New Century Independent Church

Bowling Party

2010-02-02T19:35:00.001-08:00

Christmas Party

2010-01-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Our annual Christmas Party and Dirty Santa on Sunday, December 6th. We had a great time with lots of laughter and fellowship. Here are some of the pictures from our evening...

Click Here for more Pictures

New Year's Eve with NCIC

2009-12-16T08:47:00.001-08:00

Spooky Soups and Sandwiches

2009-10-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Click HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OR GO TO THE EVENTS PAGE

Baptism and Fellowship Fish Fry

2009-09-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the Baptism have been posted!

Click here!

Church Night with the Birmingham Barons

2009-08-12T07:36:00.001-07:00

Click here for more pictures

Sermon Notes for August 1

2009-08-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

These verses reveal to us that Jesus cares for us when we are needy and that nothing can seperate us from God. It will not cost anything to give yourself to Jesus.

Jesus had a great compassion then and now. He healed the sick and fed the people. There are still millions of people that Jesus is feeding. God is so good and so willing to bless us.

Why then do so many Christians live a barren life?

Sermon Notes for July 26th

2009-08-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt the humiliation of beinn ridiculed?

Have you watched someone else be ridiculed?

To moke - to imitate or counterfiet

Today the mockery of God has become sophisticated. People calling themslves Christians have made a mockery of Christianity. People aviod seriousness with God. They have made Christianity the opposite of the new testament.

CONTINUE READING

Happy Birthday!

2009-07-30T12:14:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANDY B.

Happy Birthday Dylan!

2009-07-28T06:44:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!

Sermon Notes for July 12th

2009-07-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

We are at war with Satan. We need to follow the song....Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.

Being a Christian is a not an esasy thing. But, we have the only true living God.

Ephesians 6:10-10 - "10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities.....

Worship In Song - July 25th!

2009-07-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Worship in Song!

Sermon Notes - June 21st

2009-06-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Father's don't get the respect they used to. There is nothing more important than a Christian father.

Studies show that if only the mother attends churchs then there is a 15% chance of the children becoming faithful attenders. But, if both the father and mother attend church the chance is 72%.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Happy Birthday Randy!

2009-06-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RANDY A.

Happy Birthday Becky R.

2009-06-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY R.

Sermon Notes - June 14th

2009-06-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

What Christ should be to us? Life and Light, Prince of Peace, Messiah, Emmanuel, Lamb, the Alpha & Omega...

We are here today to celebrate His life and transfiguration.

CONTINUE READING

Happy Birthday

2009-06-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. JACKIE!!

Youth Yard Sale

2009-06-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Youth Yard Sale was Saturday, May 30th. We raised money to send the youth and young adults on a trip and/or retreat in the late summer or fall. Our group would like to say a big "THANK YOU" to all of those who donated items, bought items, helped us throughout the day, or simply stopped by to say hello.

Click Here to see the pictures and read more....

Happy Birthday

2009-05-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Becky A.!!

Sermon Notes - May 17th

2009-05-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:6-10 - " 6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."

Satan temps Christians in every possible way. He tries to make us believe that we can live without Jesus.

Paul is very clear about a Christian life. A Christian life shoudl be seen as progress. Paul is saying since we took a step of faith to become a Christian then we need to take a step of faith every day

Youth Yard Sale - May 30th

2009-05-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Sermon Notes - May 10th

2009-05-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Three Key Things for Godly Mothers -

1. CommunicationWhen communication breaks down, the family breaks down.Listening is an art, a ministry, and even a chore.

2. Committment
Committment to the church and the family go hand in hand.

3. Compassion
the ability to feel with another person and to feel and understand their situation.
You have to think....Is there anything I can do to make his/her life easier?

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Happy Birthday

2009-05-07T08:53:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBY!

Sermon Notes for Sunday, May 3rd

2009-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

For those who think building a great church is about an elaborate building...they have the wrong idea.

If a church was simply defined as an organization that takes in members and collects tithes and offerings then we would be in the same category with a lot of non-profit and non-christian organizations.

So, what did God have in mind for His church?

Happy Birthday David

2009-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!

Happy Birthday Brooklynn

2009-05-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY BROOKLYNN!!

Sermon Notes - April 26th

2009-04-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

We are facing a crisis in commitment to the Lord. We know that Jesus Chris has called us to be His people but that knowledge doesn't translate to action.

