Pastor Ray's Blog

Great Day Yesterday

2012-01-30T16:44:00.000-05:00

Hi Church,

What a great day we had yesterday.

We had a lot of testimonies of God working in peoples hearts. We had someone offer to pay off the missions trip balance for 2 our team members (second time this has happened in 2 weeks!). Church was full. The worship was just great yesterday. And Jesus was uplifted, and we took another step in detailing our vision of applying our faith in our homes.

The offering you gave for the Gideons was amazing, they told me it was 50% higher than the national average! ( I knew you were above average!)

On top of all that.. the last step in our renovation project was accomplished in that the sound booth was moved, the old structure destroyed, and the tedious task of relocating the 100 foot 'snake' in the ceiling was completed by a team of men who worked all day to have it ready for us next week. Great Job guys.

PR

Copy of Vow for Men to lead their families

2012-01-30T11:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday in our service together I shared the Vow for Men to lead that Mark Driscoll challenged his men with last month. You see his challenge here in this video

It fits into our faith at home vision, and in case you missed it here is copy of the vow.

Blessings,

PR

Guatemala offering

2012-01-15T15:42:00.001-05:00

Just quick note, we raised about 1100.00 of the 2100.00 needed to send the team to the mission field next month! Great job.

Got Questions Series: Testimony of a former Muslim

2012-01-13T10:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Day!

Our new Wed Night series is called "Got Questions?" We are looking at all kinds of questions that people have today and seeking answers from the Bible. Last week our question of the week was: What would Jesus say to a Muslim? After the lesson, we watched this video clip that many said they enjoyed as it shows the love of Jesus to a muslim.

Blessings,

Got Questions... starts tonight

2012-01-04T16:21:00.001-05:00

Happy day to you!

Tonight we start the Got Questions series on Wed Nights at 7, we going to take the most common questions, toughest questions and see what the Bible says about them. Hope to see you in the connections center today.

Pastor Ray

2011-12-27T15:02:00.003-05:00

First Day For God! Join us on January 1, 2012 for a day dedicated to God!
Morning worship service will begin at 10:30 am...note: there will be no Sunday School classes!
At 4 pm we will open the church for prayer time...the altars will be open for you and your family to spend time together in prayer.
At 5:30 pm we will have a light pizza supper and fellowship in the Connection Center.
At 6:30 pm we will be showing the movie Courageous...
You will have an opportunity to sign a "Resolution" as featured in the movie followed by a time of prayer for you and your family.
We want to help you live courageously in taking responsibility, establishing priorities, leaving a legacy and building faith in your home! For more information, fee free to call the church at 749-0220 or email us at: newlifeirmo@gmail.com

Christmas Day Service at New Life

2011-12-20T11:37:00.003-05:00

Just a reminder that we are having worship this weekend at 11 am instead of 10:30 on Dec 25th. There will be no Sunday School before church this weekend.

Come and lets celebrate the birth of Jesus, one of the centerpieces of God's redemptive plan with us. I will be sharing a message called "Reactions to the Light".

Blessings,

PR

Should we, as Christians, Celebrate Christmas?

2011-12-19T14:15:00.003-05:00

Happy day to you!

It is the holiday season again and with it sometimes questions are raised about the celebrating of Christmas. We celebrate it, as it is the time to remember one of the greatest events in God's plan, the incarnation.

I have written on this before, you can read about this topic here.

I saw a wonderful web site that answers some of the questions about Christmas, Christmas trees, etc in a similar manner that I would answer them. For those who may be searching about this topic, here are a couple of good resources...

1. Do some Christian Traditions have pagan origins?

2. Should we have a Christmas Tree?

Merry Christmas!

PR

$3 worth of God, before my coupons

2011-12-10T19:46:00.001-05:00

Wilbur Reese wrote this poem some time ago.

3 Dollars Worth of God

I would like to buy 3 dollars worth of God, please

Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don't want enough of him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant.
I want ecstasy, not transformation.
I want the warmth of the womb not a new birth.
I want about a pound of the eternal in a paper sack.
I'd like to buy 3 dollars worth of God, please
How much God do you want?
You get as much or as little as you desire.

Tomorrow, I will mention this poem in our sermon time, with the story of a red and green card that I experienced yesterday. Looking forward to worshiping with you.

PR

Man with the Golden Shorts

2011-12-05T14:22:00.001-05:00

I love this story.

(I want to give credit for it, and I think it is attributed to Mark Hamill as the author, but I have not yet to be able to find the source to confirm it. So for now, he gets the credit for it. )

Enjoy,

PR

The Man In the Golden Shorts

by MarkHamill

There once was a man who liked torun…occasionally. He had a neighbor who loved to run…all thetime. He was a fanatic. One day “fanatic man” invited “occasionalman” to join him for an upcoming 10-K “fun run” (talk about anoxymoron). Without bothering to due the math ----that 10-K equals 6.5miles ---- occasional man agreed. And so it happened early oneSaturday, occasional man and fanatic man found themselves registeringfor the Moreland Days 10-k, along with 100 other jogger-nauts.Everyone got numbers pinned to their shirts and a map of the route.

The atmosphere among the participantswas festive, and camaraderie continued even after the starter’spistol cracked the new day. Occasional man got caught up in all theexcitement and lost his map. No matter; he would just stick by thefanatic man…whatever it took.

This was a good plan --- for the firstmile. But the knot of racers soon stretched into a snake, with thefittest athletes forming the head and the spent ones streamingbehind.

Fanatic man moved effortlessly to thesnout of the beast, leaving occasional man lost in the bowels. Thisbothered occasional man, but his mind soon turned to more pressingmatters --- survival. The second mile had passed under foot andsomewhere in the middle of the third, a thought began worrying theedges of his consciousness. He might not make it to the finish line,in fact, he could actually die out here.

A mile later the panic in his brainburned off like the morning fog and the future became clear. Theissue wasn’t really if he would die, but when.

Meanwhile, the serpent slithered itsway through quiet neighborhoods around a golf course and into anearby forest preserve. Occasional man was all alone now. He couldsee only one other runner--- a man in golden shorts about 20 yardsahead. Occasional man prayed the stranger still had his map and knew where he was going. This was very important because occasional manknew if he got too far off course the police wouldn’t be able tofind his body.

The man in gold pulled occasional manalong as if they were short-roped together. When he zigged,occasional man zigged, when he zagged, occasional man zagged, step bypainful step through mile five into mile six. Finally they reachedMain Street with its Frappuccino-sipping spectators.

Having made it back to civilization,occasional man thought about collapsing, but his pride wouldn’tallow it. Dying alone in agony was one thing; spilling your guts infront of strangers was quite another. He finished the race andcollapsed into the warm congratulations of well-wishers---includingfanatic man, who looked like he just got back from walking the dog.

Occasional man gave his neighbor a bearhug, soaking him with sweat. Later that night he would duck tape thedoors and windows of Fanatic mans house shut and put a For Sale signin his yard. But right now he had more pressing business and went tofind the man in the golden shorts. When he saw the exhaustedstranger, leaning against a tree, Occasional man approached him andsaid, “Thanks. You saved my life.”

The moral of this racy tale? Quitsimple---really: “Better a role model in sight than a hero over thehill.”

At times we find ourselves inunfamiliar territory, afraid of stopping, and unsure aboutproceeding. We search frantically for anyone who knows where he orshe is going – someone whose footsteps we can follow because we canliterally step in them.

Heroes inspire us by their exploits,yet they are so far ahead of us we seldom see them in the flesh. Andwhile Christians are told to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author andperfector of our faith,” we also need our role models in the sameheat as us.

As you run life’s marathon, whosetail are you following: a fathers, friends, big sisters, teachers,grandparents, or pastors? Have you looked that person in the eyelately and said, “Thanks. You saved my life” ? And on the otherside of the race, who’s following you? What are you waiting for?

Recipes for a Godly Man

2011-11-30T15:57:00.003-05:00

"Recipe" for being a

Godly Man, Husband and Father

I have a young married man that recently asked me for a 'recipe' for Godly manhood. Unfortunately, he did not grow up with a model of a man to follow after and so I said sure!

So, I have been thinking about the "ingredients" of Godly manhood, as well as things that can ruin the whole 'pie'.

1. A pursuing disciple of Jesus. It all starts here. Notice how I worded it.

Jesus has to have a man's heart and passion before he can be a Godly husband or father. Everything else comes from this relationship. If this relationship is authentic, it will reflect in our heart.

Be a worshiper! Be a learner of His ways! Leave no question where your loyalties are! Your wife will be able to submit you when you are able to submit to Jesus. Your kids will respect you when you are following Jesus. (On the flip side, if you are not true after His heart, your family will see through it and despise your hypocrisy. )

2. Humility. To be Godly means we have to lay down the pride that wants to be right. We must realize that we are sinners, we have corrupted thinking that needs to be changed by Jesus. Until a man comes to the place that he realizes his biggest enemy is his pride, he can not be used of God in the home.

These next three go as a trio:

3. A good mentor. A mentor is is another man whom you trust, a man is mature, been serving Jesus longer and knows where the pitfalls are. If we compare this to a race or journey, this is the person ahead of you that we can follow in the 'follow me as I follow Jesus' model that Paul gave us. My absolute favorite story about this is the man with the golden shorts. You can read it here.

4. A healthy peer structure. If a man can't let go of old friends, they will hold him back and keep his attention divided. "Bad company corrupts good character..." (see I Corinthians 15)

5. A young man to invest in and disciple. This is the man who is following you as you follow Jesus. It can be your son, but there needs to be someone in front you and someone behind you..

