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Got Life A newsletter about spiritual enrichment for the Body of Christ
A Monthly Newsletter Come On, Ring Those Bells An address from the senior pastor. Page 2
This Is Only A Test Page 2
What’s Going On The monthly calendar, birthdays and anniversaries, and holiday activities in the city and surrounding area. Page 3
Church Information NLTC ministry staff, service information and statement of faith. Page 6 Little Chocolate Boy Charles Ademolu’s monthly column Page 5
are fueled by the necessity to complete the assignment despite the discomfort it may bring. They enjoy the good, and are determined to persevere when they work alone, praises are no longer coming and misunderstanding becomes the only color in their wardrobe.
Committed, Not Convenient One day while in prayer I realized that I had a choice. I could ask God to strengthen me to be a committed servant, or I could except the common practice of being a convenient worker.
Those who are committed don’t serve just because they enjoy it, but enjoy knowing that the vision will become reality because they refuse to come down from working on the wall. What drives us to serve?
You see many of us think that when we give an hour of our time to serve the church, or we occasionally get involved in an area of ministry, we have committed ourself to Christian service. But what we really have done is rationed out what is supposed to be a freewill gift to the work of God.
from what we really want, but it is just enough for us to say that we have done something to help our local church. Convenient volunteers will quit when our service is no longer recognized by the church’s elite. They will not deny their own agenda, if deemed necessary to complete the assignment that God gives.
The church is made up of many convenient volunteers. We give of ourself when it suits us. Our giving never takes away
However, the committed servants are not driven by the perfect work environment, praises of their peers or notoriety. Instead they
December
December 09
What drives us to serve? Is it because we want people to see us? Do we have secret agendas to promote? Is it our way of feeling worthy? Do we find joy in knowing that God’s Kingdom purpose is moving forward as we give of ourself? There are no grey areas. You are either a committed or convenient volunteer. But you can’t be both. So you must decide. -Mel A. Perry Mel A. Perry serves as Global Relations Director and Assistant Pastor of NLTC.
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No, there were no bells, nor a Christmas tree lit up, but a host from heaven brought We are now head long into the holiday season, glad tidings to mankind. Why? In the city which for some will end in January with the 3 of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, By Bishop Brenda K. Perry Kings celebration. comes to take away the sins of the world. Psalmist Evie Tornquist wrote a We read in the gospel of John 3:16, “For While each holiday brings with it trinkets, Christmas carol entitled “Come on, Ring God so loved the world that He gave His traditions, festivals and so forth, and that it is Those Bells.” The words to the song only begotten Son, that whoever believes all nice and wonderful -after all there is express simplicity, but not totally true. something about those holiday festivals that in Him should not perish but have “Everybody likes to take a holiday; add an extra cheer- there are even greater everlasting life.” Mary, did you not know Every-body likes to take a rewards that it brings. this precious child that you had in a rest, spending time together stable, and wrapped in swaddling clothes, One of the wonderful things about the holiday with the family, sharing lots was coming to take away your sins and season, actually there are two, most of them of love and happiness. the sins of the world? remind us of God’s love and goodness - at Come on, ring those bells. least they once did. Secondly, they bring continue on page 4 Light the Christmas tree, family and friends together. Jesus is the King, Born for Even as I type this note, I’m sitting in my you and me. Come on, ring those bells. sister’s house where I have spent Every-body say, Jesus, we remember, this By Minister Isaac Bazile Thanksgiving. Black Friday’s sales were is your birthday. Celebrations come nothing compared to the wonderful laughs because of something good. Celebrations James 2:1-13 and memories shared and made during that we love to recall. Mary had a baby boy in James l: l-4 celebration dinner. Bethlehem, the greatest celebration of all. Most of us over the age of forty, Come on, ring those bells, Light the With the blessings of that day in my heart, I who can remember when there was no Christmas tree, Jesus is the King, Born know that the joy of the holiday season is not cable TV, are familiar with the term “This for you and me. Come on, ring those really the food and gifts, though they are a is only a test”. Back then we had three delightful treat, but instead the blessing of bells. Every-body say, Jesus, we or four TV channels. Around midnight having people in your life. remember, this is your birthday”. each night before the TV would sign off, we would get this long beep and a voice You can have all the food you can eat, and get Well, when Jesus was born, it was no would say: every gift you put on your list, but if you holiday. However, a gentile Emperor, "This is a test. For the next sixty (or don’t have those individuals who love you, Caesar Augustus (Octavian), made a thirty) seconds, this station will conduct Thanksgiving, Christmas and every holiday decree demanding forever everyone to a test of the Emergency Broadcast that comes in between and after are just return to his original birthplace. A census System. This is only a test. If this had another day that your mail won’t run. was to