Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Fulfilled Prophecies of Christmas
God never works haphazardly! He is a God of order. At precisely the right time in history, Jesus Christ was born (Galatians 4:4-5). Furthermore, Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would come at just the right time in Israel's history (Isaiah 49:8). As the Jewish fathers choose the time for their sons to become adult sons, so the Heavenly Father chose the time for His Son to arrive.
The message of Christmas was prophesied over 700 years before the birth of Christ. The theme of Old Testament prophecy is the coming of a king. There are at least 189 prophecies in the New Testament that associate Christ to His coming as King.
1. He would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5). "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)
2. He would be called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:19-21).
3. There would be weeping in Rama (Matthew 2:17-18). " Rachael weeping for her children" (Jeremiah 31:15)
4. He shall be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).
5. He shall be virgin born and rise out of Israel. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) "…there shall come a star out of Jacob and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)
The message of Christmas was prophesied over 700 years before the birth of Christ. The theme of Old Testament prophecy is the coming of a king. There are at least 189 prophecies in the New Testament that associate Christ to His coming as King.
1. He would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5). "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)
2. He would be called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:19-21).
3. There would be weeping in Rama (Matthew 2:17-18). " Rachael weeping for her children" (Jeremiah 31:15)
4. He shall be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).
5. He shall be virgin born and rise out of Israel. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) "…there shall come a star out of Jacob and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Service Opportunities for our Savior
It's a privilege to serve our Lord!
I Cor. 12:14 says, “For the body is not one member, but many.” The Bible pictures the church of Jesus Christ as a living, active body which works in unity to exalt Christ by the vehicle of SERVICE.
Dr. Chuck Phelps said, “In order for a Christian to be happy, he must serve. A Christian who fails to give through Christian service will become stagnant, complacent, and critical. The Christian who becomes actively involved in service will desire to learn more in order to serve better.”
Here are some opportunities to serve at New Life Bible Church. If you are looking for a place to utilize your spiritual gifts, yet your church is too large, or you feel inferior to others, please come and join us at our small local assembly. There are plenty of opportunities to serve your Savior.
1. Share in the cleaning of the church; help with a light Sunday breakfast meal
2. Help with the nursery rotation
3. Discipleship of a new or young Christian; help with visitation
4. Participate in special music, ensembles, etc.
5. Hospitality meals for those in need, those who are sick, missionaries, etc.
6. Public prayer and reading of the Scripture on Sunday
7. Assist in the offering counting rotation
8. Assist with teaching or sharing a devotional on Wed. evenings
9. Maintenance and grounds help
10. Prayer ministry- Join us Wednesday nights (7PM)
11. Communion preparation
12. Sunday school or Children church helper
13. Be a church greeter/usher on a designated Sunday of the month
14. Help plan and organize monthly church fellowship activities
15. Put together Pastor’s teaching booklets for the table in the lobby
16. Help with transporting folks to church
I Cor. 12:14 says, “For the body is not one member, but many.” The Bible pictures the church of Jesus Christ as a living, active body which works in unity to exalt Christ by the vehicle of SERVICE.
Dr. Chuck Phelps said, “In order for a Christian to be happy, he must serve. A Christian who fails to give through Christian service will become stagnant, complacent, and critical. The Christian who becomes actively involved in service will desire to learn more in order to serve better.”
Here are some opportunities to serve at New Life Bible Church. If you are looking for a place to utilize your spiritual gifts, yet your church is too large, or you feel inferior to others, please come and join us at our small local assembly. There are plenty of opportunities to serve your Savior.
1. Share in the cleaning of the church; help with a light Sunday breakfast meal
2. Help with the nursery rotation
3. Discipleship of a new or young Christian; help with visitation
4. Participate in special music, ensembles, etc.
5. Hospitality meals for those in need, those who are sick, missionaries, etc.
6. Public prayer and reading of the Scripture on Sunday
7. Assist in the offering counting rotation
8. Assist with teaching or sharing a devotional on Wed. evenings
9. Maintenance and grounds help
10. Prayer ministry- Join us Wednesday nights (7PM)
11. Communion preparation
12. Sunday school or Children church helper
13. Be a church greeter/usher on a designated Sunday of the month
14. Help plan and organize monthly church fellowship activities
15. Put together Pastor’s teaching booklets for the table in the lobby
16. Help with transporting folks to church
Friday, October 15, 2010
PULPIT MINISTRY IS PARAMOUNT
It is our passion at New Life that the pulpit ministry heighten our love for the Word of God, and provide a balanced diet that enhances our spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul said to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God…feed the church of God.”
It was Christ who said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus also warned of a great deception by false teachers as an indication of His return (Matthew 24:4, 5, 11).
In order for the church to escape the great deception of the end time, it must have a true commitment to the Scriptures. The Berean Church (Acts 17) “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily.” As a Bible church, we at New Life are committed to the preaching of God's Word. We believe the Bible is God’s revelation to man. It reveals to us the person, plan, promises, and purposes of God. We believe the Bible is able to lead someone to salvation, and equip each believer for every good work (II Timothy 3:15-17). This is why the apostle Paul stated: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2).
I Corinthians 1:18 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.”
Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”
I Peter 5:2,10 says, “Feed the flock of God which is among you…make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.”
Ephesians 4:12 says, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Come join us this Sunday as we expound the Scriptures, and watch the Word of God penetrate our lives.
It was Christ who said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus also warned of a great deception by false teachers as an indication of His return (Matthew 24:4, 5, 11).
