NEW LIFE !
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
GOT LIFE A Beautiful Story
YOU NEED TO DENY YOURSELF Scripture setting: Matthew 16:24-28; 1 Peter 2:21-25. Scripture text: Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 2:21 The reason why people hurt themselves is because they are not denying themselves. When people do not deny themselves they are essentially denying God. It is said that if you deny yourself, you are to follow Jesus. Matthew 16:24 states, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Jesus left us an example, meaning we are to follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Jesus had committed himself to Him that judged righteously (1 Peter 2:23) It is said that man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directs his steps
(Proverbs 16:9). When you follow the steps of the Lord you are basically denying yourself and following after Jesus. It is better that we deny ourselves because if we do not then He will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:12 reads, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” Sometimes we want what God wants us to have but the thing is was want to do it, and go about it OUR way! We are told that we will be cursed if we trust in man. Jeremiah 17:5 reads, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” However, we will be blessed if we put our trust in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7 tells us, “Thus saith the Lord cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.”
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On the last Sunday of February, 2015 I made a challenge to those in attendance (especially the parents) at the morning service at New Life to learn something new about the contributions of Blacks in American History, and share it with the younger generation. Of course that meant I had to also go on my own personal quest to learn something new. For me, I wanted to learn about other cultures as well, since our family’s heritage is as diverse as the nation in which we live. It all started with a special edition of USA Today I picked up in Florida the night before that Sunday. After leaving it in the shuttle van that took me to the airport at 4am Sunday morning, I found myself franticly trying to find another copy at both the Orlando and Dallas airport. But sadly, to no avail. I arrived in Houston around 9:30 am sad, almost in tears, because if there is Continue on page 3
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BEING CONFIDENT Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Sr. Pastor of NLTC
May I first say, “Happy, blessed and prosperous New Year, 2016”. I pray the holidays from Thanksgiving and Christmas was, and now the New Year, filled with laughter and enjoyment with family and friends. The Apostle Paul greeted the Philippians body of believer with thankfulness and joy, and most of all with confidence that God is and will complete what He started in them. I like the reading of the Amplified Bible saying, “and I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you”. Our first confident is knowing our salvation in Christ is complete; He is that perfect sacrifice that appease the wrath of God. No man can be saved except the Spirit of the Lord draw him. It is God that does all the work. He convicts, forgives fills, redeems, and restores us back to Himself. Man’s will, given to us by God, !
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 must chose whom they want to serve or not to serve. We just witnessed a baptism the other Sunday, how the person came up out of the liquid grave being transformed in spirit by the power of God. The gospel will transform your life as the Apostle Paul says in Roman 1:16, “The gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”. When you believed on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repented of your sins, being baptize in Jesus’ name for the remission of your sins, you are a new creature. Old things are passed away, and all things are become new. By your act of faith, and obedience in Jesus Christ, you are saved. You do not think you are saved. You have the confident that you are new and saved. Your very being has been change. That emptiness and void that was in your life has now been filled by His divine love. Reading further in Philippians 2:12-113, “Therefore, my beloved as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, working out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Here the word sanctification comes in; God set us apart from the world. The confidence in part is that we are not alone. He
has given His Holy Spirit to help us live an over coming life. The Word of God is quick and powerful. We have the heavenly host on our side. This part of our salvation walk is a process and a fight to the end. Many times it is an uphill climb. Many battles to fight, trials, and test come and go. Rest assured we shall win the fight because God is a promise Keeper of His Word. The Lord is on our side. He did not save us to lose us. Ephesians 1:13b.-14 reads, “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” His fruit of the Spirit, given to us, working with His saving power, helps destroy the works of the flesh. We must not as Romans 12:2 declares, “Be not conformed to this world system, thinking, ways; but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We must be willing to do our part in submitting and obeying the Holy Spirit as He leads us. Lastly, our confident is in seeing what God’s purpose and will is for our lives being complete. Again rest assured God’s will is for you to complete your task, your assignment. He gives the Church gifts and power to do the task that is set before us. Continue on page 3