6. Integrity in the big three. Money, sex, and power are the biggest three pitfalls for a man (after pride of course). The love of money will ruin the heart of man, and it is 'the cause of all kinds of evil' Paul said. Side note, one does not have to have money to love it. Sex, porn, lust will ruin the marriage of the man faster than anything. 'Set no unclean thing before your eyes'. Our culture worships the god of sex, but Godly men worship at no graven image but only at the cross of Jesus. Power and control will ruin the effectiveness of money. The Godly man must give this over to Jesus and let him control it.

7. Accountability. I have been in what seems a 50 mens groups where they try to force accountability. I agree 100% that men need a relationship where they can call a brother and be honest and find the prayer and counsel they need. You just can't force this with anyone or put men in a group and expect them to spill their fears and worries. This takes time to develop, but it is worth it.

8. A mission that costs them something (in time, effort, energy, money). You need a mission, but not just any mission, one that you believe in so much that you are truly willing to let it cost you. But remember that Paul taught that before a man can be used in leadership in the church that he must manage his own house well. Our first mission is at home. Always.

9. A passion for faith at home. The man is to be the spiritual leader of the home. This means he gathers his wife and/or kids for prayer. He makes sure that the tone of the home glorifies Jesus. He leads them in a study of the Bible. The leadership of the man does not mean that he only takes them to church on Sunday and that is all, no, he makes sure that the message in church is brought into his home.

10. A working list of priorities. Mine are:

Faith (all things related to my walk with God)
Family (things related to my marriage and children, and parents)
Farming ( it has to start with an 'f' to work, this is all things related to to my job)
Fellowship ( this is all related to fun and enjoying life)
Football ( this is way down the list, but this is all things related to the unnecessary but are enjoyable to a man)

A "working list" means that I need to tackle these in the right order. Football does not come before my family. Farming does not come before my faith.

11. An open life. Nothing to hide in your schedule, on your computer, with your finances. The thing you may want to hide is the idol in your life. Be completely honest with yourself, your spouse, others. There is no room for lying.

Some of these next ones were contributed by some other men that I respect.
12. A cheek that can turn. Yup, you have to be able to turn the other cheek

13. A heart that does not give up easily. It is also called going the extra mile

14. Care for the widow, orphan and the poor. You have to? Nope, that is what makes it great in a man. He does not have to, but he does.

15. Fight off the urge to judge and impute motives on others. Wise men do not jump to conclusions about others, fools think they know what drives others when they have not asked.

16. Never talk about your wife behind her back. Enough said. Why would you do that?

17. Have a thankful heart and attitude. I am fighting the urge to expound on this one. It is the attitude guys. The attitude. Not entitlement, but gratitude.

Finally...

18. An epitaph focus. Get up every day and try to work on the one phrase that people will write on your tomb stone when you have departed.

Have anything else to add to the list, email me!

PR

Black Friday

2011-11-25T11:59:00.001-05:00

Hope you had a nice thanksgiving! I am sitting in quiet coffee shop in Ga this morning, and thinking a bit, and studying a bit.

Today is an unofficial holiday in America, Black Friday. They day that merchants rejoice in as consumers throw off restraints in an effort to get all their holiday gifting completed early. I have a few mixed thoughts to share.

First, on the positive side there is something here that shows our heart to bless others. We are seeking a gift to give as a tangible way to show our care or love. I dunno, but I find that to be somewhat encouraging. At least most ( I don't think anyway) are shopping for themselves today!

Second, on the other side, there is a blackness to the whole process where consumers indulge and spend on things that often time are nothing but trickets and toys for the sake of checking someone off their list. There is a cultural lack of content around us that we see displayed and exploited by merchants, midnight madness sales, and long pushy consumer trying to get the best deal or the last item.

What are you thoughts on Black Friday?

Thanks so much

2011-11-20T16:51:00.001-05:00

I was quite surprised today, I had no idea that the church was planning to share cards and gifts for pastor appreciation and my birthday. I was so blessed by your warm thoughts, cards, gifts, encouragements and scriptures you shared today. I wanted to say thanks!

I will remember this for a long time.

Pastor Ray.

Turn clocks back this weekend

2011-11-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Church Family,

Just a reminder that this weekend we 'fall back', so be sure to turn your clocks back and get an extra hour of sleep before worship on Sunday.

PR

For the next time you walk in New Life to worship

2011-10-28T10:43:00.002-04:00

In the process of laying down the tile last night, Karmen took a minute and wrote the following passage of scripture at the entrance of the door into the sanctuary.

Blessings today,

PR

2011-10-26T10:56:00.001-04:00

Don't miss a special series of Wed night Bible Studies with Hebrew scholar Ed Nelson.

It starts tonight at 7pm and continues the next 2 Wed nights.

Ed will teach us a fresh perspective on the scripture from the Hebrew mindset. Bring your Bible and we hope to see you there tonight.

Blessings,

PR

Comedy Night at New Life

2011-10-14T13:51:00.004-04:00

Don't miss this special night of Comedy at New Life Community Church!

This event if *Free of Charge so invite your family and friends to join us in a night of family friendly laughs! *A Love Offering will be taken during the program.

Church "in the dust" this weekend

2011-10-07T12:16:00.004-04:00

Yup, this weekend ( and likely next) things will be a little dusty around here. The renovations are in full gear now!

We hit a few obstacles this week, but we were able to solve them and are now moving forward again. The lobby as we have known it is gone, and the flooring is gone, the new sound booth is roughed in, the bathrooms are retiled... we are moving along quickly. But it will be dusty.

One thing that makes our church so wonderful is that we don't come to worship because we like the carpet, we come because we love Jesus!

Our focus this Sunday will be our message around our new series called "Profiles in Courage". This weekend will look at Overcoming Discouragement from Nehemiah chapter 4. We will be serving communion as well. See you then!

Blessings,

PR

Watch the 5-Minute Heart of Courageous Feature & View Photos from the Movie

2011-09-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

Watch the 5-Minute Heart of Courageous Feature & View Photos from the Movie

Understanding our "expiration date"

2011-09-13T12:55:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night we will be in Ps 90 for our mid week Bible study. We will review what the passage teaches us about understanding our own 'expiration date' I hope to see you there at 7pm!

Here is a fun video related to the subject.

Blessings,

We did it, Celebration this Sunday!!

2011-08-29T10:29:00.000-04:00

Good morning,

In case you missed the news at church yesterday, someone gave a gift to complete the building fund project! So we have achieved the goal for which we set out earlier this year, with the help of the Lord. Thanks so much to all who gave during this year. To God be glory.

( If you can still help with the building fund, we will accept it! We have come furniture for the new lobby that we are hoping to be able to purchase, so anything else that comes in will apply toward this. )

This calls for a celebration! So this Sunday after church we will have a dinner for everyone. No cost to you or your family, just come and lets celebrate this milestone.

As for the project itself, we are starting it the first week of October. Things will be a mess for a few weeks around here. We will have opportunity for service if you would like to contribute.

Blessings,

PR

Getting ready for Wed Night Ps 51

2011-08-23T12:04:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to let those of you in our Wed Night Bible study know that we will be in Ps 51 this week - 7 pm in the Connection Center.

It is a Psalm is about seeking forgiveness for "when you have blown it" Ever been there?

Looking forward to seeing you there,

PR

Worshiping God and Sensuality at the same time

2011-08-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in our message from Malachi chapter 2, we outlined how the men of Judah were divorcing their wives and marrying the Persian woman. In the message, I referred to image that was on CNN and I wanted to share it with you today so you can see what I was referring to.

Here is a quick review to set the context: The foreign women were Baal worshipers, which was the God of sensuality. The men found them attractive, so they would divorce and break their marriage covenants, marry these women, and then they would then bring their new wives to the temple, cry about the effects of they had done. And as we found out, God hated what they were doing.

The men were therefore desecrating the temple on two levels: First because they were breaking their marriage covenant in order to chase after other sensual women. Second, because they were bringing them to the temple, when God had clearly commanded they were not to marry foreign women.

All that to say, I referred to image that was on CNN.com yesterday (full story is here). In the image, shown below, we see outlined an almost exact parallel modern equivalent of what was going 2500 years in Malachi's time.

Replace the temple with a church. Replace sensual women with sensual media. And there you have it. Although this image is disturbing, it reflects the new temptation faced today to worship at altar of God and sensuality at the same time.

Our battles today are much the same as they were 2500 years ago. We need Jesus to heal us our hearts, families, churches and our land.

Blessings to you today,

PR

Biblical Principals about Divorce and Remarriage

2011-08-21T10:45:00.011-04:00

This Sunday we will be dealing with a very hot issue. Our topic will be about marriage and divorce, as we are working through the book of Malachi verse by verse.

This week we come to the end of chapter 2 in our journey, where the people of God were divorcing their wives in order to marry foreign women. God saw it, He saw what it was doing to the family, and he says he hated it.

Our goal for this weekends message is three fold:
- for those not yet married, that you will be careful about choosing the right spouse.
- for those married, that you will put up guards around your marriage and family to prevent divorce.
- for those previously married, that you will find grace and healing to move on.

As I will mention in the message Sunday this is a rather good article about principles regarding divorce and remarriage that may be of interest to some. The 7 principles covered in the article are:

1. Marriage is the sacred union between one man and one woman and God’s intention is for marriage to last a lifetime.2. Divorce is not always sinful.3. Divorce is permitted, but not required, on the ground of sexual immorality.4. Divorce is permitted, but not required, on the ground of desertion by an unbelieving spouse.5. When the divorce was not permissible, any subsequent remarriage (to someone other than the original spouse) results in adultery.6. In situations where the divorce was permissible, remarriage is also permissible.7. Improperly divorced and remarried Christians should stay as they are, but repent and be forgiven of their past sins and make whatever amends are necessary.

