New Life Bible Church

Feb. 5th- Evangelist Todd Sivnksty (9:15, 10:30 AM)

2012-01-13T22:12:00.003-06:00

Please consider joining us on Feb. 5th for our special speaker, Evangelist Todd Sivnksty. He has served on staff at Christian camps, helped plant the Fox River Baptist Church in Yorkville, IL, served as a youth pastor in churches in PA and CO, and has been traveling in evangelism since May of 2000. Todd grew up on the road in an evangelist's family, and after his ministerial training, He started his full-time ministry service at West Branch Camp in Flagstaff, AZ in 1992. Todd, along with his wife, Krista, and their two children, travel as a family throughout the U.S. ministering in churches and camps.

Christmas Children's Service

2011-12-13T22:02:00.000-06:00

Bible Characters who Celebrated CHRISTMAS

2011-12-10T00:31:00.002-06:00

The proper emphasis and spirit of Christmas is worship! Every personality attached to the birth of Christ worshiped God with jubilation and sincerity of heart. Worship is never man-centered, but Christ-centered! Worship is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and thanksgiving to God that it simultaneously comes out in adoration and praise.

Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)

Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68)

Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)

Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)

Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)

Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)

Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)

Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47)

May our main focus this Christmas be to WORSHIP our Savior, Jesus Christ!

BIBLICAL THANKSGIVING

2011-11-10T22:48:00.002-06:00

Psalm 100:4
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Biblical thanksgiving is a continuous expression of the heart. It is thanking God for who He is and what He has provided for us in Christ. Thanksgiving is an everyday occurrence for the redeemed of God. It should not take a special national holiday to motivate and stimulate us to give thanks to the Lord. The word “thanks” in one form or another is found some 140 times in the Bible. The song writer was absolutely correct when he penned the following words: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” The Apostle Paul said:“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).

Luke 17 gives us a great thanksgiving story about ten lepers who came to Jesus in order to be healed. Of all the stories in the Gospels, there is none that so passionately sets in contrast the difference between a life of gratefulness and a life of ungratefulness. The lepers had come to Jesus with a deep longing and a desperate need. Jesus miraculously cured all of them, but only one out of the ten had enough appreciation in his heart to return and give thanks. The Bible says,“And (he)fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks…And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” The nine lepers were guilty of the same sin that you and I commit regularly. They were more willing to get something than to give something.

God is our provider who meets our daily needs. Everything we have is from our Heavenly Father. James 1:17 says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” Asaph said in Psalm 50:14: “Offer unto God thanksgiving.” God commands us to give Him praise. This should be the constant activity of every believer in Christ. Psalm 92:1 says: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” Are you and I truly thankful? During this thanksgiving season, let us examine our hearts and give praise on a regular basis to God!

Fellowship times at New Life

2011-10-03T20:19:00.002-05:00

9/11 Remembrance Service Pictures

2011-09-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

Come Join us for our 9/11 SERVICE

2011-08-17T00:15:00.002-05:00

SEPT. 11TH REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
(DARE WE FORGET!)

WHERE: New Life Bible Church
1810 Brown Trail
Bedford, TX 76021
www.newlifebibledfw.org
817-876-9901

WHEN: Sunday 10:30 AM

SPEAKER: Captain Mike Griffith, 720th MP Battalion Army Chaplain, Fort Hood

Counseling Others

2011-07-26T18:14:00.002-05:00

Here's a few reminders that I have learned from other mentors over the last 25 years of church ministry:

1. The Word of God is our best Counselor- Psalm 119:24. There is no substitute when it comes to seeking advice about a domestic relationship, a job, a health concern, a financial matter, etc.

2. You can only lead someone as far as you are spiritually- Romans 15:14. Our kids, and spouse, and loved ones, will grow as much as we have grown (or less).

3. Counseling is causing one to grow up in Christ- I Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:15. One of the goals in counseling is for the patient to solve his own problems from the Word of God where he is dependent on Christ, not the counselor.

4. Sin is irrational...and remember that in counseling with others.

5. Don't give counseling outside of your field.

6. Listen and gather information (James 1:19). Listen for themes and patterns- Proverbs 18:13; Proverbs 14:15.

7. Identify the problem (Proverbs 19:20; Gal. 5:19-23)- Get to the source of the problem (i.e.- bitterness- Heb. 12:15-16; depression; immorality; not surrendered- Rom. 12:1-2; etc.).

8. It’s been said: “Tears can deceive; there are different reasons why people cry." II Corinthians 7:9-10 reminds us that sorrow doesn’t always lead to repentance that is godly. Peter wept, but wasn’t walking with God (Matthew 26:75).

9. Always be solution-oriented in your counseling- Ephesians 4:29 (Give help, hope, and homework).

10. Observe time limits and be confidential. Keep it short and don’t bring 3rd parties into your conversation.

11. Remind folks that their problems and temptations are not abnormal (I Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:15).

12. Be careful in counseling the opposite sex (Titus 2:4-5)...have some accountability.

13. Stress prayer as a vital tool (Matthew 21:22).

14. Thinking right leads to right actions, feelings, habits, etc.

15. Always follow-up with individuals you are helping. And remember, there’s no problem God’s grace cannot overcome.

The Importance of Sharing our Faith

2011-07-03T23:36:00.002-05:00

"YOU FORGOT MY SOUL"

YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR TO ME FOR YEARS,
WE SHARED OUR DREAMS, OUR JOYS, AND TEARS;
A FRIEND TO ME YOU WERE INDEED.
A FRIEND WHO HELPED ME WHEN IN NEED.

MY FAITH IN YOU WAS STRONG AND SURE.
WE HAD SUCH TRUST AS SHOULD ENDURE.
NO SPATS BETWEEN US EVER ROSE,
OUR FRIENDS WERE ALIKE--AND SO, OUR FOES.

WHAT SADNESS, THEN MY FRIEND, TO FIND,
THAT AFTER ALL, YOU WEREN'T SO KIND.
THE DAY MY LIFE ON EARTH DID END,
I FOUND YOU WEREN'T A FAITHFUL FRIEND.

FOR ALL THOSE YEARS WE SPENT ON EARTH,
YOU NEVER TALKED OF SECOND BIRTH.
YOU NEVER SPOKE OF MY LOST SOUL
AND OF THE CHRIST WHO MAKES ME WHOLE!

I PLEAD TODAY FROM HELL'S CRUEL FIRE,
AND TELL YOU NOW MY LAST DESIRE--
YOU CANNOT DO A THING FOR ME;
NO WORDS TODAY MY BONDS WILL FREE.

BUT DO NOT ERR, MY FRIEND, AGAIN--
DO ALL YOU CAN FOR SOULS OF MEN.
PLEAD WITH THEM NOW QUITE EARNESTLY,
LEST THEY BE CAST IN HELL WITH ME!
(Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.)

John 3:36- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him."

One Another's of the Bible- Home Study

2011-06-17T20:52:00.004-05:00

How well do you treat people? Are you Christ-like in your dealings with others at work, home, or in the church? Please sit down with your family or spouse and look these passages up to enrich your spiritual life.

1. ______________ one another- I Thess. 5:11 (build up and encourage each other)

2. ________________ to one another- Eph. 5:21 (“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”)

3. ______________ one another- Gal. 5:13 (“by love…”)

4. ___________ one another’s burdens- Gal. 6:2 (“…and so fulfill the law of Christ.”)

5. ________________ ye one another- Rom. 15:7 (“…as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”)

6. _________________ one another- Rom. 15:14

7. _________________ one another- Rom. 12:10 (“in honor…”)

8. Kindly ____________________ one to another- Rom. 12:10 (devoted to one another)

9. _______________________ one toward another- Rom. 15:5 (“according to Christ Jesus”).

10. ____________ __________ one another- Eph. 4:2 (“With all lowliness and meekness…forbearing one another in love.”)

THE SINS OF THE FATHERS

2011-05-09T01:02:00.002-05:00

The Word of God has a lot of instruction to fathers. We’re told in Numbers 14:18: “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression…visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. What this means is that when you have a decline in parental leadership, where fathers are selfish and not having a positive impact on their children, it usually takes three or four generations to wipe out all the wrong and worldliness that was produced in the children.

