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The Lighthouse
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August 09
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N e w L i f e Te m p l e C h u r c h www.newlifetemplechurch.com
Table of Content “Shredding the Lack of Evidence” Page 1
“Are You Who You Think You Are? ” Page 2
Words to Ponder Page 3
“Back It Up” Page 4
Looking Ahead Page 5
Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 5
The Lite Side “I’m Too Excited” Page 6
Ministry Staff Information Page 7
Church Information Page 8
Monthly Bulletin
Shredding the Lack of Evidence By Mel A. Perry It’s very amazing how confident can also be a distraction in someone people are until they face opposition. else’s pursuit of service to the Kingdom It’s almost like it’s a component in of God. Understand this fact does not just every human’s DNA. In the church world there really limit itself to ministry service, but it is isn’t much difference. As observers, we here that it is most dangerous to have all of the right answers to what is Kingdom growth. What we must all learn if we are to wrong with “that” ministry. When the complete the our duty in living out the chance arises for us to take the reigns Great Commission is that obstacles are and make the difference, we plunge not evidence of our inability to be head long into our fantasy of how we effective, but rather proof that God sees will do ministry. Our agenda is set. Our plan is clear. us as able to be shaped and made by the Our purpose is on target! Nothing, Potter’s hands. Whether the hurdle is people or absolutely nothing, can stop us. Then reality hits. Obstacles become other things in our life, we must learn to hard discouraging find confidence in facts. The plan God’s trust in us to becomes murky. And allow Him to we think the accomplish His unthinkable, “I can’t will through us. A minister in do this!” It’s even more the Gospel wrote discouraging when me on Facebook you know that this is concerning my where God wants you. And the most human barriers, “Tell them quit hating, painful feeling is when the biggest lying, being jealous, envious...just let obstacles are those things called me complete my assignment before “people”. Jesus comes back” This is a very dangerous juncture in I would say the same to every Christian service, because we totally individual who either finds monkey Strongly encouraged for all members throw out Ephesians 6. And from this wrenches in their walk with God or their stage on we began to make people, service to the Kingdom. Each of us has an assignment that usually our brothers and sisters in God expects us to complete. He will not Christ, our battle in accomplishing our except our excuses of drawbacks, purpose in that season. And true, many times people can be handicaps, or deterrents as the cause for obstacles as work to fulfill our us failing to complete it. So let’s shred assignment. Guess what? Sometimes we the lack of evidence today.
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Are You Who You Think You Are? Min. Isaac Bazile I Chronicles 28:9 “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth the hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast the off for ever.” All of us, at one time or another, have been asked the question “Who do you think you are”? as it relates to a certain attitude or response that was disrespectful to either a parent, friend, or supervisor. In the spiritual context the question is “Are you who you think you are”? We profess to be Christians, or children of God, but is that really what is in our heart? We have discovered in the word of God that the heart is spoken of more than 800 times, and the mind just over 70 when it comes to who we are naturally and spiritually. One important thing about the heart is with out it there is no life. Medically we can be considered brain dead, but our heart continues to beat and pump blood throughout our bodies. But when the heart stops, life stops. Why does God speak about the heart before he speaks about the thoughts in our minds? When the brain forgets to function, the heart remembers to keep on beating. Why is that? We are faced with a most interesting question concerning the way we think when it comes to our spiritual lives; the question is who knows our heart. During our lives words have had a very profound effect on how we see ourselves or think of ourselves, and how these words affect what is in our heart. As children growing up, we are affected by the words our parents have said to us. If they constantly told us we were stupid or worthless over a period of time, we began to
believe it in our hearts. We felt stupid, so we begin to act out those things that have become attached to our hearts. As we go through life, we come in contact with people who speak positive things into our lives and people who speak negative things into our lives. Proverbs says as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. The important thing is what is in our heart spiritually is what we should strive to be. Repentance must begin with a change of heart. When the heart changes, we change. Even the way we serve God changes. That is why the scriptures tell us to serve Him with a perfect heart, with our whole heart. a. To be a child of God begins in the heart. b. To be a servant of God begins in the heart. c. Obedience to the word of God begins in the heart. Proverbs 23:7a says “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” This means we can say to God we are his, or to the body of Christ we are committed to serving Christ with our lips, but our hearts are evil, then our thoughts are evil also. When we don't live according to the purpose of God, we are not faithful to him, our families, or the people of God, then we must ask ourselves what is truly in our hearts. Are you who you think you are? Look at an athlete. We'll call him Joe. Joe can be one of the best in a particular sport, but let's say he competes against another athlete. We'll call him John. John has equal ability and says to Joe, I'm better than you. I will win. Then one day they compete against each other. . Continue on page 4