One out of five church members are standing on the promises.

Isaiah 5:1-17 - "1Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?....

CONTINUE READING

StadiumFest

2009-04-28T19:48:00.001-07:00

Pictures from StadiumFest are now up on the events page. Click HERE or click "events" on the menu.

Gatherings

2009-04-21T17:58:00.001-07:00

The latest Gathering notes have been posted. Click HERE or go to the Gatherings Page.

Sermon Notes - April 19th

2009-04-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

Jesus is the only being worthy enough to open the seals on the sacred scrolls. He is the only creation to ever be worthy enough. Imagine - Heaven's choir is assembled (hundreds of thousnds of them); Imagine them singing about Jesus. Bowing before Jesus are those elders. They fell down and worshiped.
Revelations 5:9 - "9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"

Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Lamb of God.

Three Facts We Need to Know -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-04-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE

Events - Easter Service and Cantata

2009-04-14T07:24:00.001-07:00

Click here for more Easter Service Pictures

or click on the Events link to the right

Sermon Notes - Easter Message

2009-04-14T07:06:00.001-07:00

Today is not a sad day but rather a celebration!

We now have hope. Jesus Christ's death on the cross promised us the right ot live with Him forever. Before Jesus' sacrifice, there was no hope. Today is a day to remember and rejoice.

It is time to proclaim that Sunday is here. The stone has been rolled away. He has Risen!

What makes Easter relevant?

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Upcoming Event - StadiumFest - April 25th

2009-04-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Click HERE or go to the Events page for more details!

Happy Birthday

2009-04-09T06:10:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Brandy!

Brandy celebrates her birthday today, April 9th!

Sermon Notes - April 5th

2009-04-07T08:14:00.001-07:00

John 12:12-13 - "¹²On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Palm Sunday - the day Jesus rode in Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ was a man among men. He was so well known and popular that He had to be arrested at night to keep from starting a riot. Jesus was the one true hero. If He had only been a hero, He would have been forgotten. Jesus will never be forgotten because He was touched by the hand of God.

Click Here to Continue Reading....

Happy Birthday Nicholas

2009-03-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY
NICHOLAS!!

Nicholas, the son of Amanda and Nick, turns 1 today!

Sermon Notes - March 22 - Guest Preacher, David Cohen

2009-03-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:5-17 - "⁵For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.....

Continue Reading -

Gatherings - Tonight

2009-03-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Gatherings

Tonight!

6:45 p.m.

Back to the Basics: Prayer

SERMON NOTES - March 15

2009-03-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Jesus instructs His followers to witness to others. It is easy for us to criticize others for their witnessing efforts. But, what are we doing to be faithful to our Master's commands?

Are apart of the church of Jesus Christ because someone had the strength to talk to us?

Has anyone been brought to Jesus through you?

Continue reading.....

Happy Birthday, Leslie

2009-03-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Leslie!!

March 8th - The Pleasure of God's Company

2009-03-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 19:1-10 - "Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

Continue Reading....

Happy Birthday

2009-03-02T06:02:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENDA!

Gatherings

2009-02-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

Visit the Gatherings' page - newcenturygatherings.blogspot.com

Prayer Request for February 22nd

2009-02-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Ann Gosnell, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Cindy Quiles and Oliver, Carolyn White, Jacob Huff, Jimmy Adkins, Todd Bryant, Elaine Fowler, Ray Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Gilham, John Primm, Johnny Mack Reed, Jackie Brasher, John Hunter, NCIC's new Wednesday night bible study-Gatherings

College Students - Katrina Gilham, Anna Outzen, Deanna Quiles

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming

February 22nd - Significance of the Sacrament

2009-02-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Luke 20:14-20 - "And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

What makes a sacrament?
1. It was instituted by Christ
2. It was commanded by Christ
3. It is a visible symbol of divine privilege

The top two sacraments throughout history are baptism and the Lord's supper.

What should the sacraments mean to us?

Continue Reading....

Happy Birthday

2009-02-23T06:51:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!

Happy Birthday Arnold!

2009-02-19T07:24:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARNOLD!