Since the topic is so difficult, nuanced, and emotional, I suggest reading the entire article.

Blessings,

PR

Come study the Psalms with us tonight

2011-08-17T09:11:00.001-04:00

Tonight we continue our series on the psalms, and we are going to do something very different.

Instead of looking at one psalm, we will be hitting highlights of Psalms 33-50.

It will be 11 lessons from 17 psalms in 30 minutes. See you at 7.

Blessings,
Pr

Malachi - where is the love and grace?

2011-08-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Hope this finds you doing well today.

I have been thinking and studying a lot about our current sermon series on Malachi. As we discussed last week, he is a straight shooter, very straight. His language is strong and his calls for renewals are direct. He was used of God to shake up the complacent children of God from their ritualistic empty worship. His words can be sharp and direct... so where is the love and grace of God in his book?

It's there. Here is the deal, God was not pleased at all with the fake surface worship that He was getting. He was not pleased then, and He is not pleased now if anyone treats his name in the same manner. They were giving God their leftovers and treated their walk with him as if he were less than a human official, let alone the one true God.

However, God started the book proclaiming His love for them, everything else that follows is stacked on top of this base. I think of it like a parent first asking a child to get out of the street. If they continue to play in the street, the words get stronger and more direct. The punishment is outlined. Why does a parent do this? Because they hate the child?

No, it is in fact because they love the child, very much. Does the like child like to rebuked? Probably not. But a wise child will heed the warning rather than test it, it is for their own good. A wise child would see that their parents love them, and hence they do not want them to get hurt.

God's love is strong, God's character is love. While a call from complacency may be unpleasant at the time, a wise child of God will heed the message. It is because God loves us.

PR

New Message Series - Malachi's Burdens

2011-07-29T11:52:00.004-04:00

I am thrilled to start a new series this weekend, we will explore the book of Malachi!

Yes, Malachi. The last of the OT writing prophets. I don't think I have ever heard a sermon series on this book, but yet it carries so many weighty and needed messages for us today.

We will revolve the series around the theme of "Malachi's Burdens". In this book, Malachi outlines several burdens that he carries for his people. (Actually, the truth we will uncover is that they are really God's burdens for his people.)

As I have been preparing for this series, I am finding many applications that apply to our walk with Jesus, our homes, and the blessings of an authentic walk with God.

We will start unpacking them this weekend with a message about Malachi's first burden: When people doubt the love of God.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend,

PR

It is going to be good to be home

2011-07-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

We are getting back from a wonderful family vacation the last two weeks. We were so excited to go, to travel, to experience new things. Before we left we could not wait to go.

But in the last days of our adventure, our excitement changed. Suddenly we could not wait to get home. We wanted to sleep in our own beds and be surrounded with the people and things we love and are familiar with. During the last miles down the east coast toward SC, our thoughts were consumed with one thing... getting home.

While away, we were at a service and heard a sermon related to this. One comment was about hearing the Lord say at the end of our life (when we finally get to our real home), "Well done".

Every Christian will come to the place of realizing that they want to be home with the Lord.

Like Paul says in II Cor 5

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ^... ⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

It's good to be home, and it will be even better to really be home. Some days my thoughts are consumed with the later.

Blessing,

PR

Proud of my little girl.

2011-06-26T22:24:00.000-04:00

Just a little clip of my little girl singing for the first time in church at age 4.
Great job Belle.
Love,
Daddy.

Clearing up the confusion on Hell

2011-06-22T11:19:00.001-04:00

Good morning!

For sometime I have been concerned about the confusing and even strange teachings about the topic of hell and eternity that are circulating. Maybe it the summer heat (it is 102 outside right now!), but more likely is my pastor's heart that leads to take a week to clear up the confusion of this subject.

So this weekend I am going to preach a message about the 10 biggest questions about Hell and Eternity. I am going to show us the grace and love of God, while at the same time try to address the confusing teachings that are out there with clear biblical truths.

And don't worry, we will not leave the AC off for effect. :)

Blessings,

PR

Dads will understand this video

2011-06-17T12:15:00.000-04:00

Preview for Father's Day this weekend.

Here is a preview of the video we will show on Sunday. Every Dad will relate to this one!
Enjoy and have a smile!
Our message with will on arranged around Leadership Lessons from Shackleton Survival Saga. in reading these lessons, it amazed me how many are Biblical. So it will be a little different than the normal way I approach a message, but I pray every man will challenged by the story and message.

Blessings

PR

HOW does one be a spiritual leader in the family?

2011-06-08T12:42:00.000-04:00

It happened about 3 months ago now at Cracker Barrel. A friend and I were talking, over a nice dish of warm apple pie and ice cream, about the importance of faith in the home. He is a good dad, and he is seeking to lead his family in the ways of the Lord, and train his children to be disciples of Jesus.

He made an "off the cuff" comment that has stuck with me now for the last three months. He probably did not think anything about it, but I think about it every week as a father and pastor.

He said, "I have been taught that I need to be a spiritual leader, but I have never been a church that told me HOW to be a spiritual leader."

Well, I hope to change that on Fathers Day. I am going to title my message "HOW to be a spiritual leader in your home". We will have a gift for every dad in attendance, and we will pray over our men. We have a lot of great dad's here at New Life. It is my hope that when we are done we will be better equipped with How, not just the Why.

The apple pie was good, but this comment has inspired me for some time.

PR

Will the World end on December 21, 2012? Does the Bible Teach this?

2011-05-30T10:14:00.001-04:00

There seems to be a continued interest in end times in our world right now. And rightly so, the signs that we are told about in the Bible seem to be coming true in increasing numbers. While we do not know the day or the hour when the prophecies of the Bible will fully begin, we do see what the Bible calls the birth pains pointing us to the full delivery of a final judgement on the world.

A couple of weeks ago we talked about the May 21 date, ( and the related Oct 21st date when one such group suggests Oct to be the final end of the world). Others are talking about or using the Mayan calendar and prophecies to predict the end. Of course this presumes God
a. uses the Mayan calendar himself
b. inspired the ungodly Mayan prophets.

Here is a great page that offers an explanation of the Mayan predictions and a Biblical response to it. To quote:

Accepting the Mayan 2012 prophecy logically requires acceptance of the following theories: our sun is a god; the sun is powered by the blood of human sacrifice; the creation moment occurred at 3114 B.C. (despite all evidence that it happened much earlier); and the visual alignment of stars has some significance for everyday human life. Like every other false religion, the Mayan religion sought to elevate to the point of worship that which was created in place of the Creator Himself. The Bible tells us about such false worshipers: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25), and “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). To accept the Mayan 2012 prophecy also denies the clear biblical teaching about the end of the world, because Jesus told us “…of that day and hour no one knows, no, not the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32).

Friends, we have to be careful what we use as our guide these days.

Blessings,

PR

Keep Guessing, but He is will come when He is ready.

2011-05-24T11:52:00.003-04:00

I know there have been lot of posts lately about the "predicted rapture" news of the last week. I will stop writing about this, but first one more. I can't resist it. :)   Then hopefully, we will put this behind and move onto other topics about living and serving Jesus.

Today the news came out that this same group has revised their May21st rapture and end times guess to Oct 21st.   Apparently unwilling to just say "We are wrong", they continue their relentless guessing of the end times events. It is now becoming silly. (They say the rapture did take place, God did visit, but it was a spiritual event so we did not see it. The physical rapture was postponed. As for the earthquakes and other predicted catastrophes, no comment. Apparently God changed his mind on how the end times will take place after checking things out down here, as if He did not know how they were last week.)

You can keep guessing, but He will return and the end times will begin when God is ready. Period.

I want us to be careful about not throwing the baby out with bath water. Just because this small group is in the news and their guesses are not working out it does not take away from the clear teaching the Bible that Jesus will return, and God will bring all things to an end. An lets not forget the good news, there is a new earth that He will create!

As for when all this will take place, there is only one answer: when people LEAST expect it.

So I say, stay ready my friend. Stay ready. Love and walk with Jesus today... and every day.

He will come.

Blessings,

PR

Great Billboard.

2011-05-22T18:25:00.003-04:00

No earthquake, no rapture (yet), and no gloating.

2011-05-21T23:59:00.009-04:00

I spent some time this week refuting the twisted prediction of the rapture occurring on May 21st, along with a huge earthquake, and the start of 5 months of hell on earth that would result of the end of the world in Oct. None of it happened of course, even though it was 'guaranteed' in the Bible according the fringe group of these false prophets.

But I am not gloating. In fact I think I am bit saddened by all of it.

I am not disappointed because it failed to happen, like many who spent their life savings and ruined their Christian credibility. I would have been happy if Jesus returned. And I am fact still looking forward it. It will happen in God's timing. Mr. Camping ( for the second time) gives us a modern definition of a false prophet. He has wasted his last shot at doing something for God in this life. Not to mention millions of dollars he wasted from donors that he duped into believing this silliness.

Instead I am saddened by what I learned or was reminded of this week:

1. Above all, I was reminded that many are not ready for eternity. The sad part is that many do not care about it because the world has blinded them. I met and talked with them. Some were just like the scoffers in the I Peter 3

³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. ⁴ They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” ⁵ But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. ^... ⁷ By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Others knew about Jesus, but they were not ready. They had "issues", some admitted they loved sin too much. One was worried that he had not kept the 10 commandments (not understanding that we can not be righteousness by what we do, but by grace). I had several say to me, email me, or indicate by the look on their face they were not ready. They knew they were not going to go. This also means that when they die, they are not ready. This saddens me.

