Grace His
April 2020
Photo by Rob Wood
Grand Falls-Windsor Newfoundland & Labrador
"For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
Page 2
Table of Contents His Grace Magazine
April 2020
"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him." Psalms 62:1
Poetry Page........................................................................Page 3 Publisher's Corner............................................................Pages 4, 5 CD in Review.....................................................................Page 6 Prayer Page........................................................................Page 7 Book in Review..................................................................Page 8 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Page 10 Walking with Jesus...........................................................Pages 12, 13 Racing with Christ............................................................Pages 14, 15 Recipe Page........................................................................Page 17 Featured Artist..................................................................Page 18, 19 Bible Study.........................................................................Page 20 Birthdays & Anniversaries...............................................Page 22 Movie in Review................................................................Page 23
To advertise in His Grace Magazine, call Rob
905-380-4489
or email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Poetry Page...
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Salvation!
The wonderful message of the Gospel Tells of eternal life and forgiveness; Where Jesus paid the penalty required by God To perfectly fulfill all of its requirements. He took our sins upon Himself He was made sin, who knew no sin. Jesus died in our place to set us free; And declared our righteousness in Him. Lord, breathe into us Your breath of life; Our hearts rejoice in Your salvation. Because of Your inexplicable Grace, We have received reconciliation. Be joyful in hope; confess Jesus as Lord; Believe that God raised Him from the dead. Trust with your heart that you are justified; Confess with your mouth that you are saved. He granted us His perfect purity; And filled us with His many abundances. Because of Christ, we are delivered; Saved from sin and its deadly consequences. Read: (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.�
Page 3
His Grace Magazine
Page 4
Publisher's Corner...
Salvation!
Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood
W
hen I was young, I knew there was a God in heaven. I believed in Jesus Christ and I figured that, if I believed in God, if I was a good person and did the right things in life, then I would be okay. I had never read the bible, nor did I ever pray the way I do today. I thought that, since I didn't hurt anyone, since I helped people and gave to charities, then I was 'in' with God. And I spent many years living my life this way and believing that everything was cool. Boy, was I ever wrong... there is so much more to it than just being a good person. Constant lies are being told by satan and his demons to try to deceive us. They tell us that, if we are good and moral, that's all you need, that we don't need Jesus to be saved. Also, they put into our minds that we have lots of time to go to God; we can wait and enjoy ourselves before we decide to go to Him, just continue to live the life we are living now; don't worry about anything.
Of course, these are all lies from the enemy. We must always remember that satan will lie to us; that is because he is a liar. He will also try to convince us that we can get into heaven on our own good works, John 10:10 says, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Many people believe that satan is just a symbol of evil, not a real, living being or person. Actually, the prince of darkness stalks the earth, awaiting his doom. And he wants to take you with him ... he focuses on you, undermining your trust in what is written in the Bible. Satan will tell any lie in order to get you to do the wrong thing. Matthew 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” The adversary tries to convince that, when it comes to spiritual matters, there is no absolute truth. However, God’s word is infallible and unchangeable. It doesn’t change according to one person’s view. It doesn’t change according to time or season. Truth is truth and will always be truth, regardless of our attitude towards it or ignorance of it. I remember the day, many years ago, when I changed jobs. Some might think, "Well, why
April 2020
would that stick out in your mind; everyone changes jobs." I didn't know the significance of it at the time, but this was huge for me. The day I started my new job, I knew God was at work in my life. When I was introduced to everyone in my department, I found out that one of them was a Christian. It wasn't long before we became friends, and I asked her questions whenever I could. I came to work one morning and she had a surprise for me; she gave me my first bible. I will never forget her words...before she handed me the bible, she said, "When you read this, you are going to realize that you are a sinner and you are not going to like the person you are." That comment really made me wonder. I kept thinking, "Why would I think I'm not a good person?" I put the bible on my night table for a few months, afraid to read it. But then one night, I could feel God saying,"Pick it up and read it." So I did and the more I read, the more I knew I wasn't saved at all; I would need to change many things in my life, and I had to ask Jesus to come into my life and save me. At that very moment, I made the best decision I have ever made and gave my life to Jesus. I let Him into my heart; I knew at that very moment that Jesus died on the cross for me and everyone else also.
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Publisher's Corner...