Prayer Request for February 15th

2009-02-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Ann Gosnell, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Cindy Quiles and Oliver, Carolyn White, Jacob Huff, Jimmy Adkins, Todd Bryant, Elaine Fowler, Ray Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Gilham, John Primm, Johnny Mack Reed, Jackie Brasher, Billy and Mary Alice Clem, John Hunter, Becky and Norman Sanchez

College students - Anna Outzen, Deanna Quiles, and Katrina Gilham
Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Flemming

February 15th - Following Jesus

2009-02-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Luke 9:57-62 - "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me."But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Jesus' disciples were told by Jesus to "Follow Me." Jesus remains the same today, he says, "Follow Me."

Are you far from Jesus? Have you drifted away from Him? Are you like Peter and follow from afar?

Continue Reading....

Reminder - Business Meeting Tonight

2009-02-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

NCIC Business Meeting Tonight!

6:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

All members are encouraged to attend!

This Week's Service - February 1st

2009-02-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

From the Bulletin:

Hymn of Praise

God sent His Son - they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory - and I'll know He lives.

Prayer Requests:
Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara and Family, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Cindy Quiles and baby Oliver, Carolyn White, Jacob Huff, Jimmy Adkins, Todd Bryant, Elaine Fowler, Ray Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Gilham, John Primm, Johnny Mack reed, Jackie Brasher, Mr. and Mrs. Clem

February 1, 2009 - What We Have In Jesus

2009-02-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast."

Paul lets us know that our salvation is by grace alone.

If religion alone could save people then everyone would be alright but it does not. You have to be born again.

Continue Reading....

Happy Birthday

2009-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA!

New Pictures

2009-01-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Young Adult/Couples Sunday School Movie Night

The Young Adult/Couples Sunday School class met up to watch the movie FlyWheel from the same people that brought Facing the Giants and Fireproof. FlyWheel was a great story about a man who gives his life (and business) to God and rediscovers his faith and the power of God.

More Pictures - http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcenturyleeds/

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January Church Supper!

Sweet Kassidy
Brooklynn tried her photography skills with a picture of her Papa.

Brother Billy and Ms. Jackie enjoying dessert.

More pictures - http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcenturyleeds/

This Week's Service

2009-01-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

Call to Worship:
Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Prayer Concerns:
Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara and Family, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Cindy Quiles and baby Oliver, Carolyn White, Jacob Huff, Jimmy Adkins, Todd Bryant, Elaine Fowler, Ray Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Gilham, John Primm, Johnny Mack Reed, Jackie Brasher

January 25th - Love Your Enemies as God Loves You

2009-01-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:38-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

If we attempted to try verses 39 and 40 (But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.) for even one week - we would get walked over and abused.
The Holy Spirit can work in us. We can take a practical approach to turning the other cheek. Be the bigger person and mend the fence.

Continue Reading

This Week's Service

2009-01-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

Invitational Hymn

All to Jesus I Surrender

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Prayer Concerns:
Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara and Family, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Cindy Quiles' and baby Oliver, Carolyn White, Jacob Huff, Jimmy Adkins, Todd Bryant, Jackie Brasher, Margie Jaye

January 18th - How Books Affect Us

2009-01-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

Revelations 20:11-15 - "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

What kind of world would we live in without certain things? Things we use everyday and we don't even realize its importance until we don't have it anymore.

Continue Reading....

Happy Birthday

2009-01-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA B.!

Linda celebrates her birthday on January 20th!!

This Week's Service

2009-01-13T06:56:00.001-08:00

Hymn of Praise

"Jesus, Name Above All Names"
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed redeemer, Living Word
and
"Something About That Name"
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that name
Master, Saviour, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all Heaven and Earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms
Will all pass away
But there's something about that Name.

Prayer Concerns:
Ms. Louise Harris, Ms. Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara and Family, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Jim Jackson, Cindy Quiles and Baby Oliver, Carolyn White, Jacob Huff, Jimmy Adkins

Always remember our prayer box!

January 11th - Guest Preacher, David Cohen

2009-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

John 17:1-26 - "After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Continue Reading....

Happy Birthday

2009-01-11T13:34:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. DOT

Dot will celebrate her birthday on January 12th.

Happy Birthday

2009-01-05T14:23:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY!

Lucy celebrated her birthday on January 3rd!

Volunteers

2008-12-30T08:28:00.001-08:00

Volunteers are needed to keep nursery (during choir practice, Sunday school, and church) and children's church. Please contact Michelle or Amanda to volunteer!