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NEW LIFE ! Confident continued from page 2
He gives us His angels to help fight for us and even minister unto us. What sets us aside or backward is that we do not want any rebuttal, conflict, struggles or battles to fight. God never promise a painless and no battle salvation. If we want the book of Acts’ action and excitement then we must be willing to go through
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We are told to fear the Lord our God in Deuteronomy 6:2 and 13. If we truly fear God, we will obey Him thereby denying ourselves, If you want to make heaven your eternal home, you must do this, Narrow is the way which leads unto eternal life, and there will only be a few that will make it (Matthew
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anything I value it is collecting information about the beautiful story of America’s history, especially as it pertains to people of color. God was merciful to me on that morning. As I was about to walk past security at Bush Intercontinental Airport, I made a u-turn and headed back to a small shop that caught my attention. There it was! “BLACK HISTORY MONTH A CENTURY OF CHANGE” with two pictures of Mrs.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 hardship. We must understand that it is not totally about us but about Him. He deserves all the glory and all the praise. The suffering that we go through is rewarded now and in eternity. Reading the Word of God, Old and New, gives us that confidence that we are on the winning side. The Apostle Paul had the utter most confidence in His God for the Philippian
7:14). So it is very important for us to fear God and deny ourselves. To fear the Lord means to have reverence, or a deep respect for Him. If you fear God you will begin to obey Him, and He will order your steps. You will be His, and He will be the only one you serve. Per Matthew 4:10, “Then Jesus said to
Amelia Boynton on the cover (she passed away several months after this edition). All smiles, I grabbed my copy, paid the casher, and set forth on my journey to learn more about the beautiful story. Since then, I spent 2015 digging into lives of other Blacks who have made contributions to our nation’s story. Another precious addition to my 2015 collection was given to me by my mum. It was her gifted copy of “Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits” from the soon to open
Church because of his own life with God. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. It is time for “The Church of the Living God in America” to have the confidence that our God has started a good work in us, and He will complete it.
him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”
A writer of God’s Word, who encourages people, Bro. Ray Dodd, Jr.
National Museum of African American History and Culture. And finally this past December I came across a wonderful copy of DOWNTOWN - winter edition with the first pastor of the historic Antioch Baptist church, Rev. Jack Yates. Here we are nearly a year later, and I can’t help but encourage each of us to continue to search out the small details that make up our beautiful story. You will be surprised at how much you learn. -Pastor Mel
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
Looking Ahead
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for January & February
JANUARY 1 New Years Day 3 - 17 Sowing –Seed Offering 4 - 24 Daniel Fast 9 Leadership Prayer 10 New Life Business Meeting 18 MLK Day Office Closed 23 Leadership Prayer & Meeting 24 Evening Service
FEBRUARY Celebration of Blacks in American History - Each Sunday 13 Leadership Prayer 13 CAYC Singles’ Ministry Meeting 14 Evening Service 18 Texas Ministry Conference Office Closed 27 Leadership Prayer 28 Evening Service
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Jada Jones
Feb 6!
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Evan Bates
Jan 13! !
Justin Rector
Feb 7!
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Billy Williams
Jan 18! !
Jeremiah Jones
Feb 7!
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Nicolette Davila
Jan 22! !
Madelyn Gabriel
Feb 14! !
Lonnie Cardwell
Jan 25! !
Michael Hardiman
Feb 18! !
Larry Hunt
Jan 26! !
Margaret Darden
Feb 20! !
David Bates
Jan 26! !
Pam Wright
Feb 24! !
Mother Ida Morgan
Feb 28! !
Edna Johnson
Jan 2!
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Anniversaries Clayton & Denise Bates Feb 18 Larry & Mary Hunt Feb 23
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The
Lite
Side
ine, Red L “The . . e .” Pleas ry . Per Mel A
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 would say I’m a class A traveler who knows how to get where I need to get to with fairly good ease. But before you think I’m being a show off, let’s take a quick detour from my travel brilliance.
