got life: may & june 2015
DESCRIPTION
A newsletter for spiritual enrichment for the body of ChristTRANSCRIPT
NEW LIFE ! MAY/JUNE 2015
! PAGE 1
Picture the MomentWe have entered that
part of the year when we start to move outside of our houses and enjoy outdoor activities.
Maybe you are about to take that trip that you have always wanted to take. Or maybe you will see friends you haven’t seen in years.
Sometimes the most precious and talked about moments happen so fast. We may spend months planning for them, but they seem to come and go ten times faster than it took to plan for them.
Thanks to modern technology, there is a way to allow those moments to linger.
With a mobile phone and a good memory card, you can create many precious memories to last a life time.
We never know when we will need to reflect on those memories or how much the ability to look see a past moment so clearly will mean to us until that time comes.
So this spring/summer capture every moment.
-Pastor Mel
GOT LIFEThe Name is Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 3:17
The most powerful name is Jesus because it is above every name (Philippians 2:9). It is the only name by which men can be saved (Acts 4:12). This is the only name that saves you from sin (Colossians 3:17). Since the name of Jesus does this, you should be baptized in that name which is the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The name of Jesus is the only name you will ever need.
All power was given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). That is why there is power in His name. This is the name you can be saved by, healed by, delivered by, protected by, etc. The name of
Jesus can also give you whatever you desire. Because of the power that is in His name, you can ask anything in that name and whatever you desire.
Jesus’ name is very strong and powerful. Unlike us who have names, but they are
powerless. We cannot be healed by simply believing and saying our own name, but we can use the name of Jesus and healing will take place. So if you are in
Jesus, you will have the power only through His name. You will have the power because you believe and have faith in Jesus.
A writer of God’s word, who encourages people,
Ray Dodd, Jr.
NEW LIFE ! MAY/JUNE 2015
! PAGE 2
GIVING HONOR AND PRAISES
Bishop Brenda K. Perry,Sr. Pastor of NLTC
The Apostle Paul quotes Exodus 20: 12: “Honor thy Father and Mother that your days may be long upon the land…”
Here we are, again celebrating Mother’s Day. Another great seasonal holiday that is given a lot of attention. Whether your Mother was the greatest, or near the worst, she should be given honors and praises. Yes, in this day and time, we see going all out in spending, giving and going to Church on Mother’s Day, more than Father’s Day. Why? Does the Bible project more on the Mother rising their children than the Father?
The Apostle Paul, in Titus, admonishes the older women of godly character to teach young women to love their husband, and to love their children. In the Old Testament, starting with Moses commands from the Lord, he emphasize to train up your children, and to teach your children at all times. He spoke more to the Fathers than the Mothers. Reading in Isaiah 38:19b, “The father shall make known your truth to the
children.” Even the Apostle Paul express in Ephesians 6:4a, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
When a child is not properly trained he brings shame more so to the Mother than the Father. I witness the other day the news media showing how a Mother corrected her son that was trying to participate in retaliation for a young man that died in the custody of the Baltimore, Maryland police. This woman was given high praise in pulling her son from uprising violence from gangs. Yes, she was correct in getting her son away from the crowd. How she did it, and the words she yelled, given any other time this woman would have been called an abusive Mother, and a bad example in raising her son. But, given the circumstances, she was given high praise from all the media.
The Word of God tells us to correct them. The King James Version states “……to beat them and they shall not die.” (Proverb 23:13). We know that those that are up right in the Spirit will not physical abuse our children. However, there are times we must use corporal punishment on our children. But the laws of the land have changed so much that they are stopping what God has instructed us to do.
Our Father plays a great part in rising our children to be
productive and prosperous in society and God’s Kingdom. The rise in divorces, and the change in the law of morality is causing a great change in the home. We see a shortage in our Fathers and men in helping to raise our children, but I choose not to focus on them. But I do praise the Fathers, and other males that may not have children of their own, who have taken a great interest in our children, in reaching out in helping them to be productive men and women in society.
It is sad that the media is not showing positive role models that are making a difference in the lives of young children. We have allowed the media to push us to hear more negative about male role models. Take the young man, that NFL player on the Minnesota team. Yes, he may have hit his son a little too hard for society correction, but he was saving him from future destruction.
We need our villages, our communities to go back to the Word of God in rising our children in the fear of the Lord. I like the T-shirt that says “Real Men Pray.” Real men not only pray but teach, instruct, guide, build character into lives of their children. Real men are productive in rising their children, and live a good example for their children and
Continue on page 3
NEW LIFE ! MAY/JUNE 2015
! PAGE 3
Continue from page 2
others that around them. I want to thank and praise
God for my children’s Father. Yes we are divorced, but he was a real Father to his daughters. I thank and praise God for my Father who had very little education, had very little example to follow in being a Father, but he was there in good and bad time, and was a great
provider. I give thanks and praise to my brothers that are great Fathers in being there for their children, even to this day. Yes, I will always give thanks and praise for my Mother who came so close to death in bringing me forth to this life.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day came about by two women who wanted to honor their parents. Mother’s Day came first, then a few years later
Father’s Day. Take the time and look at the reason these day came into existence. But most of all if you are a contributor to society, and the Kingdom of God, give thanks and praise for your Father and Mother or to that person that helped to influence you in the right direction.