Being a father carries with it enormous responsibilities. It requires a lot of prayer, patience, and admitting fault. There are terrific times, and there are times of discouragement. But God is faithful, and He gives us a precious promise in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

G. Campbell Morgan, the famous preacher of the past, once said: “What I want my children to be, that I am!” As fathers go, so go the churches, and nation, and future generations. The highest duty of a father is not fixing everything that is broken around the house, or handling the finances, or putting bread on the table. The main duty of a father is to teach his children about the character and wisdom of God. Parental effectiveness comes when our children know their God intimately which produces godly living. The book of Proverbs is a superb resource in training our children for God. The following points are eight responsibilities for all fathers:

1. Teach them to fear God- 1:7
2. Teach them how to work- 6:6-11
3. Teach them to think properly- 3:3,23
4. Teach them to choose the right friends- 1:10-15
5. Teach them how to be pure- 2:16-18
6. Teach them to have a disciplined life- 3:11-12
7. Teach them to protect their words- 4:24
8. Teach them to love others- 3:27-29

THE MESSAGE OF EASTER

2011-04-20T21:49:00.002-05:00

Because He lives, you and I can live! Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” Easter answers Job’s question. The resurrection is the core of our faith. The Apostle Paul stated: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). Jesus said: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundational. It is the cornerstone of Christianity. Just as our heart pumps blood to every organ in our body, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel that pumps life to every doctrinal truth. It is central! In the New Testament alone, it is referred to 104 times. Peter’s first message at Pentecost that led to a great revival was founded and built around the truth of the resurrection. I Corinthians 15:12-19 reveals that everything stands or falls with Christ’s bodily resurrection. If Christ did not conquer death by rising from the tomb, we would all be false witnesses still dead in our trespasses and sins.

*I Corinthians 15:17- “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain (worthless); ye are yet in your sins.”
*Acts 4:33- “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
*Matthew 12:40- “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
*I Corinthians 15:3-4- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Charles Spurgeon- “We gather together on the first rather than the seventh day of the week, because redemption is even a greater work than creation; and more worthy of commemoration, and because the rest which followed creation is far outdone by that which ensues upon the completion of redemption.”

The proclamation of Christ’s resurrection was the very heart and theme of the early church. The fact that He arose was the motivation behind every suffering and sacrificial endeavor for Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The following passages reveal it is clearly an essential part of the Gospel.

1) Anticipated and announced in the Old and New Testament

•Psalm 118:22-24

“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

•Isaiah 52:13; 53:10-12 (Isaiah spoke of a future day of redemption)
•Jonah 2:1-9 (Jonah is a type of Christ- Matthew 12:39-41)
•Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19 (Jesus regularly referred to this before His disciples)
•John 2:22 (The disciples finally remembered after it was a fact)
•Acts 13:33
•Matthew 27:63-64 (The enemies of Jesus remembered)

2) Post-resurrection witnesses

•1st appearance- Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
•2nd appearance- Other women (Matthew 28:8-10)
•3rd appearance- Peter (I Corinthians 15:5)
•4th appearance- Two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
•5th appearance (Sunday evening)- 10 Apostles in the Upper Room without Thomas (John 20:19-25; Luke 24:36-43)
•6th appearance (The following Sunday)- 11 Apostles and Thomas believes (John 20:26-28)
•7th appearance- 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
•8th appearance- 500 at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 15:6)
•9th appearance- Half-brother James (I Corinthians 15:7)
•10 appearance- The disciples again in Jerusalem (Acts 1:3-8; Luke 24:44-49)

3) Christ’s Ascension to Heaven

•Acts 1:11
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

•Mark 16:1-20
•Luke 24:50-53

WHY EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS?

2011-04-02T00:22:00.001-05:00

The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan causes us to consider a few important questions. Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow such tragedies? Is humanity being punished for sinful behavior? Is this the work of our enemy? Actually, no earthquakes in the Bible are attributed to the devil; however, many are ascribed to God. This is because God is in complete control of the universe. He commands even the winds and water to obey His voice (Luke 8:25). He directs the wind to blow and the waters to flow (Psa.147:15-18). He pierces down at the earth and it shudders. He embraces the mountains and they smoke (Psa. 104:32). He shakes our planet out of its place (Job 9:6). If the demons try to usurp his control, He orders even the unclean spirits to obey Him (Mark 1:27). Earthquakes are ultimately from the Lord. Nature does not dictate its own will. God does everything well with a significant purpose (Isa. 31:2).

The prophet Amos said of God: “Shall there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it?” God allowed many catastrophes (famine, drought, plagues, etc.) upon the nation of Israel over an extended period of time to teach several lessons. The purposes behind the Japan devastation, and many others, will remain hidden to us until we are able to fully comprehend them at the end of the age. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God” (Deut. 29:29). The Apostle Paul said of God: “How unsearchable are His judgments…For who hath known the mind of the Lord” (Rom. 11:33-34)?

On the other hand, there are some possible reasons revealed in the Word of God for this recent disaster. One particular minister gave the following possibilities (JM):

1. God taking thousands of lives is a blaring assertion that “The Lord gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). We must all be reminded that life belongs to God and is on loan from Him (Luke 12:20).

2. The end-time earthquakes in the book of Revelation are meant as calls to repentance to warn people who deny Christ that a day is coming when unbelievers will cry to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of God (Rev. 6:16).

3. The power felt in an earthquake reveals the fearful magnificence of God. This is a great gift since, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Most of society does not fear God and therefore lacks a personal (saving) knowledge of Him.

4. When the earth shakes under one’s feet there is a dramatic sensing that there is no place to flee. In most disasters, the earth is the one thing that stands firm when wind, fire and floods are raging. But where does one turn when the earth itself is unsafe? Answer- God!

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US

2011-03-07T15:20:00.002-06:00

Please accept our invitation to visit with us at New Life Bible Church! We are a friendly, people-oriented church burdened for the spiritual needs of those in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Our worship services promote biblical preaching, uplifting music, and a joyful atmosphere.

We believe that the Bible is God’s revelation to humanity (II Timothy 3:16, 17), and that it is the answer to all of our needs and problems. Our main desire is to promote the person and work of Jesus Christ by evangelism and edification (Ephesians 4:11-15). We believe that preaching and spiritual growth are of great importance in the local church! The Scripture says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).

If you are looking for a good church that cares about people and is committed to exalting Christ (not just personalities or entertainment), please come and join us this Sunday. We look forward to your visit!

Kind regards,
Pastor John

FRIEND DAY THIS SUNDAY

2011-03-02T13:16:00.003-06:00

"A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs 17:17

"My familiar friends have forgotten me." Job 19:14

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Please come and join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM as we celebrate "FRIEND DAY."

Would love to see you,
Pastor John

Pastor's Booklets Available

2011-01-31T00:30:00.002-06:00

When you visit us at New Life Bible Church, pick up a few booklets on our literature rack that will aid in your spiritual growth. Here's a list of what is available in our church lobby:

Finding God's Will
Cheerful Christians
The Missions Mandate
Eternal Security
How to Share Your Faith
Soul Food
Christ is All I Need
Kings of Judah and Israel
Why Does God Allow Disasters?
The New Testament in Capsule Form
The Church: It's Purposes and Priorities
The Firepower of Fasting
What Does the Bible say About "Hell"?
Triumphing over Temptations
Tools for Bible Study
The Key to a Better Prayer Life
Bible Doctrines
Why Christians Suffer
Anger Management
Holiday Choices

Special Service at New Life

2010-12-27T22:19:00.000-06:00

The Fulfilled Prophecies of Christmas

2010-12-16T23:02:00.002-06:00

God never works haphazardly! He is a God of order. At precisely the right time in history, Jesus Christ was born (Galatians 4:4-5). Furthermore, Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would come at just the right time in Israel's history (Isaiah 49:8). As the Jewish fathers choose the time for their sons to become adult sons, so the Heavenly Father chose the time for His Son to arrive.

The message of Christmas was prophesied over 700 years before the birth of Christ. The theme of Old Testament prophecy is the coming of a king. There are at least 189 prophecies in the New Testament that associate Christ to His coming as King.

1. He would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5). "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

2. He would be called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:19-21).

3. There would be weeping in Rama (Matthew 2:17-18). " Rachael weeping for her children" (Jeremiah 31:15)

4. He shall be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).

5. He shall be virgin born and rise out of Israel. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) "…there shall come a star out of Jacob and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)

Service Opportunities for our Savior

2010-11-13T20:01:00.003-06:00

It's a privilege to serve our Lord!

I Cor. 12:14 says, “For the body is not one member, but many.” The Bible pictures the church of Jesus Christ as a living, active body which works in unity to exalt Christ by the vehicle of SERVICE.

Dr. Chuck Phelps said, “In order for a Christian to be happy, he must serve. A Christian who fails to give through Christian service will become stagnant, complacent, and critical. The Christian who becomes actively involved in service will desire to learn more in order to serve better.”

Here are some opportunities to serve at New Life Bible Church. If you are looking for a place to utilize your spiritual gifts, yet your church is too large, or you feel inferior to others, please come and join us at our small local assembly. There are plenty of opportunities to serve your Savior.