He died, then was risen three days later, so we could be in paradise with Him for all of eternity. It is so important, that we follow Jesus Christ because Jesus is the ONLY WAY to heaven. He is our salvation; He is also the ONLY WAY to the Father, who is in heaven, as John 14:6 says, 'Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."' Jesus said He is the ONLY WAY; Jesus didn't say He might be the way, or He could be the way. No...He specifically said He is the ONLY WAY; we must come to Him and repent of all our sins and when we do, He will forgive us, cleanse us; we will be as white as snow, a clean slate with Him. How wonderful is that, that when we are forgiven, we are made a new creature in Christ! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." We need to go to the Lord Jesus as soon as possible because there is no certainty on how long we will live in this life. We can't say, 'Well, when I'm in my 70s or 80s, I will give myself to Jesus', because we don't even know if we will live that long. The time is now to come to Jesus; NOW, not TOMORROW,
Page 5
Salvation!
as TOMORROW maybe too LATE! Only God knows our future, so we must always trust Him. Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth." So many people I talk to are afraid to die, or are scared of the future; some think that there is no God or no afterlife at all. To me, that is such a sad way to live your life, to actually think that there is absolutely nothing after you die. The bible teaches us that it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that to face judgment. Hebrews 9:27 says, "And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." The truth is, there is an afterlife, and how we live our lives here on earth will determine where we spend eternity. God gave us free will. If we live the life God wants us to live here and now, we will enter the kingdom of heaven, but if we decide to live the life we want to live, a life of sin and without God, then we will simply NOT be going to heaven, we will spend eternity separated from God in hell. That is something that God does not want us to suffer, Our loving Father wants us to be with Him; He created us for that
purpose. So it is up to us...we either live for Him and spend eternity with Him or we live for ourselves and we spend eternity apart from Him in hell. We were created to honor Him, to praise and worship our loving God. Our souls need that praise time of prayer and bible reading, which is manna for our souls. So come to God now, there isn't a lot of time left. I believe that Jesus' second coming is close and we need to be ready. John 3:36 says, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe in the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him."
WOOD
Publications
Publisher/Sales Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Editor: Donna Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Writer: Lynne Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Publications, contact us at 905-380-4489, email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Page 6
D
His Grace Magazine
CD in Review...
Danny Gokey Haven't Seen It Yet...
anny Gokey is an American singer and a former church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's been over ten years since Danny was on American Idol, where he finished third place on the eighth season of the show in 2008. Haven't Seen It Yet is Danny's fourth album so far. He's tried different styles of music, starting his career as a singer in country music by signing a record contract with 19 Recordings and RCA Nashville. He released the song, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me" from his debut album called My Best Days, which was released in March 2010. But Danny now has a Christian sound and feel to his music and is on many of the Christian Contemporary radio stations. This is Danny's first album since Rise in 2017, and Haven't Seen It Yet is full of inspiration for all of his fans and new fans to come. The first song on the album is called "New Day"; an enjoyable way to start this album with a strong horn and percussion sound. It will make you get up and dance around the room. "Love God Love People" is the next song on this album, which has the same catchy feel as the previous song. It's also a good song with that same get-up-andmove beat and feel.
April 2020
can do for us; it's also a fun song to listen to. The song, "Craziest Thing", has a late 80's to early 90's boy band sound to it, as this is the era that Danny grew up in as he was born in 1980. It kind of takes you back to that time. Next is "Tell Somebody", where Mandisa, joins Danny. It is such a beautiful gospel song and the two of them together really add to this song, reaching out to us all "Haven't Seen It Yet" is the third with the message, 'Come and tell song released on this album; it's somebody about Jesus, and all a good quality song and the first the great things He has done.' hit to play on the radio from this album. It has a great message behind it of encouragement, and inspires us to keep moving ... forward in our lives through times 01 "New Day" of trials. The next four songs to follow 02 "Love God Love People" (Feat.: Michael W. Smith on Piano) on the album are "Wanted", Finish Strong", "No Pressure" 03 "Haven't Seen It Yet" and "Fighter"; well done songs 04 "Wanted" that have a pop feel to them. 05 "Finish Strong" "Undertow" is the next song that stands out. This song starts off 06 "No Pressure" quiet and slow at the beginning, 07 "Fighter" but then picks up with a bit of Danny's raspiness in his voice. 08 "Undertow" He delivers a heartfelt warmth to 09 "More Than I Could be" the song. 10 "Better Because Of It" The next song, "More Than I Could Be", has a good beat also 11 "Craziest Thing" in the mix. It's about how God's 12 "Tell Somebody" (Feat.: Mandisa) love is making him more than a warrior. The message is a good 13 "Haven't Seen It Yet" (Asher Postman Remix) reminder for us as to what God
Haven't Seen It Yet
Prayer Page...
