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Got Life A newsletter about spiritual enrichment for the Body of Christ
A Monthly Newsletter Offenses That Can Be Quickly Dissolved An address from the senior pastor.
The Power of Forgiveness Page 2
What’s Going On The monthly calendar, birthdays and anniversaries, and Daniel’s Fast resource information. Page 3
March ‘10 Church Information NLTC ministry staff, service information and statement of faith. Page 6
Little Chocolate Boy Charles Ademolu’s monthly column Page 5
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such holy days into our churches. I think we could benefit just the same from learning about them.
Celebrating The Story In a few weeks we will began celebrating one of the most sacred seasons of the Christian faith, the Easter holiday. Many people will spend their time looking for the right outfit, perfect shoes and where to eat that delicious Easter meal. Jewish households will begin the celebration of Passover. As a family they will reflect on the events that lead to the “exodus” out of Egypt. Retailers will enjoy great profits. Eggs and bunnies will be the face of the holiday. But will the true story be the highlight of the holiday? Will Love be the main character as the plot unfolds? It may seem a bit early to start talking about Easter. But in truth, the retailers have already began their eggs and bunny celebration. However, that most evangelicals March
They all are meant to remind Christians of the life of Christ and the sacrifice that he made leading up to the Crucifixion. And most importantly, Lent focuses on a time of “soul searching” and repentance. After a holiday like that, who would not want to celebrate Easter? What can we learn from the celebration of Lent? seem to wait until Good Friday to start celebrating the reality of redemption. Yet it is the best news that the human race has ever had. I’m not suggesting that we begin celebrating Lent and Ash Wednesday, but I would encourage us to consider what these religious sacramental holidays are based upon. What is the story behind this liturgical form of worship. While most of us in the Charismatic, Pentecostal church would frown on bringing
Imagine what it must have meant to spend those last months, weeks and days watching people love you and then hate you, all the while knowing that soon you would make the ultimate sacrifice. Retailers have it right. The Easter story is not limited to a Good Friday and a Sunday, but it begins following His birth. While we may mock certain denominations for their rituals, we can learn from their “tradition” of celebrating the story of Love. -Mel A. Perry. Mel serves as Global Relations Director and Assistant Pastor of NLTC. 1
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IN OTHER WORDS WOW! Where has January and February gone! I don’t know about you, but it seems like the year is moving at full speed on the autobahn! We are in the 3rd month of the year, but I can already see July. With a slew of events and activities planned for the next several months, it seems like I’m just about to wake up in the middle of summer. If we are not careful, life will push us at full speed and we will wonder what we have done with the time that is behind us. A teen said the other day, “I’m about to be a junior!” I laughed at the remark, because I realized two things. First, they have 5+ months before they are classified as a junior. Second, one day they will wake up and realize that rushing through 5 months is never worth rushing at all. Time rushed is time lost. And time lost, is time never regained. As we prepare to enter into Spring, let’s adhere to the old adage, stop and take time to enjoy the flowers. Time is precious. Once it’s spent, you can never get it back. It’s gone forever.
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Offenses That Can Be Quickly Dissolved By Bishop Brenda K. Perry
Jesus clearly states that offense will come ,but woe unto those that it will come by. As you continue to read the gospel, Jesus Himself offended many from His teaching and healing the sick on the Sabbath. And Jesus as well was offended by the way the Pharisee and religious leaders led the people of God. Check out John the Baptist in Matthew3, when he was preparing the way for Christ, the Lamb of God. He addressed the Pharisees and Sadducees “Brood of vipers” and require them to bring fruit worthy of repentance. You can’t tell me you would not get offended over that. He should have talk to them nicer than that. That is what we would say today. Reading in the book of Acts and the Epistles, you find confutation and offense that occur by apostles and lay people. People today are no different than those of the Bible time. We make them superficial or they had extra favor from God. We over look the reality that they are just like us, human beings. They had life problems that caused them to walk by faith. Read the whole chapter of Hebrew 11. If the Apostle Paul said that they (OT) were for our example, well praise God, we have the entire Bible and then some.