1. Share in the cleaning of the church; help with a light Sunday breakfast meal
2. Help with the nursery rotation
3. Discipleship of a new or young Christian; help with visitation
4. Participate in special music, ensembles, etc.
5. Hospitality meals for those in need, those who are sick, missionaries, etc.
6. Public prayer and reading of the Scripture on Sunday
7. Assist in the offering counting rotation
8. Assist with teaching or sharing a devotional on Wed. evenings
9. Maintenance and grounds help
10. Prayer ministry- Join us Wednesday nights (7PM)
11. Communion preparation
12. Sunday school or Children church helper
13. Be a church greeter/usher on a designated Sunday of the month
14. Help plan and organize monthly church fellowship activities
15. Put together Pastor’s teaching booklets for the table in the lobby
16. Help with transporting folks to church

PULPIT MINISTRY IS PARAMOUNT

2010-10-15T00:25:00.002-05:00

It is our passion at New Life that the pulpit ministry heighten our love for the Word of God, and provide a balanced diet that enhances our spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul said to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God…feed the church of God.”

It was Christ who said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus also warned of a great deception by false teachers as an indication of His return (Matthew 24:4, 5, 11).

In order for the church to escape the great deception of the end time, it must have a true commitment to the Scriptures. The Berean Church (Acts 17) “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily.” As a Bible church, we at New Life are committed to the preaching of God's Word. We believe the Bible is God’s revelation to man. It reveals to us the person, plan, promises, and purposes of God. We believe the Bible is able to lead someone to salvation, and equip each believer for every good work (II Timothy 3:15-17). This is why the apostle Paul stated: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2).

I Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

I Peter 5:2,10 says, “Feed the flock of God which is among you…make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.”

Ephesians 4:12 says, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

Come join us this Sunday as we expound the Scriptures, and watch the Word of God penetrate our lives.

Is Your Christianity Impacting Others? Acts 17:1-9

2010-08-19T23:11:00.002-05:00

If you read Acts 17, in verse six, a mob of people went into the house of Jason looking for the followers of Christ (Paul, Silas, etc.). They dragged some of them out, and said, these men "have turned the world upside down."

Is your Christianity impacting this world for Christ? Is it turning the world upside down for Christ? Is your love for Christ and your love for others setting you apart (John 13:35)?

There's something wrong with our faith if everyone likes us (I Peter 2:8 "rock of offense"). There's something wrong with our position in Christ if we're living a life of ease and facing no persecution (II Timothy 3:12 "shall suffer"). There's something wrong with our Christianity if were not impacting our neighbors, friends, co-workers and relatives for the Lord (John 1:40-46 "Come and see").

How do people come to Christ? According to a particular survey...1% are walk-ins at church, 5% are from revival services at church, 8% are through church outreaches, 10% are the result of the pastor's influence, but 76% are through believers developing friendships at work, home, or in the community.

How's your Christianity?

LET'S NOT FORGET

2010-07-05T13:28:00.002-05:00

*Remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom!

WWI- over 116,000 deaths
WWII- over 405,000 deaths
Vietnam War- over 58,000 deaths
Korean War- over 36,000 deaths
American Revolutionary War- over 25,000 deaths
War of 1812- over 20,000 deaths
Mexican-American War- over 13,000 deaths
Philippine War- over 4,000 deaths
Irag/Afghanistan Wars- over 5,000 deaths

*Remember Christ who has paid the ultimate price for our spiritual freedom!

John 10:11- "I am the Good Shepherd, and the Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep."
John 15:13- "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Holiness in an Unholy Church Age

2010-05-18T00:36:00.002-05:00

A.W. Tozer once said, “What I say here may hurt, but I say it anyhow. We have lived with unholiness so long that we are almost incapable of recognizing true holiness. You cannot study the Bible diligently and earnestly without being struck by an obvious fact- the whole matter of personal holiness is highly important to God!”

The book of Leviticus has much to say about the subject of holiness. The word “holy” is mentioned 150 times, and the word “clean” is referred to 186 times. God desires that you and I be a holy people.

Are you holy in your thoughts? Your conversations? Your ambitions, motives, and entertainment? What does God see when no one else sees? Is your marriage holy?

Leviticus 11:45 says, “For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” Psalm 24:3,4 says, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…” I Thessalonians 4:7 says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

Church Family Picture

2010-04-05T23:33:00.003-05:00

An Early Look at Easter

2010-02-20T23:13:00.002-06:00

Because He lives, you and I can live! Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” Easter answers Job’s question.

The resurrection of Christ is the core of our faith. The Apostle Paul stated: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). Jesus said: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

The resurrection of Christ is foundational. It is the cornerstone of Christianity. Just as our heart pumps blood to every organ in our body, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel that pumps life to every doctrinal truth. It is central! In the New Testament alone, it is referred to 104 times. Peter’s first message at Pentecost that led to a great revival was founded and built around the truth of the resurrection.

I Corinthians 15:12-19 reveals that everything stands or falls with Christ’s bodily resurrection. If Christ did not conquer death by rising from the tomb, we would all be false witnesses still dead in our trespasses and sins.

I Corinthians 15:17- “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain (worthless); ye are yet in your sins.”
Acts 4:33- “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
Matthew 12:40- “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
I Corinthians 15:3-4- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

The proclamation of Christ’s resurrection was the very heart and theme of the early church. The fact that He arose was the motivation behind every suffering and sacrificial endeavor for Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The following passages reveal it is clearly an essential part of the Gospel.

1)Anticipated and announced in the Old and New Testament

•Psalm 118:22-24

“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

•Isaiah 52:13; 53:10-12 (Isaiah spoke of a future day of redemption)
•Jonah 2:1-9 (Jonah is a type of Christ- Matthew 12:39-41)
•Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19 (Jesus regularly referred to this before His disciples)
•John 2:22 (The disciples finally remembered after it was a fact)
•Acts 13:33
•Matthew 27:63-64 (The enemies of Jesus remembered)

2)Post-resurrection witnesses

•1st appearance- Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
•2nd appearance- Other women (Matthew 28:8-10)
•3rd appearance- Peter (I Corinthians 15:5)
•4th appearance- Two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
•5th appearance (Sunday evening)- 10 Apostles in the Upper Room without Thomas (John 20:19-25; Luke 24:36-43)
•6th appearance (The following Sunday)- 11 Apostles and Thomas believes (John 20:26-28)
•7th appearance- 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
•8th appearance- 500 at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 15:6)
•9th appearance- Half-brother James (I Corinthians 15:7)
•10 appearance- The disciples again in Jerusalem (Acts 1:3-8; Luke 24:44-49)

3)Christ’s Ascension to Heaven

•Acts 1:11
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

•Mark 16:1-20
•Luke 24:50-53

January 2010 Events/Services

2010-01-07T14:32:00.002-06:00

Weekly- Sunday school (9:15AM); Worship Service (10:30AM); Wednesday night prayer meeting (7:00PM); Visitation

Monthly- Mission gift designated to a particular missionary family or individual (Jan.- Van Delinder family)

Jan. 10th- Church business meeting to follow our morning service (2010 Budget; outreach plans)

Jan. 31st- Sunday 9:15AM, 10:30AM- Missionary guest Jeremy Van Delinder and his family (They are planting a church in Austin, TX, later this year.); 6:30PM- Pizza/Game night with missionary family

Contemplating Christmas

2009-12-01T15:15:00.002-06:00

As we focus on Christmas, consider what I John 4:9 says, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him." Charles Spurgeon said, "The holiday will come and go, so we must now take the opportunity to exalt Jesus Christ."

Christmas is not just a date on our calendar. Christmas is the heralding of the entrance of God into human history! It is heaven descending to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Our response should be the same as the angels on Christmas Eve: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14).

The Gifts of Christmas

The Magi had seen Christ's star in the east and had come specifically to worship the newborn King. They were humbled by Christ's coming and fell at His feet (Matthew 2:11). They presented to Him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Observe how these gifts symbolize precious truths concerning worship and sacrificial giving. Should we not fall down before Him and worship Him with our gifts?

1. Gold - Nothing less than a gift of gold was worthy of their act of worship. The dignity of the occasion required the best that they could give. Gold was a recognition of Christ's sovereignty. "What an indictment this is on our approach to worship in our day! So often we hurry to church without real preparation of heart and mind"(Olford).

2. Frankincense - This was used by the priests in connection with an offering of sacrifice to God. Figuratively, it speaks of devotional fervor and recognition of Christ's deity (Jesus is God).

3. Myrrh - Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes to the grave to embalm the body of Jesus (John 19:39). Myrrh speaks of suffering. This was a recognition of Christ's humanity.

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)

Bible Verses for Christmas Evangelism

John 10:10,11
"… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: The good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

I Timothy 3:16
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

II Corinthians 8:9
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

I John 2:1-2
"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

Fulfilled prophecies of Christmas

God never works haphazardly! He is a God of order. At precisely the right time in history, Jesus Christ was born (Galatians 4:4-5). Furthermore, Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would come at just the right time in Israel's history (Isaiah 49:8). As the Jewish fathers choose the time for their sons to become adult sons, so the Heavenly Father chose the time for His Son to arrive.

