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Got Life A newsletter about spiritual enrichment for the Body of Christ
A Monthly Newsletter Knowing The Time
October ‘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
86 percent of Americans believe in God or a higher power. 81 percent of Protestants were uncertain of the roll of faith in salvation. 45 percent thought the Golden Rule was one of the Ten Commandments.
Do You Know What You Believe Last month The Slatest ran a story by USA Today that caught my eye. Each day I see 10s upon 10s of news stories that I just ignore or erase. But this one...I just had to see what was the mystery. “Religion a Great Mystery to Most Americans” In light of all of the “religious” hoopla that has been in the news over the last few months, my interest was peeked. The story ran with the opening line,”Faith trumps factual knowledge of religion in America...” Instantly I was disturbed. A week before I had seen a show on JCTV that talked about a man who grew up in the October
“ultra conservative Southern Baptist Church”, and even had aspirations to be a minister. But when questioned about his belief, he realized he didn’t know anything about what he claimed to believe. Now, he is a professed atheist.
According to the research, Atheist and Agnostic faired better in the survey than Christians. The reason that was given, “atheism is an effect of knowledge, not a lack of knowledge.” While we know this is a lie of the enemy, the question begs to be answered, “do we know what we believe?”
The two stories made me think, how many of our youth, young adults and even adults know what they believe? And As believers, we must know what we if they didn’t have all of the historical KNOW, and be willing to teach it to our facts, would the core of their faith be youth and new converts. This is very shaken? important to your survival! The Pew Forum on Religion & Public -Mel A. Perry. Life called 3,400 Americans and asked them 32 questions about religion. This is Mel serves as Global Relations Director and what they said: Assistant Pastor of NLTC 1
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Knowing The Time By Bishop Brenda K. Perry
When I sit down to write in this little spot, I try to keep things a bit friendly, on the soft side and not sarcastic - as I am told I can be in some of my writings.
“Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know However, this month I want to write to you what Israel ought to do, from a more heartfelt and serious position. their chiefs were two Two passages of scripture that I feel describe hundred; and all their brethren were at the hour we are in and the boldness that must their command.” 1Chronicles 12:32 be lived by God’s people. They are 2 Timothy 4: 2 - 5 and Titus 1: 9 - 2:15 (read for yourself).
God, who is eternal and living in eternity, is the creator of all things, brought into time doing the creation of In recent months the “walls of the church” the earth. Time is a precious seem to have been shaken. But if our foundation is built on Jesus Christ the gates of commodity that is given to all by God. hell shall never succeed in destroying the Ecclesiastes 1:3 clearly states, “To church. everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” To every professing believer, the hour has
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living together in an unmarried state is now referred to as cohabitating. A homosexual lifestyle is now referred to as an alternative life style. They were born that way. Sin by any other name is still continue on page 4
Overcoming Our Past By Minister Isaac Bazile Philippians 3:13
In my last article I spoke about being transformed, and I believe that being spiritually transformed is vital to our relationship with Jesus and our fellow man. Being transformed also means we must overcome our past, the mistakes we’ve made, people we come when Christ must be in us. His Word It’s a very sad thing to be born into have hurt, people and things that have must become far more valuable than our this world, and die in old age, and hurt us. However often times, that’s homes, cars or money in the bank. The value of our currency is deflating with each passing never fulfilled your purpose in your easier said than done. Many people day. But the Word of the Lord shall never pass life time. We must understand that have asked me to pray with them and away or be of no value. for them, asking the Lord to give them time is of the essence, and is a the strength to overcome their past. I, If you want to see what appears to be the state measurement for use in life to myself, wrestle with thoughts of my complete that which we were charge of the church, visit the social networking past. All of us, who are honest with world. I’m amazed at how many will stone to do. The Apostle Paul said it like Christians (those who strive to live Christ this, “When I was a child, I spoke as a ourselves, know we have failures in our lives. Some are bigger than others, like) for standing up for simple righteousness. child, I understood as a child, I It’s an insult to “church goers” if you speak thought as a child; but when I became but all of them must be properly dealt against sin. But these same people will stand with in order for us to be free to live a a man, I put away childish things.” in line and allow someone to lie to them about healthy life before the Lord. divine blessings that will never come to those Many people waste time on unessential things of life. In Philippians 3:13 Paul speaks of who live contrary to the Word of God. both the past and the future. As for the The lie has gone out that it is ok to live the It is of great importance in a born past, he speaks of "forgetting those same life of those who deny Christ, and yet again believer’s life that we know the things which are behind." The past step up boldly and profess to serve God in the time. Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians can be a dear friend that inspires us “holies of holies”. chapter five admonishes the brethren that such as remembering the day of your they know the time and season, and that All I can say is Lord take me back to the place salvation. Moses said to the people where I first believed. Help me to serve you in the Lord will come as a thief in the night. in Exodus 13:3, "Remember this We today are so close to the Lord’s Spirit and in truth! day, in which ye came out from coming compared to the time of Paul. Egypt, out of the house of bondage; When you look around and see that sin
Mel A. Perry, Editor In Chief 2
was once frowned upon by the Church, and even certain sin what frowned upon by sinners. Now sin has made its way into the body of Christ. Names are now given to downplay the act. For example,
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Looking Ahead Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for October & November
OCTOBER 10 Home Bible Study Teacher’s Training 12 Leadership Prayer 14 Gathering Place 17 Bishop’s 12th Year Anniversary 27 Ministry Bible Study 28 Gathering Place 30 Leadership Prayer & Ministry Meeting Children’s Harvest Fun Night 31 Outreach Sunday
NOVEMBER 4-6 Annual Staff Meeting 9 Leadership Prayer 11 Gathering Place 21 Sunday School Thanksgiving Back Sale 25 Thanksgiving Day 26 Office Closed
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Birthdays & Anniversaries Monthly birthdays and anniversaries of NLTC members. If your birthday is not listed, email the church office.