I pity people who spend all their time fussing, upset, trying to change others and always in a hurry, while missing the opportunity to enjoy the breath they breath; bask in the moment of happiness and joy; appreciate the people in their live, and slow down and see all the Jesus spoke about offense in Matthew smiles around them. 18:6; Mark 9:42-48; Luke 17:1-2; that would Life is meant to be enjoyed. But if you spend all your time rushing through it, or allowing every problem to cheat you out of another moment of joy, then you are missing out on life. Every now and then, I like to take a moment and just laugh. I find it to be time well spent.
Mel A. Perry
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cause some people to lose out in serving God or Him, and help them to become a twofold child of the devil. Yes this offense stands for judgment not by man, but from God Himself. I Let me give you a brief definition of offense and offended: a hindrance or obstacle, temptation to sin, stumbles block; offend to strike against; to displease “to make angry” to do harm to, to cause to sin, to make angry...etc.
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quick to judge, but be willing to have a heart to forgive. Remember forgiving is not keeping score but allowing the grace of God to lose its affect upon you. Humanity means no one is perfect, and we are bond to make mistake. I’m not talking about the unrighteous and jealous person that allow carnality to rule their heart and spirit, but the one that’s sincere with God. When we have knowledge that we have offended a person, whether by the Holy Spirit or their demeanor toward you changes, please do not wait or tell others. Go to them. And if you’ve been offended by others in some way or another, do not allow it to fester in you. It turns into spiritual deadly diseases like bitterness, hatred and the list goes on to where it spread into the body. continue on page 4
The Power of Forgiveness By Minister Isaac Bazile Matt 6:12, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtor”. Matt. 6:14, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you”. Matt.6:15, “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”. Forgiveness of sin is the most basic and universal need of man. Such forgiveness is possible only because of the atonement of Christ on the cross. Jesus taught the disciples of their need of continuing forgiveness.
To forgive someone of an offense, a hurtful act, or wrongdoing is one of the most powerful acts one person can do for another person. Is there anyone that you haven’t forgiven? And you know if you can’t remember just ask the Holy Spirit to remind you. As I was preparing this article, I thought to myself now is there someone I need to forgive? Is there But the offense or being offended for us something I need to talk to God about, today, in many cases, can be avoided by ones even if I need to forgive myself? And willingness to move pride out of the way. immediately the Holy Spirit brought Willing to listen to what the other one is trying something to mind. So if you are not to say. People need to stop thinking that they sure, ask the Holy Spirit. are all that and a bag of chips. Be willing to humble oneself for the betterment of the kingdom - the work of God. Do not be so
continue on page 4
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Looking Ahead Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for March and April
MARCH 9 Leadership Prayer 11 Gathering Place 19 Friday Night Life 24 Individual Ministry Bible Class 25 Gathering Place 26 LOL Book Club 27 Leadership Prayer & Ministries Meeting 28 Rodeo Sunday
APRIL 2 Good Friday 3 Couples In Unity Retreat 5 Marriage Love Dare Orientation 6 Leadership Prayer 8 Gathering Place 17 Church Picnic 22 Gathering Place 24 Leadership Prayer Youth Fun Day With Bishop 30 LOL Book Club
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Birthdays & Anniversaries Monthly birthdays and anniversaries of NLTC members. If your birthday is not listed, email the church office.
March 02!
Lenda Davis
March 03!
Kathryn Bates!
March 05!
Mary Colemon
March 05!
Roger Williams
March 06!
Lillie Sauls
March 08!
Donna Stephens
March 09!
Clifford Robinson
March 14 !
Shannon Guidry
March 18!
Linda Daniels
March 18!
Roy Seivwright
March 20!
Reginald Wright
March 20!
Jackie Bazile
March 20!
Tameka Clarck
March 21!
Kiara Thomas
March 22!
Kathryn Coney
March 23!
Raymond Wright, Jr.