The message of Christmas was prophesied over 700 years before the birth of Christ. The theme of Old Testament prophecy is the coming of a king. There are at least 189 prophecies in the New Testament that associate Christ to His coming as King.

1. He would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:5). "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

2. He would be called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:19-21).

3. There would be weeping in Rama (Matthew 2:17-18). " Rachael weeping for her children" (Jeremiah 31:15)

4. He shall be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).

5. He shall be virgin born and rise out of Israel. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) "…there shall come a star out of Jacob and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)

As you contemplate Christmas this year, make sure that your focus is on the CHRIST of Christmas.

THANKSGIVING REMINDERS

2009-11-10T14:50:00.002-06:00

Ephesians 5:20
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God…”

I Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Colossians 3:17
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Psalm 95:2
“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”

How should Christians be thankful?

1. Continually- Hebrews 13:15

-“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

2. In everything- I Thessalonians 5:18

-“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

3. Always for all things- Ephesians 5:20

-“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

4. In the midst of many- Psalm 109:30; 105:1

-“I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.”

5. In church- Psalm 100:4

-“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

6. Among the people- Psalm 57:9

-“I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.”

What are you thankful for?

Dedication Service & Baptism Pictures

2009-10-01T19:27:00.001-05:00

DEDICATION SERVICE- SUN. SEPT. 27TH (10:30 AM)

2009-09-21T21:07:00.002-05:00

Come and join us this Sunday for our official dedication service in our new church facility at 1810 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX 76021.

1. We will dedicate our building and our lives to the service of the Lord.
2. We will present our local officials (i.e. Mayor, City Council Members, Fire Chief, etc.) with a "thank you" gift for making "Life Better in Bedford."
3. We will sing songs that praise our God for His marvelous works.
4. We will preach the Word of God that provides hope, peace, life and stability in a time of economic instability in our country.

Please come and worship with us! And call me if you have any questions...we would love to meet you.

Pastor John
817-876-9901

Church Family & Services

2009-08-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

New Church Facility/Location- 1810 Brown Trail, Bedford

2009-07-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

Please come and join us at our new church facility at 1810 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX 76021! It's not far from LD Bell High School and the Half-Priced Bookstore. Call us if you have any questions- 817-876-9901.

New Church Location Starting August 1st- 1810 Brown Trail, Bedford

2009-06-19T15:42:00.002-05:00

New Summer Sermon Series

2009-06-02T16:27:00.002-05:00

This summer we have started a new sermon series on "End Time Events" in Revelation. Please come and join us as we meditate upon future happenings that should have a profound affect upon our present-day living for Christ.

The book of Revelation reveals some unimaginable things that are going to happen in the future...and that future may be sooner than we think. Knowing this information, how should you and I live? What should the priorities be in our lives? How should we pray?

Avoiding the Obstacles to Prayer

2009-05-18T14:55:00.002-05:00

1. Unforgiving Spirit

This is one of the most common hindrances to answered prayer. When we nurse a grudge or harbor ill will toward someone else, God will not deal favorably with us. This is the predominate barrier to all prayer, which is delineated in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

Mark 11:25 (Jesus said)
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

2. Sinful Life

Unconfessed sin in the life becomes a serious roadblock to the praying Christian. Idols in the heart cause God to turn away and allow prayers to go unanswered.

Psalm 66:18
“ If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

Isaiah 59:2
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

3. Unbelieving Petitions

Prayers are often halted by unbelief. We read and accept God’s promises, and yet our hearts doubt their truth. It has been said that faith is only omnipotent when on its knees.

James 1:6-7
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”

4. Selfish Requests

Before we approach God with our self-gratifying list, we must learn that prayer is basically asking what we already know God’s will to be. And His will is contained in the revelation of His Word. The life of the Apostle Paul is an example of this principle. He does not pray for material possessions or consumable items. His petitions are never selfish or shortsighted. Paul prayed with eternity’s values in view. Too often our prayers are filled with personal comforts, earthly possessions and our desire for happiness.

James 4:3
“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

5. Lack of Marital Unity

Our prayers can go unanswered due to problems in our marriage relationship. Incidentally, the strength of a couple’s prayer life reveals the spiritual health of the marriage. When disharmony occurs, prayer is impeded.

“If unconverted people can have happy homes without prayer (and they do), how much happier Christian homes would be with prayer” (Weirsbe).

I Peter 3:7
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

Mother's Day History & Family Quiz

2009-05-07T01:04:00.002-05:00

1. She was the mother of Moses, wife of Amram. (Ex. 6:20) ___________________

2. She was married to a fool (“churlish & evil”). What was his name? (I Sam. 25:3) ______________

3. She was a submissive, obedient wife. She was also a prayer warrior and the mother of Samuel. (I Sam. 1) _________________

4. She taught her son the Scriptures, and her mother, Lois, helped as well. (II Tim. 1:5) _______________

5. She was the mother of the mighty John the Baptist. (Luke 1:41) __________________

6. She said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” (Luke 1:46) ______________

7. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is __________; but a woman that _______________ the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

8. Of David’s eight wives, she had the greatest influence on him. She spared him from many hardships. (I Sam. 25) _______________

9. She was the mother of twins (Jacob and Esau). She was guilty of favoritism with her children. (Gen. 24) _________________

10. Proverbs 31:26- “She openeth her mouth with ______________; and in her tongue is the law of __________________.”

11. BONUS: She was the mother of a large family who was quoted as saying, “I will not have a godless child.” ______________________________

Did you know that the idea for Mother's Day was born in a small Methodist church in West Virginia? It was 1876 and the nation still mourned the Civil War dead. While teaching a Memorial Day lesson, Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis thought of mothers who had lost their sons. She prayed that one day there could be a "Memorial Day" for mothers. Her prayer made a deep impression on one of Mrs. Jarvis's eleven children. Young Anna had seen her mother's efforts to hold the war-split community and church together. As she grew into adulthood, the younger woman kept Mrs. Jarvis's dream in her heart. On the day of her mother's death, Anna was determined to establish Mother's Day in her honor.

On May 12, 1907, a local observance was held which later spread to Philadelphia. By 1910, Mother's Day was celebrated in forty-five states. On May 8, 1914, President Wilson designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day "for displaying the American flag and for the public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the country."

Proverbs 31:10, 11
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her…”

Recent Worship Service

2009-04-18T14:24:00.000-05:00

Come Join Us For Our Easter Service (10:30 AM)!

2009-04-07T11:26:00.002-05:00

The message of Easter is all about Christ and our deliverance! Because He lives, you and I can live! Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” Easter answers Job’s question. The resurrection is the core of our faith. The Apostle Paul stated: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9,10). Jesus said: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundational. It is the cornerstone of Christianity. Just as our heart pumps blood to every organ in our body, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of the Gospel that pumps life to every doctrinal truth. It is central! In the New Testament alone it is referred to 104 times. Peter’s first message at Pentecost that led to a great revival was founded and built around the truth of the resurrection. I Corinthians 15:12-19 reveals that everything stands or falls with Christ’s bodily resurrection. If Christ did not conquer death by rising from the tomb, we would all be false witnesses still dead in our trespasses and sins.

I Corinthians 15:17- “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain (worthless); ye are yet in your sins.”
Acts 4:33- “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
Matthew 12:40- “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
I Corinthians 15:3-4- “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Charles Spurgeon once said, “We gather together on the first rather than the seventh day of the week, because redemption is even a greater work than creation; and more worthy of commemoration, and because the rest which followed creation is far outdone by that which ensues upon the completion of redemption.”

The proclamation of Christ’s resurrection was the very heart and theme of the early church. The fact that He arose was the motivation behind every suffering and sacrificial endeavor for Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The following passages reveal it is clearly an essential part of the Gospel. May we at New Life Bible meditate upon these Scriptures and search our souls during this crucial and blessed time of the year.

1) Anticipated and announced in the Old and New Testament

· Psalm 118:22-24

“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

· Isaiah 52:13; 53:10-12 (Isaiah spoke of a future day of redemption)
· Jonah 2:1-9 (Jonah is a type of Christ- Matthew 12:39-41)
· Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19 (Jesus regularly referred to this before His disciples)
· John 2:22 (The disciples finally remembered after it was a fact)
· Acts 13:33
· Matthew 27:63-64 (The enemies of Jesus remembered)

2) Post-resurrection witnesses

· 1st appearance- Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11)
· 2nd appearance- Other women (Matthew 28:8-10)
· 3rd appearance- Peter (I Corinthians 15:5)
· 4th appearance- Two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
· 5the appearance (Sun. PM)- 10 Apostles in the Upper Room w/out Thomas (Jn. 20:19-25)
· 6th appearance (The following Sunday)- 11 Apostles and Thomas believes (John 20:26-28)
· 7th appearance- 7 disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
· 8th appearance- 500 at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; I Corinthians 15:6)
· 9th appearance- Half-brother James (I Corinthians 15:7)
· 10 appearance- The disciples again in Jerusalem (Acts 1:3-8; Luke 24:44-49)

3) Christ’s Ascension to Heaven

· Acts 1:11
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

· Mark 16:1-20
· Luke 24:50-53

Fun and Fellowship Activities

2009-03-25T18:50:00.004-05:00

Church The Way It Used To Be

2009-02-17T15:55:00.006-06:00

Please come and join us at New Life Bible Church...