Nursery Volunteers! Contact Michelle at michelle@mssus.com

Children's Church Volunteers! Contact Amanda to mandasue42@aol.com

This Week's Service

2008-12-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hymn of Praise

"Go Tell It On the Mountain"

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the way.

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

He made me a watchman
Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

Prayer Requests:
Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Lisa Reaves, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara, Arnold Ray, Gary Pool, Jim Jackson, Carolyn White

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming
College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidewell, Anna Outzen, Deanna Quiles

December 28th - The Gospel of Divine Grace

2008-12-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

Grace - properly speaking, pleasure, delight, mercy, loving, kindness

Grace is the sustaining influence enabling those who lead a Christian life.

Salvation - redemption

Christ paid the price so salvation literally means that we have been saved from Hell.

Because of Christ's Grace - He went to the cross for us.

Continue Reading...

From this week's service

2008-12-15T12:40:00.001-08:00

Call to Worship - The First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay tending their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star where’er it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
Over Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Prayer Concerns:
Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Steve Maddox, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Lisa Reaves, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara & Family, Arnold Ray

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming

College Students - Deanna Quiles, Anna Outzen, Josh Glidewell, Katrina Gilham

December 14th - The Return of Christ

2008-12-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

If today is the day that Jesus returns to get His church - Are you ready?

Hebrews 9:28 - "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

Jesus will come to the edge of the clouds to get His church.

John 14:2-3 - "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

He will get every born-again Christian. Christians will not go through the tribulation time.

Jude 1:14 - "Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones"

He is coming.
Be ready to go every minute of every day.
Be prepared.

Some people don't want to hear about the rapture and Christ's 2nd coming. These are ungodly people. They only want to preach or hear "feel good" sermons. Sermons that "tickle their ears."

Paul warns us of the great turning away from the word of God. These people want to hear sermons about how to prosper, how to be good parents, good works and they do not want to hear about sinning, repenting, and doing the will of God.

2 Timothy 4:-14 - "in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

Some intellectuals refuse to acknowledge the rapture. Whether they accept it or not - Jesus will come and get His church. People are not willing to heed the Bible's warnings.

Directly from Brother Billy - "I refuse to water down the word of God!"

Noah warned the people about the coming flood and they refused to believe him. God looked upon the earth and saw all of the evil and sinful people. He only saw Noah as being faithful.

Today - our world is full of evil and sin. Do we really care? We aren't doing anything! Our churches are full of lukewarm Christians who keep one foot "in the ark" and one foot in the world.
Many people say they believe the Lord will return but they do not live that way. They don't truly believe.

Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!"

Jesus will return in the twinkling of an eye.
1 Corn 15:51-53 - "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality."

New Link Added!

2008-12-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

There is a new section in the side column - Special Links.

I have added Mandi O'Mara's blog - be sure to visit her and keep updated on the adoption process.

If you have a link you would like added - personal blog or a great resource - just let me know!

This Week's Service

2008-12-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy the choir in the first song of their Christmas Cantata -

Please forgive the shaking camera (better quality videos coming soon!)

This Week's Prayer Concerns:

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, the family of Elijah Partain, Steve Maddox, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland, Lisa Reaves, Ann Gosnell, Mandi O'Mara and family

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Flemming

College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidwell, Anna Outzen, and Deana Quiles

December 7th - Are You Ready for Christmas?

2008-12-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

1 Thess 5:16-24 - "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

John 1:6-8 - "There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light."

John 1:19-28 - "Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' " Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?""I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing."

Why did John baptize people? What right did he have if he wasn't the Messiah or prophet? John was telling people to be ready for Christ.

During this time of year, people get frantic because Christmas is so near. They are so busy. But, during this season of Advent, we should be getting prepared for Jesus' coming.

Will you be ready for Christmas? The Real Christmas - Christ's return...

Paul tells the Thessalonians to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. Those four elements are our obstacles.

Rejoice Always - People have lost their ability to be happy. They are actually fearful of joy. We celebrate Christmas to rejoice that Jesus Christ was born to us - this is the supreme cause for joy and celebration.

Pray without ceasing - In our minds, we think this is impossible but it is not. Prayer is one of the greatest gifts He has given us. The moment that Jesus died for us, the veil in the temple tore. He gave us open access to God.

Give Thanks - It is easy to be thankful at Christmas but we need to thank Him everyday.
Give Thanks in All Circumstances!