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Upcoming Spring Events As the winter weather is hopefully coming to an end, the city of Houston will become a haven of festivals and family oriented events. What a great way to get out and see what your city is all about. If you never get out, you will never know what makes Houston the city it is.
*Houston Area City Parks - Open year round. They are great placesto enjoy nice picnics and family fun. Editors picks Herman Park and Discovery Green *Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, March 21. Family Friendly event http:// www.radiohouston.com *2010 PhotoFest, March 12 - April 25 http:www.photofest.org * Dance Salad Festival, April 1 - April 3 For those who love great ballet, this is the event for you. Ballet companies from all over the world will be perform. http:// www.dancesalad.org * WorldFest: Houston International Film Festival, April 9 - April 18 For those who consider themselves to be movie buffs. http://www.worldfest.org * Houston Children’s Festival, April 10 April 11- Lots of entertainment, games and adventure for the family to enjoy. http:// www.houstonchildrensfestival.com * 39th Annual Houston International Festival, April 17 - April 25 - The biggest and best of Houston display of its multiculture. http://www.ifest.org
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Offense from page 2
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Forgiveness from page 2
Unforgiveness can be just as powerful. Maybe you have a relative, a certain relative maybe; it’s your angel mother-in-law who is coming for a long visit. Angel referring to the fact that she is always up in the air harping about something. Is it someone that you refuse to speak to or associate with for I know there are some offense that could and whatever reason? Or someone in your do have some people to lose respect for other, past that has hurt you deeply and you’ve not serving God, or serving God with not been able to let it go. The wound is resentment, bitterness, unbelief, wounds and still there, and it has never healed. So much more. And this what Jesus was saying question, how much is that that causes His children to lose out with Him. unforgiveness that you are carrying My time will not permit me to go into depth around on your heart costing you? How in this needed area, but please allow the grace much is it costing you if it negates the of God to reach down and lift you up and out work of the cross? Do you know what it of that dilemma. cost Jesus to make forgiveness available Here some pointers that we need to go by to you and me? It cost Jesus everything, that will help to dissolve or stop or cut down all of His tears and all of His blood. Your goal is to defeat the enemy and win by your brother and sister in Jesus name. Many times our offense is very childish and foolish, a hinder to the work of God. Remember who you are and who you beylong too. The enemy wants to use all of us at any given time to be offended or be the offender.
on offense. Do not hold on to it. Go quickly to solve the issues Do not be on the defense Do not allow status or position to get in your way Be willing to listen Have a willing and humble spirit Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you Be willing to forgive Acknowledge your wrong Relinquish pride Exercise the fruit of the Spirit Being willing to amend for God’s Kingdom and glory God has given us power and many weapons to defeat the flesh and the tactics of the enemy. Let us not be like Apostle Paul calling for our brother or sister. We may not have time.
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And when you don’t forgive, you negate the work of the cross. You grieve the Holy Spirit. You disobey a command of God. It hinders your prayers. It slows your spiritual growth. It sabotages your relationships, all your relationships. It locks you in emotional bondage, even torment and misery. It destroys inner peace and contentment. It breaks down your health. It can literally make you sick. I heard someone say they were talking to a doctor one day that said he really believed that he could dismiss half his patients in the hospital if they could just feel forgiven. Unforgiveness is holding on to the hurt and wanting to hurt back, wanting to hit back, wanting to get even, wanting to retaliate, wanting to seek revenge. I like what some person said, “If you want to seek revenge, go ahead and dig two graves”. Because when we do not forgive it drains us emotionally and spiritually and physically. The tragedy is this, forgiveness is available and able. Yet, too many lives are in the bondage of unforgiveness that stifles them and cripples their life. The
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good news is forgiveness can be experienced and extended. Are you willing to forgive and experience forgiveness? Is forgiveness in your heart? Does your level of forgiveness have a limit? Think about what Jesus was willing to do in order for you and me to be forgiven the next time someone asks you for forgiveness. Definition of forgiveness: act of setting someone free from obligation to you as a result of wrong done against you. The word actually means "to dismiss, or send away." 1. Forgiveness can heal broken relationships 2. Forgiveness can heal our physical bodies 3. Forgiveness can heal us emotionally 4. Forgiveness can reconnect us spiritually 5. Forgiveness has the power to set you free 6. Forgiveness allows us to be forgiven 7. Forgiveness can restore peace in your life We have all sinned, and even though we expect forgiveness because He promises to forgive us if we repent and confess (1 John 1:9), we still have sinned and could be justly punished if God so chose. Ignorance is not bliss (Hosea 4:6). We could rightfully say Jesus paid the price for us. We are so grateful for Him paying for us. What state would we be in? What misery would we have to look forward to had He not paid for us? Oh, what a wonderful thing He did. I so thank Him today.
