Pastor's articles and posts on religion and church life for the congregation of New Hope Baptist Church, Port Orange, Florida, USA.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Our Hope for New Hope
The first Sunday in October we will examine the story of Jesus telling his disciples not to prevent children from coming to him. He welcomed children and said, “To such as these belongs the kingdom of God.” I want us to see how we are welcoming children here at New Hope. We need to plan how are we going to serve their parents, especially those who are open to allowing our church to help them grow in God’s love and become better parents. How can we help people to have healthier families?
On Sunday October 11 we will look at Jesus’ interaction with the “rich, young ruler” who walks away from an opportunity to follow Jesus. I want us to think about what it means to be saved and how we are going to be helping people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. How are we going to set before people the clear choice to believe in Jesus and give themselves to following Jesus?
The next Sunday we will look at what it means to serve others here at New Hope. In what ways are we already serving? How do you find your place of service in our church? How can we help those who want to serve to find their niche? What does a serving church look like in today’s world?
The final sermon in the Hope for New Hope series on October 25 will look at what it means for us to trust God to lead us into the future. What does God have in store for New Hope in the next 10 years? How can New Hope serve families with children and pass along a healthy church to them? How are we going to make an impact for God’s love in this lively, growing community of Port Orange? We will look at the future and thank God for giving us not a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
When you pray, ask God to help me prepare this series of sermons. Ask God to use this series to give us a vision of New Hope Baptist Church loving and serving with joy.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fear and Respect
Norman Jameson is editor of the North Carolina Baptist Biblical Recorder. He recently wrote about the Christian responsibility to respect the president of the United States. His words have inspired me to write this note about our call to reject fear in favor of respect.
Betty Myers
Betty Myers meant so much to us, because she loved this church and she loved us individually. We have our stories.
When I called Betty, it was usually either about someone in the hospital or about something related to deacon ministry. Betty was a wonderful deacon. Deacon is a Greek word, best translated “servant.” And Betty was that. She was forever asking, “What can I do for you?”