Oct. 3! !
Crystal Wallace
Oct. 5! !
Elisha Christian
Oct. 5! !
Latricia Erving
Oct. 7! !
Agnes Williams
Oct. 11! !
Nancy Atkins
Oct. 17! !
Beverly Comeaux
Oct. 19! !
Paul Dalcoe
Oct. 21! !
Tray Pendland
Oct. 22! !
Nickolett Daniels
Oct. 22! !
Christina Rector
Oct. 22! !
Brittany Bazile
Oct. 25! !
Paula Bowden
Oct. 28! !
Jaden Scott
Oct. 29! !
Donald Walters
Oct. 29! !
Rodney Wright
Anniversaries Brian & Deidra Conner Oct. 6
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Fall Events 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.
* The Original Greek Festival, Oct. 7- Oct. 10 - Family friendly and informative cultural festival. Plenty of food, music and Greek dancing http://www.greekfestival.org * Bayou City Art Festival Downtown presented by Capital One Bank, Oct 9Oct. 10. A great way to enjoy art surrounded by Houston’s skyscrapers with great music as a backdrop. http://http:// www.bayoucityartfestival.com * 20th Annual Turkish Festical, Oct 16 Oct. 17. Take in a quick trip to Turkey, learn about Biblical sites in Turkey and enjoy Turkish tea and coffee without leaving Houston. http:// www.turkishfesthouston.com/ * 27th Annual Texian Market Days Festival, Oct. 22 - Oct. 23. Take a day trip back in time to the 1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s and relive the sights smells and activities of Texas Market Days. http:// www.texianmarketdays.com * 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/
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are some mighty leaders that have fallen, and others character is being sin. Now greed and lust of money is scrutinize by the media and unsaved brought into our preaching and teaching people. It’s time for the Christian body of God’s prosperity for the body of in America to stand up for God’s believers. They may be true to a degree, righteousness and truth. It is time for us but I don’t think God wants us to be like to put on the whole armored of God. King Solomon and store up great riches God is not asking us to hate people, but of things to be on display, knowing we hate sin. We are to love what God loves, can’t take them with us. How many cars and hate what God hates. Our leaders and planes do we need to take us to from today must be like the wise men of point A to point Z? Issachar knowing the time and To bring you back to the scripture, the proclaiming who should be put on the throne with wisdom and knowledge of men of Issachar were men of wisdom. God’s Word addressing the time we live Some would say they were astronomers in. and astrologers, very skilled in fixing of the year’s events. But the Bible speaks Yes, the Bible tells us that no man nothing of this matter. These men knew knows the day or the hour when God that it was God’s timing for David to be shall come. However it tells us to look King over Israel, the whole nation, and up for our redemption draws near. The not just Judea or some of the people. Apostle John lets us know in the book They chose not to follow King Saul any of Revelation 1:3 that the time is near. more. These wise men of Issachar were Knowing the time, you don’t have to be men of wisdom and knowledge, and astronomers and astrologers or could plainly see that God was with soothsayers. Just read your Bible and David. see that the time is at hand. My question for you today is do you Last question, do you know what time know what time it is? Will you be wise you are on, God, or Satan, or your time? like the men of Issachar and know what Think about it because eternity has no right King that should be sitting upon the time. throne? That’s the throne of your heart. The Bible tells us when you hear His Transformation from page 1 voice harden not your heart, now is the for by strength of hand the LORD day of salvation. Will we that are brought you out from this place." We believers allow Jesus, our King, to rule should never forget that glorious day and reign upon the throne of our heart? when God saved us. Many does not know what time it is; not knowing it’s high time to wake up out of The past can also be a terrible enemy. sleep and be about the Father’s business. John MacArthur said in reference to Too many of God’s people are putting Paul's statement in Philippians 3:13, back on the old man which should be dead with Christ, burned in baptism. The "Churches are full of spiritual cripples, paralyzed by the grudges, bitterness, sins, Church must awaken itself out of the and tragedies of the past”. Others try to apathetic state it is in. survive in the present by reliving past Do you not know that it is time to successes. They must break with that past pray without ceasing, to fast so you may if they are to pursue the spiritual prize. finish the race, and to read and study the God is interested in what believers do Word of God so you will not be deceived? Look around and see that there now and in the future. Remember, 4