2. I saw many who used this week to mock Christians and the name of Jesus, and that is sobering. They were holding "after rapture parties", to celebrate. Others were trying to make money with After Rapture Pet Care. Atheists had fun, for now. They could not see a difference between a extreme prediction by a few versus the masses of Christians who are following and living for Jesus every day. This saddens me because they are missing grace of God and the joy of walking with Jesus. In some ways, I Peter 2 (quoted below in red) talks about this when it says when these things happen it bring the way of truth into disrepute.

3. Lastly, I read about this family. I wonder how many other families this type of thing happened to during the last month. Maybe before going to tell the whole world next time, we should walk across the living room and pray with, model for, and teach our families about what Jesus actually did say. These parents have likely lost credibility for teaching their kids about Jesus, maybe for a lifetime. Very bad decision, and it saddens me.

II Peter 2:1-3

² Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. ³ In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.

I say lets get back to work at walking with Jesus, making our home a faith building center, and being salt and light. Lets honor solid Bible study - even if it is not as flashy. And instead of proclaiming some secret coding found in the Bible, lets do what we are told and proclaim the grace of God that has appeared for all.

That would cheer me up. :)

Blessings,

Copy of the Interview with WLTX on May 21st Rapture

2011-05-20T19:52:00.000-04:00

Here is a copy of the news program that aired tonight, in reference to the May21st Rapture date.
Good Job to Lauren at WLTX.

PR

Will technology replace the church?

2011-05-19T15:18:00.004-04:00

Just read this blog on CNN about technology possibly replacing the church.

To quote from it:

When Bible study can be done on Facebook as easily as in the church basement, and a favorite preacher can teach lessons via podcast, the necessity of physically gathering each week in the same place with the same people turns remote.

It is good the technology has brought the Bible to the masses like never before. I would rather have the masses reading the Bible on their tech gadgets than not at all. But at the same time there is no threat to the organized church. In fact, I think the opposite is true here.

With more people reading the Word ( assuming that it is not a meaningless fad to them) they will come to know and follow Jesus. With this comes a greater need for fellowship and community than ever before. I find believers young and old crave fellowship with each other, they sense the need to support each other and be supported by others. They like to learn in groups.

Put another way, I do not know of an IPad app nor smart phone that can offer a personal prayer for a friend or give a hug of compassion in a time of hurt or in time of need. And for that, only the church will do.

Blessings,

PR

Is Jesus coming back this Saturday, May 21st?

2011-05-16T14:58:00.006-04:00

There are billboards everywhere, RV's with fancy graphics, news clips about it, and yes, even "After Rapture Pet Care" businesses have sprung up. Millions of dollars have been spent on getting the word out, but is Jesus really coming back this weekend, May 21?

Well, if He does it will have nothing to do with the creative and suspect Biblical Numerology that Harold Camping and others have concocted. (And I should note this is their second attempt to get it right, their first false prophecy failed in 1994!)

Yesterday I outlined in the message titled "Jesus' Return" (May 15, 2011) a simple version of how they came up with the date of May 21, 2011.

[ For those interested here is mini version of their creative math, as I understand it: Take a supposed date that Noah loaded the animals into the ark, add 7000 years. The 7000 years, according to them, is the intent of Peters words that say a 1 day is as a 1000 years with Lord. Since Noah took 7 days to get the animals into the ark, and each day is as 1000 years, you come up with 7000 years. As for the day that Noah started, they say you have to use carbon dating and tree rings to find that date. Ok, if you have not left the room yet, you then add a year because there is no year zero on the calendar... that gets you to 2011. To get to May 21, you have to then assume Noah used the Jewish calendar, and since he loaded up everyone on 17th day of the second month, you come up with May 21st. The funny part is when they are interviewed about this and explain it the reported, they conclude with something like, " See it clear as can be from the pages of the Bible!" ]

In addition in this message, I outlined some other major predictions of Jesus return that have failed in history. These, like Campings, have been based on ideas from Biblical numerology, the lining up of planets, or simple nice round dates. Each one has come and gone.

But don't throw the baby out with the bath water...there are over 300 references to the return of Jesus in the Bible. He will return, and He said His return will be when most least expect it, like a thief in the night.

However, I have to wonder what it is that makes some of those, like Camping, try to figure out a date based on hidden Bible codes in favor of the clear teaching that Jesus said in Matthew 24, that no man, no angels, and not even Jesus himself knows the time when this event will take place? How complicated is that? I hear of Christians lining up for the next prediction in December 2012 based on a Mayan calendar. Come on now, the Mayans? Do Bible believing Christians really think that God is waiting on or cares about the Mayan calendar to send His Son to gather the church again?

Dr. Al Mohler commented on this controversy. He gets to the heart of the matter:

The Bible does not contain hidden codes that we are to find and decipher. The Bible has been given to us in order that we might know the truth, and the truth is clearly revealed in its pages. We are not to look for hidden patterns of words, numbers, dates, or anything else. The Bible’s message is plain and requires no mathematical computation for its understanding. The claim that one has found a hidden code or system in the Bible is an insult to the Bible as the Word of God.

…We are not to draw a line in history and set a date, but we are to be about the Father’s business, sharing the Gospel and living faithful Christian lives. We are not to sit on rooftops like the Millerites, waiting for Christ’s return. We are to be busy doing what Christ has commanded us to do.

Despite it all, I want to thank Mr. Camping and crew. While I am not gonna drink this water, your efforts and expense have brought a renewed interest in the Lord's return to our culture. If nothing else, it gave me a chance to preach on it and as a result we had several give their lives to Jesus.

So, while I am not buying into your math codes, I will be ready and hopefully more are as a result.

Blessings,

PR

David Wilkerson - 7 Minutes of a sermon on Anguish

2011-05-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

David Wilkerson, who passed into eternity last week, preached many powerful messages in his 50 plus years of ministry. This is a very powerful 7 minutes from a message he preached from the book of Nehemiah on the topic of anguish.

I wanted to share it with you b/c I think it is a very appropriate message needed today.

Blessings,

PR

G.O.S.P.E.L. - 4 minutes

2011-05-03T12:25:00.000-04:00

Well done clip.

Blessings,

PR

Video: If the Exodus Happen in the tech age.

2011-04-30T09:57:00.004-04:00

Who was Jesus?

2011-04-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

I very rarely post a sermon video file in this blog, but this sermon was one of the clearest I have ever heard on the topic of "Who was Jesus" in all my years as a Christian. It was preached Easter 2011 at Mars Hill Church, Mark Driscoll.

It was so well done that I think others would benefit from it as I did.

Blessings,

PR

Parenting: We need to teach our girls how to dress

2011-04-20T10:24:00.001-04:00

I just read this article on CNN, and I like this guys take on a subject that is often ignored: Parents need to teach their children how to dress appropriately and modestly. While this article deals most with girls, the same principles can apply to young men.

The way a girl dresses sends a message to everyone around her. The message she sends speaks of how she wants to be noticed (for her dress, style or body vs. her character), how she feels about herself (ie why does she need someone to notice her image? Why does she draw attention to certain body parts with messages across them), and how healthy her value system is.

I know the culture is pushing (pun intended) our young girls to "hot", "sexy", and attractive on the physical and style level. But this article is a good reminder that we all need to parent carefully and intentionally in this area.

I recently had a conversation with our older children that when a lady dresses to highlight her body over her character, she attracts men that care more about a body than than they do about a person. While the article is not written from a Christian view point, he says things that I see many Christian parents are afraid to admit.

The Bible does have a lot to say about this, it could be a teaching moment for you and your teens to read this together (both for young me and ladies) Here is the link: http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/19/granderson.children.dress/index.html

Blessings,

PR

Principles for Church Worship

2011-04-05T11:08:00.001-04:00

I just read a great post on principles for church worship by Mark Driscoll at the "Resurgence" blog entitled "6 Biblical Principles for Corporate Worship".

I thought it contained great thoughts about how and why we gather for church worship, so I wanted to share it today.

"Worship is not an occasion for us to hear sermons about us, sing songs about us, or focus on how to make ourselves feel happily inspired. Since we are prone to worship ourselves as idols, corporate worship is an important occasion to redirect our worship back to God."

You can read it here here.

Blessings,

PR

What kind of church member are you and I?

2011-03-30T11:42:00.001-04:00

I just enjoyed this message so much, that I wanted to share it with you.

It is by Mark Driscoll. The first 30 minutes are about the types of people that are often in church, and how their negatives often see distract us from our message of Jesus. The second part is guidance for pastors.
It is well worth a listen.

Blessings,

PR

Enoch - A man who wanted to be a Godly Father

2011-03-23T10:49:00.001-04:00

I have been thinking about Enoch, and how he holds for us a great "faith begins in our homes" lesson. Really it is call for dad's to Godly fathers.

Gen 5 is the text- Lets do a little math.

Verse 21 says he lived 65 years and THEN become a dad.
Verse 22 says after he become a dad, he started walking with God.
Verse 23 says he lived a total of 365 years.

So... 365 years of life - 300 years that he walked with God = 65 years he did not walk with God. In other words at year 65, the same time he became a father, he started with walking with God.

I don't know how it actually happened. There were no churches or pastors to go to in that day. Somehow though, God got a hold of his heart, and called him off the path that he walking on over to the path that was hand in hand with God the Father.