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. March
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demands that these three be
to whom we are going to serve this day. As one of Tye Tribbett's song
serve my gods, nor worship the
says, STAND OUT!
topic of the lesson was 'Sticky
Feeling cocky and confident,
Friends'. Sounds a tad weird at
Nebuchadnezzar even begins to
first but it will make sense in a
call out their God. However,
few. The scripture setting was from
there is something about being
Daniel 3 and starts around verse
situated in God, keeping an
10. Now Daniel 3 starts off
unbreakable faith in Him and
introducing King Nebuchadnezzar's
having some sticky friends who
new golden image. Then
know what they stand for. They
Nebuchadnezzar, proud of his
all said together that "If it be
momentary material gold, quickly
[so], our God whom we serve
calls for different high social
is able to deliver us from the
classed people to help
burning fiery furnace, and he will
commemorate the image he had set
deliver [us] out of thine hand, O
up. Then at this point, all the
king." There must be something
people were told to bow down and
about being on one accord too.
worship this idol as soon as they
Their minds were already made up
heard a selection of musical
to whom they would serve. They
instruments play. And let us all
did not have time for false gods
remember Exodus 20:3-6; Thou
or small bumps in the road that
shalt have no other gods before
could easily be flattened out. The
me. Thou shalt not make unto thee
three Hebrew boys chose to be not
any graven image, or any likeness
conformed of this world, but
[of any thing] that [is] in heaven
transformed by the renewing of
above, or that [is] in the earth
their mind (Romans 12:2). At this
beneath, or that [is] in the water
point, King is furiously angry to be
under the earth: Thou shalt not bow
embarrassed and disrespected and
down thyself to them, nor serve
humiliated by three boys that were
them: for I the LORD thy God [am]
unimportant. Shadrach, Meshach,
a jealous God, visiting the iniquity
and Abednego never decided to
of the fathers upon the children
turn on one another because they
unto the third and fourth
were sticky friends; they were
[generation] of them that hate me;
bound together by an
And shewing mercy unto thousands
indestructible bond God created
of them that love me, and keep my
for them. Even as King
commandments.
Nebuchadnezzar sent for them to
performed what they were told to do. As the mindless controlled puppets worshiped the image, there was an elite three that had sense to whom they serve and why− Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Nebuchadnezzar impulsively
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wrong. That why we have the choice
Nebuchadnezzar asks, "Do not ye
This past Sunday school class, the
sound of the instruments and
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brought to him for interrogation.
golden image which I have set up?"
The people immediately obeyed the
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be captured and thrown into the fiery furnace, nowhere do I recall reading that they struggled to flee, attempted to complain or reveal any signs of doubt. These friends trusted in God and patiently waited, on one accord, for God to expose the hidden possible reality in the impossible situation. We never are obliged to do what is
I would never consider myself to be an expert on u o television y o D ivor: e entertainment. h t “Surv e hav But I’m sure I still ” ! FIRE could find a good number of people who would agree with me that what is called entertainment theses days is a mere case of pathetic writers in Hollywood.