We have to be careful and avoid the appearance of evil.

Our greatest threat is the power of Sin. Keep away from evil.

REMINDER

2008-12-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

SatURdAy!

Church Clean-up Day
8:00 a.m.

We will be cleaning the church (inside & out) and putting up Christmas decorations.

SuNdAY!

Annual Congregational Meeting
Immediately following service

We will be voting on officers, committee persons,
and the budget for 2009.

Annual Church Christmas Party
and Dirty Santa Gift Exchange
Lloyd's Restaurant ~ 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship.
Menu Items: Grilled Chicken, Hamburger Steak, Catfish, and BBQ.
Bring a gift ($15 limit) for Dirty Santa!

From this week's service....

2008-12-01T12:43:00.001-08:00

Hymn of Praise - "Glorify Thy Name"

Father, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Glorify Thy Name
Glorify Thy Name
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Jesus, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

Spirit, we love You
We worship and adore You
Glorify Thy Name in all the earth

This Week's Prayer Concerns:
Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, the family of Elijah Partain, Steve Maddox, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Van Cleveland

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming

College Students - Katrina Gilham, Anna Outzen, Josh Glidewell, Deanne Quiles

November 30th - Is the Church Ready for Christmas?

2008-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

Mark 13:32-37 - "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

This week we began Advent (a time of preperation).

Jesus came to give us a way to Heaven. We don't know when He will return for His church but we must be ready. We need to be prepared for Jesus.

Is this Church ready for Christmas?

We need to examine ourselves:
1. Have we been faithful in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ?

2. Have we been faithful in developing the bond of love in the church?
God has called us to be a family of faith

3. Have we been faithful in our service to the world?
There are needs that only the church can answer - we need to share the love of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Concerns

2008-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, the family of Elijah Partain, Steve Maddox, Nana Vance, Bertha Lawson, Carol Jones, Jace Green, Van Cleveland

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming
College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidewell, Anna Outzen, Deanna Quiles

November 23rd - Worship and Thanks

2008-11-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

Luke 17: 11-19 - "Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

Psalms 92:1-4 - "1 It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands."

How many of us have a good reason to be thankful?

What are you most grateful for today?

What kind of things are we grateful for?

How do we show our gratitude to God?

Do we really believe that God hears and answers our prayers?

The leapers knew Jesus and believed that He would health them. Their faith brought them healing.

When did you last shed a tear during prayer and thank God for what He has done? We have thanks in our hearts but we fail to show it.

Worshiping God is best done with others.

Do we give thanks for the small things? We have A LOT to be thankful for. So many times we neglect our responsibilities as Christians. We need to be thankful for what HE does for us on a daily basis..

CHURCH SUPPER...

2008-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

...tonight

6:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Soups and Sandwiches

Come enjoy great food and fellowship!

November 16th - No Turning Back

2008-11-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

1 Kings 19:19-21 - "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant."

Luke 9:51-62 - "As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village. As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Once you commit to Jesus - there is NO turning back.

Like in verse 62 ("Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."), we cannot let distractions hinder us from God's word.

Do not let this world distract you from doing God's work. He has put a calling on all of us but we are still free moral agents.

Jesus taught people to look forward and not clutter our lives with worry. We should think about our future in the Kingdom of God and not our past.

People take Jesus' return so lightly. We don't put much value in our Christianity.

We need to be vigilant. Stay the course and press on.

We should be persistence, spirit, dedication, and faithfulness in today's churches in order to continue the call of Christ. There is no turning back.

Prayer Concerns for November 9th

2008-11-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, the family of Donna Bailey, Ralph and Pearl Faulkner, Elijah Partain, Steve Maddox, Nana Vance, and Bertha Lawson.

College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidewell, Anna Outzen, and Deanna Quiles

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming

November 9th - The Miracles of God

2008-11-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Acts 9:36-43 - "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas^[a]), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon."

Dorcas was known for her kindness to the poor and underpriviledged. She was loved by everyone and was an outstanding Christian. Her death caused much grief in her community. Her family sent for Peter (even though at this time there were no reports of miracles made by the disciples). Dorcas' family expected comfort from Peter.

It is often a comfort for Christians to be in the presence of other Christians.

