Our Mission To love all people at all times and lead them into a new life in Christ.
Our Vision To be a church that will be multicultural and generational, having a lasting impact on the people to whom we minister.
To see the gospel extend beyond the walls of our church through various outreaches.
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“Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:16-18
Jesus heard what Peter was saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” From that statement Jesus made a declaration. “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. True to his word Jesus has been building his church and continues to do so to this very day.
Continues meaning- to last or make something last beyond the present or throughout a period of time. The church continues to be built as the gospel is been preached and souls are added to the Kingdom of God. We are the Church Jesus is building as the Holy Spirit is moving among us today!
“RIDE OR WALK”
Acts 2:1 “And when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”
There has been the joke going around for several years that ask the question, “Where is a car listed in the Bible?” Most people can’t get it and so you respond with “An Accord” from the verse Acts 2:1. “They were all with (in) one accord.”
“With one accord” means being unanimous, having mutual consent, and being in agreement, having group unity, having one mind and purpose. The disciples had intellectual unanimity, an emotional rapport, and volitional agreement in the newly founded church. In each of its occurrences it shows a harmony leading to action.
In order for our church to go anywhere, we need to be in the same car and going in the same direction. Our purpose and vision must be the same to move on as pioneers and not “settle” down in one place.
Notice this verse also says with one accord “in one place.” Coming together for the services in so important to make sure we are still going in the same direction. Support the two services Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Sunday mornings includes corporate praise and worship and anointed teaching and preaching of the Word. Don’t leave out Wednesday nights. Bible Study and prayer from 6:30 to 7:30 are not very long to stay connected with the body. This is a service that most people neglect. “Well, pastor, you don’t know how hard I work and it is really difficult to get there.” I know some people have to work on Wednesdays and don’t have time to get there. To get the whole picture and direction of the church, try to come together in prayer on Wednesday nights.
Flying If God is your Copilot – you’re in the wrong seat!
Unconditional Love Yes, God loves us all, but He favors “fruits of the spirit” over “religious nuts!”
The Message Our job isn’t to change the message. Our job is to let the message change us.
Romans 15:13 Now by the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Hope mean’s “to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment.
It seems as if some people are optimistic by nature. Whereas some may see a glass half full and the other one sees a glass half empty. One person sees the dark side of every cloud while the other looks for the silver lining.
The hope I am talking about is not based on our individual temperament. If it was it would be an empty, blind hope.
When we are standing in faith and seems as if our faith is quit working it hasn’t, we have just begin to lose hope. When things we are believing for take s long time in coming we must keep hope alive for that is what keep us knowing God is faithful to His promises. Hope is not based on wishful or desperation but on our covenant with God. (Eph. 2:12) Your faith is intact, it is in you because the word is in you.
Church let hope come alive and began to see yourself with what God has promised you more than you can see yourself with without.
Sister Shirley
REASON FOR THE POWER
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Many Christians experience the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and begin to live like this power was just for them to be used for themselves. That is not the reason God wants us full with His Spirit. ** Jesus had just said, “It is not yours to know the future (1:7), but it is yours to receive the Spirit’s power.” With these words He makes three points:
1. The Holy Spirit is the Person and the Power by which assistance and ability are given for serving, for sharing the life and power of God’s kingdom with others. It has been given to “witness” to others. That power is not to edify myself. Praying in tongues will “build you up” (Jude 20) you but the power “gifts” are for the body.
2. The Holy Spirit’s power must be “received.” It is not an automatic experience. As surely as the Holy Spirit indwells each believer (Rom. 8:9) so surely will He fill and overflow (John 7:37-39) each who receive the Holy Spirit in childlike faith. Ask for it.
3. When the Holy Spirit fills you, you will know it. Jesus said it and the disciples found it true. (Acts 1:5, 2:1-4)
Have you received the Holy Spirit? (Acts 19:1-6) You may, for the promise is as fully yours today as at any time in the past (Acts 2:38-39).
How much will New Life grow if we utilize this Power of the Holy Spirit to witness to the world around us?