1. Where the main emphasis is practical preaching and teaching of the Bible, not entertainment.
2. Where the music is joyful and mirrors Christ, not American Idol.
3. Where the focus is on fellowship, family, and foreign missions, not felt needs.
4. Where the philosophy of ministry is pleasing Christ, not pragmatism.
5. Where the main goal is the Glory of God, not the praise of men.

If this is the kind of church you are looking for, give us a call at 817-876-9901. We would love to worship with you. For the Apostle Paul admonished us, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (II Timothy 4:3).

Signs of Spiritual Growth- Col. 1:9-14

2009-01-30T07:56:00.005-06:00

Take your spiritual pulse and see if you have these "signs of spiritual growth" in your life (Col.1:9-14)? Ephesians 4:15 says, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him (Christ) in all things…"

1. Am I cultivating a deep, growing, personal knowledge of God (v. 9a)?
- Are you stagnant spiritually? Is your love for Christ growing daily?

2. Does that knowledge control my life (v. 9a)?

- Are you dominated by it? Is it producing a Christlikeness in you?
- "filled" means consumed or controlled completely

3. Does that knowledge translate into action (v. 9b)?

- Do I get defensive? Do I get angry? Do I feel slighted or worry?
- Do I respond poorly to criticism? Am I highly opinionated or critical?
- I Cor. 14:20- “Brethren, be not children in understanding..."

4. Is my conduct continually pleasing to the Lord (v. 10a)? What is not pleasing?

- Any ambitions or attitudes or music or thoughts displeasing to God?
- "worthy" means humble, appropriate, loving and pleasing
- Psa. 66:18- “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

5. Am I bearing fruit regularly (v. 10b)?

- Examples:

Pointing people to Christ (I Cor. 16:15)
Overcoming temptations (I John 2:14)
A deeper love for God’s Word (Ps. 119:97)
A more perfect obedience (I John 2:3–5)
A greater love for Christ and others (Eph. 3:17-19)
A strong doctrinal foundation (I John 2:12–14)
Sacrificial giving (Rom. 15:26–28)
Godly living (Heb. 12:11)
Displaying holy attitudes (Gal. 5:22, 23)
Praising God for passionately (Heb. 13:15)
An expanding faith (II Thess. 1:3; II Cor. 10:5)
Partaking of the deeper truths of Scripture (Heb. 5:14)
Memorizing more Scripture

6. Am I growing in love and understanding of God’s Word (v. 10c)?

- Is the Word becoming a part of me? (see Col. 4:16 & Heb. 5:12)

7. Is there a continuous supply of God’s power in my life to deal with difficult people and difficult circumstances (v. 11)?

8. Am I a grateful person on a regular basis (vs. 12-14)? Do I complain and have a negative attitude? Am I thankful?

New Year's Goal: Follow the "One Anothers" of the Bible

2009-01-12T10:50:00.004-06:00

If you want to be more like Christ in 2009, live and follow these "one anothers" of the Scriptures. They are powerful, convicting, and full of wisdom for everyday living. The answers are below if you need them.

1. ______________ one another- I Thess. 5:11 (build up and encourage each other)

2. ________________ to one another- Eph. 5:21 (“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”)

3. ______________ one another- Gal. 5:13 (“by love…”)

4. ___________ one another’s burdens- Gal. 6:2 (“…and so fulfill the law of Christ.”)

5. ________________ ye one another- Rom. 15:7 (“…as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”)

6. _________________ one another- Rom. 15:14

7. _________________ one another- Rom. 12:10 (“in honor…”)

8. Kindly ____________________ one to another- Rom. 12:10 (devoted to one another)

9. _______________________ one toward another- Rom. 15:5 (“according to Christ Jesus”).

10. ____________ __________ one another- Eph. 4:2 (“With all lowliness and meekness…forbearing one another in love.”)

Answers:
edify
submit
serve
bear
receive
admonish
prefer
affectionate
like-minded
bear with

Christmas Service and Invitation

2008-12-17T18:53:00.002-06:00

Who Celebrated Christmas in Jesus' Day?

2008-12-09T10:38:00.002-06:00

It has been stated that every personality attached to the birth of Christ worshiped God with jubilation and sincerity of heart. The proper emphasis and spirit of Christmas is always worship! It is an attitude of the heart that is so filled with wonder and thanksgiving to God that it simultaneously comes out in adoration and praise to the Lord.

Here are a few biblical examples of those who celebrated Christmas in Jesus' Day:

1. Elisabeth (mother of John the Baptist)
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)

2. Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people." (Luke 1:68)

3. Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)

4. Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)

5. Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)

6. Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)

7. Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)

8. Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47)

Are you celebrating Christmas properly? May our main focus this Christmas be centered on the worship of our King of Kings!

Galatians 4:4-5
“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

II Corinthians 8:9
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

Matthew 1:21
‘And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Missions to Russia and Native America

2008-11-25T09:03:00.001-06:00

Post Election Reminders

2008-11-05T23:40:00.002-06:00

Now that we have a new President, here's a few reminders for God's people:

1. "...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will" (Daniel 4:32).

2. "The King's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water he turneth it withersoever he will" (Proverbs 21:1).

3. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained (appointed) of God" (Romans 13:1).

4. I Timothy 2:1-3 admonishes us to pray regularly for those in authority.

5. Every believer should be a law abiding citizen. When the Christian obeys civil government, he is actually obeying God because the government is only exercising authority which God has delegated.

6. The Christian's ultimate duty is to always obey God!

7. How do we get involved in Government?

a. Write letters or e-mails to legislators.
b. Make phone calls to your representative.
c. Visit with your legislator or local official.
d. Support a good candidate and VOTE!
e. Share the Gospel with local, state, and federal officials.

New Life Pictures/Church Calendar

2008-10-16T23:58:00.006-05:00

CHURCH CALENDAR:

Oct. 26th – Congregational meeting near the end of our AM service (discussion & voting in regards to the new Bedford leasing location)

Nov. 23rd - Guest Speaker missionary Tom Watson, Bended Knee International

Dec. 7th - Annual church Business meeting

Dec. 14th - Christmas Sacred Music Concert

Making Prayer a Priority in Your Life

2008-10-10T12:25:00.003-05:00

Why should you and I make PRAYER a priority in our lives?

1. We are commanded to pray “without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17).

- The word “pray” or “prayer” is mentioned 164 times in the Bible.
- I Chron. 16:11 says: “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.”

2. We are told to pray so the Word can have “free course...” (I Thess. 3:1).

- “Free course” means to run, spread rapidly, and inundate lives.
- If we want to see the Word of God have free course in our community, outreach ministries, families, etc., we must make prayer a priority.

3. We are to pray so we can be watchful and offer “thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

4. We are instructed to pray so we can understand the Bible (Eph. 1:18).

- Prayer gives us wisdom and provides enlightenment in regards to the Bible.

5. We are told to pray because our “flesh” is weak and temptations are all around us (Matt. 26:41).

6. We are commanded to pray to “the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).

7. We are charged to pray because it is a heavenly requirement (Luke 18:1).

- Jesus said, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint”. Prayer is not just a privilege; it is a divine requirement. The believer must cultivate persistence in prayer. Prayer is hard and strenuous work. If we wait until we feel like praying, it will seldom happen.

- Samuel Chadwick once said: “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we PRAY.”

8. Here are other examples of why we should make prayer a priority in our lives:

• Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-7)
• Peter’s release from prison (Acts 12)
• Prayer activates the power of God (James 5:16; Jer. 33:3)
• Jesus gave us a pattern to follow (Luke 6:12)
• Prayer protects us from having an unforgiving spirit (Mark 11:25)
• God commanded it (I Timothy 2:1-3)

Isaiah 65:24
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

Come join us for our 10:30 AM worship service, or our 1:00 PM prayer service at New Life. We look forward to studying God's Word with you!

Music Ministry Team at NLBC

2008-09-27T12:08:00.000-05:00

Bob Jones University Music Ministry Team

2008-09-02T21:23:00.002-05:00

The Bob Jones University Music Ministry Team will minister at New Life Bible Church on September 18th at 7:30 PM at our normal location (Black Belt Academy/Taekwondo Building) in North Richland Hills, TX.

REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. Bob Jones University students present music and testimonies illustrating God's sufficiency and provision for His children in a variety of life experiences.

Please contact Pastor Lutz by phone or email if you'd like more information...and plan to join us for this soul-stirring musical presentation.

New Faces Among the Regulars at New Life

2008-09-02T21:21:00.002-05:00

unChristian

2008-08-22T14:42:00.002-05:00

I had a lady in the Metroplex tell me recently, "A lot of people know the Lord around here, but their lives do not change." That's an interesting statement with a lot of truth to it. It reminds me of a recent, popular book called, "unChristian." A synopsis of the book reveals that most young people today (ages 16-29) perceive Christians as "hypocrites", and that Christianity has taken a "giant step backwards."

What is God's definition of a Christian? How are you and I to live for Christ in this world? What are the real SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY? Below is an article that I recently sent to our church family:

Am I growing in Christ? Am I closer to the Lord this year than I was last year? Am I resisting more temptations? Do I look more and more like Jesus each day...in thought, word, and deed?

Ephesians 4:15-“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”
Psalm 92:12-“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”

The New Testament charges the believer to live in a way that is consistent with his identification with the Lord who saved Him (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27). Spiritual fruit is the by-product of this righteous life. The Bible identifies spiritual fruit as the following:

1. Partaking in the deeper truths of Scripture (Heb. 5:14)
2. Pointing people to Christ (I Cor. 16:15)
3. Praising God (Heb. 13:15)
4. Sacrificial giving (Rom. 15:26–28)
5. Living a godly life (Heb. 12:11)
6. Displaying holy attitudes (Gal. 5:22, 23)
7. Increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10; I Pet. 2:2; II Pet. 3:18)
8. A deeper love for God’s Word (Ps. 119:97)
9. A more perfect obedience (I John 2:3–5)
10. A strong doctrinal foundation (I John 2:12–14)
11. An expanding faith (II Thess. 1:3; II Cor. 10:5)
12. A greater love for Christ and others (Eph. 3:17-19)
13. Overcoming temptations (I John 2:14)

What are the SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY?

1. Inability to receive strong doctrine (I Cor. 3:1-2)

“And I (Paul), brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”

2. Inconsistency in faith and practice (Eph. 4:14)

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

3. Not cultivating an understanding of Scripture (I Cor. 14:20)

"Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

4. Not putting away childish things (I Cor. 13:11)

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

5. No spiritual progress, and the need to be taught again and again (Heb. 5:12)

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”

Forgive and Forget

2008-08-04T14:39:00.002-05:00

Are you struggling to forgive someone who has injured you? Are you having a hard time forgiving yourself? C.S. Lewis had this to say about forgiveness: "I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves; otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than God."

Genuine forgiveness is an inner change of the heart toward the offender. Too often we think we have extended forgiveness, but we continue to harbor ill will or resentment toward others. Matthew 18:21-22 says, “Then came Peter to him (Jesus)...Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.” This is how often you and I should forgive ourselves or those who have harmed us. The number seven was not to set a limit on the number of times to forgive (Psa. 119:164), but it meant the opposite. Jesus was stating that forgiveness should be granted unendingly. The phrase “seventy times seven” speaks of innumerable times. Paul told the Ephesian believers: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32).

Do you need forgiveness? Are you having trouble forgiving and forgetting? Here’s how our Heavenly Father forgives:

1. God refuses to remember our sins. Jer. 31:34- “…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
2. God throws our sins behind His back. Isa. 38:17- “…for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.”
3. God casts our sins into the depths of the sea. Mic. 7:19- “…thou wilt cast all their sins in the depths of the sea.”
4. God places our sins under His feet. Mic. 7:19- “…He will subdue our iniquities.”
5. God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. (Psa. 103:12)
6. God completely cleanses us from the soiled spot of our sins. Is. 1:18- “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Come and join us at New Life Bible Church as we search the Scriptures to study subjects like forgiveness and various others.

We're Unique!

2008-06-26T19:04:00.003-05:00

We would love for you to join our family this Sunday for worship. What makes New Life Bible Church unique? It's our practical application of the Word of God, our close fellowship, our uplifting Christlike music, and our freshness and spontaneity as a young church. Please come a little early and enjoy a cup of coffee and refreshment as we get to know each other better.

Hope to see you this Sunday! Call or email if you need directions or more information.

10 Ways On How To Interpret the Bible

2008-05-22T20:13:00.003-05:00

Proper Hermeneutics- Nehemiah 8:8; I Timothy 4:13

1. Don’t make the Bible say what you want it to say.
a. This is making a point at the price of losing the right interpretation.
b. Don’t force the Bible to fit your message.

2. Don’t seek to support your own views.
a. Be ready to always have your own views challenged.
b. Be unbiased and impartial; listen to the Word. Let it strip down your walls.

3. Don’t be guilty of the superficial approach.
a. “What does this verse mean to you?”
b. Be careful of non-structured Bible studies and group get-togethers (“little pools of ignorance”).
c. II Timothy 2:15

4. Don’t spiritualize the text.

5. Diligently study the passage, meditate and pray.
a. Acts 17:11…The Bereans “searched the Scriptures daily.”
b. Psalm 1… “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
c. Example: Like the cow chewing its cud
d. Real Bible study is hard work; it is treasuring God’s Word- Psalm 119:103; Proverbs 2:4.
e. Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate you.

6. Define key words.
a. Dictionary, Bible dictionary, concordance, commentary…Bible software (i.e.- E-sword)
b. Dig deep and use cross-reference verses.

7. Ask yourself questions.
a. Who is speaking here? To whom and why? What’s the context?
b. Are there any words repeated for emphasis (i.e. “verily, verily”).
c. Are the problems here similar to mine? What do I need to do or change?
d. What are the verbs?

8. Look for comparisons, commands, warnings, promises, etc.
a. Personalize God’s truth; don’t generalize.
b. Be careful not to substitute emotion for action.
c. Use the Scriptures as the benchmark, not other Christians.

9. Draw conclusions with personal application.
a. Here is a promise I need to cling to.
b. Here is an action I need to perform.
c. Here is a sin habit I must forsake.
d. Here is an attitude I must remove.
e. Here is an imperative I must obey.

10. Teach what you learn to others.

NLBC Welcomes You!

2008-04-23T23:25:00.002-05:00

Please accept our personal invitation to visit with us at NLBC! We are a friendly, people-oriented church burdened for the spiritual needs of those in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Our worship services promote biblical preaching, uplifting music, and a friendly atmosphere.

We believe that the Bible is God’s revelation to man (II Timothy 3:16, 17); it is the panacea to all of our problems. Our main objective is to promote the person and work of Jesus Christ by evangelization and edification (Ephesians 4:11-15). We believe that preaching and spiritual growth are primary! The Bible says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).

If you are looking for a good church that cares about people and is committed to exalting Christ, not just personalities or entertainment, please come and join us this Sunday. We look forward to your visit.

Pastor John

High Attendance at NLBC

2008-03-25T12:23:00.002-05:00

What a blessing to see God grow His church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Thanks to the Lord, we had a high attendance of 31 in our worship service last Sunday. Please be in prayer as we continue to preach the Word, share the love of Christ with others, fellowship together, support missionary endeavors, and prayerfully seek a new meeting location.

To God be the Glory!

Fellowship & Fun Activity

2008-03-13T14:05:00.001-05:00

First Communion Service

2008-02-25T12:27:00.002-06:00

February NLBC Updates

2008-02-11T12:40:00.000-06:00

1. God is building His church as we grow spiritually and numerically in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Last week two precious souls joined in membership with us. Also, we continue to see a few visitors each week as the news of NLBC is spreading by word of mouth.
2. We just purchased new padded folding chairs for our meeting place.
3. In the next few weeks we will have our first communion service together.
4. Please continue to pray for Sunday visitors, the pulpit ministry, evangelism outreach opportunities, salvation decisions, and personal contacts.
5. We thank the Lord for our good offerings, and the opportunity to give a monthly missions gift to those in need.

New Life Update and Activities

2008-01-22T22:45:00.000-06:00

God continues to bless our church family as we faithfully worship, serve, and fellowship together each week in North Richland Hills. Please consider visiting us this Sunday as we exegete and apply the book of Philippians to our lives. Here are a few upcoming activities:
1) Membership class- Please contact Pastor John if you would like to join.
2) Feb. 3rd church lunch to follow the morning service. Everyone is invited.
3) Feb. 17th church activity after the AM service. We will eat lunch at CiCi's Pizza, and then we will go ice skating.
4) Feb. 24th communion service. This will be our first one at NLBC!