I don't know how Enoch lived the first 65 years of his life. Maybe he was into wild living, selfish living, or maybe he was outwardly religious but God did not have his heart. We do know that the inclination of all around him was only wickedness from Gen 6. So if he was living anything like the culture around him during the first 65 years of this life, then he was not very Godly.

But God called him and he answered. Enoch's son needed a Godly father. He needed a man to tell him how to live for God in the midst of the wickedness that surrounded that generation. He needed a man to show him what walking with God means. He needed a consistent example of how to be faithful. And Enoch became of all these, walking with God for 300 years.

Our families need the same things today from the men and fathers who are following Jesus. Our sons need it, our daughters needs. Faith starts in the family. Enoch is a great lesson in getting off the wrong path and walking with God.

You can hear a sermon about this on 03/20/2011 in our sermon archive.

Blessings,

PR

New Blog Design - Thanks Josh

2011-03-22T12:08:00.001-04:00

I would like to thank Josh Bigger for creating a new blog design for me, he does a great job with web graphics should you need his services.

Thanks Josh!

PR

What they did not teach us in Seminary / Bible School

2011-03-07T12:44:00.001-05:00

We had an interesting discussion in our Monthly ministers meeting today. The topic was "What have you learned in ministry that 'they' did not teach you in Bible School or Seminary?" In other words, what have you had to learn the hard way.

We started with a master list of about 15 ideas, and also encouraged everyone to contribute an idea to the list. We broke into groups and each group came up with a top ten list of things that they had to learn the on the job about ministry, pastoring a church, etc. You can see the result in the image embedded.

Here is a summary of the top findings

- Many felt that they were unprepared for the emotional toll of ministry. I am not sure one can truely be prepared for it... but it was definitely in the center of the discussions today. Related topics included enduring hard times, dry times, trials of planting a new church, and surviving burnout. Some ministers have experienced these trials and could speak of them first hand.

- Communication and vision casting. You may think that a group of ministers would not have communication on their lists, after all we communicate every week or several times a week by preaching. However in our groups sermon preparation and sermon delivery never made daylight on our lists. However the importance of vision casting, communicating vision, communicating with team leaders did make our lists. We discussed that we find that vision 'leaks' out of a church if it is not tended to regularly by communication.

- Handling setbacks in ministry. Fact is that most books about ministry are on how to improve, grow, and be successful for God and His Kingdom. Reality is that every minister will face set backs and opposition. Church members leaving, lack of money, and other setbacks came up. Not much is written about these hurtful struggles. But in our focus groups I think there was an itch for help with this area of struggle that we face privately as ministers.

- One interesting surprise area that made the list: How to deal with those in church that like to be associated with the church and want enjoy it's benefits but are not committed to discipleship, I
It was illustrated as those who forever like to date the church, but not marry it. Or date many churches.
This is frustrating area for many pastors because we see potential for the kingdom if we are all board the boat AND rowing. But if only a few are rowing and the rest are enjoying the scenery it can ruin the unity in the church.

What did not make the lists?
There were also some suggested areas did not make the list, and in fact they seemed to areas that most felt rather well prepared in. These included: training lay leaders, counseling, the temptations to settle over time, the resistence to or fear of change, and how to prepare a sermon.

We concluded that there are something that can only learn by experience. When we discover an area that we need to address, we have the resource of other ministers to help us as well as many books to give us guidance and encouragement.

PR

New Sermon Series: Run with the Winners

2011-03-07T11:57:00.000-05:00

We are starting a new series of sermon messages entitled Run with the winners, with a focus on looking at the people mentioned in Hebrews 11.

Imagine that sides are being picked for a basketball team. One team are the 3 stooges and Elmer Fudd. One the other team are 4 top NBA players like Dr J, Micheal J, Larry Bird, Labron, Kobe. You will be the fifth player for either team you choose.

Not much of choice is it? We want to be among the winners! Hebrews 11 is an encouragement about running with the winners. The conclusion to the chapter is actually in Hebrew 12:1-3. The paraphrase of it is that since we are surrounded by these men and women who have been commended for their faith (Hebrews 11:1), let US run the race marked for us in the same way. Let us run with the winners.

These men, as we will see in the series, were not super human. They were in fact flawed and ordinary both before and after they answered the call. But they are listed in the Word as some who have won by faith the race marked out for them. Hope you can join in person or listen to messages online.

Blessings,

PR

Here we go! (Building Renovations)

2011-02-02T15:50:00.002-05:00

Hi Church,

Here we go! Last week we approved our building renovation plans. We are thrilled to finally be able to start this phase as we prepare for the future ministry that God has for us. We need to raise $18,000 to be able to complete the renovations, including the needed bathroom upgrades.

The plan is to divide the total giving into 900 gifts of $20 each. We have 900 mini tiles, one for each $20 gift, to help us keep track of the progress...check out our board in the lobby that we are using to show our progress! (Of course, you can give any amount large or small!) We have our first gifts coming in this week. Once we have enough committed, we can begin to get things underway. Every tile matters!

If you want to give online you can do so here

Please pray with me about our campaign and each of our parts. Together we can do this.

Blessings to you and your family today,

PR

This Sunday...

2011-01-07T13:45:00.003-05:00

I am sorry that will not be able to be with you in worship Sunday. I have contracted a case of the the flu, and now most of our family is down with it. I was excited about preaching the second half of our illustrated sermon series on investments for the new year, I will pick up where we left off as soon as possible... Lord willing.

Unfortunately I will not be in the pulpit next weekend either. I have been scheduled to guest preach at another church on the topic of Faith at Home. No, I am not trying out for another church. In fact if you have not heard this message or need a refresher, you are welcome to email me this week and I will give you directions as this message is one of our core values.

Our former associate pastor Andrew Bullard will be our guest speaker at New life next week.

I fully intend to be here this Wed night for Bible Study. Several have called and I have not been able to return calls, please see one of our deacons if you have a need that requires attention. Thank you for your understanding and prayers. Blessing to you, Pastor Ray.

You have heard about Holiness, but have heard about Wholly-ness?

2011-01-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

Good morning. Our 2011 Theme verse for New Life is found in I Timothy 4:15

^15"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress"

And the key word is Wholly... I know in church we hear a lot about Holiness, and rightly so.

But before we can get to a place of holiness, we need to address the one thing that prevents us from being close to God: a divided heart that is serving 2 masters. In our passage, Paul told Timothy that he was "to give yourself 'wholly'". Our challenge for the year is to approach God and His Word wholeheartedly.

I doubt the word is in the dictionary, but I kinda like it. Whollyness.

You can hear a message on this on our media page entitled. The Investment of Wholly

Blessings,

PR

Proposed Building Renovation

2010-12-28T16:58:00.003-05:00

Hi Church!
The new year is upon us and so are the new plans!

I will be sharing new ministries, a new theme verse for the year and new small groups on the Sundays to come. However, I want to share with you today a proposed plan for a needed building renovation. The deacon board has put this plan together for our church's consideration at the Annual Meeting.

The plan was created to address several building issues:
1. The unused spaces of our old kitchen and the room adjacent to it. These spaces are not usable in their current configuration.
2. The need for a larger 'Rainbows' room for the 3-5 year olds.
3. The ability to allow for growth in the sanctuary, this plan would move the sound booth and create room for 20-30 more chairs.
4. A better traffic flow and more inviting Welcome Center, sign-up and fellowship area. This plan would double the Welcome Center area.
5. The need to repair/ replace our men and ladies bathroom floors. This floor was put in when we were running out of money on the original building project, it is not durable enough nor able to be cleaned in a manner it should any longer.

The plan, which was drawn up by an architect for us, is on the bulletin board and addresses all of these issues. Please look it over this month and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

We estimate the cost to be between $15,000-18,000. We will need to pull together to raise this money in order to do the project. I am praying God will bless our finances to provide for this project.

Blessings,

PR

2010 Family Christmas Story

2010-12-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

Each year we select a Christmas story to read, if you like to share one with your family here is the one we have choose for this year. It is a shorter than normal tale of a king's hidden encounter with an impoverished family. Though the king never reveals his identity, he finds a way to meet the need.

It is called The Music Coming From the House is written by By Paulo Coelho

PR

Candlelight Service - what is the purpose?

2010-12-19T13:13:00.000-05:00

Tonight we are having our candlelight service at 7 pm. But is the reason why we and so many churches have this service during the Christmas season? Here are some thoughts on it

The world was (in Jesus time) and is (still today) dark. It was dark time in history that God sent his son. And the world in which we live today is also quite darkened by sin.
We needed and still need the light. Jesus is the light of the world, and this light brings hope and healing.
The light needs to be taken into the darkeness to overcome it. At the end of our service we always take the light out of church into the world.

Blessings,

Hi Church Family!

2010-12-07T11:33:00.002-05:00

Hi Church Family! We just wanted to share some opportunities for you at New Life this Christmas season...

1. This coming Sunday, Dec 12, we will have Serving6 with us for a special Christmas dinner and concert. The dinner starts at 5:30 pm in the Connection Center. Cost: $8 per person and $25 family maximum cost. Choice of meats, side dishes, dessert - all prepared for you! Just let us know you will be attending! The concert starts at 7 pm in the sanctuary. A love offering will be taken. Serving6 is a 6 member family band that brings a message of hope that will touch people of any age! Check out their music, CD's, videos and information on their family online at: mychristianmusicband.com

2. We have several opportunities for year-end giving if you are considering a special gift or are able to make a donation...