**from NKJV KINGDOM DYNAMICS
“Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy will go on forever.” (Isaiah 61:7, The Message Bible)
None of us will get thru life without experiencing some kind of trouble. David in the Bible once confessed, “My soul is full of trouble.” Paul even cried out that Christians are often troubled on every side.
Sickness comes, promises are broken, divorce happens, employment lost, friends forsake us-trouble. But if we stay in faith God promises us, double for our trouble. It is during troubled times that we must hold onto the Word of God which promises us that whatever we lost–whatever the devil may have stole from us–as we remain faithful it shall be restored.
The Biblical definition of restoration: increase, multiplied or improved so that its latter state is significantly better than its original state.
GET READY-GET READY –GET READY FOR YOUR DOUBLE!!!
Numbers 21:16-17 “From there they went to Beer which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, ‘Gather the people together, and I will give them water.’ Then Israel sang this song,’ Spring up, O well! All of you sing it.”
Now is the time more than ever for all of New Life to continue to gather together to praise the Lord and hear His Word. Take note of this important text from New King James Spirit-filled Bible.
PRAISE CURES “DRY TIMES”
Praise is the cure for the “dry times” that come to every believer, for here the praise of God caused water to flow from a well. Note four truths:
1. God’s instruction–“Gather the people together.” There is unity and power in corporate gathering.
2. God’s promise–“I will give them water (life).”
3. The people’s responsibility–They sang “Spring up, O Well, All of you sing it.”
4. Our lesson–In times of pressure, anxiety, or depression, do not stay alone. Gather with God’s people, especially a praising people. Regardless of your personal feelings, join in audible praise, and sing to your well–the living God. Let your song be one of thanksgiving for past blessings and a song of faith in God’s promises for the present and the future!
We are listening to the services and “joining in” with all of you
To all my faithful friends and family and New Life for the Nations:
I have just finished the most trying month of my entire life. I am not going to “faith it”; I am simply going to be honest before God, His Word, and before you.
Every fiber of my being–Spirit, Soul, and Body–has been tested. The awesome thing is that “God is still able!” There have been times when I have felt my will power begin to slip, but through it all, I have never questioned God and His ultimate and decisive purpose in my life.
This has not been a battle about principles but rather a life and death struggle between a shepherd and a thief sent to kill, steal, and destroy. I appreciate the prayers, intercession, and daily battles that you have waged for me. There were those times as the writer said, “that I would have lost hope had it not been for the anchor that I would see the salvation of the Lord in the land of the living.”
These past weeks have not been an inconvenience or a roadside test of what I really believe. These circumstances and situations have literally attempted to strip my life of a sustaining hope. I give credit to everyone of you who have lain yourself on the line to stand in the gap for me. I want you to know “The anchor holds though the ship’s been battered.” I can finally say, “It is well,” and the storm is conquered.
There were times even though I believe the circumstances were defeated that I would not be able to survive the recovery. Saying, “Enough is enough!”seemed easier than declaring and possessing victory.
Regardless of how you feel about me or my ability to stand, please, keep on keeping on, standing and supporting the principles, faith, and people associated with New Life for the Nations. I am planning nothing less than full recovery. I ask you to accept nothing less and remain a support for everything that New Life has and does stand for.
Stand with me and watch a testimony that will blow the enemy’s vessels literally from the waters. Remember, when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him.
My God is neither too small nor His arm too short to bring the enemy down with glowing testimonies. I urge you to not falter now but to keep on keeping on and do not let the enemy discourage you through anything you see in me and and my circumstances.
I have a contract covenant with the Lord God Almighty, and He has promised that we will win. Continue to stand with me until the enemy is completely under our feet. I need you now more than ever.
Pastor Jerry
Rev. 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the Word their testimony…”
As I sit here beside Pastor Jerry in the hospital, sometimes I forget how many days we have been here. I asked the Lord what did I have to say to you, New Life for the Nations, to encourage you as your Pastor.
First let me tell you that we are not discouraged or defeated. We will overcome these circumstances by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Jesus has taken all of our sicknesses and diseases and by His stripes we are healed. We have accepted this for Pastor Jerry’s healing and stand upon it.
Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses)and carried our sorrows and pains (of punishment), yet we ignorantly considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God (as if with leprosy). But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain) peace and well-being for us was upon Him and with the stripes (that wounded) Him we are healed and made whole.”
We can feel your prayers and know you are standing on the Word with us.
Secondly, keep doing what you are doing until we return. Keep preaching, worshipping God, reading the Word, praying for one another, and giving your tithes and offerings to support the work of New LIFE.
Keep being faithful to support the vision of New Life.
Remember, you are the church. Be the church.
“Dare to Believe” is the challenge we all face. Do I believe what the Word says about my circumstances? Many people read about healing, prosperity, favor, wisdom, and all the other promises. It is another thing to stand on them in face of the adversary. I want to share three definitions of the word, dare.
1. “have courage for something” It takes courage to believe the Word. Sometimes those around you do not believe and really do not think you can believe. You can’t find courage to stand on the Word in your own strength. God gives us the promise and when we trust Him, He gives us the courage to stand. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
2. “have audacity to do something” This means to have the courage to do something that angers or outrages somebody. Anytime you begin to believe God, the devil gets mad. John 10:10 “The thief (the devil) comes but to steal, kill, and destroy,” but you resist him with the Word and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
3. “challenge someone” When you dare someone to do something, you challenge them. We dare you to believe the Word. It will change your circumstances.
*”No matter that the doubters tell you; no matter what the devil says; no matter what anybody, anybody else does. You just keep trusting Jesus; you’ll see and it won’t be long, that God is right and the doubters are wrong!’
“Oh, I dare to believe that miracles happen. That mountains still move and demons still flee. For the God that we serve,He is much more than able. So don’t be afraid, just stand up and say, “I dare to believe!” *Ray Boltz
“What does the Bible say about Christian mothers?”
Answer: Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. A Christian mother is told to love her children (Titus 2:4-5), in part so that she does not bring reproach on the Lord and on the Savior whose name she bears.
Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5).
In Titus 2:4; the Greek word philoteknos appears in reference to mothers loving their children. This word represents a special kind of “mother love.” The idea that flows out of this word is that of caring for our children, nurturing them, affectionately embracing them, meeting their needs, and tenderly befriending each one as a unique gift from the hand of God.
Several things are commanded of Christian mothers in God’s Word:
Availability – morning, noon, and night (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Involvement – interacting, discussing, thinking, and processing life together (Ephesians 6:4)
Teaching – the Scriptures and a biblical worldview (Psalm 78:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4)
Training – helping a child to develop skills and discover his/her strengths (Proverbs 22:6) and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12)
Discipline – teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, lovingly, firmly (Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17)
Nurture – providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, unconditional love (Titus 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:8-9)
Modeling with Integrity – living what you say, being a model from which a child can learn by “catching” the essence of godly living (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; Psalm 37:18, 37).
The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.
What has stolen your song?
I believe that God has given us all a song. It is put in our hearts, that place that only God can touch. We all know that life is tough and the road can be rough at times.
I sense in my spirit that many people are tired of fighting the good fight of faith. They are struggling to fight because they have lost their song, their joy.
One of the most popular passages in the Bible is Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Why is joy important? Because the “joy of the Lord is your strength!” Did you know that joy produces strength and strength is what is needed to fight this good fight of faith.
David in the Bible found himself in the wilderness of Judah but he did not lose his song. He wrote in Psalms 63:3-4 “Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name”
What has caused you to lose your song, your praise? It is time to take it back!
Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord!
Let’s unite in prayer and intercession for our nation during this critical time. The following is a guideline for prayer.
GOVERNMENT–“I urge, then, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I Timothy 2:1-2
CHURCH–“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23
MILITARY–“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whereever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Psalm 91:5-6
FAMILY–“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25
EDUCATION–“And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search of it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverb 2:3-5 “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.” Psalm 119:66
MEDIA–“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Phil. 4:8
BUSINESS–“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.:” Deut. 25:15
PEACE OF JERUSALEM–“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper who love You. Peace be within your walls; prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brethern and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.'” Psalm 122:6-8
” He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD.” Rev. 19:13
Today we are focusing on the power and importance of the Word Of God. The Word of God is the only thing on this earth that is eternal. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away.” The Bible is the Word of God and it declarres that “His Word endures forever”.