take place, and they would be been an actual emergency, you would So let us be grateful for those special people in taxed as well. Here we see a young virgin have been instructed where to tune in your area for news and official our lives who make every day a holiday. And named Mary, who was with child, information". The purpose of the test reach out to those who don’t have family or traveling with her espouse husband was to allow the FCC and broadcasters to friends, or who have recently suffered a great Joseph. Their destination was Bethlehem verify that EBS tone transmitters and lost. Let’s do our part to make this holiday of Judea, the “House of Bread,” and the decoders were functioning properly. In season bright for those around us. birthplace of King David. Weary and addition to the weekly test, test worn out from extended travel, no friends activations of the entire system were conducted periodically for many years. or family to come to, nor words of Blessings! encouragement and support is nowhere to These tests showed that about 80% of broadcast outlets nationwide would carry be found. Yet, these words ring in my emergency programming within a period mind, “Come on, ring those bells.” of five minutes when the system was activated. The gospel of Luke 2:13 states, “There was with the angel a multitude of The purpose of the test of the Spirit is to increase our level of faith, and to know the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and Mel A. Perry on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Continue on page 4
IN OTHER WORDS
Come On, Ring Those Bells
This Is Only A Test
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Looking Ahead Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for December and January
December 3rd -4th Winter Revival 5th Staff Training Symposium 6th 6pm Service 10th Gathering Place 12th Leadership Prayer /Leader Director Breakout Meeting 13th Sunday School Breakfast (Adults) Gathering Place Annual Dinner Fund Raiser PLM 2nd Session Graduation 20th 6pm Christmas Service 24th -25th Christmas Holiday 31st New Year’s Eve Service
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Birthdays & Anniversaries Monthly birthdays and anniversaries of NLTC members. If your birthday is not listed, email the church office.
December 01!
Malcom Choice
December 03!
Armstead Chambers, Sr.
December 04!
Madell King
December 06!
Brian Conner
December 10!
Ruth Knox
December 10!
Phoebe Roquemore
December 11!
DeLesa Alexander
December 11!
Kristina Davila
December 12 ! Eldora Christian December 15!
Lela Chambers
December 18!
Pam Clark
December 19!
Danielle Hardiman
December 20!
Natalie Williams
December 23!
Winifred O’Conner
December 28!
Marva Coney
December 30!
Clara Britton
December 31!
Katie Alimon
Anniversaries
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Houston’s Fall & Holiday Activities With fall comes many great activities for families, friends and college students to do. In a city like Houston there are so many things to do that are rather inexpensive. Whether you are looking for something within the city or want to take a short road trip, there is plenty for you.
*Friday Story Time @ Borders - every Friday @ 11am, Borders in Market Street the Woodlands. Ideal for small children.. *Festival of Lights - Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX, Nov. 14 - Jan. 2 www.moodygardens.com * Yuletide at Bayou Bend - Bayou Bend, Nov. 19 - Jan 3. http://mfah.org/bayoubend * The Nutcracker - Houston Ballet, NovDec. 27 http://www.houstonballet.org * A Christmas Carol - Alley Theatre, Nov Dec. 27 http://www.alleytheatre.org/alley/ Default_EN.asp * Dickens On the Strand - Galveston, TX, Dec. 5 & 6, www.dickensonthestrand.org * Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade, Kemah, TX - Dec. 9 * The First Christmas - Houston First Baptist Church, Dec. 11 -12 http:// thefirstchristmas.org/ * German Christmas Market - Tomball, TX - Old Town, Dec. 12
Warren & Robin Green December 13th
* Lights In the Heights - Dec. 12 @ 6pm 10pm, www.woodland-heights.org/events/ LITH/
Elmer & Catherine Powell December 23rd
* Trans Siberian Orchestra - December 27 http://www.toyotacentertix.com
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Graceful heart from page 2
Christmas time, and was picking up a few items from the grocery store. A Jewish I believe Mary was overwhelmed by lady was in line. Someone around us said “Happy Holiday”. She expressed her what had happened to her, having been over shadowed by the Holy Spirit of God, opinion very clear and loud that she was a Jew and do not believe in Christ, but which impregnated her with the incorruptible seed. The Word, which was preferred to say “Merry Christmas” than any other expression. I like “Merry in the beginning, became flesh and dwelled among mankind. A Savior, Christ Christmas” because He is the Word, and without Christ there is no Christmas. So the Anointed One, the Messiah that was come on, ring those bells. It is Christmas, prophesied of old has come into the and not just a Happy Holiday. Christ is to world. Immanuel, God with us, yet the Lamb of God, had come to take away the be lifted up at all times and in every season so He can draw all men unto sins of the world. The power of this message is to the ends of the world. Himself. Keeping alive a tradition during the holiday is driving around viewing all the decor of the lit streets, houses, buildings and trees which bring an added lift to the season. Christmas is one the greatest holidays of the year. Yes, you can feel peace and joy, and people during this season are somewhat kinder than at any other time of the year. Let us not get caught up in purchasing gifts from the yearly wish list for those we love without sharing the Spirit of Christ. The simplicity of Christmas is sharing and caring for one another, without looking for something in return.