This past May, I made my first visit to Reagan International I was born to airport just outside of Washington D.C. - America’s city. Due to my travel! moving about the area, first to I think I took Maryland then over to D.C., I my first needed to make use of the triairplane ride state/district metro system. before I was I was somewhat familiar with 5. If memory it from when my sister lived in serves me Rockville, MD. On several right it was a occasions we made use of the private plane. And as a toddler the Shady Grove Red Line to get to back seat of my parents downtown area and Georgetown. automobile was my best friend. My father was what they called in So after refamiliarizing myself those days a traveling evangelist. with the Metro, I jumped on the So traveling has been in my blood Blue line and headed to Metro for as long as I can remember...and Center where I caught the Orange I have a pretty good long memory. line for New Carrolton. Over the course of my stay, I got to know My father taught me how to the Orange and Blue line pretty read an atlas before he taught me anything about ministry. Sitting in good. the front seat next to my father as Then in September, I took a he drove down the interstate, he trip to New York for a birthday would often sit that big o’l Rand celebration. Being that my favorite McNally atlas on my lap and guide niece’s birthday was just days away me along our route to wherever. from my BFF’s birthday, I decided I remember when he gave me to fly into Reagan and hop a train to New York, and bus it back to my own personal small atlas. Yes sir, I was now the lil queen Bee of D.C. for my little Chipmunk’s birthday. the American Highway, ready to take on that long Route 66 in my This visit allowed me to canary yellow 57 Chevy become very familiar with the convertible...ok, the last part was Blue, Yellow, Red, Green, and all in my head. Orange line. Of course once back in D.C. area every day I was on the But getting from point A to point B anywhere in the world has Orange line to Vienna, Virginia where my sister and her family been very little trouble for me. lives. I’ve traveled many miles alone, across the pond, from one I was taking to the Metro like international airport to another. I a local Washingtonian. Maybe
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even like a young student from Howard, with my university bookstore bags and backpack. I jumped on and off, switched platforms like a pro! After all I am a citizen of the world, never a stranger. Then this past Christmas, once again I made a visit to D.C. area, flying into Reagan I.A. I grabbed my bags, headed over to another part of the airport and took a quick lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl since I had a long travel day. Then it was upstairs to take the Metro to my sister. I hoped on the Yellow Line from Reagan to catch the connecting line to my sister’s place. While I waited for the Metro, I quickly checked online to see how the trains were running, and the estimated time from Reagan to Shady Grove. Perfect, about 28 minutes if I caught my Red Line connection at Gallery Place on time. Well, things went smoothly, as I expected. Sitting on the Red Line next to me was a man from Jamaica who needed some help, as this was his first time using the Metro. I guided him along, letting him know where he needed to get off. I’m known to attract strangers, and beginning long conversations about any and everything. Yep, this ride was no exception. We chatted as I continued to explain to him about using the Metro. After a while my sister and I began chatting on WhatsApp. I told her everything was going well, since I was finally in D.C. after a Continue on page 7
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NEW LIFE !
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
New Life Ministries Words from our ministries
Happy New Year!
and sometimes the second month of the year. So how do we change this behavior every January 1st? Start by NOT making these Sis. Sharon Clay promises. Do START by Singles Ministry committing yourself to engage Director in some of these activities (for the lack of a better word) one day at a time. Trust me. You’ll WOW! burnout very fast attempting to What happened to 2015? It do so otherwise. And it’s not amazes me how fast the year the physical, but the mental comes to an end after the exhaustion that weighs on you. month of September. But it’s “Happy New Year” is not the same 60 minutes in an hour, about making promises or 24 hours in a day, seven days in resolutions. It’s an opportunity a week, and 12 months in a year. to say, “Thank You Lord for Now we’re greeting each other your tender loving kindness, with a Happy New Year! your grace, your love, your What is “Happy New Year” provisions, your correction, to you? Is it about resolutions your answer to prayers with a we tend to always make? yes/no/wait. You loved me to Resolutions such as…….. the end of the year 2015. In the New Year coming, I trust Him • fresh beginning to help me day by day by day.” • the Daniel Fast Don’t make all those • eat healthier promises. Take the day and • getting your finances in time you’re given to do what order the Word of God is challenging you to do. You’ll find yourself • spend more time in the fulfilling the promises that were Word mentioned earlier in this • praying, fasting, giving article. And the list can go on, and on, and on for about the first !