Lite The Side
There seems to be a never ending parade of tacky “reality” shows, that by the way don’t resemble anyones reality. And even a good number of the sitcoms are foul regurgitation of something on another network or long forgotten flop. However, recently I was watching one of these disgusting displays of human egotistic behavior. Near the end, the host said something that was both profound and disturbing. His words should be heard by every Christian. “Fire is your life! As long as you have fire, you have life. But if your fire is out, you’re gone.” Many believers are asking what is wrong with the church? But the real question is, does the church still have the fire? What kept the early church going in the face of persecution? Fire! There was an intense fire that burned within their soul. If the church is to be a Survivor, then we must not loose the FIRE! Because once we do, we are gone. Some churches have become more consumed with numbers. They are built on programs. They are nice places to visit. But there is no FIRE! No one backslides when they are hot. No one leave their church when they are hot. No one ignores outreach when they are hot. The question we must ask ourselves, what is the state of “my FIRE”?
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What Are You Doing With The Cross? Time to reach OUT!
Ea!er April, 4 @ 10:00am
Invite someone to join you this year in service.
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New Life Temple Ministries Words from our ministries
Ladies of Light
• Friends are faithful and loyal • Friends are caring and kind • Friends are there when you need them no matter what
“A
LITTLE FOOD FOR THOUGHT”
• Friends sometime disappoint one another, but remain friends
“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18: 24 KJV
• Friends do not make you feel shame if you make a mistake
In a life time so many people will cross our path. It is left up to us what type of impression we leave in their life. Some people will be friends, and others will just be an associate. This is okay because both will have an effect on our lives, for the good or bad. Sometimes their effect is profound.
• Friends are not jealous, and share you with others
What type of effect do you want to leave in a person’s life? I lived in Chicago for six years. I met so many people. Some of them I remember their names, and others just their faces. I consider some as very good friends and others just associates. When we visit we look up a few of them, and others we just lost the ability to contact them. Maybe they still live there or maybe not, but they have left an impression on my life, and I hope I did as well on their life. It is important to associate with people you have something in common with because, if not, you may find yourselves at odds with one another because you don’t think alike, live the same way, do the same things or even believe in the same God. • In your spare time take this test. • Friends give each other room to grow • Friends don’t judge but tell the truth • Friends share many things with one another that you wouldn’t share with others.
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• Friends are longsuffering
• Friends will go the extra mile when you need them to • Friends should be able to share their most deepest hurts • And most of all friends are trustworthy Can you say this about your friends? If not, then they are not friends, just an associate. Sis. Donna Stephens, Co-Director Ladies’ of the Light Ministry
Couples In Unity
THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS “ A Command From God The power of forgiveness mean the authority, strength, control of exerted (which is putting forth an effort) physical, mental or spiritual ability to grant relief from payment, or give up resentment. It’s allowing room for weakness or error.
Let’s look at Joseph in Gen. 50:17-20. Verse 20 reads, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive.” When God allows someone to do you wrong, there is always some good in it. The first thing He is working on is your character, and the second thing is those around you. Because Joseph knew his purpose, he was able to forgive. What did he tell them in verse 19? He said to not be afraid for he was in the place of God, and so are you. We are his vessels and we stand in his stead. We represent Him and everything in our life is a witness. Our witness can either win or loose a soul. Mark 11:25 states, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”. How many are perfect, and think they never do anything wrong before God and others? The bible says we are not perfect until that which is perfect shall come. God knew everyone would commit transgressions because he said forgive so he can forgive you. How many want God to always forgive them no matter what you do or how many times you do it? It’s because we have His word that we don’t have to sit and worry if we are forgiven. We know God don’t lie and his word is true so when we ask for forgiveness we just expect God to forgive us because He is true to his word. Mark did not say wait for the person to ask you for forgiveness or tell you I’m sorry. Mark said whenever you stand praying forgive. Why? So when you need it you will get it, and guess what, you will need it. Amen!!!!!!!!!! (To be continued) New Life Temple Marriage Ministry, Couples in Unity Pastor Elmer and Deaconess Cathy Powell, Co-Directors
This is a command, or order, from God!
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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 8
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
February