital tool (Matthew 21:22).
14. Thinking right leads to right actions, feelings, habits, etc.
15. Always follow-up with individuals you are helping. And remember, there’s no problem God’s grace cannot overcome.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Importance of Sharing our Faith
"YOU FORGOT MY SOUL"
YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR TO ME FOR YEARS,
WE SHARED OUR DREAMS, OUR JOYS, AND TEARS;
A FRIEND TO ME YOU WERE INDEED.
A FRIEND WHO HELPED ME WHEN IN NEED.
MY FAITH IN YOU WAS STRONG AND SURE.
WE HAD SUCH TRUST AS SHOULD ENDURE.
NO SPATS BETWEEN US EVER ROSE,
OUR FRIENDS WERE ALIKE--AND SO, OUR FOES.
WHAT SADNESS, THEN MY FRIEND, TO FIND,
THAT AFTER ALL, YOU WEREN'T SO KIND.
THE DAY MY LIFE ON EARTH DID END,
I FOUND YOU WEREN'T A FAITHFUL FRIEND.
FOR ALL THOSE YEARS WE SPENT ON EARTH,
YOU NEVER TALKED OF SECOND BIRTH.
YOU NEVER SPOKE OF MY LOST SOUL
AND OF THE CHRIST WHO MAKES ME WHOLE!
I PLEAD TODAY FROM HELL'S CRUEL FIRE,
AND TELL YOU NOW MY LAST DESIRE--
YOU CANNOT DO A THING FOR ME;
NO WORDS TODAY MY BONDS WILL FREE.
BUT DO NOT ERR, MY FRIEND, AGAIN--
DO ALL YOU CAN FOR SOULS OF MEN.
PLEAD WITH THEM NOW QUITE EARNESTLY,
LEST THEY BE CAST IN HELL WITH ME!
(Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.)
John 3:36- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him."
YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR TO ME FOR YEARS,
WE SHARED OUR DREAMS, OUR JOYS, AND TEARS;
A FRIEND TO ME YOU WERE INDEED.
A FRIEND WHO HELPED ME WHEN IN NEED.
MY FAITH IN YOU WAS STRONG AND SURE.
WE HAD SUCH TRUST AS SHOULD ENDURE.
NO SPATS BETWEEN US EVER ROSE,
OUR FRIENDS WERE ALIKE--AND SO, OUR FOES.
WHAT SADNESS, THEN MY FRIEND, TO FIND,
THAT AFTER ALL, YOU WEREN'T SO KIND.
THE DAY MY LIFE ON EARTH DID END,
I FOUND YOU WEREN'T A FAITHFUL FRIEND.
FOR ALL THOSE YEARS WE SPENT ON EARTH,
YOU NEVER TALKED OF SECOND BIRTH.
YOU NEVER SPOKE OF MY LOST SOUL
AND OF THE CHRIST WHO MAKES ME WHOLE!
I PLEAD TODAY FROM HELL'S CRUEL FIRE,
AND TELL YOU NOW MY LAST DESIRE--
YOU CANNOT DO A THING FOR ME;
NO WORDS TODAY MY BONDS WILL FREE.
BUT DO NOT ERR, MY FRIEND, AGAIN--
DO ALL YOU CAN FOR SOULS OF MEN.
PLEAD WITH THEM NOW QUITE EARNESTLY,
LEST THEY BE CAST IN HELL WITH ME!
(Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.)
John 3:36- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him."
Friday, June 17, 2011
One Another's of the Bible- Home Study
How well do you treat people? Are you Christ-like in your dealings with others at work, home, or in the church? Please sit down with your family or spouse and look these passages up to enrich your spiritual life.
1. ______________ one another- I Thess. 5:11 (build up and encourage each other)
2. ________________ to one another- Eph. 5:21 (“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”)
3. ______________ one another- Gal. 5:13 (“by love…”)
4. ___________ one another’s burdens- Gal. 6:2 (“…and so fulfill the law of Christ.”)
5. ________________ ye one another- Rom. 15:7 (“…as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”)
6. _________________ one another- Rom. 15:14
7. _________________ one another- Rom. 12:10 (“in honor…”)
8. Kindly ____________________ one to another- Rom. 12:10 (devoted to one another)
9. _______________________ one toward another- Rom. 15:5 (“according to Christ Jesus”).
10. ____________ __________ one another- Eph. 4:2 (“With all lowliness and meekness…forbearing one another in love.”)
1. ______________ one another- I Thess. 5:11 (build up and encourage each other)
2. ________________ to one another- Eph. 5:21 (“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”)
3. ______________ one another- Gal. 5:13 (“by love…”)
4. ___________ one another’s burdens- Gal. 6:2 (“…and so fulfill the law of Christ.”)