er n r Co h t You
Words to Ponder LIL Chocolate BoY AKA - Charles Ademolu
SKIT!!!!! The following skit takes place amongst two teens, Samantha and Jacob, who have been dating since freshman year. It's the
summer after their senior year and they both are concerned with the future college life that lies ahead. Both Samantha and Jacob are virgins and have decided to keep themselves until marriage. While they chill, relax, and watch T.V. at Jacob's house, there is an enormous debate on why keeping themselves is so important. Samantha: Jacob...you love me right? And I mean do you truly love me? Jacob: Baby, that's a dumb question. Of course I truly love you. I love you with all my heart. Why did you ask such a random question? Samantha: I don't know. It just seems that time isn't really on our side right now. Well anyone's side at that, but specifically ours since college is winding near. Jacob: That I could agree on Sam but, what did you REALLY want to ask? I can tell that something else is on your mind and you haven't quite spit it out yet. What is it? (Samantha sighs*) Samantha: O.K. Please don't say anything or give me any funny looks until I'm finish. Deal? (Jacob nods and smiles*) Jacob: Deal. Samantha: Well, we have been together for about four years and then some. And I know for a fact that God put you in my life for a reason. Each and everyday that I've managed to be with you has probably been some of the greatest days of my life. Even all of the rough and deep situations in our lives felt necessary, right, genuine; I'm so thankful for the honesty and trust that has been established in our lives. I'm wonderfully happy that you are mine and I am yours; nevertheless, I want us to share one more thing before we actually go our separate ways. Jacob: A slice of German chocolate cake? Samantha: Hey, no talking even though that sounds amazing yummy right now. (They both laugh*) Samantha: You are really silly. But before the summer is put to an end, I want us to well...share one another. Jacob: Whoa! That's one thing that can't happen. There's to much as risk and to much at jeopardy to even attempt that. I love you Sam but, I'm not willing to take away something that is so invaluable. Me taking away your virginity is the same as stealing God's greatest gift to you and the exact same goes for you. Who would I be to do such a thing out of God's will and plan? Samantha: But, I feel so sure that what we have right now will sustain during college and even after college. I have a strong assurance that you are going to be my future husband. Why isn't that enough? Why does this subject have doubts if we are going to get married and be together? Why don't you feel as sure as I do? Jacob: Because life is real. Don't get me wrong. It's not like I haven't thought about the matter. But think of it like this. What if God didn't design you for me and me for you? What if we took a permanent piece away from each other that we could never restore? I'm saying that to say this. If God meant for you to be with someone else in marriage, and we actually went through with this now, I would simply be leaving your true husband with a piece of you instead of all and vice versa. God purposely designated marriage and all of its benefits to be kept sacred and holy between a man and woman and strictly them. Samantha: I know you're right but moving on is hard. I don't think I'm ready. Jacob: Baby, God has everything in control and if it's meant to be, then it will be. Like you said, time isn't really on our side. But I know God is a before time God and has everything worked out in advance. Samantha: Thank for staying honest and real. I love you and the God that's in you. (They hug*) Jacob: I love you too and you're welcome. (They both smile*)
Back It Up! Understanding With Action is Believing By Leslie Dockery Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Peter answers, “Lord you know all things”. Jesus commands him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) “Feed,” an action verb, was used in this instance to solidify the love asked of by Jesus. Two components of love are hope and action. Once in Mexico, my host mother asked me a question using a word I didn't understand. What I did understand was the action she did while saying that word. I then thought “wow,” how that gesture clarified everything. This story totally correlates to hope/love action. Love truly comes from understanding. Understanding is proved by your actions. Bare with me here. If someone has no clue what I believe, but sees my lifestyle, they should conclude that I am a Christian. Visible action proves the less tangible belief. Therefore, love and understanding are best proved through action. I had no idea what my host mother said, but because I understood her action, I knew what she meant.
how this relates to everything! If I commit what I'm doing, my actions, to the Lord, then my thoughts and beliefs will be established. Get it? If I believe that “God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him”, I need to seek Him to better understand and apply this scripture. This isn't testing, this is practicing what I believe-moving to another level of faith. Let us remember what my favorite apostle said, “faith without works is DEAD” (James 2:20)
Think about it: What do your actions reflect, lightness or darkness? If lightness, amen to you; if darkness, consider if your actions match your belief. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not [tell] the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1John 1:7-8) Back it up!
“Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3 ) I love
Continued from page 2
They are equal in every way except that John believes in his heart that he can win, and he has convinced Joe that he can't win. Then they compete in a race and John beats Joe by a tenth of a second. The only difference between them is John had the heart to win and Joe didn't. That is exactly how the enemy operates. He will attempt to enter your heart and convince you that you can't serve God with your heart because you are evil and sin is in your heart always. But the word of God says in Psalm 119:1-3 “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,
and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways”. When we have the heart to serve God, then we should also have the mind of God. Phil. 2:5-6, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” When you know who you are, and whose you are, then you can truly be the person God purposed for you to be. Minister Isaac J. Bazile serves as the Director of the Men of the Tower men’s ministry at NLTC
Birthdays Leadership Prayer Tuesday, 4 August @ 7:00 p.m. Gathering Place Thursday, 13 August @ 10:00 a.m. LOL Fellowship Friday, 14 August Celebration Sunday Sunday, 16 August @ 10: 00 a.m. Back to School Revival Thursday - Sunday, 20 - 23 August Individual Ministry Bible Class Wednesday, 26 August @ 7:30 p.m. Leadership Prayer 29 August @ 9:00 a.m. PLM Classes Begin Sunday, 30 August @ 9:00 a.m. Fellowship Dinner Sunday, 30 August
August 01 August 02 August 05 August 05 August 08 August 13 August 16 August 16 August 17 August 18 August 20 August 25 August 27 JAugust 31 August 31
Christina Christian Ja’Qualon Scott John Davis, Sr. Valarie Padgitt Denise Bates Shante Green Robin GReen Jenika Jones Barbara Ademolu Angela Hardiman Elizabeth Gamriel Clayton Bates Capricious Wright Bernice White Catherine Powell
Anniversaries Steve & Donna Stephens August 6 Billy & Gwen Williams August 12 Isaac &Jackie Bazile August 25
Office Closed Monday, 7 September
Looking 4 Youth Writers We are looking for youth who have something to say...if you have wanted to try your hand at writing, or just want to share a word of encouragement with other youth, drop us a line at global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com
""Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." ~ Jack Welch
e d i S e t i The L By Mel A. Perry
Being that it is summer time, the word “HOLIDAY” gives me that feeling when my parents would tell me that we were going to the mountains or Disney World for family vacation. I think it is in my sister and I’s blood, the anticipations for an exciting escape. Months in advance we begin researching the place that holds the key to the enchanted mysteries of the world. We want to see everything! We want to see it all! And so our journey begins! Months before we ever set foot on that big metal bird we are already enjoying the trip. Such is my case now. Over the last few months my Facebook and Twitter status have read my excitement like a travel log of the great Dr. Livingston. Ok, maybe I exaggerate. But I do find myself constantly sharing updates of the progress for my holiday with my BFF to South Africa. As far back as March we were telling friends that we would make the safari to Cape Town, S. A. Not one ticket purchased or hotel booked, the planning and sharing had already begun. Of course the trip is not until September. As I reflect on how much planning, watching ticket prices like a hawk, checking out guest houses along the Cape and Indian Ocean side of S. A., researching land transportation, I realize the church would be more advanced if we did Kingdom ministry this same way. When it comes to ministry service we often fall short of this. While there is initial excitement about our event, church or salvation, it seems to quickly fade away. We long for great results, but there is little joy in planning and sharing. I’m expecting 100% effectiveness when I’ve only generated 20% planning and excitement. When I posed the idea of Africa making its way into our 5 year travel plan, I knew I had to sell it like I was getting a commission. I’m told I’m pretty good at doing that...can I sell you a Blackberry. LOL! I digress. I didn’t wait until this year to start my “sales pitch”. No ma’am! When we started talking about trip number