New Life Bible Church Blessings, Updates & Prayer Requests

2008-01-02T13:56:00.000-06:00

1. On New Year's Eve our family had an opportunity to minister with the Browns at UBH (University Behavioral Health) in Denton. It was a sweet time with the residents as we sang Christmas songs and taught from Matthew's Gospel on the birth of Christ.

2. Pray for our Saturday visitation as we canvass the surrounding communities of North Richland Hills to share the love of Christ with folks.

3. Our church will have its first business meeting after the AM service (Jan. 13th) to discuss and vote on the 2008 budget.

4. The response to the preaching and teaching of God's Word has been encouraging as we strive to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18).

5. Pray as we search for a more permanent meeting facility for our church services.

Christmas meal & fellowship at our home

2007-12-13T15:49:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the Lord, we had one of the best weekends at New Life Bible Church. After the worship service on Sunday, Shawn and I invited everyone back to our home for a Christmas lasagna dinner. The sweet closeness and fellowship reminded us of the earlier church planting days in Lancaster, PA.

If you know of anyone who is looking for a church and would like to attend NLBC, please give us a call at 817-788-9810. May you have the most blessed, Christ-filled Christmas with family and friends.

Worship Service/Charter Membership Day

2007-12-02T21:18:00.000-06:00

Christ-centered Worship at Christmas

2007-11-24T19:47:00.000-06:00

Worship is never man-centered, but Christ-centered. Therefore, the proper emphasis and spirit of Christmas is worshiping Christ. The famous evangelist of the past, Charles H. Spurgeon, once said: "The holiday will come and go, so we must now take the opportunity to exalt Jesus Christ."

Christmas is the heralding of the entrance of Christ into human history. It is heaven descending to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Our response should be the same as the angels on Christmas Eve: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"(Luke 2:14).

From a biblical perspective, every personality attached to the birth of Christ worshiped Him joyfully and with sincerity of heart. Here are some examples:

1. Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist
"And she spake out with a loud voice" (Luke 1:42)

2. Zacharias
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68)

3. Angels
"A multitude of the heavenly host praising God" (Luke 2:13)

4. Shepherds
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen." (Luke 2:20)

5. Simeon
"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God." (Luke 2:28)

6. Anna
"She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord" (Luke 2:38)

7. Wise Men
"Come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2)

8. Mary
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-47)

Please keep Christ at the heart of your Christmas holiday celebrations.

Change

2007-11-01T15:06:00.000-05:00

A special thank you to all of you who are praying for NLBC! God is using you to scatter gospel seeds in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We've been encouraged to see some of those seeds take root and begin the growing process. Other seeds need more watering, and will require nurturing through prayer. Be assured that you share in the fruit....that which is visible, and that which we believe will become evident in the future, through the power of our Lord.

Our average attendance has been around 20, and the spirit in our services has been refreshing. The Lord has added a few new couples to our core group, and their faithfulness and participation encourages us. One young man who has been regularly attending recently expressed a desire to rededicate his life to the Lord. Others have expressed interest in membership and everyone is always willing to serve. This eagerness to grow and develop and serve is a direct answer to your prayers and ours, and is at the very heart of church planting.....CHANGE. We are seeing change in the lives of saved and unsaved alike. And God is also changing our own hearts by increasing both our burden for the lost and our dependence upon Him alone. True change here in the North Richland Hills area occurs slowly and without flash and drama. We must keep our focus on Christ alone who is able to do the saving, the restoring, the growing, and the changing.

Last week's canvassing brought some interesting results. In one group of young people who had gathered outside we met a professing Atheist, an Agnostic, and another who obviously had some Bible background. In that one group we witnessed hardness, coldness, bitterness, openness, and hopefulness....all who needed the permanent change that only faith in Christ can bring. We trust that one of them might accept our invitation to attend our church services. If not, perhaps they will read the gospel message printed on the brochure and someday trust the Lord to save them. The results are in God's hands.

We plan to hold a Charter Membership Service on the first weekend of December. Please pray that our spirit of oneness will continue and that we as future charter members of New Life Bible Church will always be open to change as God leads and redirects our paths. As some of you have experienced, church planting requires flexibility and the ability to change at a moment's notice....change of location, change of strategy, change of plans, but never change of goals, purpose, or doctrine. Our stand for the truth must be unchanging.

Having lived in Pennsylvania for the past 19 years, we confess that we miss the beauty of autumn....the colors of the changing leaves there are always breathtaking. The seasons are changing here in Texas as well, but with little obvious color....almost unnoticeable, except for the welcome gradual decrease in temperature. How fitting, and what a perfect reminder of the church planting ministry in this area. The change is occurring, but not as overtly, and perhaps not as visible to the casual observer. But upon closer inspection, we see signs of growth and change that God, by His grace, has brought about, and these changes are beautiful. The fact that He is using NLBC (and YOU) to bring about this change makes us feel humble, grateful, and desirous to daily change into His image.

To God be the glory!

In His Service,
John and Shawn

II Corinthians 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Church Service & Bowling Fellowship

2007-10-12T14:42:00.000-05:00

What Does The Bible Say About MONEY?

2007-10-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

Does money have a controlling influence over us? Do we worry about the lack of it? As a pastor I’ve found that the subject of money, its use and misuse, is normally the main topic of discussion in all domestic struggles. What does God’s Word say about this subject? How are we to use it and acquire it? What should be our perspective on finances? God has an incredible amount of instruction for us in regards to money:

1. Love people and God more than money- Matthew 6:33.
2. Adhere to sound financial principles (get out of debt; establish a budget; do not spend more than you take in; shut down impulsive buying; invest wisely)- Prov. 15:22.
3. Be content with what God has given you- I Timothy 6:8.
4. Remember always that God owns everything- Psalm 50:10-12; Exodus 19:5.
5. God promises to supply all our needs, not wants-Philippians 4:19.
6. Be conscious that one day your riches will perish- I Timothy 6:7; Job 1:21.
7. Give your employer an honest day's work for an honest day's wage-Colossians 3:22.
8. Do not be lazy in providing for your family-Proverbs 6:6.
9. God may withhold spiritual/material blessings due to a sinful life- Isa. 59:1-2.
10.Be cautious how you spend and acquire money-I Timothy 6:9-10.
11.God condemns the "love" of money- I Timothy 6:10.
12.Be concerned with "righteousness" over riches- I Timothy 6:11-12.
13.Give to God regularly, cheerfully & wholeheartedly- I Cor. 9:7;16:2.
14.Freely share what you have with others in need- I John 3:17.
15.Be thankful for what you have- I Thess. 5:18.

CHURCH UPDATES:

Thank you for praying for New Life Bible Church! God has brought two more families to join us in corporate worship. Last Saturday several of us passed out doorhangers in the surrounding community. This Sunday afternoon we will have our first NLBC activity with a noon meal at the church, followed by a time of bowling fellowship.

Our pulpit ministry at NLBC is paramount. We believe that God's Word is the panacea to all of life's problems. The Psalmist said (119:24): "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." Here is a schedule of our preaching topics/themes for the next few months:

1. October- Applicable messages on the Christian life: How to handle pressure and stress; How to pray; The importance of private devotions; What does God say about money; Overcoming worry & discouragement; etc.
2. November- Preaching through our church goals
3. December- Christmas themes
4. January- Practical book study in Philippians

Using Your Spiritual Gifts to Serve

2007-09-21T07:50:00.000-05:00

We at New Life Bible desire to use our spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ. In order for the church body to be healthy and look more like Christ, every believer must be a functioning organ exercising his or her gifts. Our physical bodies are never as healthy as they could be if our organs are not operating. It’s the same in spirituality in regards to the body of Christ. What gift(s) do you have?

1. Gift of showing mercy- This means to exercise deeds of loving-kindness. It is a compassionate ability to lesson the afflictions of others.
2. Gift of evangelism- This is a heavenly gift from God to mightily preach the gospel to non-believers. It is a gift that challenges others to witness for Christ.
3. Gift of teaching- It is a God-given ability to explain Scriptural truth clearly to others. Others in the church will recognize this gift in you.
4. Gift of administration- This gift is a divine ability to provide leadership in & outside the church.
5. Gift of exhortation- This is the capacity to come alongside fellow Christians and encourage them in the Lord. The devil is working overtime to discourage people.
6. Gift of giving- All believers are commanded to give; however, this spiritual gift goes beyond to assist those in need. It is a complete denying of oneself for the sake of others.
7. Gift of discernment- God has raised up certain believers who help protect the church from false doctrine and discern between good and evil. This gift goes beyond natural insight and human wisdom.
8. Gift of faith- This is often called the gift of prayer. Every saint is to have faith, but this gift speaks of those who have extraordinary confidence in God. These are prayer warriors!
9. Gift of prophecy- This gift refers to preaching. Prophecy means to “tell forth and declare.” It does not refer to predicting the future (it’s proclaiming). It is possible that church musicians could be included here as they declare the Word through song, which is an act of worship.
10. Gift of helps- It is a gift that humbly serves other people. Most of the time this gift is done behind the scenes.

