Can it get any better than this?

Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God

We are the saints
We are the children
We've been redeemed
We've been forgiven
We are the sons and daughters of our God

Will we work till Jesus comes?

Someone Sunday asked me if I was happy that Easter was over. I know what they meant but I also realize the mentality of a big day. and so today I want to give you ? reasons why Easter is just the beginning and not the end.

#1 Easter is about the resurrection of Christ, not His death.
At most funerals the burial allows the family closure and the ability to heal and start over without their loved one.
Not Christ Burial. His Resurrection and subsequent Ascension means that for us life begins at Jesus and ends on earth when He returns.

#2 Easter was not about temporary decisions made by people, but the opportunity for us to share His life with those who don't know Him. This means we must keep loving people now that we have made an impression on them. We want them to become followers of Jesus not one time prayers.

#3 Easter was the Launching Point for newLife Church of Jerusalem. A few months later the Holy Spirit filled the Church and 3,000 were saved and added to the church. While the resurrection was a celebration, it was the beginning not the end of the church.

#4 Easter made more work for the Christian, not less. I have heard how some Christians want to take some time and rest now. WOW I guess I go a fishing (see John 21:3) Know this, you'll catch nothing unless you are fishing for men.

#5 Our Christian responsibility to the Lost is only effective post Resurrection. (see Acts 1:8)

#6 The Real Power behind our Faith was activated post Resurrection and only usable to reach the lost. (see Matthew 28:18-20)

#7 The Harvest is truly Plenteous, but sadly the laborers are few.
People want to serve, but they want benefits, lots of vacation, and often will only work when and where it suits them.
Yes Jesus was resurrected from the dead, for us, yet people still chose to serve or not.

I hate to say it, but last Sunday was a launching point not an ending point. I realize how weary many of you are but all you've experienced is the real work of the Gospel. Most Christians are just out of shape when it comes to serving. Please don't slack off. Please don't back away. Souls hang in the balance. and there are more people in this city that need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

In Case You Were Wondering....

Your work brought in approximately 150 Visitors to our Easter service with a total of 285 people. The visitors were more than we average every Sunday!

Your work touched hearts by the dozens. The Nursery got compliments, the children's ministry got compliments, the ushers got compliments, the music got compliments! Every thing you did was appreciated by those who attended.

They felt loved
They felt valued
They felt wanted
They felt Jesus

I am amazed at what is happening in our ministry and glad to be your Pastor. You are loving God and loving others! Thank you!

Bunnies are Cute, Colored eggs are fun, Easter is neither.

I am not trying to discourage anyone this morning, but I do want to be honest.
Jesus rising from the grave is AWESOME, but not everyone thinks so.

Satan Hates It.
All those people He has fooled for a year have another opportunity to rise from their spiritual deadness unto life.
Remember, He thought Jesus would stay dead as well.
So he will be busy trying to discourage you and those you've invited to stay away.

Society is discouraged by it.
Atheists and religeonists have a love hate relationship with Easter.
Its a happy time and yet its another slap in the face to their belief systems by giving hope to the hopeless.
No matter how hard they try and make it a twice a year guilt trip to church, and no matter how hard they try and commercialize it, Its always about Jesus and the hope of a resurrected life. Bunnies and Eggs can't compete with Jesus rising from the grave!

Easter is not cute or fun. Its Amazing.
Lets get ready to Share the Hope that is within us this Sunday!

KISS someone who does not know Christ today

If you would, take some time today and pray for that person or people you have invited to church on Sunday and then post thier name so that we might pray for them as well.

Lets Keep It Simple Saint

A Letter from PRob to newLife

This past Sunday was interesting to say the least. So many people came and stressed over communion only to realize how wonderfully they have been representing the body and blood of the Lord!

Literally the building was full of people who have come to know Jesus or want to know Jesus because of your sacrifice for Him.

PRAISE GOD!

Two want to Join the Church, while one young lady is going to meet with her boyfriend and I as we do discipleship. (She wants to know Christ and just needs a little more understanding) PRAY for Her!

But lets not get complacent. This Sunday will be another opportunity to be one with God through sharing the resurrection story with others. Inviting people might break you, cost you your life, but that's what it takes to save the world.

Encouraging people are WANTED

I have to be honest, I hate discouraging people.
Don't want to be around them. Don't want to worship with them, don't want to serve with them, and definitely don't want to live with them.

Discouraging people are a drag on Life. They like to think their critiquing, when all they are doing is complaining. and all they really do is make people want to quit.

As I have studied my bible, the only people Jesus hung around who were discouraging was Peter and Judas.
One was humbled the other, hung.
Neither of them were proud of themselves.

I want to be with encouraging people.
It is a part of our culture at newLife.
Encouraging people are wanted people!

So this morning I am going to share a list of things you can do to encourage your family and friends.
Try catching them doing something right, and praise them for it.
I think you will be amazed at what happens.

1. Give them praise for Great effort.
2. Give them praise for a great attitude.
3. Give them praise for punctuality.
4. Give them praise for creativity.
5. Give them praise for serving their spouse.
6. Give them praise for courageous action.
7. Give them praise for helping you succeed, win, grow, make progress or achieve the results you’re after.
8. Praise them publicly whenever you can.
9. Never lie. Never offer praise you don’t sincerely mean.
10. Never think it’s your job to keep someone humble. Everyone has plenty of critical, mean-spirited and destructive people already doing their best to tear them down. Nobody needs your help to feel stupid, insignificant or worthless.
11. If people really need a break, give them some time off. It will let them know they are truly appreciated.
12. Be prompt. Appropriate praise is best when it’s timely.
13. Reward some things with a “Thank You” note, other things with $1,000.00 check. Know the difference.
14. Celebrate behaviors you value; affirm what you want repeated.
15. Tell the rest of the family or friends or even the church when someone deserves praise.

That’s my list. Pick a few; try 'em out; encourage someone.