5. ________________ ye one another- Rom. 15:7 (“…as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”)
6. _________________ one another- Rom. 15:14
7. _________________ one another- Rom. 12:10 (“in honor…”)
8. Kindly ____________________ one to another- Rom. 12:10 (devoted to one another)
9. _______________________ one toward another- Rom. 15:5 (“according to Christ Jesus”).
10. ____________ __________ one another- Eph. 4:2 (“With all lowliness and meekness…forbearing one another in love.”)
Monday, May 9, 2011
THE SINS OF THE FATHERS
The Word of God has a lot of instruction to fathers. We’re told in Numbers 14:18: “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression…visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. What this means is that when you have a decline in parental leadership, where fathers are selfish and not having a positive impact on their children, it usually takes three or four generations to wipe out all the wrong and worldliness that was produced in the children.
Being a father carries with it enormous responsibilities. It requires a lot of prayer, patience, and admitting fault. There are terrific times, and there are times of discouragement. But God is faithful, and He gives us a precious promise in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
G. Campbell Morgan, the famous preacher of the past, once said: “What I want my children to be, that I am!” As fathers go, so go the churches, and nation, and future generations. The highest duty of a father is not fixing everything that is broken around the house, or handling the finances, or putting bread on the table. The main duty of a father is to teach his children about the character and wisdom of God. Parental effectiveness comes when our children know their God intimately which produces godly living. The book of Proverbs is a superb resource in training our children for God. The following points are eight responsibilities for all fathers:
1. Teach them to fear God- 1:7
2. Teach them how to work- 6:6-11
3. Teach them to think properly- 3:3,23
4. Teach them to choose the right friends- 1:10-15
5. Teach them how to be pure- 2:16-18
6. Teach them to have a disciplined life- 3:11-12
7. Teach them to protect their words- 4:24
8. Teach them to love others- 3:27-29
Being a father carries with it enormous responsibilities. It requires a lot of prayer, patience, and admitting fault. There are terrific times, and there are times of discouragement. But God is faithful, and He gives us a precious promise in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
G. Campbell Morgan, the famous preacher of the past, once said: “What I want my children to be, that I am!” As fathers go, so go the churches, and nation, and future generations. The highest duty of a father is not fixing everything that is broken around the house, or handling the finances, or putting bread on the table. The main duty of a father is to teach his children about the character and wisdom of God. Parental effectiveness comes when our children know their God intimately which produces godly living. The book of Proverbs is a superb resource in training our children for God. The following points are eight responsibilities for all fathers:
1. Teach them to fear God- 1:7
2. Teach them how to work- 6:6-11
3. Teach them to think properly- 3:3,23
4. Teach them to choose the right friends- 1:10-15
5. Teach them how to be pure- 2:16-18
6. Teach them to have a disciplined life- 3:11-12
7. Teach them to protect their words- 4:24
8. Teach them to love others- 3:27-29
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
THE MESSAGE OF EASTER
Because He lives, you and I can live! Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” Easter answers Job’s question. The resurrection is the core of our faith. The Apostle Paul stated: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). Jesus said: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundational. It is the cornerstone of Christianity. Just as our heart pumps blood to every organ in our body, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel that pumps life to every doctrinal truth. It is central! In the New Testament alone, it is referred to 104 times. Peter’s first message at Pentecost that led to a great revival was founded and built around the truth of the resurrection. I Corinthians 15:12-19 reveals that everything stands or falls with Christ’s bodily resurrection. If Christ did not conquer death by rising from the tomb, we would all be false witnesses still dead in our trespasses and sins.
*I Corinthians 15:17- “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain (worthless); ye are yet in your sins.”
*Acts 4:33- “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
*Matthew 12:40- “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
*I Corinthians 15:3-4- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Charles Spurgeon- “We gather together on the first rather than the seventh day of the week, because redemption is even a greater work than creation; and more worthy of commemoration, and because the rest which followed creation is far outdone by that which ensues upon the completion of redemption.”
The proclamation of Christ’s resurrection was the very heart and theme of the early church. The fact that He arose was the motivation behind every suffering and sacrificial endeavor for Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The following passages reveal it is clearly an essential part of the Gospel.
