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Got Life A newsletter about spiritual enrichment for the Body of Christ
A Monthly Newsletter Knowing The Time
November ‘10 What’s Going On The monthly calendar, birthdays and anniversaries, and Daniel’s Fast resource information. Page 3
Words From Our Ministries. Page 5
Church Information NLTC ministry staff, service information and statement of faith. Page 8
An address from the Senior Pastor. Page 2
What do Christians in America believe? Is our spiritual belief wrapped up in a security blanket with moth holes?
The Ground Upon Which We Stand One of the most damaging and frightening words to be heard in the church today is “Compromise”. While the word in of itself is not bad, the way it has been used in reference to church in recent years has been one of disrespect to the Gospel. Many pastors have been asked to conform to the thinking of the “mainstream church”. To do as everyone else is doing. Every time I hear that phrase,“mainstream church”, I’m repulsed by the very fact that it is uttered by believers.
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The idea of mainstream church has become the very lie that fuels the atheist’s theory that Christianity is nothing more than a security blanket for the weak and feeble. The truth is that mainstream does not require the believer to live by the Word of God, but rather by their own adaptation of the gospel that permits them to enjoy the desires of their flesh while engaging in a religious social group.
While it may appear that mainstream Christianity is the norm, it does not mean that it is right. In fact, in most cases it is wrong! I was recently told that mainstream Christianity support homosexuality, and sees the “homophobic” behavior of “right-winged Christians” as an act against humanity. Well, if mainstream is considered socially right, I don’t mind being wrong. Because the ground upon which I stand is not shaped by mainstream, but by God and His word.
This is why America can be How did the church body become the considered a religious nation, yet a big puppet of the “politically correct world”? supporter of “a woman’s right to choose”, same sex partners or free contraceptives continue on page 7 for teens without parental consent. 1
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Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which By Bishop Brenda K. Perry ended WWI. It was in 1938 that Oh boy! Oh boy! oOh boy! The holiday season Armistice Day was enacted as an Several of the Psalms is here...by the way is it really the “holiday official American holiday. But express, “Oh give season”? Who cares right? eventually after WWII, citizens felt thanks to the Lord, for that the veterans of all wars should be Yea, I don’t know too many people who don’t He is good!” Yes, our like something about the fall/winter time of God is good all the time. recognized, not just those of WWI. the year. And those who don’t are known as His mercy and His love So in 1954 Congress changed the grinches, lol. name from Armistice Day to Veterans endure forever. November has come again, and in it are some very On my recent trip to Italy, I found myself continue on page 4 singing the famous Nate King Cole song, important days. IN OTHER WORDS
Oh, Give Thanks
“The Christmas Song”. I’m sure it had a lot to do with all of the sweet meaty chestnuts I was eating during the two weeks there. But I think also my mind knew that the “season” was near.
The first one is Election Day. On this day we exercise our right to voice our opinion by choosing our government to serve us, the people. The Black American Negro fought I truly believe something happens physiologically as we near the Thanksgiving/ long and hard, and many have died, Christmas time. For some, they naturally just to have this privilege to voting, become saddened at the thought of a loved one and help elect those that will represent who has passed away; others say the air smells us in upholding justice, freedom, and festive and fresh. Whatever our reaction may equality. It is a sad day for those who be, it happens without our knowing it. And have fought and died for us to vote we begin to prepare for the change the when many don’t vote, and sit and moment our mind reminds us of its coming. complain of government going wrong. Well guess what? Something in my heart is However, they will go to see the latest sending a signal to my brain that says it feels Tyler Perry movie that will not help like the season of revival, so I had better them on day to day bases. Elected prepare for it so that I can be a part of it. people for city, county, state and Because it’s going to take place whether I’m federal positions affect our lives every ready for it or not. But if I want to be in it I have to prepare for it. day with their decision. It is imperative that one understand the America is in the most unChristian state of election is not just putting a person in mind that it has been in a long time. We are because of color, or who we like, or also in the scariest financial and security what we gain out of it. This day we crises of our nation’s history. And that combination makes for the most opportune should look to God so that we elect time for a mighty outpouring of God’s spirit. righteous and God fearing people that We are so in position for another Great will do justice for all. A nation that Awaking in this country. But the church forgets God, and does not uphold must be in position if it’s going to happen. godly moral and truths will be Are you ready for it? forgotten by God. Our voice can be Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, heard greatly by our voting. let’s have vision of revival!