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Salvation!
Page 7
Dear Lord, I have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. I have done many things that don’t please You. I have lived my life for myself only. Please have mercy on me and save me. I believe that You died on the cross for my sin. Come into my life and help me to live for You alone. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I love You, Lord, and I thank You for Your mercy and grace.
Amen “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:1-2
Page 8
His Grace Magazine
Book in Review...
Praying Women
April 2020
How to Pray, When you don't know that to say...
Book by: Sheila Walsh Written by: Lynne Wood
T
he first book I read written by Sheila Walsh was "It's Okay not to be Okay" and I loved it. When her new book came out called "Praying Women", I couldn't wait to read it; what an amazing author! She captivates you from cover to cover with her stories. I found it very difficult to put this book down. When Sheila writes, she doesn't talk above you; she talks to you. Sheila is a prayer warrior and she calls on all women to stand up and become a prayer warrior that God created us to be. This is a very encouraging book to help you along that path. Anytime, day or night, doesn't matter where you are or what you're going through, if you can't find the words to say in prayer, just say, 'Jesus.' That is the most powerful prayer you could ever say, simply one word...the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Sheila talks about growing up in Scotland where she became a Christian at a young age, her
move to America and so much more. She talks about all kinds of interesting facts; for instance, I never knew there are 613 laws in the Old Testament which conveys to 365 don't's and 248 do's (which equals the number of days in a year and the number of bones in a human body). Sheila reminds us that God is not looking for you to be
perfect, or to use big fancy words in prayer, He's looking for a relationship with you. Prayer is just talking to Him like He's right there with you, because He is and He's always listening because He loves you. As Sheila points out in her book, when you give your life to Christ, you then become a new person; you are a daughter of the King of Kings. You no longer live under the label of single mom, divorced, overweight, unmarried, physically challenged, stupid, depressed, childless, angry, bitter, forgotten or unloved. You are now under a new label; you are a Child of God, if you have put your trust in Christ. This is not a book to read once and put it away; oh no, this is a book you will definitely want to keep picking up and reading over again. There is so much you can learn from reading this book. I thourghly enjoyed it and I know you will enjoy this book as well.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4:6
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters."
Page 9
Psalm 23:1,2
Page 10
His Grace Magazine
Athletes for Christ...
April 2020
John Blue John went from goalie to Pastor... A goalie from California is almost unheard of. Not many have come out of the state of California; only three have played in the NHL. Collin Delia played for the Chicago Blackhawks briefly in the 2018-2019 season, Thatcher Demko is playing for the Vancouver Canucks 2019-2020 season and John Blue's career went from 1986 to 1997; he played in the NHL, AHL, ECHL, IHL and the WPHL. John was born in Huntington Beach, California. His family moved to Spokane, Washington when he was 5 years old. He started skating in Spokane. John's family then moved to San Jose where he became a youth goaltender for the Santa Clara Blackhawks in California. The Winnipeg Jets selected John Blue; he was picked in the 10th round, 197th overall, during the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. John then decided to play for the United States National Team, were he was the back up goalie during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. John turned to professional hockey after the Olympics. During the 1988 hockey season, he became a member of the Minnesota North Stars. John played in the AHL for the Minnesota organization, but never played a game for the North Stars. John's first NHL game was during the 1992-93 season. He played on Janurary 7th vs. the Quebec Nordiques. He played 23 games for
the Boston Bruins. John's season highlight came when he was in net during a penalty shot; he stopped then Chicago Blackhawks sniper, Denis Savard. For awhile, it looked very promising for John to be the Bruins number one future goalie. But it didn't work out that way for him. John did stay in Boston's organization for four years, but most of that time was spent in the AHL with the Bruins' minor league team the Providence Bruins. He just couldn't keep the form that he played when they first called him up, which brought lots of recognition from the Boston media. John became a free agent in 19951996 season, where he signed with the Buffalo Sabres. But John only played in 5 games with the Sabres, before going to the minors once again in the IHL, where he played for the Phenix Roadrunners. John would then play for the Austin Ice Bats of the WPHL league in 1996-1997 season where he would retire after finishing the season there. After John retired and moved on from hockey, he became a pro outreach director for Champions For Christ. He later moved on to be an associate Pastor at the church he atteneded in Austin, Texas. John would later move back to California, in his home state in 2006, where he has been the lead Pastor for 14 years, after having become very involved in his christian studies during his hockey career.