Jesus performs miracles everyday and in all of our lives. For this scripture, He had performed miracles in the life of Peter.
- Peter denied Jesus 3 times (in one day)
- Jesus had to continually tell Peter to watch his tongue and how he acted.
- Jesus had to keep forgiving Peter

Peter was taken to the room where Dorcas' body lay. There were people mourning for her. Peter asked the mourners to leave the room.

The problem with today's church is our lack of tears--or seriousness with God.

Peter did not want a name for himself. He wanted people to go to God.

It is still our job to point people in the way of Christ.

Peter then prayed to God and he called Dorcas to life.
Peter had a kind, compassionate heart. He wrestled with God in pray over the body of Dorcas.

Why don't we see miracles?
People's egos get in the way. There are still miracles taking places all round. The Power of God still works through His servants. The Power of God is in people - in the people of His church.

Prayer Concerns for October 26th

2008-10-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Gerald Davis, Brenda DeShazo, Teresa Cohen, James Payne, Donna Bailey, Bodeice Pearson, Margie Jaye, Tom Bailey, Michelle Michaels, Ralph and Pearl Faulkner, Elijah Partain, Ernestine & C.A. Brasher, Becky Roberson

College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidewell, Anna Outzen, and Deanne Quiles
Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming

Remember our prayer box.

October 26th - Five Questions to Ask About Prayer

2008-10-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:26-27 - " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

Do you get through to God?
The act of prayer is not simple. It is the most important function we perform but not always the easiest.

Five Questions to Ask About Your Prayers:
1. Have you done all you can for yourself first?
2. Is the prayer rationale?
3. Do you honestly pray for what is right for you?
4. Do you believe God has the power to answer your prayers?
5. Have you turned it over to God and got out the way?

God has no limit. Do you trust God? We cannot pray for something and then keep trying. We must leave it up to Him and stay out of it.

You have to want what God wants in your life.

Remember - God does not answer the prayers of sinners. You must belong to Him.

Rock the Bock - This Saturday!

2008-10-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Prayer Concerns for October 19th

2008-10-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming
College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidewell, Anna Outzen, Deanna Quiles

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Gerald Davis, Brenda DeShazo, Teresa Cohen, James Payne, Donna Bailey, Bodeice Pearson, Margie Jaye, Tom Bailey, Bill Gosnell Family, Michelle Michaels, Ralphe and Pearl Faulkner, Elijah Partain, Billy Clem.

October 19 - Begrudging God His Generosity

2008-10-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Matthew 20:1-16 - The Parable of Workers in the Vineyard -
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. "About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. "He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?' 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered."He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.' "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.' "The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.' "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

We are all jealous by nature. People feel that God should bless them and owes them special favor because they are religous.

We have come to expect and even demand God's Grace and Kindness.

We must realize that God's system of economics is based on Grace. If we look around and judge the Grace of others - we are begrudging God of this generosity. He does not like this.

Each of us fits into one of the groups in the parable.
Let us do the work of His while it is still day.
We are all in the same boat. There is enough of God's Grace to go around.

The worst fate would be for God to actually pay us what we are owed.....

William Gosnell, Sr.

2008-10-20T06:45:00.000-07:00


GOSNELL, WILLIAM EDWARD, SR., age 82, of Leeds, died Saturday, October 18, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Annie Gosnell; 2 daughters: Evelyn Cooley (Phillip), and Suzanne Wilkerson (Randy); 2 sons: William E. Gosnell Jr., and James T. Gosnell (Rebecca); 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Mr. Gosnell retired from the City of Birmingham. He was a member of New Century Independent Church in Leeds. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Kilgroe Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Bold Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, October 20, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds. Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds Directing. Taken from The Birmingham News - Monday, October 20th Please keep the family of Mr. Gosnell in your prayers as they mourn. As Brother Billy said in his prayer on Sunday morning - let's all thank God for allowing us to know Bill Gosnell and have him as a member of our precious church family.

Prayer Concerns

2008-10-14T06:50:00.001-07:00

Missionaries - Nathan and Koolyash Fleming

College Students - Katrina Gilham, Josh Glidewell, Anna Outzen, and Deanna Quiles

Louise Harris, Dot Vandiver, Gerald Davis, Brenda DeShazo, Teresa Cohen, James Payne, Donna Bailey, Bodeice Pearson, Donnie Black family, Margie Jaye, Linda Cunningham family, Tom Bailey, Bill Gosnell, Michelle Micheals

All Military Serving Our Country and our World Leaders

October 12, 2008

2008-10-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Matthew 22:1-14 - " Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' "But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "For many are invited, but few are chosen."