Mel A. Perry, Editor In Chief
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The second is Veterans Day. This day was first incorporated by President Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919. Other countries today still recognize November 11th as
Overcoming Our Past By Minister Isaac Bazile
There is one thing that we are promised in life, and that is storms. We are going to have rough waters. We are going to face rogue winds as we sail the seas of life. That is about the only thing life guarantees us. Some folks think that just because they have God in their life, or go to church, things will go smoother for them. But Jesus affirmed the principle of life, "In this world you are going to have troubles”. You are going to face storms, guaranteed. The Bible talks about the different types of storms that we will face. There are the storms that we bring on ourselves. We may not want to admit it, but many of the storms in our lives we bring on ourselves. We make bad choices, say wrong things, refuse to face up to our weaknesses, or we deny we have a problem and we end up in a storm. Then we turn around and look for someone to blame - God, someone else, anybody but ourselves. There are also storms that we will go thru that are no fault of our own. There are storms that other people cause. And beyond a doubt, these are the toughest kinds of storms to deal continue on page 4 November
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Looking Ahead Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for November & December
NOVEMBER 4-6 Annual Staff Meeting 9 Leadership Prayer 11 Gathering Place 21 Sunday School Thanksgiving Back Sale Sis. Chamber’s Honorary Retirement 25 Thanksgiving Day 26 Office Closed
DECEMBER 4 Dickens On The Stand 5 Senior Connection Annual Fundraiser 8 New Ministers Questionnair 11 Leadership Prayer/ Leaders’ Meeting 12 Sunday School Breakfast PLM Graduation Installation of New Deacons 18 Outreach 24 - 27 Office Closed 25 Christmas 31 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.
Nov. 1! !
Phelisia Shepard
Nov. 4! !
Ray Dodd, Jr
Nov. 10! !
Nicholas Sword
Nov. 12! !
Marissa Davila
Nov. 14! !
Kija Colemon
Nov. 19! !
Gwen Williams
Nov. 20! !
LaNeail Alxander
Nov. 21! !
Steve Stephens
Nov. 23! !
Jasia Smith
Nov. 26! !
Robert Clay II
Nov. 27! !
Kevin Bates
Nov. 30! !
Thomas Clark
Anniversaries Raymond & Capricious Wright Nov. 4 Samuel & Margaret Darden Nov. 17 Darnell & Gladys Simmons Nov. 20
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HolidayEvents As we come to the end of the warmer months and enjoy the slightly cool breeze the city of Houston continues to give Houstonians and visitors plenty to do. Find out what makes H-Town the city it is.
* Festival of Lights, Nov. 13 - Jan. 1. A great way to get into the holiday mood with over a million lights. Come see the lights and hear the music. Other activities include live entertainment, an outdoor skating rink and holiday movies. http:// www.moodygardens.com/ * Texas Renaissance Festival, Now - Nov. 28. Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation's largest, most acclaimed Renaissance theme park. The enchanted 53acre Village comes to life every fall with the sights, sounds, tastes and beauty of a 16th Century English Village. http:// www.texrenfest.com * Season of Sharing at the Children’s Museum of Houston, Nov. 13 - Jan 3. Children will learn about holidays and costumes celebrated around the world this time of the year. http://www.cmhouston.org * A Christmas Unwrapped by A.D. Players, Nov. 19 - Nov. 30. His collection of holiday comedies is sure to tickle your funny bone and remind you of things that you have experienced during the Christmas season. http://www.adplayers.org
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Thanks from page 2
look back and see the many blessings that have come your way. You don’t Day. There have been many wars when have to have the traditional meal, or go America has sent soldiers to help fight to out the next day spending money for maintain or bring freedom and Christmas gifts - and that’s another democracy. Serving our country is great story within itself. Take the time to and honorable, and to risk one’s life for remember the goodness of the Lord, us to have peace and freedom must be and enjoy your family and friends. We respected and given recognition. I thank are here today, but tomorrow is not God for our men and women that serve in promised. the United State military. “Great is the Lord and greatly to be I would like to give special thanks to praised; and His greatness is so many women that have served. It is unsearchable. Oh, give thanks for the stated that the women that have served Lord is good.” have been discriminated against by their male counterparts so much so that they were known as “the invisible veterans”. They