Gift Cards for families in need: If you would like to get a gift card for a family in need, please do so this week. You can put it in the offering this week. Please mark the envelope with the amount. We suggest cards for general merchandise stores like Wal-Mart or Target, but any card would be a blessing!
Building Fund: We will be presenting a building renovation in January to the church. If you would like to get a donation in this year toward it, please mark your gift "Building Fund" and turn it in by Dec 31.
Guatemala Missions Trip: We are sending a team back to Guatemala in February to work on the Bible school building. Your donations will go towards the trip and construction supplies for the project.

3. Next Wednesday, Dec 15 is our annual Christmas Caroling, Cocoa and Cookie night! Don't miss this night of fun as we carol in nearby neighborhoods and enjoy fellowship afterwords with cocoa and cookies!

4. The following Sunday, December 19, is our Christmas Candlelight service at 7 pm. Come enjoy the quiet time of reflection on the Light of the World through Scripture, songs and story. Then light a candle and help us take that light outside into the world.

*Just a reminder - we will not be having Wed night classes on Dec 22 and Dec 29 and we will not be having Sunday School on Sun Dec 26 and Jan 2. We will have regular worship service at 10:30 am on those Sundays.

Christmas in Georgia will be SC this weekend!

2010-12-07T10:36:00.000-05:00

We are honored and excited to a have Serving 6 with us this weekend presenting their multimedia Christmas program. Please take a minute and read about it them and the program here:

http://christmasingeorgia.com/

Program starts at 7pm... optional dinner is at 5:30.
Invite a car load to come with you.

Blessings,

PR

This weekend at New Life and upcoming events!

2010-10-29T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hey New Life Church Family - Have we got some great upcoming events for you to be a part of...

this weekend:Sunday, Oct 31

Deacon Nominations are due! You should have rec'd your letter and ballot in the mail...if you need a ballot, See Stacy this Sunday!
Baptism Service this Sunday! Those of you who are being baptized this Sunday - please remember your towel and change of clothes! We look forward to celebrating this special day with you!
Fall Family Fun Night - Sunday night from 6 - 8 pm in the Connection Center - Theme: Noah's Ark - come dressed as your favorite animal. Enjoy pizza and family crafts - pumpkin decorating contest and don't forget to bring your umbrella...it might rain on the way out! (We are still accepting bags of individually wrapped candy - please drop off at the Welcome Center this Sunday)

next weekend: Sunday, Nov 7

Comedians galore! Join us Sunday morning for a sampling of comedy from "Rollin" Joe Phillips- really unique comedy coming from a troubled background. Then come back Sunday night for dinner (optional) at 5:45 pm (cost: $5 - you can purchase them this Sunday!) and/or just the Comedy night starting at 7 pm. (suggested $5 donation taken during service). Joe Phillips will be back and local comedian Mike Goodwin will be here. Mike's hilarious outlook on everyday events will have you falling off your seat! All family friendly! Join us!

coming up: Sunday, Nov 21

World Hunger Day and Persecuted Church. Join us in our 10:30 am service for a special emphasis on world hunger (offering will be collected) and looking at the persecution of fellow Christians taking place around the world.
"Give Thanks" dinner - starts at 6 pm Sunday night (Nov 21). Watch for more details in the bulletin!

Questions about any of these event? Call me 749-0220 or e-mail me at newlifeirmo@gmail.com. Hope to see you at all these events!

Stacy Keese

Family Faith Night - Oct 31st.

2010-10-21T19:09:00.000-04:00

Family Faith Night - Oct 31st.

October 31^st “Noah Night” will be a family fun night held in the connection center from 6:00 – 8:00

Please join us for food, crafts and fellowship as we walk through the story of Noah and learn about faith and trust in the Lord. Kids can come dressed as their favorite ark animal, but remember your umbrellas and rain coats as we may experience some “rain” We will have a costume contest as well as a contest for the best decorated pumpkin-animal. Invite family and friends to join us for this special night.

6 reason you need a small group

2010-10-18T19:18:00.000-04:00

At New Life, small groups are a strategic part of our plan for Christian growth, support, and mentoring. Right now we have over 75% of our adults in a small group! This is the highest percent we have ever had!

I saw this article this week and I thought it was worth sharing. We need each other, and as this article points out small groups are a wonderful way to grow.

Blessings,

Can God Hate?

2010-10-14T18:56:00.004-04:00

This weekend in our continuing series on Proverbs. We will be looking at the 6 things that God hates listed in the sixth chapter. But the very concept that God, who we know from the scriptures is love, can hate is something is something we do not often think about it.

I noted in this verse that Solomon listed as 6 things, not 6 people. God loves people, but may not love everything that we may do. In fact in Rev 3 he commended the church for hating the practices of the culture (the Nicolations culture in this case).

So here is a thought for the day, do I love the things and people that God does? And so I hate the thing and practices that God hates?

Taking it a step further, if there are things in my life that God hates - do I hate them in myself?

See you on Sunday.

7 situations when it is wiser to hold your tongue.

2010-09-03T12:00:00.005-04:00

7 situations you should hold your tongue.

When you’re tempted to say, “I told you so.”
When in public, and you have information that makes someone look bad.
When someone is upset about a problem and you’ve had a similar experience, don’t shift the focus of the conversation to yourself or share your own personal horror stories.
When you’re tempted to pre-judge or quickly criticize someone.
When you want to correct someone on a minor point as they tell a story.
When someone has not asked for your opinion.
When you want to tell something about yourself in order to impress someone.

Giving -- Funny Skit on Tithing

2010-07-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

Here is a preview of the video we are going to show on Sunday in Church as we discover how the Spirit wants us to learn to be a giver.

Enjoy.

PR

South Carolinians Watch More TV than Most

2010-07-30T13:57:00.001-04:00

An article came out this week, just in time for our 31 day Media Detox Challenge.

This article, South Carolina Named One of the 10 Laziest States in U.S., states that SC is the 8th Laziest state in the USA. It states "South Carolinians watch more television than all other Americans, which is 8 hours, 42 minutes." Almost 9 hours a day! I could not believe it.

Starting Sunday, we are challenging our congregation to turn of the TV and watch no movies for 31 days. Our hope is that after the challenge is over families and individual's will revaluate it's influence and time consumption and make proactive choices for the kingdom of God.

Blessings.

PR

Media Detox - Effect of TV and Movies in our Culture

2010-07-28T10:42:00.004-04:00

This is a worth while documentary on the history of movies and tv in our culture, and how we see things different today from 60 years ago.

As we get ready for the media detox starting this weekend, I think this is worth watching.

Here is the part I

Here is the link to the other parts of the series.
This would a great series to watch with your teenagers.

Blessings,

PR

Media / Entertainment Detox Challenge

2010-07-23T12:24:00.006-04:00

Announcing the 31 Day Media Detox Challenge!

This weekend our message will be around purity with a focus on the effect of Media on our ability to be pure. Our focus passages will be Psalm 101 and Psalm 119:37. (After Sunday the message will be on our media page, if you are reading this later)

In this regard, I am offering for you to follow me and my family in a 31 day Media Detox Challenge!

That's right, for 31 days, Aug 1 - 31, I want to challenge you to remove all electronic media (TV, movies, web shows, news programs) and visual entertainment from your life and replace it with spiritual pursuits (serving, outreach, quiet time, Bible study, devotional reading) and family pursuits (family devotions, family book reading, game nights, family service projects etc)

Honestly, I have told some people of the upcoming challenge, and each time you should hear the excuses coming in! Funny thing is while we do not think we are addicted we can't give it up. I want to encourage you, you can do this! (In fact, for thousands of years mankind lived this way... I am just challenging you to take a 31 day detox!)

At the end, I hope it will cause you to re-evaluate the content of what you consume, the amount of time you spend consuming it, the money you spend on it, and how it often goes contrary to what the Spirit is trying to lead us to in our lives.

Let's take the challenge and see what God does!

PR

Greetings from Vermont

2010-07-10T22:10:00.001-04:00

Hi New Life family and Greetings from Southern Vermont, the final destination on our wild trip up the east coast. We have enjoyed our time together as a family so much the last week, but at the same time we have missed worshiping the Lord with you. We started in Virginia with a few visits to friends, and then to a wonderful week at family camp in Maryland, and now we visiting with Ray's Family in Vermont for a few days before we return home refreshed and ready to go. Although we will have traveled over 2000 miles, it has been worth the family time we have enjoyed.
When I get back, we will start a new series of messages called Steppin' it Up. We would like to thank those who have been covering for us these 2 weeks we are gone, we know things are in good hands.

We trust you are well, we thank you for your facebook messages and updates, and we look forward to seeing you next Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Ray, Tina, Karmen, Katelyn, I and I.

Dad: the Most amazing man alive!

2010-06-19T20:02:00.001-04:00

http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Downloadable_Video_Illustrations/2311/The_Most_Amazing_Man_Alive_Fathers_Day_/f=s2b&scid=1005&cc=&csc=1111&ldr=&s=

Happy Father's Day

PR

Don't be a "Bad Dad"

2010-06-15T14:17:00.001-04:00

Link. http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/imagine-that/my-dad?play=1

2010-06-09T16:14:00.001-04:00

Jonah Family Night
Saturday, June 12
5:30 pm!

A night of family fun! Come for blubber burgers, fish sticks,
and whale’s teeth w/red sea sauce...have some kelp salad and Joppa juice!
Walk the plank...go inside the belly of a whale and see what lessons
are learned in there…enjoy some skits and puppets…
teens—here’s your chance to preach by entering
the preaching contest! Prizes awarded!

Come and have
“a whale of a time!”

Church Picnic Video 2010

2010-06-04T19:45:00.001-04:00

Building Faith at Home - Concept explained with ideas

2010-05-28T11:56:00.000-04:00

URL if the video does not appear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8T-0GeFAus&feature=related

2010-05-28T11:27:00.002-04:00

Church in the Park and our Annual Church Picnic –
This Sunday, May 30
at 9:45 am!