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yesterday is gone, and we can never get it back. The sin we have committed and the mistakes made. Once we truly repent of those things and ask forgiveness, God is faithful to forgive, and so we should also forgive ourselves. Living your life looking back over your shoulder will rob you of joy! When your attention is on God, you're pressing forward!! Yes, you can learn from the past. But live in the present!! I don't know anything that stunts our spiritual growth and service more than thinking this is it! Oh, don't fall into the Devil's trap in getting satisfied with your spiritual life! One thing I really like about Paul is the fact that after all he experienced in his past, he refused to live in the past!! Once we understand that the scripture is telling us to do just that, and we start living in that mind set, and then watch how you grow. Be thankful for what God has done for you, how he did not allow you to die in the state you were in yesterday, but he allowed today to come to give you and I another chance to repent, and look forward to a better tomorrow. Several years back a line written on a wall declared: "Christ is the answer." Underneath it was written: "What is the question?" Someone else came along and wrote another line: "Whatever the question, Christ is the answer." That is true, my friend. What ever the question, whether it be of life or death or eternity, Christ is the answer. Paul knew that by experience. Not in the excitement of a new found faith, but in the steady confidence of many years of experience he wrote:
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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. We complain, get angry, say no, or even just don’t do what he has asked. But God is so merciful that he will come back to us over and over again allowing us to say it again, “Lord, I’m available” until we say yes. I believe when we can totally be honest with ourselves and the Lord, he will help us to say only what we mean to say instead of saying what we think people want to hear, or what we think God wants to hear. When we are able to first face our fears, and really allow God to speak 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 October
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 writing. Yeah, I know what does that have to do with being available to the Lord? Well, I don’t know, but I think it was a start for me.
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
I once read a fantasy that was written by a man named Dr. S. D. Gordon. The I was very leery of writing because of fantasy was so vivid, and although a fantasy, it is not far from the truth. The my own fears of not coming across fantasy goes as follows: Jesus is walking correctly and not being able to articulate properly. But I found out that God always down the golden streets of heaven. He had just returned from earth from his ascension. has a way of doing things. All he wants us to do is just getting started on what he All of heaven is eager to greet him and welcome him back. The first to greet him has placed in our heart and mind. If you was Gabriel. As they walk Gabriel engages do the simple things, he will always do Jesus in a conversation. The conversation the complex ones. This is from writing, singing, dancing, speaking, witnessing, or goes something like this.
reading out loud without being nervous. We get so nervous until we even forget that you know how to 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
Gabriel: “Master, you died for the whole world down there, did you not?” Jesus: “Yes.” Gabriel: “You must have suffered much.” continued on page 6
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Jesus: “Yes.” Gabriel: “And do they all know that you did it for them?” Jesus: “Oh no. Only a few in Palestine know about it so far.” Gabriel: “Well Master, what is your plan? What have you done about telling the world that you died for them? What is your plan?” Jesus: “Well, I asked Peter and James and John and a few other fellows if…..if they would make it the business of their lives to tell others. And then the ones that they tell would tell others, and then the ones they told would tell others. Finally it would reach to the furthest corners of the earth, and all would know the thrill and power of the gospel.” Gabriel: “But…..but suppose Peter fails? And suppose after a while John just does not tell anybody? And James and Matthew are ashamed or afraid? Then what? Jesus: “Gabriel, I have not made any other plans. I’m counting totally on them.”
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with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 28:16-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. In my next two articles, I will explore these “OUTREACH” scriptures by addressing the following: 1.When we look at the lost, what do we see? 2. Those whom Jesus sent, they had problems too. 3. Seriously Jesus, how do we do this? Until next month…… Min. Edna Johnson, Outreach Ministry Couples In Unity
This is exactly the way Jesus designed the plan to work. He would spend his time with eleven. The eleven would carry the “good news” message. The REVIVING YOUR MARRIAGE Part II ones who heard it from them would How do we recognize that our tell it to others, and others, and others. marriage needs renewing? Here are Here we are two thousand years later three of many. with the plan, and it started with eleven disciples. This is OUTREACH You are thinking about or contemplating divorce. in its truest form. In the book of Matthew we find two sections of scripture that (1) expressly tells us the heart of Jesus for the lost, and (2) gives us Jesus’ strategic plan for OUTREACH. Matthew 9:36-37 reads, But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved 6
You wish your marriage was like someone else’s. You don’t pray together for your marriage, especially for it to withstand the wiles of the devil.