Prayer Page...
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Sinner's Prayer
Page 11
Jesus is calling you... He is the only way to be Saved, He is the only way to Heaven I AM the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE No one comes to the FATHER Except through ME John 14:6
Take this step and come to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; now pray this prayer‌
Heavenly Father, I come to you in prayer, asking for the forgiveness of my sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son and
that He died on the Cross that I might be forgiven and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the
Third Day and I ask you right now to come into my life and be my Lord and Saviour. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the days of my Life!
Because your Word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Page 12
Walking With
Jesus...The Angel of His Grace Magazine
April 2020
the Lord The Pre-existence of Jesus Christ... T he journey through Walking with Jesus continues every month as we learn more about Him. The more we get to know Jesus, hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, the more we will grow in wisdom and know that, not only is Jesus the Son of God, but that He is also God; God born in the flesh. We will go through the scriptures and as a result, we will grow stronger in our relationship with Him. This month, in Zechariah's prophecies, we are given a clear picture of the Angel of the Lord operating in a way that is associated with Jesus. The Angel of the Lord is portrayed as an opponent of satan and a purifier of the righteous. These are ministries associated with Jesus in the New Testament. In Zechariah 1:12, Zechariah had a vision of the angel of the Lord speaking to heaven. God's frustration with Israel is felt here: "Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said, "O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You were angry these seventy years?" The Angel of the Lord is portrayed as an intermediary between God and His rebellious people. This is the role that Jesus plays. As Paul tells Timothy, "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1Timothy 2:5):
Zechariah 3:1-7 says: "Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to satan, "The Lord rebukes you, satan! Indeed, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?" Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. So the angel said to those standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes!" Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes." Then I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head." So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the Lord stood by. Then the angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: "This is what the Lord of Hosts says: 'If you walk in My ways and keep My instructions, then you will govern My house and will also have charge of My courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.'" There is no better image of Christ's ministry in the Old Testament than this. Here, the Angel of the Lord is standing between satan's accusations and Joshua, the high priest. The angel takes away Joshua's iniquity, which is symbolized by filthy garments. Next month, we will look at some more encounters of the Angel of the Lord in the Book of Zechariah.
Walking With Jesus... April 2020
His Grace Magazine
The book of Luke Christ as the Son of God...
W
e will now check out more of the Gospel of Luke. In March, we were learning that Jesus showed compassion for people who were sick or had diseases and He healed them. This month, we will learn and read more of Jesus' healings, such as the the blind man who was sitting and begging on the side of the road near Jericho. The blind man asked what was going on and when the multitudes told him Jesus was passing by, he cried out to Jesus to have mercy on him so that he could have his sight, as it says in Luke 18:35-43: 'Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a mulitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!" Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight." Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave
praise to God.' Jesus also had the power on earth to forgive sins, as He said to the paralyzed man who was brought to where Jesus was talking by lowering him through the roof, in front of Jesus, to be healed. Luke 5:24-25 says: '"But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins," He said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.' When Jesus had been invited to the house of a Pharisee to sit and eat with him, a woman from the city who was a sinner came over to Jesus. She began to weep, washed His feet with her hair, kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. The Pharisees couldn't believe what they were seeing; they couldn't believe that He didn't know she was a sinner. But Jesus did know and He had compassion on the woman. As it says in Luke 7:47-48: "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Next month, we will look at how Jesus had the power to bless people when a great multitude of people came to hear Him preach.
Page 13
Page 14
His Grace Magazine
Racing with Christ...
April 2020
Michael McDowell A sermon changed his life... W
e all come to Jesus in different ways and our testimonies are told to help others and inspire them. Michael's way of coming to know Jesus as his personal Savior was distinctive for him. Michael didn't grow up in a Christian home; he didn't attend church services; he only went to a church for weddings and funerals. Michael had always felt the presence of God but he didn't understand it and didn't know what it meant. After Michael met his wife, Jami, and they both began to spend time with Jami's uncle Deano and Aunt Kym. Michael had fun with them and enjoyed t h e i r company. T h e y invited them to a t t e n d their church. Although Michael didn't put much enthusiasm into it, he and Jami attended. Michael was busy working at the time trying to make it in his racing career. He didn't have a lot of money, so he was spending time teaching and coaching children and adults in go-karting. Michael worked for a man named Ron Huber.