Where do we meet? Harbison State Forest (Park)

Street Address: 5500 Broad River Road To find Harbison State Forest Park (from the church) take I-26 to Exit 103 (Harbison Blvd.). Turn left at the light and proceed to Broad River Road. Turn right, go through one traffic light, then turn left at the Harbison State Forest road sign. Your destination is the Gazebo, go through the gate, past the Education Center road, then take the first left. Take the first right - the gazebo, picnic area, and restrooms are on your right. Let them know at the gate that you are with New Life Community Church.
What time do we meet? Service at 9:45 am
Meet at the Park Gazebo at 9:45 am for our regular worship service. There will be no Sunday School classes on that day – you can come as early as 9:30am.

Will there be a nursery? Yes and No…
Our regularly scheduled nursery workers will be able to take walking age nursery children (ages 1-4) for a “nature walk” near the gazebo but will be unable to accommodate infant nursery needs. Bring your own supplies!

Will there be Children’s Church? No…
We will have specific games for the children after lunch

How should we dress? For a picnic of course!
Comfortably and modestly and don’t forget the sunscreen!

What will we be doing? Worship, Lunch, Games

We will have our regular worship & church service (complete with our musicians, ushers and offerings!) followed by a picnic lunch and games for the whole family to enjoy. Join us for this annual event!

What should we bring? Here is a list of things:

Bring a lawn chair for seating during the service and/or a blanket to sit on.
Bring your own picnic lunch, drinks etc…grills will be provided to cook on.
Bring any lawn games you might have (ie: Bocci etc)

Faith at Home Song and Testimony

2010-05-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HO_Jtm_NY0

Couple of reminders for this weekend at New Life!

2010-05-21T13:27:00.003-04:00

Hey Church Family...a couple of reminders for this weekend at New Life!
1. Sat, May 22 at 6 pm - for ministry leaders, teachers, and parents...the faith at home vision and resource dinner/meeting. Videos, testimonies, important information and resources...please make plans to be there!
2. Sun, May 23...Pastor Andrew's last Sunday with us. We will be taking a special offering during service and having a lite (finger food) lunch/reception for him after service in the Connection Center. Please stay after service to wish him well.

Questions? please e-mail the church office at: newlifeirmo@gmail.com

Faith @ Home - How to for churches

2010-05-21T11:00:00.001-04:00

Setting our families in order, God's order

2010-05-17T14:34:00.003-04:00

In our message yesterday, we focused on setting our families in order. Joseph (old testament), grew up in a rather dysfunctional family. He grew up with immorality and polygamy, yet he did not yield when tempted himself. In other words, he chose to lead his life and family according to the Word. With God's help, he was not a product of his environment.

So, I encourage you to do the same if Christ was not the center of your family growing up. Do not be a product of your environment, but instead set your family in order. God's Order.

And in doing so, your family will be blessed and fruitful.

You can listen to the entire message here under the title My Two Sons from Genesis 41.

PR

Parody of a church service

2010-05-11T10:29:00.002-04:00

I saw this on the web today, and I thought it was a humorous way of pointing out how the church can fall in a rut. What was once fresh and exciting can become routine if we are not careful.

Enjoy and have a laugh.

PR

URL to video: http://vimeo.com/11501569

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

If someone would offer him $200,000, he'd leave the ministry right away.

2010-05-05T11:27:00.002-04:00

I read this article today... and it was stunning research about some Christian Leaders on 2 points.

First the article revealed that there are some pastors who do not believe in God any more. Second, pastors who would leave the ministry if they were given enough money. In other words, for a given price they would leave their calling and faith. Or put another way, they are in the ministry only because it provides them a paycheck.

Now, I understand all too well the stress of ministry and dangers it brings with it. In fact, I have compassion for these men quoted in the study. But fact is, they are doing the kingdom of God more harm than good to pretend from the pulpit each week. If you don't believe, frankly it must be terrible for them to each week! It would be better for all, including themselves to leave and let someone who does believe be the shepherd instead.

Lastly, let me be quick to note that this study does not reflect the hearts of all Christian leaders. In my circle of peers, I find that the men I serve with are men of integrity and faith.

Personally, I have had a few rare chances over the years to leave the ministry for other occupations that paid more. In those times I reconnected with my calling. I came to the conclusion that I am not in the ministry for a job, but I am in it because I love Jesus, I love to see others love Jesus, and God has called me to serve at this time in my life.

Read the article and feel free to share your thoughts.

Blessing,

PR

This weekend at New Life...

2010-05-04T16:03:00.000-04:00

Hi New Life Church Family!
We wanted to remind you of a couple things happening this weekend...
1. Church Workday is this Saturday, May 8 starting at 8:30 am. We will have big jobs and little jobs so come on out to help. Lots of yardwork (planting, pruning, weeding, trimming, pinestraw etc) and indoor closet cleaning, floors etc...see you there!
2. Mother's Day Breakfast will be prepared and served by the men of our church starting at 9:30 am in the Connection Center. If you haven't signed up already please RSVP to the church office so they can prepare for you and...have a very blessed Mother's Day this Sunday!

Suffering Well

2010-05-03T11:52:00.002-04:00

Just had a few reflections from our worship service together yesterday.
We talked about how to suffer well. You can hear the message based on Joseph's years in prison on our media page here:
http://www.newlifeirmo.com/media/sermons-messages.html

While I don't think any of us want or seek out suffering, the fact is as sin's disease ravages humanity there is more and more suffering all around. Then on top of that, we who love Jesus add the potential suffering for the name of Jesus and our faith by persecution or exclusion.

In regard to the later, I remember a few years ago a neighbor invited our family over for a cookout. We arrived and welcomed the chance to continue to build a relationship with their family. We talked and enjoyed company for a hour or so, until he asked me what I did in regard to employment. As soon as I told him I was a pastor, the door was shut, the conservation ended and the wall went up.

I mentioned this verse yesterday, but it is worth repeating here because it included both painful trial and suffering because of our faith:

I Peter 4:12 ¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

So, if God should allow suffering today in your life, lets not be surprised. Instead with His help, lets suffer well. Suffer with the right attitude, with patience, and with a deep trust that God has a plan.

Blessings,

PR

The church: Impotent and juvenile Video clip

2010-04-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

Link is here:http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=143209

Blessings PR

NEW! 6 Week Marriage Small Group starts this weekend

2010-04-13T12:06:00.005-04:00

Here is a video clip highlighting our new 6-week small group that starts this Sunday Night at 6:30 pm. It will revolve around 6 topics that are related to marriage. I hope you are plan to join us at the Smith's House this weekend. Directions are available at the church.

Marriage: Built to Last includes Biblical and practical teaching from Chip Ingram on these six critical topics:

Adjusting to Expectations
Learning to Communicate Clearly
Breaking Down Walls
Resolving Conflict
Restoring Sex and Intimacy
Striving for a Christ-Centered Marriage

You can read more about it here

PR

2010-04-06T13:51:00.001-04:00

Hey New Life Church Family...we wanted to let you know what's new and coming up this spring here at New Life...

1. Starting tomorrow - Wednesday, April 7 - here in the Connection Center - Year 3 of our Life Bible Study - "Ekklesia" taught by Pastor Ray. This study will look at the early church starting in Acts and through the letters from Paul and the ministry of Peter...and so much more!

2. Youth Sunday and Spaghetti Fundraiser Lunch this Sunday - April 11 at 10:30 am. Join us for worship this Sunday as the youth lead us in our service. We will have guests from SCSL (South Carolina School of Leadership) to share their testimonies and give information about this awesome ministry training program. Then our youth will provide a spaghetti lunch as a fundraiser for their upcoming youth conference and future missions trip. Come hungry-tip big!

3. Starting Sunday morning - April 18 - Pastor will begin a new sermon series "A Man Named Joe" looking at the life and times of Joseph from the Old Testament.

4. Starting Sunday night - April 18 - a new Faith at Home Bible Study Group - "Marriage Built to Last" at the Smith's house. This is a video based series from Chip Ingram, Dave & Sherry Ramsey and 2 time MVP quarterback Kurt & Brenda Warner covering expectation and adjustments in marriage, financial stress, blended families and much more!

More Calendar notes:
April 16-17 Youth Conference - Lake Wylie Assembly
April 23-24 Women's Conference - Greenville, SC
April 25 New Member Sunday and Lemonade in the Shade starts!
May 1 Spring Cleaning & Church Workday coming up!
May 30 Get ready for another Church in the Park!

Call the church office 749-0220 or email newlifeirmo@gmail.com if you need more information!

Stacy Keese
newlifeirmo@gmail.com
www.newlifeirmo.com

Testimony from one person on our Missions Trip

2010-03-25T09:53:00.001-04:00

Travis went on our recent missions trip and afterward was willing to share this and I thought it was worth reading for us.

PR

I just had the chance to go to Xela Guatemala recently and work with John Ramos a missionary in Guatemala City. We got to do ministry and construction the majority of the time. But before the trip I had friends, family and co-workers tell me that mission trips will change you, but I just nodded my head and agreed. I had no idea that my change would be this drastic.

On my way to D.C, Atlanta and even flying to Guatemala i contemplated the idea and asked myself if I was doing the right thing by giving these people a helping hand. After the first day of work and ministry I realized why we were here. Before the trip I can remember seeing those commercials about starving children and abused children in third world countries and it would always catch my eye. When you see it and experience it first hand it literally grabs you by your throat and pulls you in. I see the families living in poverty and in trash and sleeping on sidewalks. All I wanted to do was cry and cry for these people. then i get the biggest wake up call of my life. I see the kids and families that were working with and there smiling, laughing, and there happy. I rack my brain trying to figure out why these people are happy.