Whenever we attempt to live apart from God -we lose ourselves at our own creativity.

It is impossible for us to be free - We are constantly finding ways to restrict our freedoms.
We are obsessed with our possessions.

Everytime we read God's word - He is inviting us. How many times do we find excuses.

We have made ourselves caged from accepting Christ's invitation.

Matthew 16:26 - "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Whatever means the most to us is where our heart is - We need to get our priorities right. We need to give Jesus our hearts.

Luke 17:20-21 - " Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

It is our choice whether or not to respond to God's call.

Reminder - Business Meeting Tonight

2008-10-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

NCIC Business Meeting Tonight!

6:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

All members are encouraged to attend!

September 28th - Guest Preacher, David Cohen

2008-09-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Acts 4:18-20 - "Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Peter and John were told they could not preach the gospel - but they continued and were arrested. They could not be stopped - each time they were arrested and each time they continued to preach to the people.

Acts 5:27-32 - "Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

They stood firm in their faith. They did not ease or water-down the gospel. The Apostle's were willing to die for Christ. They were martyrs.

Martyr - a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion or a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle

Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

We must become living sacrifices for God.

Each year, 160,000 Christians are martyrs.

Violence against Christians is worse now than in all of Christian history. Christians are persecuted all over the world because they will not deny Christ.

In the United States though - Christians need to take a stand. Christians will skip church if the weather is bad, etc. We need to be firm.

You don't have to just stand on your belief but you can stand firm on the Word of God.

1 Corn. 6:19-20 - "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Mark 8:36 - "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

Stand Firm. We should all be committed and sold-out for Christ.

September 21st

2008-09-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Is there something in your religious life that you are still searching for?

Mark 10: 17-23 - "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!"

In Mark 10:17-23, Jesus implies that our money rules us. The young man knew that something was missing.

It is easy for us to see other people's sins and what they are doing wrong - but not for our ownselves.

We have accepted sins (ex. profanity, etc) as part of life. We don't give them a second thought.

As a church, we are morally superior to the nonchurch people because we know and should be able to recognize sin. We understand that we should follow God's will for our lives.

As Christians, God's church, we are honorable people yet hungry people.
Sometimes, what we want is something more than the church can offer.

It is time for a new day in the Christian experience - God wants us to have more satisfaction in our christianity. We need a deeper relationship with Christ.

Again, what are we missing?
The Answer: People who are reasonably faithful to their church look for this missing piece but the truth is that sometimes that something else may be in front of us all along.

If you want more out of your relationship, you have to be involved and be personally committed.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

September 14th

2008-09-23T06:17:00.001-07:00

The God that we serve is not susceptible to change.

James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

God does not tempt us with sin. He loves us and wants us to serve him in gladness.

Attributes of God:
1. God is Love.
Jeremiah 31:3 - "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."
2. He is unchanging.
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
3. His promises do not change.
2 Corinthians 1:20 - "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

God's word is sure.

People can not read or preachers not preach the word but that won't change it. It is God's Word.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

September 7th - Criticism

2008-09-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

John 9:1-16 - "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them."

You cannot please everybody.

Everything we have and hope to get comes from God. But we try to say "look what I did...look what I have."

We are critical.
We need to be careful when we criticize.

How do we handle criticism?
Every good person, situation, etc. has been criticized. We criticize based on how we think and believe.

Rarely are people criticized for doing nothing. It is difficult for us to keep our eyes fixed on our objective. Just know - You will be criticized.

We are our own worst enemy when we run our mouths instead of praying. We can neglect our business (people in church and those who need to be saved) by being petty.

Being criticized could mean you are own the right track.

Criticism shows character.
The less you think of yourself the more you criticize others.

Great people are not threatened or easily offended.

Out of the seven deadly sins - pride is the most popular.

Criticism teaches you compassion.

August 17th - A Lesson For Us

2008-08-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

Acts 2:41-47 - "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

How did the Gospel spread?

1 - The early Christians refused to be stopped even when Christianity was not an approved religion.

Their one purpose for living was to exalt the name of Jesus.
How many today are willing to tell others about Jesus, church, the bible?