Eld. Edna Johnson
I am an ardent fan of Charlie Brown and all of his friends. Charlie Brown's blanket-toting best friend; Sally's love interest; the most insecure but the smartest out of all the characters, with the most intellectualism; a philosopher and theologian is my favorite character. His name is Linus Van Pelt. Linus is one of the most original fictional characters of all time. A tradition for me, during the holiday season, is that I must see “A Charlie Brown Christmas” television movie. This movie has become a classic. The gist of the movie is Charlie Brown has the Yuletide Continue on page 6
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Charlie Brown continued from page 5
blues. Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas season. To get in the holiday spirit, he takes Lucy’s advice and directs the Christmas play, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown needs Linus’s help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is. Now you must understand one thing about Linus. Linus is almost never seen without his blue security blanket. Linus's relationship to his blanket was one of intense emotional attachment to the point of manifesting physical symptoms if he was deprived of it even for a short while. He suffered weakness and dizziness; for example, when Lucy took it from him only long enough to have it laundered, spontaneously recovering when it was restored to him. In fact, Linus was asked at least three times to give up his blanket, and he refused. Now don’t give up on Linus yet. Remember Charlie Brown went to Linus for help. Allow me to point out two facts before I show you how Linus turned things around. Point 1: What we hold on to so tightly, what we depend on so !
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
much….we may need to reconsider. Point 2: Trusting material things is denying God’s ability to provide. Now here is where Linus shows and tells Charlie Brown, and us, the meaning of Christmas. Just as Linus starts to recite Luke 2:8-14, he drops his security blanket. He let go of his trusting blanket. Linus surrendered and transferred his trust. You see there is no way for Jesus to be birthed into your heart and NO change take place. All that we need the angel declared when he said,” For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” So from Charlie Brown's blanket-toting, best friend, and from my favorite fictional character, I hope that you have dropped and left in 2015 all those unnecessary, useless, holding you back, time wasting, weighting you down, ungodly things and people, and have started 2016 with your trust and faith in the only true and living God.
she had told them that morning that I would be coming with her to get them that evening. In hopes of getting her to wait for me, I quickly typed, “Ok, I have 4 more stops”. To my delight, she replied back, “Well I will pick you up then.” “Ok, just leaving white flint.” “???That’s not the orange line.” I looked at my phone confused about her message. Why on earth would I be on the Orange line? Soon my sister was calling me... and it hit me! I was headed to my sister’s place that she lived at nearly 7 years ago. I looked up and the next stop was Rockville (Maryland)... embarrassed, I told the older gentleman who was expecting me to get off with him at Shady Grove, “I’m just going to get off here instead. But you stay on until the next stop.” I was another 20+ minutes away from my sister in Virginia. How had I convinced myself that I was to take the Red Lite Side continued from page 5 Line...and to Shady Grove of all places. I hadn’t gone in that direction in years except to a very long delay in Houston, make changes at the Metro due to mechanical issues with Center stop, which was about my plane. 14 stops away. After a short chat she informed Lesson to self, just because you me that she was soon to leave know...double check to make to pick up the babies from sure you really know what you school. I so wanted to go with think you know. her to get them, as I was sure PAGE 7
NEW LIFE !
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
3 John 1: 2
“I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you.”
LEARN HOW TO LOWER YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING CANCER
•
AUGUST 2015
8 Food
myths Get the facts Maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of reducing your risk for cancer. Take a look at some myths that may be stopping you from eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
Myth 1 : Eating fat makes you fat.
Fact: While fat contains about twice as many calories as carbohydrates or protein, it helps you feel full longer, which can reduce snacking. You also need fat to absorb vitamins, A, D, E and K. Eat most of your fats from plant foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds.
Myth 2: Frozen produce isn’t as healthy as fresh produce. Fact: Some frozen produce may be more nutritious than fresh produce. Frozen produce is chilled within a few hours of being picked, which locks in nutrients at the height of ripeness.