NEW LIFE ! MAY/JUNE 2015
! PAGE 4
Looking AheadPlease mark your calendars for the upcoming events for May & June
MAY2 Ladies Prayer Breakfast3 Celebration of Asians in American History9 Leadership Prayer10 Mother’s Day14 Marriage Seminar24 Celebration of Jews in American History24 Pentecost Sunday - $50 offering24 3:00pm service at The Repairers Church - Bishop Preaching25th Memorial Day (Office Closed)
JUNE3 Leadership Prayer 13 Marriage Pot Luck14 CWP Birthday Party20 Leadership Prayer & Meeting21 Father’s Day28 Celebration of Caribbean in American History28 Evening Service
May 5! ! Judith Payne
May 6! ! Julia Hines
May 14! ! Brianna Payne
May 17! ! Derisha Davis
May 21! ! Roy Clark
May 26! ! Justine Cone
May 27! ! Karen Watson
May 31! ! Jenny Jones
Anniversaries
Sonny & Jenny Jones May 10
June 1! ! Melinda Perry
June 2! ! Donna Ross
June 4! ! Mary Hunt
June 11! ! Betty Holmes
June 12 !! Contrece Cravens
June 23! ! Jacorri Richardson
June 28! ! Jamie Coney Jr
June 29! ! Leslie Nicosa
Anniversaries
Tyron & Kristina Chambers June 15
Lonnie & Louie Mae Cardwell June 20
Roger & Agnes Williams June 27
Birthdays & Anniversaries
NEW LIFE ! MAY/JUNE 2015
! PAGE 5
“CHANGE”
Sis. Sharon ClayCAYC Ministry Director
What is “change”? Make or become different, take or use another instead of…
What or who do you think of when you hear the word “change”? The answer is usually “the other person”. 99.99% of the time change begins with you, in you, and not the other person. For example, my personal experience in change. Changes are taking place at my job. Over a year ago we were told that our positions will be migrating to Buenos Aires. Prior to the BA Team arriving, we had to put in place desk documentation, among other things. This was being repeated over and over and over again. The team arrived this January. Were we surprised? Only to those who did not fully prepare themselves for this change.
When change takes place mentally (way of thinking) our actions are then on display. With everything that is happening, I am to be ready, whether I understand it, or like it, or inviting the change, or whatever. Change will occur, with or without my permission or to my liking. And it comes in different ways: jobs, family status, relocating, and people.
What about the change that is required of you in responding to the gospel? The gospel demands a change. You have a choice to accept or walk away. One Wednesday night, in place of our weekly bible study, we watched a movie, “The Passion of Christ”. Although I’ve seen the movie twice, I have still a hard time seeing the humility, the beatings, being spat upon, laughed at, accusations, etc. Pastor Stephens challenged us after watching the movie that we are to respond in a different way as we go about our lives, how we treat others, etc. The agony of what one man endured that would have such an impact and put us in a position to change our destiny,
surrendering to a way of living backed up by the Word. As a result, our minds, hearts, and actions show who we are, and who we are representing.
This is one of many benefits to a life being changed in responding to the gospel: “Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me… For whoever finds me, finds life, and shall draw forth and obtain favor of the Lord.” (Proverbs 8:32-35, Amplified Version)
Note: Our brother, Leroy Abrams (one of our workers in the singles’ ministry), will be out of the country for a while. Remember to keep him in prayer and send him messages of encouragement.
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25) We Love You! We Will Miss You!
New Life MinistriesWords from our ministries
NEW LIFE ! MAY/JUNE 2015
! PAGE 6
MEMO: To a new Convert
Eld. Edna JohnsonOutreach Ministry Director
When you buy a new tool, an appliance, or even a toy there is always something accompanying it to help you properly put it together, or properly use it. That something is called a manual. Most often we feel we do not need the manual because we look at the picture on the box and go from there. Or we have something similar, so we go by how we operate the other object. Well, I’m sure you know how that turns out.
God has given us His manual to guide us through this life. His manual is His word, the Bible. And, here too, we often fail to use it. I am encouraging those who are new to our Lord’s lifestyle, those who have just become a new convert to embrace His manual for dear life. Allow me to share a few things about His manual.
It was written by more than 30 authors. It is timeless and universal. Its message can be understood by children, yet it is so profound that the intellect find depth and height that surpass their abilities. There is no contradictions in it. It has one theme from Genesis to Revelation, and that being the redemption of man. It is the progressive revelation of the one and true God.
The Bible, the Word of God, is still the most interesting, intriguing, and inspiring book ever read by human eyes. It can encourage. It can convict you when sin is prevalent in your life. It gives you hope when everything seems hopeless. It is filled with the most important truth anyone could ever know. All of its teachings are relevant forever.
The following is what the bible says about itself: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, So that the servant may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”.
Even though men were used to write the scriptures, it was given to them through the power of the Holy Spirit as God breathed out the words to be recorded. “The word of the Lord came…..” this is scripture written by revelation. Scripture was also written by inspiration, or because of observation.