The Scripture verse I quoted makes the direct connection between The Word and Jesus, Himself. “He honors His word above His Name.” This concludes the trust we can have in what God has said. God’s “feeling” has no affect on His Word. As a matter of fact, I believe God only “feels” what His Word says. If the Word says it, that is what He feels about it.
On the other hand, we humans can separate truth from feelings with little effort. We can know the truth(the right thing to do) and use our opposing feelings to chose a different course of action. This is why it is so important that our lives are controlled by the Word of God and not by our emotions(how we feel about something).
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
WORSHIP IS WARFARE (from Andrew Womack)
Mark 5:6, “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him.”
MATTHEW 8:28-34; MARK 5:1-17; LUKE 8:27-39
The word “worshipped” is taken from the Greek word “proskuneo” which means “to prostrate oneself in homage to; do reverence to; adore.” The fact that this tormented man ran to Jesus, and not away from Him, indicates that even “demon-possessed” people have a free will and Satan cannot control an individual without his consent.
Many battles have been fought over whether or not a Christian can be demon possessed. The Greek word for “possessed” literally means “to be demonized.” The Bible makes no clear distinction between degrees of demon activity (such as oppressed, depressed, possessed, etc.), but simply refers to people as being “demonized.” All Christians are fighting against spiritual powers. If we don’t put on the whole armor of God, Satan can certainly affect us or even control us.
The best way to administer deliverance is through God’s Word. As a person receives the Word, it will set him free and also help guard against this situation when the demon tries to come back in with seven other spirits. In severe cases of being demonized, the individual clearly needs the help of a believer, and that’s the reason why Jesus equipped all believers with authority over evil spirits.
Anointed praise and worship will also drive off evil spirits. One thing reserved for God alone is worship, and the devil has always sought that. If he can’t be the one to receive worship, then he seeks to turn others away from giving true worship to the most High God. Praise and worship to the Lord is such a powerful tool against Satan. He can’t stand to see God worshipped. Worship God today in spirit and in truth. The Father seeks those who will worship Him this way. He’s waiting for you.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” 2 Tim. 4:3
There is a difference of opinion and there is sound doctrine. God doesn’t operate by our opinion, He operates by His “sound doctrine”. The type of church service one has in form and structure can vary from church to church. One may be very formal, and one may be very casual and relaxed. I cannot see that God prefers one above the other as long as everything is do decently and in order. The real issue is that everything conforms to the truth of the doctrine presented in the Word of God.
Every issue is not clear cut and unmistakable. Doctrines can be subjective. Otherwise we could “all” agree on every issue. Many doctrines arise based on opinion. Therefore, the more we develop doctrine, the more chance we have of having disagreements. Many differences of opinion could be solved if we consider the background of the doctrines involved. Personality and personal agendas can influence ones interpretation of doctrine. Great conflicts can arise from using isolated Scripture as the foundation for our doctrine. Doctrine cannot be established on the basis of one unclear passage. It must be held up by a current of Scripture in keeping with the basic text of the entire Bible. Only then can we rest our belief on “Biblical truth”. Our doctrinal positions must conform to the very heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This position is witnessed to by the Holy Spirit in our lives. The doctrine of our teaching must conform to the “Spirit of God” as presented in the fullness of Scripture.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15(NKJV)
I do not want to be misunderstood in what I am about to say. It is the responsibility of the Church to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” But we must really examine our methods. We have developed the idea that we must compete with the world for the attention of the people. To do this we sometimes wrap Jesus in the trappings of the world. To get the attention of the world we make Jesus look like the world. We appeal to the natural man by natural means. We entertain them until we have a chance to “slip” Jesus into the conversation. Play with them for two hours and slip ten minutes of “Jesus” in somewhere. It is not Jesus that is being lifted up but worldly behavior. Food, games, sports, and other activities attract people to events, but does it change their lives? It is my opinion that too much nonspiritual activity does not create spiritual change.