It was Dwight Moody who said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do." God miraculously used Moody to bring spiritual revival to England and America because of his willing to serve. How about you?

More Pictures From Our First Service

2007-09-13T14:44:00.000-05:00

FIRST SUNDAY SERVICE

2007-09-10T14:25:00.001-05:00

We praise the Lord for a terrific start on Sunday! After much prayer and preparation, we had an enthusiastic group of 28 folks in the morning service. They were joyful, friendly, ready to worship in song, and eager to hear the preaching of God's Word. We saw some visible results of our Saturday canvassing time...we were able to distribute almost 300 door hangers and had some meaningful conversations with area residents.

Please be in prayer as we make phone calls and visits in preparation for next week's services. If you know of anyone who lives in the DFW Metroplex, we welcome the contacts. We would love to invite them to NLBC.

Thank you for ministering with us in prayer!

Looking For Used Majesty Hymnals!

2007-08-30T08:49:00.000-05:00

Our first service on September 9th is quickly approaching, and we're gradually collecting items on our "Needs" list. We thank those of you who have contributed! Our biggest need right now is for hymnals. If anyone has (or knows of someone who has) extra Majesty Hymnals (used...even if they're not in the best condition), we would be thrilled to have them, and would gladly pay for the shipping cost. We plan to purchase some eventually, as our group and our resources grow. But if you're able to donate a few, it would greatly help our ministry. We believe that uplifting, worshipful, distinctively Christian music is crucial for a good beginning, as well as all of our future services.

Please drop us a line to let us know that you've visited our blogsite, and to share your own prayer requests with us. We're all partners in Kingdom work, busily spreading the seeds of the gospel. Some of us are planting, and others are watering, but we know that our faithful God has the power to give the increase, and make something eternally beautiful out of our small, seemingly insignificant efforts. Perhaps our little corner of Texas will someday bloom with growing, discipled believers...more lovely than the fields of Texas Bluebonnets which arrive each spring. That is our desire, and that is our prayer.

More pictures of new location

2007-08-22T23:06:00.000-05:00

NLBC First Meeting Location

2007-08-17T19:16:00.000-05:00

Starting Sept. 9th, we will meet for our Sunday services at the Black Belt Academy, 5750 Davis Blvd.(suite 201), in North Richland Hills. Thanks to the owner's kindness, we were given a reasonable rent price for a storefront that provides great exposure from a busy highway. We look forward to exercising our faith :-).

We'll provide more details later. In the meantime, God continues to bless our midweek Bible Study. This past Wednesday we had a group of thirteen. It was a sweet time of prayer and fellowship.

To God be the Glory!

Going Forward? Expect Friction!

2007-08-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

When we attempt something for God, we expect persecution...in the form of mockery, criticism, condescension. But sometimes it's even more difficult to deal with common inconveniences and the adverse circumstances of life.
Yesterday we experienced one of those days. Perhaps you did as well. As some of you know, I have a part-time job as Chaplain of a local Drug and Rehabilitation Center. I've thoroughly enjoyed the ministry of giving heavenly hope to those who struggle with their addictions and the consequences of their harmful habits. Last night as I left the facility at a fairly late hour, I was greeted with an unwelcome sight...someone had smashed the window of our van and had stolen some valuable items.
I had just given the lecture, "What Price Are You Willing to Pay?", and stressed the need for commitment in doing what God wants us to do. As I faced the scene outside, I was reminded of my own commitment and our calling to plant this new church in Texas.
Commitment can be painful, costly, and messy. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Sometimes "our cross" involves harm to our body or even loss of life. Sometimes our cross is the loss of two weeks of part-time salary to repair a shattered window and replace missing items. Whatever our cross may be, we must go forward for God and fulfill His Great Commission.
We are more and more convinced that God has specifically called us to the DFW metroplex to do Kingdom work. It is a daunting task; however, we are encouraged by Luke 18:27..."The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

John and Shawn

Updates: Please pray for our weekly mid-week Bible study and prayer meeting. This afternoon, we will continue the search for a Sunday meeting place. We're encouraged by the possibility of additional seed family help in the form of a single young man and a young family.

Pray For A Church Meeting Place!

2007-08-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

Please join us in earnestly praying for an affordable and accessible building to rent for our Sunday church services to begin on September 9th. We've done our survey work and have a general target area in mind, so now we'll contact business owners, school district offices, child care centers, etc. to inquire about occupancy.

We're holding on to Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."

The Early Church

2007-07-27T08:47:00.002-05:00

Just like the early church, we at New Life Bible are meeting in a home- our home. The Wednesday Night Bible Study continues to be a sweet time of fellowship around God's Word. Last week, we had an attendance of ten folks who were eager to search the Scriptures. Our collective and individual faith continues to be strengthened. Two individuals were able to share exciting answers to prayer concerning a need for employment. We are always reminded and uplifted by Matthew 7:7- "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

We at NLBC believe that church planting is Scriptural. Below are a few reasons why we desire so passionately to continue in this work:

Church planting is a biblical process (Acts 9:31; Acts 16:1-2, 5).
The older most churches get, the less evangelistic they become (Acts 1:8). Statistically, almost half of all U.S. churches last year did not add one new individual through conversion growth. According to church researchers, most newcomers are simply a “circulation of the saints.” Someone once said: “Evangelism is not complete until the evangelized become the evangelists.”
Numerous churches today are either stagnant or in a survival mode. There is a spiritual barrenness and deadness in our churches today. One church planter said: “Overall, 80-85% of U.S. churches are on the downside of their life cycle.”
Church planting is the best way to reach the growing number of ethnic groups in America (Revelation 5:9). The mission fields are no longer entirely overseas. Statistically, over half of our U.S. population lives in 43 cities with populations of over one million. As of now, there are over five million people in the Dallas/Forth Metroplex.
Church planting actively involves believers in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20). It has been said: “The New Testament church is an organized body of saved and baptized believers united together for the main purpose of carrying out the Great Commission.” Larger churches become hiding places for saints who want the convenience of a New Testament church, but do not want to fulfill the Great Commission.
Church planting confronts the surge of false religions in our country (I John 4:1). Immigrants to America have brought with them a legion of New Age/diverse religions.
Church planting is cost efficient. The emphasis is ministry over maintenance; not big buildings.
Church planting produces enthusiasm, renews vigor, and dispels complacency among God’s people. The focus is on Christ (I Corinthians 3:11), and not on personalities. Kingdom work is done with eternal results.

Recent Bible Study Topic: Anger Management

2007-07-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

At our last New Life Bible Church meeting we had nine individuals in attendance as we studied and discussed the topic of "anger." Other than a Christian's struggle with his thought life, I don't know of any other area that troubles a believer more than the subject of anger. It can make or break our testimony for God. Proverbs 25:28 says, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls."
Here are some other notes and Bible references that we studied: TYPES OF ANGER, CAUSES OF ANGER, RESULTS OF ANGER, AND CURES OF ANGER...Mark 11:15-17; Prov. 12:16, 15:1, 21:24; Gal. 5:20; James 1:20; Col. 3:12-13; II Tim. 1:7; Job 5:2; Prov. 19:19; Phil. 2:3; Psa. 37:8; Luke 18:1; Romans 12:17; Eph. 4:30-32; Prov. 16:32; I John 1:9; I Cor. 15:57.
If our anger is not managed and controlled by Christ, it brings harsh ramifications. One author put it this way: "Anger in some ways is a feast for a king; it can be enjoyable...the chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is YOURSELF. The skeleton at the feast is YOU."

Totally DEPENDANT on Christ

2007-07-04T23:10:00.000-05:00

We're looking forward to our next Bible study/prayer meeting in our home on Wednesday, July 11. If you're in the area and would like to join us, please call (817)788-9810 for more information.

We ordered tracts for New Life Bible Church and received a phone call informing us of that our incorporation forms(for tax exempt status) have been filed with the state of Texas. In the coming weeks we will search more aggressively for a temporary facility for our Fall church services.

If you know of someone who lives in the DFW Metroplex and is searching for an opportunity of service in a good Bible church, please have that individual contact us. We're praying for more co-laborers!

Ministry Updates

2007-06-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

June 27th (Wednesday evening, 7PM)- First New Life Bible Church prayer meeting/Bible study will be held in our home (7009 Herman Jared Dr. North Richland Hills). Call 717-519-9551 or 817-788-9810 for interest or questions. Please come and join us.

Dallas/Fort Worth area photos

2007-06-12T20:44:00.001-05:00