Ron was a strong Christian with amazing faith. Ron was also a huge part of Motorsports Ministries and other organinzations. Michael also spent time with Ron's grandson, Andrew. They would always head to the race track and he would mentor him. Ron always trusted Michael and he was a good friend to Michael as well as being his boss. Michael always felt that Ron was a special person; he treated his family, friends and his employees with love, honesty and kindness. Michael always thought that there was something different about Ron, however; it was his love for Jesus. He loved serving Him so much that it showed in everything he did. When Ron had passed away, Michael felt completely devastated and lost. But at the same time, little did he know that God had a plan to use Ron and his passing to open Michael's eyes and heart to Him. God will always take the bad and work it for good. Another good friend of Michael's was Tom Barnett, his employer. Tom was also a strong Christian and he challenged Michael at Ron's funeral about his life. Tom asked him if he thought Ron was in heaven; Michael said 'yes.' Then Tom asked him, if he was to die today, would he go to heaven. Michael then paused but couldn't answer. At this point in his life, he started assessing his lifestyle, his heart and where he wanted to be in his spiritual life.
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Racing with Christ...
Page 15
Michael McDowell Michael's life is filled with Peace and Joy... A
while later, Michael and his wife were in church with Jami's aunt and uncle. The Pastor talked about forgiveness saying that, no matter how much baggage we have in our lives, we can have a new start, right now, with Jesus. Michael thought to himself that it would be wonderful to have a second chance, to be forgiven and have all of his sins washed away by the blood of Jesus. At that very moment, he gave his life to Christ. Michael's faith has helped him through many struggles, and it has filled his life with peace and joy. Michael said, "I could not
imagine being married with a child and not knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The greatest gift is to know that I am not alone in this world and that God has a plan and a place in His kingdom for me and my family." Michael and Jami have three children ... their names are: Trace, Emma and Rylie. Michael and Justin Marks are both owners of a gokarting track called the GoPro Motorplex, located 30 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. The track
opened back in October 2012 and it was inspired by a go-karting track in Parma, Italy. Front Row Motorsports recently reported that Michael would drive the #34 car again for the 2020 season.
Page 16
His Grace Magazine
April 2020
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
Recipe...
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Banana Bread
• 2 1/2 c Flour • 2 tsp B. Powder • 1 tsp B. Soda • 1 tsp Cinnamon • 1/2 tsp Salt • 2 Eggs • 1/2 c packed Brown Sugar • 4 med. ripe Bananas • 1/2 c veg. Oil • 1 – 113 gr. container Applesauce • 2 tsp Vanilla • 1/2 c chopped Nuts • 1/3 c Choc. Chips
Page 17
• Preheat oven to 350 deg. • Spray 2 loaf pans w/cooking spray • In large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; mix well & set aside • In med bowl, beat together eggs and brown sugar on med. speed for 2 min. • Add bananas, oil, applesauce and vanilla; beat again until well blended • Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients & mix with wooden spoon just until moistened • Fold in nuts and choc. chips; do not overmix! • Divide batter evenly between 2 loaf pans • Bake for 30 min. or until toothpick comes out clean • Cool in pans for 10 minutes Psalm 136:25 “Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever.”
Page 18
His Grace Magazine
Featured Artist...
