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!

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

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

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

Special Service at New Life

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)

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