1) Anticipated and announced in the Old and New Testament
•Psalm 118:22-24
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
•Isaiah 52:13; 53:10-12 (Isaiah spoke of a future day of redemption)
•Jonah 2:1-9 (Jonah is a type of Christ- Matthew 12:39-41)
•Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19 (Jesus regularly referred to this before His disciples)
•John 2:22 (The disciples finally remembered after it was a fact)
•Acts 13:33
•Matthew 27:63-64 (The enemies of Jesus remembered)
2) Post-resurrection witnesses
•1st appearance- Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
•2nd appearance- Other women (Matthew 28:8-10)
•3rd appearance- Peter (I Corinthians 15:5)
•4th appearance- Two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
•5th appearance (Sunday evening)- 10 Apostles in the Upper Room without Thomas (John 20:19-25; Luke 24:36-43)
•6th appearance (The following Sunday)- 11 Apostles and Thomas believes (John 20:26-28)
•7th appearance- 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
•8th appearance- 500 at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 15:6)
•9th appearance- Half-brother James (I Corinthians 15:7)
•10 appearance- The disciples again in Jerusalem (Acts 1:3-8; Luke 24:44-49)
3) Christ’s Ascension to Heaven
•Acts 1:11
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
•Mark 16:1-20
•Luke 24:50-53
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundational. It is the cornerstone of Christianity. Just as our heart pumps blood to every organ in our body, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel that pumps life to every doctrinal truth. It is central! In the New Testament alone, it is referred to 104 times. Peter’s first message at Pentecost that led to a great revival was founded and built around the truth of the resurrection. I Corinthians 15:12-19 reveals that everything stands or falls with Christ’s bodily resurrection. If Christ did not conquer death by rising from the tomb, we would all be false witnesses still dead in our trespasses and sins.
*I Corinthians 15:17- “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain (worthless); ye are yet in your sins.”
*Acts 4:33- “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
*Matthew 12:40- “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
*I Corinthians 15:3-4- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Charles Spurgeon- “We gather together on the first rather than the seventh day of the week, because redemption is even a greater work than creation; and more worthy of commemoration, and because the rest which followed creation is far outdone by that which ensues upon the completion of redemption.”
The proclamation of Christ’s resurrection was the very heart and theme of the early church. The fact that He arose was the motivation behind every suffering and sacrificial endeavor for Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The following passages reveal it is clearly an essential part of the Gospel.
1) Anticipated and announced in the Old and New Testament
•Psalm 118:22-24
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
•Isaiah 52:13; 53:10-12 (Isaiah spoke of a future day of redemption)
•Jonah 2:1-9 (Jonah is a type of Christ- Matthew 12:39-41)
•Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19 (Jesus regularly referred to this before His disciples)
•John 2:22 (The disciples finally remembered after it was a fact)
•Acts 13:33
•Matthew 27:63-64 (The enemies of Jesus remembered)
2) Post-resurrection witnesses
•1st appearance- Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
•2nd appearance- Other women (Matthew 28:8-10)
•3rd appearance- Peter (I Corinthians 15:5)
•4th appearance- Two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
•5th appearance (Sunday evening)- 10 Apostles in the Upper Room without Thomas (John 20:19-25; Luke 24:36-43)
•6th appearance (The following Sunday)- 11 Apostles and Thomas believes (John 20:26-28)
•7th appearance- 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
•8th appearance- 500 at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 15:6)
•9th appearance- Half-brother James (I Corinthians 15:7)
•10 appearance- The disciples again in Jerusalem (Acts 1:3-8; Luke 24:44-49)
3) Christ’s Ascension to Heaven
•Acts 1:11
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
•Mark 16:1-20
•Luke 24:50-53
Saturday, April 2, 2011
WHY EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS?
The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan causes us to consider a few important questions. Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow such tragedies? Is humanity being punished for sinful behavior? Is this the work of our enemy? Actually, no earthquakes in the Bible are attributed to the devil; however, many are ascribed to God. This is because God is in complete control of the universe. He commands even the winds and water to obey His voice (Luke 8:25). He directs the wind to blow and the waters to flow (Psa.147:15-18). He pierces down at the earth and it shudders. He embraces the mountains and they smoke (Psa. 104:32). He shakes our planet out of its place (Job 9:6). If the demons try to usurp his control, He orders even the unclean spirits to obey Him (Mark 1:27). Earthquakes are ultimately from the Lord. Nature does not dictate its own will. God does everything well with a significant purpose (Isa. 31:2).
The prophet Amos said of God: “Shall there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it?” God allowed many catastrophes (famine, drought, plagues, etc.) upon the nation of Israel over an extended period of time to teach several lessons. The purposes behind the Japan devastation, and many others, will remain hidden to us until we are able to fully comprehend them at the end of the age. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God” (Deut. 29:29). The Apostle Paul said of God: “How unsearchable are His judgments…For who hath known the mind of the Lord” (Rom. 11:33-34)?
On the other hand, there are some possible reasons revealed in the Word of God for this recent disaster. One particular minister gave the following possibilities (JM):
1. God taking thousands of lives is a blaring assertion that “The Lord gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). We must all be reminded that life belongs to God and is on loan from Him (Luke 12:20).