I’m Too Excited! one back in 2007, I was trying to work in a trip to Africa. By 2008 I had secured a spot as trip #2. Knowing that she was not completely sold on the idea, I began launching my “come to Africa” campaign. Within months I had her thinking about the beauty of the cities and spending the $$$ on shopping. Even when I shared with her that we would have to cut one of the countries out of our plans, she was disappointed. This was the same woman who a couple of years ago said she really didn’t want to go to Africa. It was my excitement! My desire to share with her “my Africa”. As Christ’s servants, we must learn to do the same. If we want people to come to know Jesus, want people to get involved in ministry, we have to learn how to share our excitement. I didn’t wait until it was time to start planning the trip to get her excited about waking up to the sun coming up over the Indian Ocean, or the opportunity to experience the best tasting fruit in the world. I knew from the start I had to get her to be as excited as I am. So I had to start thinking ahead. If I wanted her to make a financial investment that could be spent elsewhere, then that meant I had to get my BFF to see that this is an opportunity of a life time worth investing in. Our ministries, our salvation, our families are investments. And we want others to join in on the investment. But if we don’t invest the time in planning and sharing, we will be the only ones who realize that there is something to be excited about. Even though we are now both excited about our expedition, I have not yet ceased to remind her of what a great time she will have. As a matter of fact, each week I’m thinking of new things to tell her, because I don’t want her to loose the excitement of her investment. After all, should I be the only one who is just too excited about beautiful sunsets and gorgeous beaches? Bon Voyage! Bon Voyage indeed!
Welcome
Staff & Ministry Leader
To our
Guest
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor pastor@newlifetemplechurch.com
We would like to welcome you to New Life Temple Church. Thank you for joining us today in our worship service. Our prayer is that you will be blessed abundantly in your life.
Elder Steve Stephens, Senior Elder sstep72508@sbcglobal.net Lela Chambers, Financial Manager office@newlifetemplechurch.com
To show our appreciation to you for being our Mel A. Perry, Global Relations Director guest, we would like to offer you a special gift. global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com An usher will give you this small token of our love Roy & Veronica Seivwright, Head Deacon during the announcements and acknowledgment rs5587@att.com & socwlo@swbell.net of our guest. If you do not receive a gift, please let one of the persons standing in the aisle know, or you Eld. Elmer & Deaconess Cathy Powell, may contact the church office. Marriage Ministry elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Also, we invite you to join us, and our other guest, following the service for a time of refreshments. This is just another way we would like to say thanks to you. New Life Temple Church is a ministry that endeavors to serve the community and the city at large. Here at NLT we have several ministries to serve you and your family. During the fellowship there will be individuals who will be more than happy to discuss, or answer, any questions you may have concerning NLT.
Pamlar Clark, Music Director pamlarclark@iwon.com Min. Isaac Bazile, Men ‘s Ministry Lawfalcon@aol.com Donna Stephens & Mary Colemon, Ladies’ Ministry dmstep2003@yahoo.com Min. David Bates, Outreach
Towanna Thompson, Perfecting Light Towanna10@sbcglobal.net
Bishop Brenda K. Perry
Weekly Service Schedule Sunday Sunday School ......................................... .9:00 a.m. Power of Pentecost ...................................10:00 a.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study ..................................7:30 p.m. Youth In Unity (Youth 12 - 18) .................7:30 p.m. Thursday Music Ministry ..........................................7:30 p.m. Saturday Intercessory Prayer ....................................9:00 a.m.
We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as, omniscient and omnipresent. We believe this one true God, who revealed Himself as Father in Creation, as Son in redemption, and as Holy Ghost in regeneration. We believe that - in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell. We believe in the death, burial and resurrection. We believe in being born again of water-by immersion in the name of the Lord “Jesus� Christ for the remission of sins, and in Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost - speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We believe in divine healing, communion and foot washing. We believe in presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. We believe in expressions of praise with lifted hands, hand clapping, playing of musical instruments, voice of praise and dancing. The purpose of New Life Temple Church is to instill the faith of Jesus Christ into the lives of ALL PEOPLE, bringing them into spiritual perfection with a spirit of excellence.
New Life Temple Church 4828 Almeda Genoa Houston, Texas 77048 www.newlifetemplechurch.com 713-991-5972 Email: office@newlifetemplechurch.com