Myth 3 : Juice cleanses or detoxes are good for you.
Fact: Drinking only fruit and vegetable juices can cause headaches, low energy and nausea and it can be dangerous if continued for too long. Your body naturally removes harmful toxins that could put your health at risk.
More food myths
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1. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy balance of calories eaten and calories burned. ..... 1 True 1 False
2. Dietary fats are necessary to help your body absorb vitamins. .......................................... 1 True 1 False Name: Email address:
Phone number:
4TEAR OFF AND DROP IN BOX.
Answer these two questions and drop in the “In the Spirit of Health” box.
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Myth 4 : Eating only “superfoods” prevents cancer.
Fact: While eating a healthy diet may help to reduce your cancer risk, loading up on just one or two “superfoods”, like blueberries or garlic isn’t going to protect you from the disease. A balanced diet that supports good health includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.
Myth 5 : Eggs are unhealthy.
Fact: Eggs are a great source of choline, which can be good for memory and brain function. They also contain omega-3 fats, which can help reduce chronic inflammation.
Myth 6 : Eating late at night causes weight gain.
Fact: Time of day has little to do with your weight. What you eat, how many calories you consume and your activity level are more important than the time of day you’re eating.
Myth 7 : If you exercise, you can eat whatever you want. Fact: Exercise can help you to maintain a balance between the calories you eat and the calories you burn, but you still need to eat a balanced diet. Exercise and a balanced diet help you maintain a healthy weight so you can reduce your chances for certain cancers.
Myth 8 : Steer clear of carbs.
Fact: To stay healthy, your body needs foods that provide energy. This includes carbohydrates. Eat carbs like brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes, fresh corn or peas. Limit white bread and sweets.
If you have questions about In the Spirit of Health, email community@mdanderson.org or call 1-877-632-6789.
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The Outreach ministry sponsored a community Christmas event for the residence of the Villa Americana apartments this past December. Thanks to the youth, young adults, members, and ministers that supported this special event, and helped to make it a success.
OUTREACH MINISTRY CHRISTMAS AT VILLA AMERICANA
STAY CONNECTED
NLTCHouston
NLTC - For family NLTCNews - For NLTC friends
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Getting to know your family... Perfecting Light -Membership Class Sunday School Pastoral Bible Study Youth Service Men’s prayer Ladies of the Light Children With Purpose Marriage In Unity CAYC Singles
The NLTC
Come connect with your family...
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Instagram @NLTCHouston
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The purpose of New Life is to instill the faith of Jesus Christ into the lives of all people, bringing them into spiritual perfection with a spirit of excellence.
Weekly Service Schedule
NL Ministry Leaders
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor pastor@newlifetemplechurch.com
Mel A. Perry, Assistant Pastor & Global Relations Director
Statement of Faith
Sunday Sunday School! !
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9:00am
Sunday Worship !
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10:00am
global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com
Wednesday Pastor Steve Stephens, Associate Pastor Bible Study!
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10:30am
Bible Study!
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7:30pm
Young People On Fire! !
7:30pm
Children With Purpose! !
7:30pm
Couples In Unity!
7:30pm
sstep72508@sbcglobal.net
Pastor Elmer Powell, Associate Pastor elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Sis. Donna Ross, Administrator donna.ross@newlifetemplechurch.com
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(1st & 3rd Wednesday)
Thursday
Pastor Elmer & Sis. Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Music Ministry! !
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Sis. Donna Stephens, Ladies Minstry
Saturday!
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dmstep2003@yahoo.com
Intercessory Prayer!
Elder Roy & Min Pam Clark, Perfecting Light Ministry pamlarclark@yahoo.com Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach ednajohn1945@att.net
Sis. Sharon Clay, Singles Ministry sgsclay@gmail.com
Sis. Jenny Jones & Sis. Gwen Williams, Children With Purpose jennyj4204@yahoo.com
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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.
Deacon Roy Seivwright, Head Deacon rs5587@att.com
We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as omniscient and omnipresent.
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7:30pm
9:00am
*NLEC Senior Connection Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm for all seniors 60+
We believe in being born again of waterby 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.