2. The end-time earthquakes in the book of Revelation are meant as calls to repentance to warn people who deny Christ that a day is coming when unbelievers will cry to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of God (Rev. 6:16).
3. The power felt in an earthquake reveals the fearful magnificence of God. This is a great gift since, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Most of society does not fear God and therefore lacks a personal (saving) knowledge of Him.
4. When the earth shakes under one’s feet there is a dramatic sensing that there is no place to flee. In most disasters, the earth is the one thing that stands firm when wind, fire and floods are raging. But where does one turn when the earth itself is unsafe? Answer- God!
The prophet Amos said of God: “Shall there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it?” God allowed many catastrophes (famine, drought, plagues, etc.) upon the nation of Israel over an extended period of time to teach several lessons. The purposes behind the Japan devastation, and many others, will remain hidden to us until we are able to fully comprehend them at the end of the age. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God” (Deut. 29:29). The Apostle Paul said of God: “How unsearchable are His judgments…For who hath known the mind of the Lord” (Rom. 11:33-34)?
On the other hand, there are some possible reasons revealed in the Word of God for this recent disaster. One particular minister gave the following possibilities (JM):
1. God taking thousands of lives is a blaring assertion that “The Lord gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). We must all be reminded that life belongs to God and is on loan from Him (Luke 12:20).
2. The end-time earthquakes in the book of Revelation are meant as calls to repentance to warn people who deny Christ that a day is coming when unbelievers will cry to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of God (Rev. 6:16).
3. The power felt in an earthquake reveals the fearful magnificence of God. This is a great gift since, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Most of society does not fear God and therefore lacks a personal (saving) knowledge of Him.
4. When the earth shakes under one’s feet there is a dramatic sensing that there is no place to flee. In most disasters, the earth is the one thing that stands firm when wind, fire and floods are raging. But where does one turn when the earth itself is unsafe? Answer- God!
Monday, March 7, 2011
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US
Please accept our invitation to visit with us at New Life Bible Church! We are a friendly, people-oriented church burdened for the spiritual needs of those in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Our worship services promote biblical preaching, uplifting music, and a joyful atmosphere.
We believe that the Bible is God’s revelation to humanity (II Timothy 3:16, 17), and that it is the answer to all of our needs and problems. Our main desire is to promote the person and work of Jesus Christ by evangelism and edification (Ephesians 4:11-15). We believe that preaching and spiritual growth are of great importance in the local church! The Scripture says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).
If you are looking for a good church that cares about people and is committed to exalting Christ (not just personalities or entertainment), please come and join us this Sunday. We look forward to your visit!
Kind regards,
Pastor John
We believe that the Bible is God’s revelation to humanity (II Timothy 3:16, 17), and that it is the answer to all of our needs and problems. Our main desire is to promote the person and work of Jesus Christ by evangelism and edification (Ephesians 4:11-15). We believe that preaching and spiritual growth are of great importance in the local church! The Scripture says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).
If you are looking for a good church that cares about people and is committed to exalting Christ (not just personalities or entertainment), please come and join us this Sunday. We look forward to your visit!
Kind regards,
Pastor John
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
FRIEND DAY THIS SUNDAY
"A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs 17:17
"My familiar friends have forgotten me." Job 19:14
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Please come and join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM as we celebrate "FRIEND DAY."
Would love to see you,
Pastor John
"My familiar friends have forgotten me." Job 19:14
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Please come and join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM as we celebrate "FRIEND DAY."
Would love to see you,
Pastor John
Monday, January 31, 2011
Pastor's Booklets Available
When you visit us at New Life Bible Church, pick up a few booklets on our literature rack that will aid in your spiritual growth. Here's a list of what is available in our church lobby:
Finding God's Will
Cheerful Christians
The Missions Mandate
Eternal Security
How to Share Your Faith
Soul Food
Christ is All I Need
Kings of Judah and Israel
Why Does God Allow Disasters?
The New Testament in Capsule Form
The Church: It's Purposes and Priorities
The Firepower of Fasting
What Does the Bible say About "Hell"?
Triumphing over Temptations
Tools for Bible Study
The Key to a Better Prayer Life
Bible Doctrines
Why Christians Suffer
Anger Management
Holiday Choices
Finding God's Will
Cheerful Christians
The Missions Mandate
Eternal Security
How to Share Your Faith
Soul Food
Christ is All I Need
Kings of Judah and Israel
Why Does God Allow Disasters?
The New Testament in Capsule Form
The Church: It's Purposes and Priorities
The Firepower of Fasting
What Does the Bible say About "Hell"?
Triumphing over Temptations
Tools for Bible Study
The Key to a Better Prayer Life
Bible Doctrines
Why Christians Suffer
Anger Management
Holiday Choices
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