ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

This Wednesday we'll be having an Ash Wednesday service here at New Life beginning at 7pm. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a day when we focus on repentance and identifying with Christ in His suffering for us on the cross (Philippians 3:10-11). It is a time to remember how Christ suffered and died for us. During an Ash Wednesday service, there is a time for confession, reflection, and commitment.

Our service is very interactive. Part of the service is a community celebration. We'll sing together, share in God's Word together, and take communion together. But another part of our service allows you to design your own personal experience. We'll have four stations set up for you to participate in individually. You can participate in as many stations as you like or none at all. At one station you can write down a commitment to deny yourself (in essence fasting) something during the Lent season in order to better reflect upon what Jesus sacrificed for us on the cross. At another station you'll reflect on confession, repentance, and forgiveness of sin in your life. Another station will be a graffiti wall where you can write a prayer alongside the prayers of others for what you want God to do in your life during Lent. At another station we'll have the imposition ashes as a sign of humility. And when you get done doing stations or if you don't want to do any of the stations at all, there will be music and scriptures on the wall playing to help you focus on Christ.

I hope you'll join us for our service. It will be about 45 to 60 minutes long. We have activities planned for children from birth to 3rd grade in our children's area. Make plans now to be a part of this worship experience. One heads up: be thinking about what indulgence you might be willing to give up until Easter in order to help you better focus on the sacrifice Christ has made for you.

CLINGING TO LIFE OR RISKING LIFE?

I was reading an article by Mark Galli, the senior managing editor of Christianity Today about how followers of Christ cling to longevity and health in a way that can be unhealthy for us spiritually. Below is an excerpt from Mark's article:

"A week ago, the Los Angeles Times reported that a new study shows that "terminally ill cancer patients were nearly three times more likely to go on breathing machines or receive other invasive treatments if religion was an important part of their decision-making process." This was true even though such treatments didn't improve a person's long-term chances.

In other words, it was the most religious who seemed to want to hang on to life the hardest, no matter the prospects. The writer, Karen Kaplan, bent over backwards to be charitable about it, saying, "And for some, extending life by days or even hours buys precious time for prayers to be answered." She then quoted the Rev. Percy McCray Jr., director of pastoral care and social services at Midwestern Regional Medical Center: "They're giving God every opportunity to operate as they believe that he can or will, which obviously leaves the door open for miracles."

Nice try, but the reason we seek invasive, risky treatments is to get our miracle—so we can live a few years longer.

Some of the devout argue that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our bodies. Yes, up to a point. But it seems clear that the height of discipleship is to put our bodies at risk for the gospel, no? If Paul's priority was to steward his body, I don't think he would have put himself in situations in which shipwrecks, beatings, and hunger were a regular part of the regimen. And throughout the church's history, saints (the exemplars of faith) end up sickly, thin, ragged, and exhausted, and die prematurely precisely because they "left nothing on the floor" when serving God and others.

I wonder sometimes if stewardship of our bodies—from keeping fit to living long—has become another way of trimming the hard edges off discipleship. So tonight, do I work out and burn some calories and lower my stress levels, or volunteer at the homeless shelter? Given our busy schedules, that is often the real choice we face, and sadly many today think of them as equal and worthy obligations."

We have to be careful about the altars we lay our lives upon. Too many of us as followers of Christ cling so tightly to this life that we forget it's not all about here -- it's about eternity. I'm reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NIV): If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. I want to be sure that I don't cling so tightly to this life that I forget to spend and risk my life in order to "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Phil. 3)

***You can read Mark's complete article HERE

PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

Sunday, November 14th, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Thousands of Christians around the world are persecuted every day for following Jesus. Some are beaten and bullied but many are imprisoned and even executed for not only believing in Jesus but sharing their faith with others.

For example, on November 8, 2010, Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a judge in Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs. The judge also fined Asia $1,190 (U.S.). Asia was arrested by police on June 19, 2009, and charged with blasphemy after she engaged in a religious discussion with co-workers. Many of the local women, including Asia, worked on the farm of Muslim landowner Muhammad Idrees. During their work, many of the Muslim women had pressured Asia to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. Her family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families. On June 19, there was an intense discussion among the women about their faith. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam again, and Asia responded by telling the Muslim women that Christ died on the cross for our sins. She told them Jesus is alive. “Our Christ is the true prophet of God,” she told them.Upon hearing this response, the Muslim women became angry and began to beat Asia. Then some men took her and locked her in a room. They announced from mosque loudspeakers that she would be punished by having her face blackened and being paraded through the village on a donkey. Local Christians informed the police, who took Asia into custody before the Muslims could carry out their plan. She is currently being held at the police station in Nankana city. Christians there had urged the police not to file blasphemy charges, but police claimed that they had to go forward because of pressure from local Muslim leaders. She is currently sentenced to death by hanging for the crime of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed.