April 2020
Newsboys The group started playing in a garage... T he group, Newsboys, was established in 1985 in Mooloolba, Queensland, Australia. Peter Furler and his school friend, George Perdikis, practiced playing songs in a garage on the sunshine coast; it's well known for being a huge surfers' area. Two others were added to the group; one was John James, who was Peter's friend, and bass guitarist, Sean Taylor. The group had originally called themselves The News. They later changed their name to Newsboys to avoid problems with the popular group called Huey Lewis and the News. Newsboys decided to go to the Untied States in 1987 after signing with Refuge Communications. They released the album, "Read All About It" in 1988. Their 1992 album, "Not Ashamed" contained the song "Boycott Hell." Newsboys, at this point, started getting noticed on the Christian music stage. Steve Taylor, singer, songwriter and producer, started a partnership with Newsboys, He began producing their album and writing songs. Peter Furler continued to be
the group's primary songwriter. He also shared lead vocals with John James until John left the group. During 1994, Newsboys welcomed to their group Jody Davis and Duncan Phillips. They released their fifth album, "Going Public", their first successful album. This album proved to be huge for Newsboys as the group won the 1995 Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year. The album, "Going Public", gave them four number one hits such as: "Spirit Thing", "Real Good Thing", "Truth and Consequences" and "Shine", which won the 1995 Dove Award for Rock Record song of the Year. CCM Magazine listed "Shine" in the top 10 on its list of the 100 Greatest Christian Songs in 2006. Their next album was released in 1996 called "Take Me to Your Leader." It was recorded with two new members, bassist Phil Joel and keyboard player Jeff Frankenstein. Their album had three more number one hits: "Reality", "Let it Go" and their title song, "Take Me to Your Leader"; also two number one hits: "Cup O' Tea" and "Breathe", as well as a fan favourite, "Breakfast." This album also won Newsboys their third Dove Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year. The album created the Newsboys' first movie called "Down Under the Big Top" (1996); the movie was based on their song "Reality."
April 2020
His Grace Magazine
Featured Artist...
John James told the group he was leaving in 1997 to begin a preaching ministry. But in 2007, he said his reasons for leaving were because of drugs and alcohol addiction. With John's departure, Peter decided to move from drums to lead singer; Duncan Phillips moved from keyboard to playing the drums. Newsboys' first album after John James was "Step Up to the Microphone." This album was popular and sold well with their fans and it produced four number one songs: "Entertaining Angels", "WooHoo", "Believe", and the title song. Their song, "Entertaining Angels" won a Dove Award in 1999 for Short Form Music Video of the Year. Newsboys returned in 1999 with another successful album called "Love Liberty Disco." This is the group's only album to have
Newsboys
more of a disco sound rather than their usual pop/rock sound. This album had several hit songs such as: "Beautiful Sound" and "Good Stuff", as well as their title song from the album. In 2000, they released their greatest hits album "Shine: The Hits". This album included four new songs, "Joy" and "Who?" were two of them that went to number one. In 2002, their next album called "Thrive" had two number one songs, "Million (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)" and "It Is You", a worship type song. Newsboys then brought out two worship albums,"Adoration" and "Devotion" in 2004. In 2007, they released their second greatest hits album "The Greatest Hits"; the CD had a total of 18 songs on it. In 2009, Peter Furler, having
Page 19
been with the group since the beginning, decided to step back to write songs and produce. In March, Michael Tait, formerly of DC Talk, became the group's new lead singer. They released the album "In the Hands of God" in May. The album, "Born Again" was released in 2010; it debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 45,000 albums during the first week. On October 2010, their Christmas album, "A Newsboys Holiday" was released. The album, "God's Not Dead" was released in 2011. Newsboys also made an appearance in the movie, God's Not Dead, that was released in 2014. Newsboys were excited about being in the movie, having a chance to share the gospel. They also appeared in the 2016 movie, God's Not Dead 2.
His Grace Magazine
Page 20
Bible Study...
I
Ephesians 2:8-9
Saved by Grace...
f you were to die today and stand before God and He asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?”, what would you say? It is common to hear people say, “Well, I’ve lived a good life and have done the best that I could do.” Or, “I’m a pretty good person and I’ve never tried to hurt anyone.” These people would be sadly mistaken to believe that they could get into heaven on their own merits. Satan works overtime to deceive us into believing that all it takes to be saved is to try to live a good life and not hurt anyone. He also confuses us into believing that we have plenty of time to make amends with God. Satan is a liar and a deceiver, and his way to heaven couldn’t be further from the truth! Getting into heaven requires a spiritual resurrection, a repentance of sins, and reconciliation with God. The apostle Paul w r o t e the book of Ephesians to the Christians living in Ephesus around 60-64 A.D. while he was imprisoned in Rome. In Ephesians 2:1-7, we learn that, while we were yet sinners and dead in trespasses and sins, God loved us enough to give us life. We lived our lives in the ways of the world, in a state of disobedience. We lived amongst a world that operates through the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and minds and destined to eternal wrath.