Some people say they are Christians and then turn and use foul language, tell dirty jokes, etc. We turn sinners away.
If we are going to talk the talk - we need to walk the walk.

Today, we serve God with excuses. You can fool any man but not God.

2 - The early Christians enjoyed their salvation.

Today, people misrepresent Christ. Those lost and in sin see us as complainers and decide that they don't need that.

We need to live so that our salvation leads us to smile - instead of living in sorrow.

3 - The early Christians gave what they had been given.

The Lord will not let you do anything you can't (heal the sick, raise the dead).
If you have God in your heart you should share it.

He expects you to give the gospel to those who cross your path.

Matthew 8:10 - "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

The lost people wanted what the early Christians had.

August 10th - A Cemetary of Sinners

2008-08-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 8:10 - "Then too, I saw the wicked buried—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise [a] in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless."

Wicked - unsaved, ungodly, unholy

The writer of Ecclesiastes attended many funerals of those sinners who had left the church.

People have come and gone and the church has had no affect on them.
They came without hope and salvation and left without hope and salvation.

What do people do during trying times if they don't have God?

The Four Tradegies of Ecc 8:10 -
1 - Church attendance and affiliation will not save us!
Being a perfect attender does not always been salvation!
Jesus is the only way to be saved - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)

2 - Loss of Opportunities (to be saved)
We have many chances to be saved but people sometimes postpone their decision until its too late.

3 - Being so near to God but being eternally lost.
We must have the knowledge to know God is near.

4 - Being Forgotten
Sinners are hard to remember - We remember the obedient, born-again Christians.
Sinners end up in hell and even God won't remember them.

Listen to the call of God - Jesus is tenderly calling today!

Revival - Sunday Night - Bro. John Stewart

2008-08-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Joshua 24:11 - "'Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands."

Are you a sincere Christian?

Serve the Lord in sincerity.

People who complain the most are not faithful in their walk.

"....But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:15

Revival - Sunday Morning - Bro. John Stewart

2008-08-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

2 Peter 1: 1-10 - "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Making One's Calling and Election Sure His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.God prepared Hell for the Devil and his angels. But God have us all a freedom of will."

People don't have peace because they don't know God.
People are lost because of lack of knowledge.

Be a living sacrifice for the kingdom of God.

Find the knowledge and He will be there - He will not leave you.

Think now - How many times has God rescued you?

Revival - Saturday Night - Bro. John Stewart

2008-08-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Psalm 1:1-6 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD,and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked!They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

People expect fruits for work that God has not called them to do.

Three Types of Sinners -
1 - Those Who Walk in the Counsel of the Ungodly - They do not have God
2 - Those Who Stand With Sinners - we start to copy their actions and vocabulary
3 - Those Who Sit in the Seat of the Scornful - those who are bitter, critical, judgemental - the Word of God does not touch them

God gives us freewill - He wants you to choose Him.

There is not other way to heaven except through Jesus Christ - God would not have sent His only son to die if there was another way.

Someone can get into heaven by being unsaved but "Good" - Good is the same as old, dirty rags to God. You must be saved.

There are promises of God to stand on - He not only wants your sins but He wants you!

July 27 - Who's That in the Ditch?

2008-07-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Luke 10:25-37
"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

Who was the man that was attacked?
Who was the man the Priest saw in the ditch?
Who was the man the levite saw?

The man in the ditch touched the heart of the Samaritan. He took his own wine and oil and cleanse the man's wounds and his face.
The man was totally dependent on the Samaritan. The Samaritan looked into the face of the man and saw your face and mine!

We sometimes end up in the ditch. Sometimes we are totally dependent on others.

When reading this parable, we may have neglected the man in the ditch because we focus on the Good Samaritan but we need to study this passage. We need to be open to being served by others. It is ok to need and be comforted.

As children, we joyfully receive comfort but was we grow older we change and put up our strong front. We try to be towers of strength and learn to deny our humanity and not accept comfort. We often see it as unchristian to be weak - to be in the ditch.

What is really unchristian is to attempt to deny our humanity. God does not take our humanity away from us. When we are weak-we are attacked by a "band of thieves." To deny this is to deny Christ.

Even Christ has been in the ditch - He knows and He understands our need for comfort.

By receiving comfort today - we may comfort another.
We have faults and weaknesses.
We need ministering as much as we minister.
We can use the comforting power of Holy Spirit coming through others.