This is just one story. If you would like to know more, there are many organizations supporting the persecuted church. Click HERE for links to these organizations.

NEW LIFE BIRTHDAY WAS A BLAST!

It was exciting to celebrate our 10th birthday Sunday. It was good not only to reflect on the past 10 years and what God has done in our lives, but to look forward as well. God has great things planned for us. We have to be willing to trade today for tomorrow; trade the instant gratification of today for the promise of what God is doing in our lives for tomorrow. The first 10 years have been exciting but our best days lie ahead of us New Life!

TRADING UP

The last few weeks we've been talking about being Traders. One important area we need to learn to be Traders is in regards to the struggles that life brings our way. Every challenge that comes into our lives can either be a weapon the enemy will use to destroy us or a powerful tool for God to shape us and form our character to be like Christ. We can choose to be pain managers or we can trade up and, trusting God, allow Him to work through our trouble to make us into the kind of person He desires for us to be.

Sunday we showed the testimony of Brenda Rehkop. Brenda is on our Leadership Team here at New Life. In March of 2009, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her story is about trading up and allowing God to transform her life through the struggle of cancer. Below are links to her testimony that we played Sunday as well as another video telling how God used her witness to impact the life of another cancer patient.

EVEN THE LONE RANGER HAD TONTO!

In the culture in which we live today, religion and spirituality are treated as personal choices that we should keep to ourselves. If you express your spiritual viewpoint in public places, you are seen as pushy, divisive, and at times intolerant. In the name of freedom, we muzzle everyone and tell them that what they believe is fine-- as long as they keep it to themselves.

While the effect this has had on our lives is multifaceted, there is one overlooked area where I think it has impacted the church the most: our dependence on others to help us grow more Christlike. The culture's "keep it to yourself" emphasis gives Christ followers pause when it comes to sharing our struggles, admitting our spiritual faults, asking for help, or entering into accountable relationships with other followers of Christ. The church in America today is all about Lone Ranger Christianity. The thing is-- even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Not even the Lone Ranger rode alone. And neither should followers of Jesus. Following Him is a team sport.

Not convinced? Below are all the "one another" verses in the NIV translation of the New Testament. Give them a read and ask yourself: am I a Lone Ranger or a One Another kind of Jesus follower?

· Mark 9:50 - "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
· John 13:14 - "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
· John 13:34 - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
· John 13:35 - "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
· John 15:12 - "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
· John 15:17 - "This I command you, that you love one another.
· Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
· Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with
the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
· Romans 13:8 - Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
· Romans 14:13 - Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
· Romans 14:19 - So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
· Romans 15:5 - Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
· Romans 15:7 - Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
· Romans 15:14 - And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
· Romans 16:16 - Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
· 1 Corinthians 11:33 - So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
· 1 Corinthians 16:20 - All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
· 2 Corinthians 13:12 - Greet one another with a holy kiss.
· Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
· Galatians 5:26 - Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
· Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
· Ephesians 4:2 - with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
· Ephesians 4:25 - Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
· Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
· Ephesians 5:19 - speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
· Ephesians 5:21 - and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
· Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
· Colossians 3:9 - Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
· Colossians 3:13 - bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
· Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
· 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
· 1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
· 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
· 1 Thessalonians 5:13b - Live in peace with one another.
· 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
· 2 Thessalonians 1:3 - We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;
· Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
· Hebrews 10:24 - and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
· Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
· James 4:11 - Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.
· James 5:9 - Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
· James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
· 1 Peter 1:22 - Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
· 1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
· 1 Peter 4:9 - Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
· 1 Peter 4:10 - As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
· 1 Peter 5:5 - You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
· 1 Peter 5:14 - Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.
· 1 John 1:7 - but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
· 1 John 3:11 - For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;
· 1 John 3:23 - This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
· 1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
· 1 John 4:11 - Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
· 1 John 4:12 - No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.
· 2 John 1:5 - Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ISLAM

I saw this video on You Tube and found it interesting. It is not a Christian production and in fact there are some things it says about Christianity that bother me. However, that said, I find what it says about Islam interesting. I don't understand why the media in this country will not wake up to the agenda of Islam as a religion. It runs contrary not only to the principles of a democratic government but it seeks world wide domination -- politically, militarily, and religiously. Watch the video and see what you think.

THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ISLAM