As a new convert, please remember that the bible is completely trustworthy as a guide to salvation, and the life of faith. It will always accomplish its purpose. It has the answer to all problems, and any situation. Your
manual must be acknowledged in all your ways, and this manual (the word of God) will direct your path.
Please be encouraged in our Lord.
I know most of you will not believe me when I say this, but it is so true. I enjoy people!
Now to what degree I enjoy them may merit the side eye. Ok, maybe not all people all of the time, but I do have a great appreciation for being in the presence of other human kind... for the most part.
I especially get a kick out of being around really rich people. Just not for the reason you may think. In fact, maybe I should be ashamed for my reason. So please note that this article comes with a warning of being a bit shameful.
I’m not the sort of person who screams racism every time a non-black person does something ugly or bad to me. I guess I can thank my parents for depriving me of early conversations and situations that would cause me to have the ability to see things in that light now that I’m an adult. How unfortunate I am, and how inconsiderate of them for that.
Every year I volunteer at a Houston sporting event that caters to certain groups of people.
One group is the sport’s enthusiast, with main segment of that group being the Latino or South American and Spanish community. They come out and fill the “common” section of the stadium. They bring the flags of their native homeland (actually I think the tournament committee band that this year), stretch them across their rows, and they scream and cheer on their player. They come to the tournament not to see or be seen, but because they really love the sport. They are passionate and full of energy.
The other group is broken into two sub-groups, the haves and the wanna have.
They come out because they have the money to be there or because they want to appear to have and connect with those who really do have.
It is this group that brings me the most entertainment. Some of them come from really old money and snub their noses at just about every person who doesn’t have at least $5K sitting on one hand or wrist.
As a volunteer usher it is my job to ensure that each person get to their proper seat in time before either the match begins or between the appropriate numbered game. Often it is also my job to keep people out of the “exclusive” section or box seats who don’t belong there.
Lastly, ushers do their best to ensure that each guest moves to their seat or area safely.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why these extremely wealthy people have not built a new, proper and safe stadium. The place is a death trap!
Every year I watch people tumble, fall over people, loose food because of hidden danger spots throughout the stadium.
My friend Stephanie and I will warn and caution people as they are coming or going through the stadium gates.
However, there are those people who don’t want to hear anything from the ushers and will try and rush past us to get to their box seats, or walk during a play when asked not too only to take loud embarrassing tumble.
If only they were willing to heed the warning from us simple people...but then who would make me laugh?
I’m always tickled by the apologetic look or pat on the shoulder when my body is the shield that catches their fall.
Usually my reply is, “I’m just glad I was here to stop your fall.” Of course throughout the rest of the match I give them a smile to remind them that I’m there to help.
I know next year they will forget and it will happen all over again. But hey, that’s what I’m there for, no not to laugh, but to help.
The Lite Side
“One Moment...Wa
tch
Your Step”
Mel A. Perry
STAY CONNECTED
NLTCHouston
NLTC - For family
NLTCNews - For NLTC friends
NLTC Got Life
The NLTC
www.livestream.com/newlifetemplechurch
Instagram @NLTCHouston
Getting to know your family...
Come connect with your family...www.newlifetemplechurch.com
Perfecting Light -Membership ClassSunday School
Pastoral Bible StudyYouth ServiceMen’s prayer
Children With PurposeMarriage In Unity
NL Ministry Leaders
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor [email protected]
Mel A. Perry, Assistant Pastor & Global Relations Director [email protected]
Pastor Steve Stephens, Associate Pastor [email protected]
Pastor Elmer Powell, Associate Pastor [email protected]
Donna Ross-Powell, Administrator [email protected]
Deacons Roy Seivwright, Head Deacon [email protected]
Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. [email protected]
Donna Stephens, Ladies Minstry [email protected]
Elder Roy & Min Pam Clark, Perfecting Light Ministry [email protected]
Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach [email protected]
Sis. Sharon Clay, Singles Ministry [email protected]
Statement of Faith
We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as omniscient and omnipresent.
We believe this one true God, who revealed Himself as Father in Creation, as Son in redemption, and as Holy Ghost in regeneration.
We believe that - in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.
We believe in the death, burial and resurrection.
We believe in being born again of water-by immersion in the name of the Lord “Jesus” Christ for the remission of sins, and in Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost - speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
We believe in divine healing, communion and foot washing.
We believe in presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
We believe in expressions of praise with lifted hands, hand clapping, playing of musical instruments, voice of praise and dancing.
The purpose of New Life is to instill the faith of Jesus Christ into the lives of all people, bringing them into spiritual perfection with a spirit of excellence.
Weekly Service Schedule
SundaySunday School! ! ! 9:00amSunday Worship ! ! 10:00am
WednesdayBible Study! ! ! 10:30amBible Study! ! ! 7:30pmYoung People On Fire! ! 7:30pmChildren With Purpose! ! 7:30pmCouples In Unity! ! 7:30pm(1st & 3rd Wednesday)
ThursdayMusic Ministry! ! ! 7:30pm
Saturday! ! !Intercessory Prayer! ! 9:00am
*NLEC Senior Connection Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm for all seniors 60+