A Test from page 2
what to do in case of a spiritual emergency. Emotionally, mentally, and spiritually we have never been tested as we are being tested now. The purpose of the test is to see if we are learning anything; if we are at the point where we are saying, "What's next, Lord?"
Life is filled with tests, but as Christians we really don’t imagine God testing us to what we might think is extreme. You think come on. God can’t We, that are true believers in Jesus be testing me like this. He said I am a Christ, need to lift up our voices in a new creature and everything is become new. I am finally discovering why so shout so great that it would ring throughout this season the true saying that many scholars, teachers and preachers are not overly excited about the book of “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” James. After years of teaching, I have Remember, it’s His birthday, and not yours. So ring the bells of His goodness, only recently begun to truly understand the importance of this book. Why? and let His light that is in you shine greater than the Christmas tree lights. Do Because it is a book of tests! It is one test after another. This little letter is a constant you have His eternal light in you? If you testing of our faith. do, let it shine brighter than the noon day sun. We, who are born again of the water Our faith is tested by trials. and Spirit, have eternal life inside of us. Our faith is tested by the tongue. We should make the most noise around Our faith is tested by works. this time. It’s a good time to be a witness Our faith is tested by judgment. for Christ. Our faith is tested by sickness. On and on it goes, and here in chapter I’m from the old school. I like to say Merry Christmas, and not so much Happy two our faith is tested by people. Holiday. I was in California close to When your spouse is acting crazy, 4
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remember “This is only a test”. When your children insist on being disobedient, remember “This is only a test”. When your employer is threatening to fire you, “This is only a test”. When your finances are almost gone, and you can’t see any help in sight, “This is only a test. When you are tempted to give up, or give into sin, remember “This is only a test”. When it looks like the saints of God have turned their backs on you, and you can’t get a prayer through, “This is only a test”. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12) In case of an actual spiritual emergency we have been instructed to pray, to fast, and to call on the name of Jesus. Not everyone who grows old grows up. There is a vast difference between age and maturity. There is too much impatience in difficulties. James appeals to us to recognize that every test, every trial, every tribulation with all the accompanying sorrow and disappointment, is a God-given opportunity for growth and development in the Christian life. God is not so much concerned with the fastest runner or the strongest runner. He is not so much concerned with who finishes first, second or third. In the Christian life, He gives everyone a medal that crosses the finish line. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1). God is saying “This is only a Test”.
Minister Isaac J. Bazile is the Director of Men of The Tower Ministry at New Life Temple Church, as well as a staff writer for Got Life.
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matter how you may feel", a BIG hug or a bright white smile. Sometimes material things have a tendency to disguise what may
Tis the season to be jolly. And I
really be going on. No matter how
am more than sure that we can fill
happy temporary gifts may make
in the rest of that phrase.
one feel, the love that God has
Christmas time is almost here and
shared with us can be shined upon
this is the time when everyone
others through us. Take every
mainly gives and/or receives gifts.
opportunity to take advantage of
We give out toys, perfume, gift
these gifts because you may never
cards, jewelry, clothes, pets, books
know how a basic act of love may
− the materialistic things for the
allow God to open the door for us
most part. Those things are temporarily great, but they were not
to witness. HAPPY AND BLESSED
Christ Jesus. Without this ultimate sacrifice, we would not have life, nor would we have a direct source that forgives us of our sins. This irreplaceable and endless love is there even when those material gifts have been put away. His love is still there even when we didn't get the gift we wanted. God's love is still there even when the needs seem like they are not being met. His love still surpasses all even when we don't show him the right recognition when he deserves it most. Even when we get caught up in our selfish ways during the holidays, and all we want is give me, give me, give me, he still loves us. So, with such an unselfish God that constantly loves, let us try giving more than just material things. I'm not saying it’s bad to give those things out, but I am saying that giving can mean a little more. Try giving something extra that people never expect to receive: time, an ear to hear, a helping hand, a simple " I love you" or "God loves you no
November
If it were not for the red, there would not be any white. Christ’s blood turned our blackened soul white. There is another color that is very beautiful in the winter, especially against white snow - blue. It seems so crisp and bright when it reflects against the pure white snow. Now I’m not very knowledgeable on medical things, but I know they say that the blood in our veins is blue, but when oxygen hits it, it turns red.