The attitude I am talking about is reflected even in our approach to public education. People once went to school to learn in order to prepare for life. That doesn’t seem to be true today. Learning is not the issue. It is keeping the students entertained and slip some education somewhere in that counts. Heaven forbid we suggest that students should just study to learn something. We must use video games or other means to get their attention. I am not saying that we should not make learning fun. But, the issue is not promoting “having fun” and slip in some education when you can.
It is not the mission of the church to attract people to world like activity in order to hit them with the Gospel. The church did not begin by competing on the world’s level. It was birthed in an atmosphere of supernatural faith. God confirmed the word by signs following. Supernatural happenings were what caught the people’s attention. Miracles, healing, casting out demons, and “signs and wonders” promoted the growth of the Church. Jesus said He would draw all men to Himself if “He” were lifted up. He did not say lift up human attractions and “I will slip myself in somewhere.” “I certainly would not want to be too obvious. I might scare them away.” We need to lift up Jesus without dressing Him up in worldly clothes. That is what we are called to do and it will work.
DON’T BE ANXIOUS
Philippians 4:6 (Amp) “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”
Recently this is the scripture that comes to my mind over and over. God is still trying to teach me to not fret or be anxious about anything. Notice this verse says, “not anything.”
The devil likes to make you think that God doesn’t care about all these small things in your life. Just hand Him the big decisions. This is not what this verse says.
I must remember that God wants to guide everything in my life. I don’t have to stay up all night worrying about anything. I don’t have to get sick because of worry and stress.
Most of the stress in life comes from worry about situations we have no control over. I can’t make other people do what is right. I can only make sure I make right choices and with prayer, and thanksgiving, hand everything and everyone else over to God.
The next verse Philippians 4:7 says that when I refuse to be anxious and give everything to God then, “God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Keep handing everything over to God and you will walk in peace.
Yesterday morning a small group of men and women gathered here at New life and heard eight people share on “Strengthening Family Ties.” What we heard was awesome. I know 10,000 people that needed to hear what we heard. It ranged from expecting more from our children to showing honor to our elderly. You could not have been there and not received something new and thought provoking. I heard things that I had not heard before. I was challenged to increase my own vision of expectation.
Unfortunately, if you missed these talks, you have no way of hearing them. There was no recording available. Only in the hearts and minds of the people that were there do these messages remain. All the modern technology cannot replace the Biblical admonition that was the heart of the spread of the Gospel. It was the way most of our fore-fathers learned about the things of God. It increased the amount of Biblical knowledge and was used for all ages. Through it the church grew to what it is today. Due to time constraints we have substituted other forms of learning like TV, radio, cd, and dvd. We have lost something the early church had. What is it? It is “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, …but exhorting one another, and SO MUCH THE MORE as you see the DAY approaching.” (Heb. 10:25)
Brothers and Sisters the day is approaching NOW!
Let us take seriously the call to assemble together.
MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!
Job 19:25 “For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives…”AMP
I enjoy the song so much that says “I know my Redeemer lives. I know my Redeemer lives. Let all creation testify; this life within me cries,’I know my Redeemer lives!'”
The word, know, is such a postive statement. Job’s words ring out from such a terrible postion of losing everything and suffering such physical and mental pain. Regardless of what his “friends” accused him, despite the suffering, Job looked beyond it all and focused on the fact that he knew–no doubt,not maybe–he knew his Redeemer lived.
What does your life cry out? Regardless of your circumstances and questions, does your life cry out to those around you, “I know my Redeemer lives!” Galations 3:13 reminds us that we have been redeemed from the curse of the law. Jesus took the punishment of my sins once and forever and redeemed or bought me back into the righteousness of God. Now I walk in the blessings of Abraham-peace, prosperity, favor, healing–because my Redeemer lives.
If you can not positively say, “I know my Redeemer lives,” you can know it today by accepting the promise of John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son and whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
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