In order for the church to escape the great deception of the end time, it must have a true commitment to the Scriptures. The Berean Church (Acts 17) “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily.” As a Bible church, we at New Life are committed to the preaching of God's Word. We believe the Bible is God’s revelation to man. It reveals to us the person, plan, promises, and purposes of God. We believe the Bible is able to lead someone to salvation, and equip each believer for every good work (II Timothy 3:15-17). This is why the apostle Paul stated: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2).
I Corinthians 1:18 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.”
Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”
I Peter 5:2,10 says, “Feed the flock of God which is among you…make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.”
Ephesians 4:12 says, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Come join us this Sunday as we expound the Scriptures, and watch the Word of God penetrate our lives.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Is Your Christianity Impacting Others? Acts 17:1-9
If you read Acts 17, in verse six, a mob of people went into the house of Jason looking for the followers of Christ (Paul, Silas, etc.). They dragged some of them out, and said, these men "have turned the world upside down."
Is your Christianity impacting this world for Christ? Is it turning the world upside down for Christ? Is your love for Christ and your love for others setting you apart (John 13:35)?
There's something wrong with our faith if everyone likes us (I Peter 2:8 "rock of offense"). There's something wrong with our position in Christ if we're living a life of ease and facing no persecution (II Timothy 3:12 "shall suffer"). There's something wrong with our Christianity if were not impacting our neighbors, friends, co-workers and relatives for the Lord (John 1:40-46 "Come and see").
How do people come to Christ? According to a particular survey...1% are walk-ins at church, 5% are from revival services at church, 8% are through church outreaches, 10% are the result of the pastor's influence, but 76% are through believers developing friendships at work, home, or in the community.
How's your Christianity?
Is your Christianity impacting this world for Christ? Is it turning the world upside down for Christ? Is your love for Christ and your love for others setting you apart (John 13:35)?
There's something wrong with our faith if everyone likes us (I Peter 2:8 "rock of offense"). There's something wrong with our position in Christ if we're living a life of ease and facing no persecution (II Timothy 3:12 "shall suffer"). There's something wrong with our Christianity if were not impacting our neighbors, friends, co-workers and relatives for the Lord (John 1:40-46 "Come and see").
How do people come to Christ? According to a particular survey...1% are walk-ins at church, 5% are from revival services at church, 8% are through church outreaches, 10% are the result of the pastor's influence, but 76% are through believers developing friendships at work, home, or in the community.
How's your Christianity?
Monday, July 5, 2010
LET'S NOT FORGET
*Remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom!
WWI- over 116,000 deaths
WWII- over 405,000 deaths
Vietnam War- over 58,000 deaths
Korean War- over 36,000 deaths
American Revolutionary War- over 25,000 deaths
War of 1812- over 20,000 deaths
Mexican-American War- over 13,000 deaths
Philippine War- over 4,000 deaths
Irag/Afghanistan Wars- over 5,000 deaths
*Remember Christ who has paid the ultimate price for our spiritual freedom!
John 10:11- "I am the Good Shepherd, and the Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep."
John 15:13- "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
WWI- over 116,000 deaths
WWII- over 405,000 deaths
Vietnam War- over 58,000 deaths
Korean War- over 36,000 deaths
American Revolutionary War- over 25,000 deaths
War of 1812- over 20,000 deaths
Mexican-American War- over 13,000 deaths
Philippine War- over 4,000 deaths
Irag/Afghanistan Wars- over 5,000 deaths
*Remember Christ who has paid the ultimate price for our spiritual freedom!
John 10:11- "I am the Good Shepherd, and the Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep."
John 15:13- "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Holiness in an Unholy Church Age
A.W. Tozer once said, “What I say here may hurt, but I say it anyhow. We have lived with unholiness so long that we are almost incapable of recognizing true holiness. You cannot study the Bible diligently and earnestly without being struck by an obvious fact- the whole matter of personal holiness is highly important to God!”
The book of Leviticus has much to say about the subject of holiness. The word “holy” is mentioned 150 times, and the word “clean” is referred to 186 times. God desires that you and I be a holy people.
Are you holy in your thoughts? Your conversations? Your ambitions, motives, and entertainment? What does God see when no one else sees? Is your marriage holy?
Leviticus 11:45 says, “For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Psalm 24:3,4 says, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…” I Thessalonians 4:7 says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
The book of Leviticus has much to say about the subject of holiness. The word “holy” is mentioned 150 times, and the word “clean” is referred to 186 times. God desires that you and I be a holy people.
Are you holy in your thoughts? Your conversations? Your ambitions, motives, and entertainment? What does God see when no one else sees? Is your marriage holy?
Leviticus 11:45 says, “For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Psalm 24:3,4 says, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…” I Thessalonians 4:7 says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
An Early Look at 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 of Christ 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 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.”
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 Christ 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 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.”
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
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January 2010 Events/Services
Weekly- Sunday school (9:15AM); Worship Service (10:30AM); Wednesday night prayer meeting (7:00PM); Visitation
Monthly- Mission gift designated to a particular missionary family or individual (Jan.- Van Delinder family)
Jan. 10th- Church business meeting to follow our morning service (2010 Budget; outreach plans)
Jan. 31st- Sunday 9:15AM, 10:30AM- Missionary guest Jeremy Van Delinder and his family (They are planting a church in Austin, TX, later this year.); 6:30PM- Pizza/Game night with missionary family
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