Our team has a debriefing and we talk about what has impacted us the most during the trip and I didn't get a chance to share this cause it hadn't hit me until now. But it was shown to me that these people have no distractions. And this is where it clicked. These people arnt after worldly things. there not after the new technology, there not after money, there not wrapped up in stocks or what the world is doing cause frankly I don't think they care about the world. All these people care about is being loved, there family, and for some of them there relationship with Christ.

So I ask myself again; Did I do the Right thing lending a hand to these people? In an instant I'd scream yes. Yes because there need is so great, and serving the needy is big, much bigger than myself. It's safe to say I'm a changed man and stronger in my faith than ever. I've always had a call to serve on my heart but now I feel like its a part of me, part of my D.N.A. Like its in my soul, part of my definition of who Travis Parker Sites is. I have no one to thank but the Missionary John Ramos, The Ontario Team, My Team from Irmo, The Guatemalan people, everyone's prayers and support financially and to my Lord and Savior for never giving up on me and continually working on me. Thanx for everything guys.

Video our Guatemala Missions Trip now on Youtube

2010-03-23T21:59:00.004-04:00

From our trip last week.

Here it is:

URL Link of the trip video

Thanks for your support and prayers.

PR

21 Lies We Tell Our Children

2010-03-05T15:11:00.003-05:00

There is an interesting book for Christian parents called 21 lies we tell our children. Author Chuck Borsellino discusses the lies, clichés and half-truths parents often tell their children, and explains the negative impact this can have on a child's character and beliefs.

As one blogger wrote: Many of these lies are things we have probably all told our kids, such as "It's the thought that counts" (the thought is important but is meaningless without loving action to back it up), and "You can have it all" (no, but you can strive to have what is most important and most valuable if you are willing to sacrifice what is less important and more superficial). And there are a few you might not expect, such as "Don't talk to strangers" (a lost child's best bet is to find a safe stranger, such as a mom with kids, and ask for help), and "Love will last a lifetime" (the feelings of love may come and go, but the deeper commitment of relationships is a choice that yields lifelong benefits)

If you are interested, the book is available. There is an article by the author here and an Audio interview here

Blessings,

PR

Guatemala Mission just 2 weeks away.

2010-02-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Church Family,

With our church about to send off it's first team on a short term mission trip in many years (about 10?), I want to ask you to consider 2 things:

1. Prayer: We have prayer sign up in the lobby that you or your family can take one day to be in special prayer for our team.

2. We have received $267 in a special offering last Sunday to help toward the construction project and team expenses, our goal was to raise $1000-$1200. If you can help in anyway toward the support of this mission this week, it would be wonderful.

We will take lots of pictures to share when we get back.

Blessings!

PR

Elder Brother Sins

2010-02-26T12:32:00.002-05:00

Just finished getting the message ready for Sunday. We are going to talk this week about the sins of the elder brother in the story of the Prodigal son.

Most all of the messages I have heard on this popular parable focus on just half of the story: the younger son sins and redemption. And while the younger brother is a wonderful picture of God's grace, a closer look at the parable reveals that he is not the only lost son in the story.

I found at least 7 sins that elder brother committed, and so we will review them this week. The elder brothers sins, as we will see, all stem from a self righteousness that resembled that of the pharisee's in Jesus day.

Looking forward to opening God's word this weekend.

Blessings,

PR

American Heritage DVD Series to start on Wed Night 2/24

2010-02-09T10:28:00.003-05:00

Our Wed night small group will be enjoying a DVD series starting on Feb 24th for about 6-8 weeks. Topics include
- The Faith of our Founding Fathers
- Church, The State, the real 1st amendment
- How Pastors Shaped our Independence
- Faith in our early courts.
- Assault on Judeo Christian Values.

We start at 7pm... .hope to see you there
Below is a preview / promo clip from Youtube

Blessings

PR

Stats about TV and it's effect on the family

2010-02-05T12:24:00.003-05:00

In preparing for this weekend's message, I found these stats. While I can't use them all in our sermon on Faith Begins at Home, I thought for the blog readers there is some interesting information below.

Blessings,

PR
Television Statistics
According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.

I. FAMILY LIFE

Percentage of households that possess at least one television: 99
Number of TV sets in the average U.S. household: 2.24
Percentage of U.S. homes with three or more TV sets: 66
Number of hours per day that TV is on in an average U.S. home: 6 hours, 47 minutes
Percentage of Americans that regularly watch television while eating dinner: 66
Number of hours of TV watched annually by Americans: 250 billion
Value of that time assuming an average wage of S5/hour: S1.25 trillion
Percentage of Americans who pay for cable TV: 56
Number of videos rented daily in the U.S.: 6 million
Number of public library items checked out daily: 3 million
Percentage of Americans who say they watch too much TV: 49

II CHILDREN

Approximate number of studies examining TV's effects on children: 4,000
Number of minutes per week that parents spend in meaningful
conversation with their children: 3.5
Number of minutes per week that the average child watches television: 1,680
Percentage of day care centers that use TV during a typical day: 70
Percentage of parents who would like to limit their children's TV watching: 73
Percentage of 4-6 year-olds who, when asked to choose between watching TV
and spending time with their fathers, preferred television: 54
Hours per year the average American youth spends in school: 900 hours
Hours per year the average American youth watches television: 1500

III VIOLENCE

Number of murders seen on TV by the time an average child finishes elementary school: 8,000
Number of violent acts seen on TV by age 18: 200,000
Percentage of Americans who believe TV violence helps precipitate real life mayhem: 79

IV. COMMERCIALISM

Number of 30-second TV commercials seen in a year by an average child: 20,000
Number of TV commercials seen by the average person by age 65: 2 million
Percentage of survey participants (1993) who said that TV commercials
aimed at children make them too materialistic: 92
Rank of food products/fast-food restaurants among TV advertisements to kids: 1
Total spending by 100 leading TV advertisers in 1993: $15 billion

V. GENERAL

Percentage of local TV news broadcast time devoted to advertising: 30
Percentage devoted to stories about crime, disaster and war: 53.8
Percentage devoted to public service announcements: 0.7
Percentage of Americans who can name The Three Stooges: 59
Percentage who can name at least three justices of the U.S. Supreme Court: 17

Compiled by TV-Free America
1322 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

New Color Digital Sign Coming - very soon

2010-02-02T10:13:00.002-05:00

We had a new color digital sign donated to our church last year, it should be installed in the next week.

The Stethoscope Video

2010-01-26T11:05:00.002-05:00

Offering for Haiti

2010-01-17T15:37:00.001-05:00

Thanks for your generous giving today for Haiti, I understand we collected over $600, despite many of our church members out of town or sick today.

Here is information about the AG in Haiti.

AG in Haiti: The Assemblies of God has two missionary families on the ground there, and reports are that they are safe. But we have 273 churches and more than 66,000 members and we do not know the fate of most of them, including their superintendent, Rev. Calixte Fleuridor.

Convoy of Hope has had an ongoing ministry in Haiti where they feed 7,000 children every day. So their warehouse there was full of food, water, and other supplies in order to meet that huge daily demand. Amazingly, the warehouse had just been restocked.

We will get that money sent to them first thing this week

PR

Haiti Disaster Relief

2010-01-13T16:32:00.004-05:00

We will be receiving an offering this Sunday for Haiti Disaster Relief, please come prepared to help.

If you want to give through our church online right now, you can do so here:
http://www.newlifeirmo.com/attend/online-giving.html

Or directly through the Assemblies of God here: http://ag.org/top/haiti.cfm

Thanks
PR

Interesting Quotes to ponder

2010-01-13T13:52:00.000-05:00

“The church that is content with not growing is saying to the rest of the world “You can go to hell”
--Rick Warren

“It's much easier to act like a Christian than to react like one. Anyone can put on an act. But your reactions reveal what is really in your heart.”
--Mark Batterson

“I do not want to be guilty of leading a church passionate about reaching the saved, but fanatics reaching the lost. I have noticed, that every Christian wants to see the lost saved, but not every Christian wants their church to cater to the lost.”
--Shannon O'Dell

“I can't Christianize this culture. The god of this world is Satan – this is his culture. He is the god of this age. I'm to preach the gospel. .... God is calling a people for Himself. I don't know whom He's calling, I just have to be faithful and preach.”
--Franklin Graham

Fox News Gives Good Advice To Tiger Woods

2010-01-04T15:53:00.001-05:00

Fox News Gives Tiger Wood Good Spiritual Advice!

Have a great day.

PR

If you see this and the link is not there, here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVjuO5v5Cts

My new years resolution: Well done.

2010-01-01T11:04:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

I wanted to let you know where we are headed as we start a new year. We are going to start with a sermon series entitled: Lets do this well. We will go over our 6 core values as a church, and apply them personally to our hearts and homes.

As we start this year, I want to live my life so hear the Lord say well done. (I already know he is not going to say "perfectly done", I have messed up too many times for that.)

However, I have a chance to hear him say well done, so that is my only goal and resolution for 2010.

I hope you will join me.

PR.

Cross is my Christmas tree

2009-12-18T10:48:00.002-05:00

We are finishing up our series this weekend on the Cross being the real Christmas tree.
I found this video containing this message, I will not have time to show it this weekend.. but you will enjoy it.

PR

LINK http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e9ad032cb0d0d35b15e5