make up about 40% of the veteran population. Do you know that women Life from page 2 have been serving this country over 200 years? So let’s salute the women as well. with, when you are the innocent victim in a situation. This is the The third is Thanksgiving. case in our story today. Paul was about to “Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival be shipwrecked. He just happened to be celebrated primarily in the United States on board. It was not his fault there was a and Canada. Thanksgiving is a holiday to storm at sea. I'm sure you've realized that express thankfulness, gratitude, and storms don't play favorites. appreciation to God, family and friends for which all have been blessed of Let me give you an illustration. I material possessions and relationships. have often wondered why the Lord has Traditionally, it has been a time to give kept me through the storms of life, even thanks for a bountiful harvest.” We know when I didn’t know him and didn’t serve that it goes back to Christopher him like I should. Some storms can be Columbus, to the first pilgrim Charles more destructive than others, and some Cittie in new Jamestown, Virginia, and those pilgrims at Plymouth. I need not go can just be minor at best. My first experience with a natural storm came into depth on this subject. when I was about six or seven years old. We can see that this holiday is Hurricane Betsy was the name of the receiving less attention, and the day after storm. It was predicted to go past New known as black Friday is being pushed. Orleans, but during the night it turned and Commercialism is moving Thanksgiving we took a direct hit. My two sisters, one Day from its original purpose of three of my brothers, and I were spending the days of feasting, giving God praise and thanksgiving, along with fellowshipping. summer with my great grandparents. Let us not take for granted these days that God’s grace has given us to enjoy the freedom, and rights, and privileges that others may never have. So this Thanksgiving Day don’t down play it, but 4
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to swim to safety. By morning we that were left were rescued and taken to my other relatives home. We found my older sister, but my younger sister and great grandfather were missing. Two weeks later they were found dead. How do you deal with a crisis? How do you stay calm in the storm? How do you negotiate the stormy seas in your life regardless of what happens? Background- God had put Paul on a ship headed for Rome. That was Paul's lifelong desire - to go to Rome and tell others about the love of God. Even though he desperately wanted to go, God told him to tell the crew of the ship not to leave the harbor because there was a storm out at sea. They didn't listen because they were impatient. Friends, that's where a lot of our problems start, we get impatient, don't listen to God, and we run right into a storm. We rush into marriage, job transition, new church, new relationship, new deal and we don't check it out with God. Yet, they went sailing right into the storm. Why?? This passage shows us the common reasons why people get themselves into trouble. This historical account transpired close to 2,000 years ago, yet human nature hasn't changed much. Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.
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
The hurricane hit during the middle of the night while we were asleep. The water rose to fast to get to shelter so we had to go up into the roof. My great grandfather took my two sisters and tried November
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New Life Temple Ministries Words from our ministries
Ladies of the Light
“A WORD FROM THE LADIES’ MINISTRY” “Lord I’m Available”
“Lord, I’m Available.” Remember this song? We say/cry,” use my hands Lord and my feet, speak through me Lord.” We tell the Lord that I’m available to be used by him, but when he calls us we all, at one time or another, say no or get fearful. We make all kinds of excuses as to why we are not usable, from I have something else to do; I’m not ready; are you sure Lord you want me to do that; picking what we want to do, or not doing what God wants at all. Every one of us has done this. I wonder if God is please with us.
to our heart, then we can sing this song and not be moved by emotions, but by the reverence of God. In knowing this to be God’s heart desire for our life, then it will be more than just a song, but a heartfelt desire on our part as well. God is waiting on us, to mean what we say and to do what we mean. I believe this song means we are ready to serve the church, community, and our family. This does not mean we will be seen or recognized by others for what we have done; it shouldn’t really matter anyway because of why or who we are actually doing it for!