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that is Proverbs. Verse 5 & 6 of chapter 3 states “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” If we are trusting in anything or anyone else except God, we will be disappointed. The bible tells us that man will fail you. Anything you want or need you have to go through God. If God’s response is no, you know He knows what’s best for us in every situation and He’s right in every situation. If He answers yes he’s directing your path, if He say’s no he’s still directing your path. Most marriages fail because we are depending on someone else and not God. God wants to meet your every need but, you have to let him. We have gotten so use to seeking out man to meet our needs until we have forgotten that God is our provider. We have set another up in his place in our heart causing our heart to easily be hurt or broken, and therefore not wanting to deal with our marriage. We either want a divorce, or want a marriage like someone else. We don’t pray together about it because neither one think it’s their fault. Well it is our fault if we don’t go to the provider for all our needs. The worst thing is we make a decision to lean toward our own understanding therefore directing our own path that can lead to destruction. We have to acknowledge him in all our ways if we want the right outcome every time. The right outcome is there for us every time if we trust God with each situation because God is consistently right. God is kind and merciful and only want the best for us. The best way to do this is to start practicing going to God for your every need. Try Him.
We will find a lot of what we need when we go to the book of wisdom October
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"This one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus," (Phil 3:13,14 NIV). “There Is No Future In The Past”!!
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Who doesn’t enjoy a working lunch? Yea me too, usually.
However, today it’s a forced working lunch. The one time I wanted to be at the office I’m forced to work and lunch. A first for Minister Isaac J. Bazile is the Director of Men everything. of the Tower Ministry at New Life Temple We have all heard, “don’t put off Church, as well as a staff writer for Got Life until tomorrow what you can do today!” If only I had listened I would not be in this place. God said men will give unto your You see, I was at the studio about to bosom but that path is only going to head back to the office when one of the be directed by God if you trust him to staff asked for the DVD for the church’s handle every need and every broadcast. problem. God is waiting for us to have the right attitude about who “O no! I never finalized it! O no, I your provider is so that the wiles of forgot!” the devil won’t step in and place How could I be so...My brain blame where it doesn’t belong. Once started spinning in overtime, yet going you began to renew yourself by no where. placing God back on the throne of your heart along with prayer, praise, There was no way I was going to and worship and reading the word, make that long trip to the church, slow down and began to pray complete the edit, and drive back to the together for your marriage against the studio. I had only two choices left. Stay wiles of the devil. No one wants to at the studio for 2 hours until it was see your marriage fail but the enemy done, or go to lunch and let the because we are a witness to others. computer do its job while I fed my sad We are Christ’s bride and one day He face. is coming back for us to be with him You guessed it, I opted for the later. forever. This is only the beginning; God will direct you from faith to faith So as I sit in P.F. Chang thinking and show you how to strengthen, that how I would rather be sitting at my which is weak and how to restore that desk, not forced to listen to Lady Gaga, which was lost. Once you are my mind is turning again. strengthened, and your marriage is How many of us do the same thing renewed, help strengthen someone in our spiritual life? We create these else and teach them how their spaces in our life that allow us to “put marriage may be renewed. off” those important things that our soul needs. We know that we should spend time with God now, but we Deaconess Catherine Powell, Co-Director with her husband, Pastor Elmer Powell, of Couples convince ourselves that we will have In Unity NLTC marriage ministry. October
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time later in the day or we will devote time to it later in the week. Yet to often, the time that we expected to come never does. Before we know it we are caught up and left with the regret of not doing what we knew to do. If we are not careful, it will soon become a habit that begins to define our life and our spiritual walk. The “I have time, I’ll do it later” eventually becomes an excuse not to do what we knew we needed to do, but really didn’t want to do. Some of you reading this may remember the time when you enjoyed spending time with God, but now it seems like a job instead of a romantic rendezvous. Or maybe it’s an assignment God tells us to do, and we say “I’ll get to it”. And because we feel that our present self assigned duty is a must finish now or when I feel more comfortable doing that, we miss out on a great opportunity to serve God and see God work through us. If we are honest, there is nothing worst then seeing God use someone else to do our assignment. The common phrases are, “ I was just about to do that!”, “I was feeling the same thing!” or “God has been dealing with me about that too!” Yep, we feel guilty, because we know we put God over to the side and actually forgot all about Him! How amazing. We never forget about God when we desperately need Him. So before you and I decide to give God the later appointment, let’s do what He’s asking us to do now. It’s guilt free and a time saver.
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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
Saturday!
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Intercessory Prayer!
9:00am
Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net Minister Isaac Bazile, Men of the Tower lawfalcon@aol.com
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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