The
Anyway, back to the blue red blood. There had never a been a man so pure and beautiful before Christ. But the pollution of sin in the earth turned his blood crimson so that it could cover the black filth that sin had left behind.
permanent. The greatest gift that
God's greatest sacrifice: His son
As I look at all of the red here in the coffee shop, I also notice the white that peers out of it.
Yea, I’ve seen the color blue in here - the Christmas Starbucks’ card is blue - just in case you thought I forgot about Starbucks.
however, was meant to be
involuntarily obtained would be
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HOLIDAYS!
meant to last long. God's love,
we could have, and did,
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Lite
“The
Side
ne” RED O
For some reason, I like to write my December “The Lite Side” in one of America’s too many Starbucks. Usually I’m greeted by the wonderful sound of Christmas music and the swirling aroma of fresh coffee. However, I guess they do things different here in Florida. While the Christmas decorations are up, the air smells of coffee, and my drink is in those delightful red holiday cups, the music is so missing. Thankful as I pulled up the internet on my comp, the Starbucks AT&T page put me into the Christmas mood. Not that the music I have been listening to since last month has not already done it. If you have been to a Starbucks over the last several months you have seen their (RED) logo. With the holiday season they have taken that (RED) and added a new “LOVE” CD. Of course all of this red love is suppose to be about the company and the patrons working together to give back to the rest of the world. In truth it’s a grand idea. Of course, there is a point! Red is the color of love. Love is something that we share throughout the holiday season. But for you and me, Love is what God is and exemplified in sending to us Jesus Christ. Red is the blood he shed to cover all of our sins.
Christ did not leave behind his purity when he came to earth. But because the earth was so stained with sin, His blood had to be shed. And whoever allows the blood to cover them will find that the white will begin to bleed through. I wonder if Starbucks has ever thought about using red cups during the Easter holiday too? After all, the RED applies to both Christmas and Easter. Christmas is only the beginning. So as I sit here typing away, I now realize I don’t really need the music to get me in the mood. All I need is a moment to reflect on the true story...my CHRISTmas story. If it were not for the blue and RED my life would have no white, only BLACK. So every time you see (RED) or the LOVE CD while you’re picking up your Venti Gingerbread Latte, let it take your mind to the greatest gift you and I have ever received. And since, this is the season for sharing and caring, lets share some RED with someone before the year is out. After all, He is the reason for the season. He is the RED that makes us white. Merry RED CHRISTmas !
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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.
Weekly Service Schedule
NLTC Ministry Leaders
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor pastor@newlifetemplechurch.com
Sunday Sunday School! !
Pastor Steve Stephens, Associate Pastor Sunday Worship ! sstep72508@sbcglobal.net
Pastor Elmer Powell, Associate Pastor elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Donna Ross-Powell, Administrator
Statement of Faith
!
9:00am
!
10:00am
Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study!
!
7:30pm
Young People On Fire! !
7:30pm
donna.ross@newlifetemplechurch.com
Lela Chambers, Financial Manager office@newlifetemplechurch.com
Thursday Music Ministry! !
!
7:30pm
Mel A. Perry, Global Relations Director global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com
Saturday!
Roy & Veronica Seivwright, Head Deacons rs5587@att.com
Intercessory Prayer!
!
9:00am
Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net Isaac Bazile, Men of the Tower lawfalcon@aol.com
raymondwright24@yahoo.com
dwbates@msn.com 6
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 presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
Pastor Raymond & Capricious Wright, Young People On Fire
David Bates, Outreach
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 divine healing, communion and foot washing.
Donna Stephens & Mary Colemon, Ladies of the Light dmstep2003@yahoo.com
Towanna Thompson, Perfecting Light Ministry towanna10@sbcglobal.net
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 in the death, burial and resurrection.
! !
We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as omniscient and omnipresent.
New Life Temple Church 4828 Almeda Genoa Houston, TX 77048
We believe in expressions of praise with lifted hands, hand clapping, playing of musical instruments, voice of praise and dancing.
713.991.5972 www.newlifetemplechurch.com
December