God reminded me of something I said many years ago, just today while I was writing this article. I told someone I wanted to learn how to write correctly. This was a long time ago. I even had a dream about We complain, get angry, say no, or writing. Yeah, I know what does that even just don’t do what he has asked. have to do with being available to the But God is so merciful that he will Lord? Well, I don’t know, but I think come back to us over and over again it was a start for me. allowing us to say it again, “Lord, I’m I was very leery of writing available” until we say yes. because of my own fears of not I believe when we can totally be coming across correctly and not being honest with ourselves and the Lord, able to articulate properly. But I found he will help us to say only what we out that God always has a way of mean to say instead of saying what doing things. All he wants us to do is we think people want to hear, or what just getting started on what he has we think God wants to hear. placed in our heart and mind. If you When we are able to first face our do the simple things, he will always do the complex ones. This is from fears, and really allow God to speak November
writing, singing, dancing, speaking, witnessing, reading out loud without being nervous, we get so nervous until we even forget that you know how read, or just plain encouraging someone when the Lord prompts us to. God will sometimes give us a little push when we allow him to. That’s why it is so important to be careful of what you say to God in prayer, or even sing because you might be challenged to do it! Wow! I was actually long winded this time. Why? I don’t know. I think this one was really for me, humm! This was simple, yet powerful. Once again I say peace and blessings to you in Jesus Name! Sis. Donna Stephens, Ladies of the Light Coordinator
Outreach Ministry
“There Is No Other Plan”-Part 2
Matthew 9:36-37 reads, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”(NKJV)
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The Message Bible states that when Jesus saw the mass of people, his heart broke. He saw people milling around aimlessly, like lost sheep. He saw this mass of humanity as a harvest moving towards judgment. Because of His compassion, he realized that he needed help to reach them, to warn them, and to teach them. However, I also believe that Jesus recognized potential. He saw the guilty being set free. He saw the hell deserving getting grace. He saw the lost being saved. Jesus saw the mission of the church. In Matthew 28:16, he gives us the mission of the church. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Outreach must be the heart the church, because it is the heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You may be surprised how many Christians do not clearly understand the mission of the church. Or who just don’t consider it. They just show up, and go along with whatever is happening. Some think that the purpose of the church is fellowship . It is a place to cultivate relationships, or enjoy spiritual activities, or even look for a soul mate. Others think the church exist to teach theology, or practical Christianity. All of this may have its place in the profile of the church, however, our Lord gave us a commission, a mission, to seek those who are lost. The clear and present danger is that the church does not recognize her mission. We tend to become distracted with “each other.” Keep in mind that the twelve who walked with Jesus were much like you and I. Peter was a man of action. He was eager and impulsive. He always had his foot in 6
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his mouth. John, on the other hand was quiet, just wanting to meditate and be close to Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector whom all disliked. Simon the Zealot was a radical revolutionary. Jesus had a diverse group, but he trained them, and then he sent them. Jesus still takes what seems to be unworkable, what is not perfect, that person with the habit they can’t seem to break, those who people call worthless, he intervenes and changes things and uses them for his good pleasure. We are Jesus’ only plan to get His gospel out into this world. If you have any doubt about this….well, he chose us, didn’t he? That’s my truth for this month. Min. Edna Johnson, Outreach Ministry
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surprises God. He chooses the foolish things to shame the wise, and the weak things to shame the strong so that no one may boast. (1Cor.1:27-29, NIV). The question then becomes can you love and accept yourself as God does? By having a judgmental attitude towards you, you're contradicting God's word, and opening yourself to Satan's attacks. Paul refused to sit in judgment of himself. "It matters very little that you investigate and question me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself." (1Cor. 4:3, AMP) Paul had learned to let go of his past and press on, but he didn't think he'd "arrived" (Philippians 3:12-14). He was aware of the areas he needed to work on, yet he refused to keep beating himself up because of them.
Never forget God thought so highly of you that He sent His Son to save you from your fallen state and furtive fate. He "gave himself that he SEEING YOURSELF AS GOD might redeem us and purify us a people eager and enthusiastic about SEES YOU "[living a life that is good]" (Titus 2:14, By Apostle Bernice White AMP) "Who perfects us or matures us? God! You're a work in progress. However, as you mature in the “But we have this treasure in earthen knowledge of the Lord, some things vessel, that the excellence of the power shouldn't be a work in progress, if may be of God and not of us.” II Cor. 4:7 you allow our Heavenly Father to do it, either through His holy word, or The Bible says God works through "clay pots to prevent anyone through His people. So start to see from confusing God's power with us." yourself as God sees you. That way when people see good things in us, they know it's God. Jesus pointed out that a clay pot containing a candle with a lid on it may be full of Guest Writers light, but people can't see it.
Gue Cor st ner
Only when the pot is cracked does the light shine out through the imperfections in the same way God's grace shines out through us. (Matthew 5:14-16) Nothing about you
If you would like to share a thought or an article with our readers, we invite you to contact us at global_relations@newliftemplechurch.com or 713-991-5972 for more information.
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It started with the well intended religious school of outreach called seeker sensitive churches. Churches become more accommodating in reaching the “unchurched”. It becomes politically incorrect to call the lost “lost” or “sinners”. And so the sinners no longer felt that they had to change to “fit in” to the church world. Fit in? Yes. That’s how churches now want the “unchurched” to feel when they come. But along the way, as the sinner felt comfortable and began to fit in, they began to demand that the preached gospel become more accommodating to their unchanged lifestyle.
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I recently took my most eventful holiday ever!
Being a person who loves adventure, I expect there to be travel warnings, unexpected mishaps, lost bags or something with every overseas trip I take. In fact, it’s all apart of the adventure. But my trip to Italy last month promised to be very adventurous nearly from the start. And having a travel companion means double the adventure. One event in particular kept me laughing throughout our trip.
It was our second day in Italy, and we were traveling from Milan to Now in 2010 the new theology has Florence via train. No one in our become laced with “there are many compartment knew English, with the paths to heaven other than Jesus exception of a few basic words like “is Christ”, “no one can judge me but this...”, and the ticket office failed to God” and “we’re all doing it, so don’t inform us that Florence had two train try to judge me”. station.
The idea of being accountable to one another and to leadership has become more or less an intrusion on “personal faith”.
So after asking the strongly scented gentleman, who enjoyed looking at the two black women, if the next stop was ours, I quickly began taking down our luggage.
All the while, the true manifestation of God’s almighty hand Now please know that European is seldom if ever seen in this “new” trains DO NOT wait for anyone to get church. on or off the train. And when you hear the warning signal that the train is Mainstream Christianity is built upon sinking sand, but the church of about to depart, make sure you are no where near the closing doors. God is built upon a firm foundation that will last forever. So the train stops at Stazione Firenze Rifredi (we needed Stazione Firenze Santa Maria Novella). Being my -Mel A. Perry. father’s child, I make hast to get off the train! Mel serves as Global Relations Director and Assistant Pastor of NLTC
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the name of pasta she is just standing there when the warning sound has gone off. “Push the button!” Frustrated I push the button and forcefully tell her to jump! Down she flew. In retrospect it was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. The station’s platform had been replaced by rocks much farther down than the platform would have been. I quickly threw the other bags down and jumped myself. Only to realize after the door had shut, we had gotten off on the wrong side of the train. How was I going to tell her that the platform was on the other side of the train? And, oh yea, the Italians on the train watched us get off on the wrong side- I’m sure to their amusement. After the train pulled out of the station, we had to walk across the tracks and climb up on the platform. As the people watched us, I squared my shoulders back, grabbed my bags and walked away like every other traveler. How many people do we see in life who are unaware of where to get off? How often do we see another believer, a fellow traveler, take the wrong exit or use the wrong door? Instead of offering godly truths, we watch as they head towards destruction , sometimes to our own sick amusement. While rehearsing that event has brought much laughter to me, there is nothing funny about a soul taking the wrong door and jumping off to their “death”.
Trinetia stands blankly in front of the door. And I can’t figure out why in 7
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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
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9:00am
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10:00am
Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study!
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7:30pm
Young People On Fire! !
7:30pm
donna.ross@newlifetemplechurch.com
Karen Watson, Financial Manager
Thursday
Mel A. Perry, Global Relations Director
Music Ministry! !
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7:30pm
global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com
Deacons Roy & Veronica Seivwright, Head Deacons rs5587@att.com Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net Minister Isaac Bazile, Men of the Tower lawfalcon@aol.com
Saturday!
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Intercessory Prayer!
9:00am
*Senior Connection Monday - Fridays 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 presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
Pastor Raymond & Capricious Wright, Young People On Fire raymondwright24@yahoo.com
Minister Edna Johnson, Outreach ednajohn60@yahoo.com
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.
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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
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