To be saved means that the Lord Jesus Christ has rescued us from God’s wrath and judgment. Because of sin, we all are alienated from God in His holiness. Anyone who is not saved is under God’s righteous judgment. Believers are saved by God's grace through faith and not works. God’s grace is freely given to us as a gift because of His kindness and love for us, even though we are unworthy of it. No one can ever do anything to earn salvation, or be good enough to deserve it. it. Someone
G-R-A-C-E is rightly described as, “God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.” We trust God’s promise that He will justify the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). The moment we are saved, God immediately gives us the Holy Spirit as promise of our inheritance and we are sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:9-14; Ephesians 4:30). Although we are not saved by good works, when we are saved we are transformed, and a product of that transformation is good works
April 2020
(2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:1–14; Ephesians 4:17–32). In Ephesians 2:10, Paul stated, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." We cannot boast in our own power because it is only by God's power that we are redeemed. He receives all the glory, not us. Paul addresses in chapter four how believers are to live now that they have been made new in Christ. "That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-" (Ephesians 4:14–15). The powerful verses of Ephesians 2:8-9 summarize the main point of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we are sinners who need a Savior and can only be saved by God's grace. We put our faith in Jesus who died on the cross to pay for our sins; we are brought into a relationship with God, our Creator, and become inheritors of eternal life with Him. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
His Grace Magazine
Grace
April 2020
His
Page 21
New stories every month! Interesting Christian topics, Great Movie, CD and Book reviews! Get your FREE copy of His Grace magazine today! Call 905-380-4489 wood.publications.2014@gmail.com or check out our magazine on-line @ www.issuu.com/His-Grace
Birthdays
Page 22
&
His Grace Magazine
Anniversaries..
April 2020
March /April
Happy Birthday!
L ynne Wood d o o W a n Don y h t Rob Wood r o w e s o N d For Jennifer Chorn l l a H a c i n ley Mo D d l e a b n i o Holmes Arnold D c a M n o Aar
Happy Anniversary! Agnes & David Reid
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..." Jeremiah 1:5
His Grace Magazine
Movie in Review...
April 2020
Page 23
Overcomer “An Inspiring Movie for the whole Family�
T
he movie, Overcomer, is inspiring, heartwarming and also funny at times. It's a movie that is about a young woman named Hannah. She becomes her school's new track start, as she runs towards Jesus with the help of an ex basketball coach and her long lost father. The movie starts out with successful basketball coach, John Harrison, after his team is defeated, tries to give his team an inspiring speech and tells them that next year is their year to finally win the state championship. But the next year started with the unthinkable happening in town, as a main factory closes it's doors. Now families have no choice but
to pack up and move to find work in other towns. As a result, John loses most of his players from the team. Then the scene switches to a group of teenagers playing basketball on an outside court, when a young girl (Hannah Scott) steals a player's headphones. Hannah then runs through the woods as she is being chased by the boys. Hannah hides behind a rock until the boys give up and leave. Hannah then goes home, where her grandmother questions her on an item, and tells her to return the item. John continues to lose players from his basketball team, but then he is asked to coach the cross country team by the principal. John is not happy about it, but agrees to coach. When he goes out to find the team, he finds only one girl (Hannah). At first, John refuses to coach her because she has asthma, but after she runs 5 kilometers under 24 minutes, he decides to coach her. John is a basketball coach and has no idea how to coach cross country. When he goes to a visitation at the hospital with his pastor, John accidently stumbles into a blind diabetic's room, a man named
Thomas Scott (Hannah's lost father), who ran a cross country race many years ago. John continues to train Hannah for her upcoming races and he returns to talk to Thomas, who has lots of information on cross country running. John finds that more players are leaving his basketball team; he grows increasingly frustrated about it all. He now has to work through his wild emotions. John goes regularly to the hospital to visit with Thomas to get racing information. John finds out that Thomas is a born again Christian. While they're talking, Thomas tells him that he had a daughter fifteen years ago with a women that died of a drug overdose. After their talk, John realizes that Thomas is Hannah's lost father. When Hannah gives her life to Jesus, she works to restore her past; she goes to everyone she had stolen from, and returns their items. Overcomer is a really good movie to watch with your family. It's well produced, well acted and well directed by the Kendrick Brothers. The acting and cinematography are amazing. The character of Hannah and her transformation is very powerful as she finds her identity in Jesus, where, in this movie, the gospel of Jesus Christ is so mightily declared. Overcomer: is available on Blue Ray and DVD.
Page 24
His Grace Magazine
April 2020
G GOD O D IS
PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE