Christmas Night

NLC Email Dec 25, 2017

Dear NLC,

Greetings to you all on this beautiful New England Christmas Evening! What a wonderful Christmas Eve Service we had last night! Thank you to all that came, and to all that participated to make this years' service so extra special. And, what a wonderful snowy white Christmas we had this morning! God is good, and God is speaking to us today in so many wonderful ways. I believe He was speaking to us this morning...

Isaiah 1:8 tells us, "'Come now, let's settle this,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'"Such a depth of truth, especially in light of the Christmas Story. Each of us are so very guilty of "sins like scarlet." We are in such drastic need of a real and serious Savior. In His birth, Jesus proclaims a way for mankind to be at peace with God. This morning's snowfall reminds us of just how clean and pure we have been made through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you, "Immanuel-God with us!" Matthew 1:23

Psalm 51:7 tells us, "Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow." If Jesus was never born, there would have been no sacrifice available that would have fulfilled the need of our redemption. He alone owns the power, the authority, the ability to "purify" and "wash" us from our sins and our sinful nature. But in obedience, and sacrificially, He came just as the prophets said He would! And His atoning work, some thirty-three years after His birth, is certainly enough to make us "whiter than snow!" As I walked across the churchyard this morning, making fresh tracks in the newly fallen snow, I was reminded that with Jesus, "all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ours sins are covered over by His precious blood. Amen!

Revelation 1:14 tells us, "His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like flames of fire."  Wow! That sweet little baby in the manger in Bethlehem grew up, strong and steady, and became a Man, a Man without sin, that He might become sin for us, and crucify that sin on the Cross! 2 Corinthians 2:21. Yes, that sweet baby boy fulfilled His mission to offer Himself as an acceptable ransom for our sins. Mark 10:45, 1 Timothy 2:5-6. God then, "raised Him from the grave" Acts 2:24,32 and now He sits in victory "at the right hand of God" Mark 16:19. And He will come again to judge "both the living and the dead" 2 Timothy 4:1. Can you imagine? This Christ Child, now in all His glory, settling all accounts? Restoring Divine order? Exercising His right as Judge of the world?? Acts 10:42. Yes, even this truth is displayed in the beauty and ferocity of a snowstorm! "His head, His hair, His eyes...as white as snow, like flames of fire!"

Oh, Merry, Merry Christmas to one and all! May the deep reality of the event settle upon our hearts and souls this day and season as never, ever before! How we need a Holy Spirit reminder of the spiritual and eternal implications of Jesus' Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and soon Coming Again!

                                                                 Philippians 2:6-11

"Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him

to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name

above all other names,

that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth

and under the earth,

and every tongue confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father."

May the Lord bless you, your loved ones, and family members during this special time. Please know that you are loved by a wonderful, caring, omnipotent Lord who constantly has you on His mind. You are also loved by your Pastor, Pastor's wife, and Pastor's family so very, very much. Behind Jesus, you remain our greatest joy and our greatest reward!  1 Thessolonians 2:19

Merry Christmas!

All For Jesus

In His Love,

Pastor Rick and Pamela

PS Looking forward to 2018!!

"When the fulness of time had come,

God sent forth His son" 

Galations 4:4

nlc 966 main st haverhill, ma 01830 978373-1379 www.newlifechristianag.com

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Merry Christmas NLC email

Church email 12/14/17

Dear NLC!

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Jesus' birth was, is, and must always be a focal point of our faith and celebrations. Jesus is born! Wow...heaven and earth still celebrate this wondrous event, and we are so glad that you are a part of the celebration!

This Sunday, December 17, we celebrate this special event at NLC with a very unique and creative Christmas Presentation entitled, "The Brightest Night."  Directed by our worship leader, Stacie Amendola-Johnson, and featuring many of the NLC kids (singing, dancing, and providing dialogue,) and several NLC adults (singing special songs,) this promises to be a wonderful proclamation of such great news!

Please make plans to join us! One service only this week, starting promptly at 10:45am. Invite a relative and loved one that needs to discover the reality of Christmas, and invite a friend, co-worker, or classmate that you know would benefit from being in the Lord's House this week.

The angels said it best, "For there is born unto you this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:11. Help us proclaim this truth to our community by (1) being here, (2) telling others about it, and bringing someone with you, (3) keeping this special day and season in much prayer for us to highlight the event with the expectation others will accept this Christ child, and still others will be encouraged in their faith.

You may remember that I often say on Sunday mornings, "we have the most beautiful kids in Haverhill attending our church!" Well, it is true!! Thank you parents and guardians for faithfully bringing these precious lambs to the House of the Lord. Thank you Pamela Amendola for overseeing this most important ministry. Thank you adult Kids Workers that faithfully pour into their innocent lives each week. Thank you all that support Kids Ministries with your prayers and with your service.  

Looking forward to seeing YOU at this weeks' special morning service, "The Brightest Night." Remember, one service only at 10:45. Fasten your seat belt...it's gonna be a great day!

All For Jesus,

Pastor Rick

"That night, in a field near Bethlehem, 

there were shepherds watching over their flocks. 

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared

in radiant splendor before them,

lighting up the field

with the blazing glory of God, 

and the shepherds were terrified! 

But the angel reassured them, saying, 

“Don’t be afraid. 

For I have come to bring you good news, 

the most joyous news the world has ever heard! 

And it is for everyone everywhere! 

For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. 

He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. 

You will recognize him by this miracle sign: 

You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth

and lying in a feeding trough! 

Then all at once, 

a vast number of glorious angels appeared, 

the very armies of heaven! 

And they all praised God, singing:

 'Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven!

For there is peace and a good hope

given to the sons of men.'"

Luke 2:8-14

"The Brightest Night"

December 17, 10:45am

Merry Christmas!!

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2017

*Sunday, Dec 3rd at 6pm

"Christmas Through The Years" 

(Directed by Sandy Bistany)

 

*Saturday, Dec 9th at 5:30pm:

Ignited Youth Group Christmas Party

(Justin and Maleida Cook)

 

*Sunday, Dec 10th at 5:30pm

Annual Christmas Caroling

(Patty Stauffer)

 

*Sunday, Dec 17th at 10am (one service only!) 

"The Brightest Night" 

Children's Christmas Presentation

(Directed by Stacie Amendola-Johnson)

 

*Sunday, Dec 24th at 8:30/10:45am

Christmas Eve Morning Worship Service

 

Sunday, Dec 24th at 6-7pm: Christmas Eve Service

Candlelight, Communion, Special Readings and Songs

 

Sunday, Dec 31st at 8:30/10:45am

New Year's Eve Day Worship Services

 

Sunday, Dec 31st from 7-9pm: New Year's Eve Service

 

"The Savior—yes, the Messiah, 

the Lord—has been born today

in Bethlehem, the city of David!"

Luke 2:11

JOIN US!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

NLC Email 11/24, 2017

Dear NLC,

Greetings in the Name of Jesus! Trusting all had a wonderful day yesterday as we celebrated Thanksgiving. Thank you to all that came out on Wednesday Night as we publically thanked the Lord for His faithfulness throughout 2017. As the scripture says, "it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord" Psalm 92:1.  I am certain He was pleased with our words and sentiments of praise and thanksgiving for His wonderful goodness and faithfulness in each of our lives. 

Just a quick word to encourage you to cultivate in your heart and words and spirit an attitude of thanksgiving, especially as this year begins to wind down, and the New Year becomes nearer and nearer. Christians throughout the ages have been distinguished and set a part from non believers as a people that give thanks and praise to Almighty God, despite their circumstances. As we shared on Wednesday Night, throughout the Bible, Gods people are instructed to always give thanks. A quick review:

*Psalm 9:1-2 "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." NLT
 

*Psalm 92:1 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening" NLT
 

*2 Chronicles 5:13-14 "The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: 'He is good! His faithful love endures forever!' At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God." NLT                                

*1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." NLT

*Ephesians 5:18-20 "Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." NLT

*Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." NLT

So, a very Happy Thanksgiving to you! Prepare your heart for a tremendous reason why we must be thankful...the celebration of the Birth of Jesus! Yes, "Emmanuel, God with us"(Matthew 1:22) has appeared and remains with us now. God is good! Rejoice and be thankful always!

See you this Sunday as we continue Mission's emphasis month. Thank you so much for the many pledge cards that were returned on Sunday. Please pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit during each morning and evening service. I am certain, He has something good in store for us!

See YOU this weekend!

All For Jesus!

Pastor Rick and Pamela

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Revelation 12:11 NKJV

 

Mission's Banquet

NLC's ANNUAL MISSIONS BANQUET 2017 FRIDAY, NOV 3, 6PM

HAVERHILL CITIZEN'S CENTER, 10 WELCOME ST

(corner GAR Park and Winter St)

 

* International Foods

* Christian Fellowship

* Outfits From Around The World!

* Special Guest Worship Leader: Stephanie Morin

*Special guests: Local Missionaries

*Guest Speaker: Gregg Detwiler, International Cultural Ministries, Boston

 YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND WEARING ATTIRE FROM A COUNTRY YOU LOVE!!

 

CHILDREN, TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS WELCOME!

FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, LOVED ONES

WELCOME!!

 

If you have not yet done so, 

please let us know that you will be coming, 

and what foods you will be bringing!

 

Contact one of our team members:

~Mike Horgan781-424-6157

~Val Horgan 781-424-7707

~Esther Larios 857-207-2124

~Juanita Rivera 978-601-6840

 

SEE YOU AT THIS YEARS'

MISSIONS BANQUET!!

 

FRIDAY, NOV 3, 6PM!!

HAVERHILL CITIZEN'S CENTER

 

"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!"

1 Chronicles 16:24

House Of The Lord

NLC Email, Saturday 10/7/17:

One of my favorite personal scriptures is found in Psalms 122:1. David states so boldly and confidently, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'” I was wondering exactly why he said that. Could it be that after many years of serving the Lord, that he realized the deep and rich importance of actually entering a physical place that was set aside for worship, for prayer, for hearing the Word, for meeting with God, and for meeting with God's people? I believe so. There is no place on earth like the "house of the Lord." So much happens there!

Do you know what I mean? Have you experienced the richness of being in a bonavide "house of the Lord?" It is exciting, pensive, heartfelt, and moving...all at the same time, and often at different times while the meeting is going on. There is singing, sometimes dancing, praying, kneeling, shouting, and often, silence. It is a unique place where the divine meets the mortal. When we are there, our hearts almost burst with the presence of the Lord!

May I encourage YOU to be a part of what God is doing at our local "house of the Lord" here at NLC? Come, present your praises to Jesus, be in the right attitude and atmosphere to hear the Lord speak to you, to challenge you, to change you for the better. Like David, we really should be rejoicing when someone says, "Let's go the house of the Lord!!"

Tomorrow (10/8/17) a very special speaker will be with us. Allan Huth is the founder and president of the Ezra Project, and the Vice President of the Gideons, International. Pamela and I had the privilege of hearing Brother Huth speak the other night at a Gideons event, and I can attest, he is an anointed servant of the Lord! His experience of serving the Lord expands over a thirty year period. He has traveled around the entire world sharing the love of Jesus to anyone that would listen. You will not want to miss this special presentation (8:30 and 10:45AM.)

See YOU at the "House of the Lord!" Remember, Sunday morning services begin on Saturday night as we prepare spiritually, physically, and emotionally to meet with God. 

HE is worth it!

Sincerely in Jesus,
Pastor Rick

"Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:3

Christian Kalkstine

Email 9/29/17

Dear NLC,

Greetings in Jesus' Name. Romans 12:15 states, "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." (NLT)  We are writing today to inform those that may have not yet heard the news, that our dear sister in Christ, Christyn Kalkstine is finally at home with Jesus after a gallant and graceful fight against cancer. Christine's homecoming was Monday morning, September 25.  Below is Pamela's Facebook Post from that day.

"Our hearts are full of sadness with the news that a beloved friend

and previous congregant of our church passed away this morning from cancer. 

Christyn Kalkstine (1967-2017) was beautiful, sweet, loving, and full of compassion! 

Here she is with her husband, Warren, at church last year before moving to Michigan (pictires.) 

In the midst of grieving, we rejoice that she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Our love, prayers, and hugs go out to Warren" ❤

 

Warren is grieving, as expected.  On one hand, we grieve with him. On the other hand, we rejoice with him because we know that Christyn is now with Jesus. Still, the pain associated with losing a loved one, a "soul mate," is deep and appropriate. Our prayers are with him, and other family members at this time as they walk though the aftermath, and as funeral preparations are being made.

In addition to services in Michigan, we are hoping to host a Memorial Service for Christyn here at NLC later in October. Warren and I are discussing that now. We will keep the church notified of the date and time.

Warren would love to hear from us. Cards of condolences and notes of encouragement can be sent to his home in Michigan: 

Warren Kalkstine, 

211 Country Club Drive

Whitehall, Mi 49461

We are planning to receive a special offering to help with funeral expenses and medical bills in the near future. If you would like to contribute at any time, please mark your check, or if cash mark your offering envelop, "Kalkstine."  We will set it aside, and include it with the overall offering soon. 

Psalm 116:15 tells us, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints"(KJV), a verse easily misunderstood at a casual reading. But upon meditating upon it, we see and we understand that death is the doorway to eternal life with Lord. Death is indeed precious when the deceased is a Christian. Thus, 1 Corinthians 15:54 becomes a reality, "Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' "(NIV) See Isaiah 25:8 for that Old Testament reference.  

Please be praying for God's peace to flood Warren's heart, soul, and spirit at this time. He is a very special brother, someone we all grew to love and appreciate during his four years at Northpoint Bible College. Christyn was his closest and deepest ally, his love, and his sister-in-Christ. His struggle right now is our struggle. Yes, we know God is able, but as we often say at NLC, God loves to use His people to be a blessing to others. Now, our brother needs our love, prayers, and tangible expressions of support.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. More information will be forthcoming.

Sincerely In Jesus,

Pastor Rick

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 

'Write this down: Blessed are those

who die in the Lord from now on. 

Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, 

for they will rest from their hard work; 

for their good deeds follow them!' ” 

Revelation 14:13 (NLT)

Quickened!

NLC Email/Sept21, 2107

Dear NLC!

Greetings in that most precious Name...JESUS! One verse is standing out to me today. It is found in Ephesians 2:1. The King James Version reads, "And you, He hath quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."

I like that word "quickened". It means that God radically changed us, kind of like a splash of icy water on our face in the morning after a long and cozy sleep will do! It means He, poetically, shook us by the shoulders, in order to wake us up, and removed our old sleepy, sinful nature, and put His wonderful nature, His Spirit, in us. We have been "quickened" by His love and mercy, which was made available to us through the body and blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That power is simply so very wonderful! Nothing else could have done it, no other power on earth or in the heavens would have been enough to...change a life. And this is exactly what Jesus did. He changed our lives! 

Most other translations refer to the word "quickened" as to becoming "alive."  In essence, we who were dead in sins, He has made alive in Him. Wow! 

This raises some important questions for each of us today. How's it going? I mean, how's it really going? Feeling new? Feeling fresh? Feeling like a splash of icy water just hit you in the face?

The good news is that we may or may not actually feel that way right at this very moment in time, but none-the-less, the promise in God's Word is still absolutely true. In other words, whether we feel it or not, if we have accepted Christ into our lives as our Lord and Savior, if we have repented of our sins, and if we are living a current life of faith in Him, we are in fact "quickened", "alive", "new" and "awake" in the Lord Jesus.  

This is where faith, true faith, comes into play. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, 

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." 

Oh, may our faith in Christ soar! May our spirit man catch up to our emotional man, and may our true born-again selves be all that we can be in the Lord, and for the Lord. This new life is too extraordinary to neglect or to take for granted!

The Message translation captures the meaning of what we are saying here. Read Ephesians 2:1-6 and take it in slowly: 

"It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah."

THIS is wonderful news! We encourage you today to recognize your place of prominence "in the highest heaven"right next to our Lord Jesus. It is there that we will do our best in life. It is there that we will see ourselves as we really are...saved, sanctified, surrendered. It is there that we will discover God's plan for our lives. May each of us embrace this miraculous position in Him!

Have a great week.  Let's stay focused on Jesus. Let's enjoy our new life in Him! Oh, and get ready for Sunday as we once again gather to honor our Risen Lord!

All For Jesus, 

Pastor Rick and Pamela

The words we say...

FB Post, September 12, 2017

The following is a tough subject to tackle, but here goes.

We Christians have a two fold problem. First, we need to be careful what we say and how we say it. Insensitivity to a persons feelings, position in life, recent losses, race, marital status, personal history, personal social or political burdens, or personal business in general, can often be triggers for hurt and rejection that are either hidden deeply in the offendeds' heart or located just below the surface. Either way, such insensitivities are often lightening rods used to unleash those feelings. Most of the time, "common sense" rules regarding what to say or how to say it; but often, one person's common sense is another's stumbling block. But, we should have a common understanding and common wisdom about human nature that reminds us certain off-the-cuff comments, or supposed light-hearted words, may not really be that light-hearted to everyone; and you never know who will be offended, or how a person will react. The Holy Spirit will help us with that needed discernment if we ask, and if we are "walking in the Spirit," which we should be but in reality, are not always. And if or when an offense does occur, a sincere apology should immediately follow. The offender should not now become the #2 offended because the #1 offended became upset. Follow that?

On the other hand, and there is always "the other hand," (this is the second part of our problem) we sometimes become too offended by something someone says or does in innocence or ignorance, and we respond out of anger and hurt. I can remember a situation that happened to me many, many years ago, when I was a unsaved teenager. I was still living at home with my mom and dad, and of course we had a "landline." The phone rang several times, and each time, there was a hang up. Well, at the time, that was an "offense" to me, and the next time it happened, I really gave it to them! "Don't you ever call here again, who do you think you are??!!, blah, blah, blah". When I stopped yelling, a few seconds of awkward silence ensued, and a woman's very soft and gentle voice came on that said, "I only wanted to speak to your mom." Needless to say, I was humiliated and felt horrible. That dear woman had every right to blast me right back. But, she didn't. I was so wrong in offending her, and she was so right in how she handled it.

So, if legitimately offended, what does the Word say to do? To paraphrase, it says to try to work it out. Talk to the person. Get clarity. Get understanding. Try to resolve the issues. Most times, this works. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree.

I often encourage the offended to consider the source of the offense. Who, how, why questions are important. Replaying assumed facts in one's mind never brings anything positive. Assumptions and unwarranted opinions are often our worst enemies.

Here are some scriptures to consider in this discussion:

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17 NKJV

"Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." 
Romans18:12 NKJV

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit....to another discerning of spirits" 1 Corinthians 12:4,10c NKJV

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Galations 5:16-17 NKJV

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 NKJV

Let's try our best to live in peace with one another. Remember Calvary and the Cross of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice should make a difference, not only how we act toward the Lord, but how we act toward one another as well.

"He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed"
Isaiah 54:3-5

~Pastor Rick

FIGHT!

Church email, August 22, 2017

Greetings NLC!

There is a scripture in the Old Testament that says, "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" (Exodus 14:14 NIV). This was written at a time when Moses was leading the Chosen People away from Egypt, as the Egyptians army marched aggressively towards them, to capture them and return them back to Egypt and bondage. Moses was reminding the people that the Lord was with them, fighting for them, and still had wonderful promises for them in spite of the dire circumstances they were facing. And, the Lord did indeed fight for them, and through miracles and signs and wonders, delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians and into the Promised land. 

I really like that verse! There is a two-fold application for those of us that are trusting in Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. First, we are definitely in a spiritual battle, but we are not alone in this battle. Jesus is fighting for us; fighting on our behalf.  That is great news! And, secondly, because Jesus is fighting for us, we can have a confidence and an assurance that will lead us to peace...as in peace in the midst of the storm.

Facing any storms lately? If not, hallelujah! But, remember this when the eventual storms of life do come!  If yes, be reminded of this wonderful promise...Jesus is fighting for you. 

Jesus is fighting for us! Yes, He is fighting against spiritual forces and ungodly situations that may attempt to disrupt what He has planned for our lives. Remember, although the enemy of our souls sometimes rears his ugly head, is already a defeated foe! Take a moment, and hear what the Word of God says on this topic of the Lord fighting for us:

*Deuteronomy 1:30 "The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes."

*Deuteronomy 3:22 "You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you."

*Deuteronomy 20:4 "for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."

*Deuteronomy 31:18 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

*Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms"

*Joshua 23:10 "One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised."  

*1 Samuel 17:47 "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear;  for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands."

*2 Samuel 22:2-3 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior—from violent people you save me"  

*2 Chronicles 20:15 "And he said, 'Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’"

*Psalm 9:9-10 "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

*Psalm 56:9 "When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me."

*Psalm 109:21 "But you, Sovereign Lord, help me for Your Name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me."

*Psalm 140:7 "Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle."

*Isaiah 50:7 "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."

*Isaiah 50:9 "It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. If God be for us, who can be against us?"

*Romans 8:31  "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Wow, the Lord really is fighting for me, and for you! This encourages me in many ways. One way is that now, I want to sign up and fully engage in the battle too! I want to join with Jesus to fight "the good fight" as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7.

Another way this encourages me is that now I am motivated to "put on the armor of God." See Ephesians 6:10-18, 1Thessalonains 5:5-8, 2 Corinthians 6:3-7 and Romans 13:11-14. I want to join in on this fight and do my part. And, I am very glad the Lord instructs me to put on spiritual armor for this fight.

Another way this encourages me is I am now reminded that because of Jesus, I have the victory, and so do you! I John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 

Have a blessed and victorious week in the Lord Jesus Christ! Stay on the winner's side, and always be ready to rumble. The god of this age may be on the prowl, but our Lord Jesus is still on the Throne! (1Peter 5:8,Rev 3:21)

Still thanking the Lord for wonderful services this past Sunday, and for the very special Water Baptism Service last Sunday night. So happy and proud of those that baptized!   

God is good...and He is still fighting for you!!

See YOU this week at NLC!

All For Jesus,

Pastor Rick and Pamela

"Just My Opinion" FB Post Aug 18, 2017

JUST MY OPINION regarding the removal of Confederate War Memorials throughout the country. Having a "yankee" father, whose family was in Italy during the Civil War, and a "southern" mother whose family was in Tennessee during the Civil War, I believe I have a unique perspective. Being raised on the outskirts of NYC, with first cousins in NY, Tennessee and South Carolina, adds to my vast exposure to a social condition that has plagued our nation for generations.

Why wasn't this an issue in the 50's and 60's when MLKJr's and Malcom X's voices were dominant? Why wasn't this an issue pre WW2 when African-Americans lined up to join the US Military to defend our country against Germany and Japan? Why wasn't this an issue pre WW1? And, why wasn't this addressed post Civil War, when the US was supposed to be mending after an horrific war between the States? As often said, hindsight is 20-20; and it should have been addressed a long, long time ago. Those statues and memorials should have never been erected in the first place.

Why would any American honor people who fought gallantly to keep people brought to this country against their will to be slaves? Or why would any American honor people who fought gallantly to keep natural born citizens of the USA bound to slavery because of the color of their skin? Obviously, slavery should never have happened, but celebrating the military leaders that fought for it to continue should never have happened either. Yes, it is necessary to keep and preserve history, but it must be honest history. Preserve history that says these generals, these soldiers, these people...fought to keep people slaves. We should remember that. It is our history, albeit, bad history. There is no honor here. There is no glory here. There should be humility, and repentance, and brokenness here. These should be remembrances that remind us never to go that route again. Such memorials, from the beginning, reminded people...black people and white people, that African-Americans would never be afforded equal status in this country, and that those that tried desperately to keep them slaves would always be remembered as heroes. How does one live under such oppression and arrogance?

As a proud grandparent of four beautiful grandchildren of African descent, I can say with full conviction...I get it. What ethnic group would want statues and memorials that honor people that wrongly tried to keep their people literally in chains, or in "their place", and I include those that attempted to keep Italian-Americans, or any ethnic group in their place as well. It is an across the board issue. Ethnic superiority is always wrong. Didn't we learn anything from Hitler in Germany? By the way, there are no statues honoring him there, or anywhere.

The beauty of America is that we are truly a melting pot of ethnic people and traditions from around the world. And, I clearly denounce any white supremacist group, KKK, or other such groups, especially those that do their bigotry in the name of Jesus Christ. As Islamic leaders are called upon to denounce Islamic terror groups, I (we) should also denounce any terror group in America or around the world that acts and speaks "in the Name of Jesus." Jesus has NOTHING to do with bigotry, hated, violence, segregation, etc. He is the unifier, not the divider.

All this, of course is....JUST MY OPINION.

Summer greetings!

Dear NLC,

Greetings in the wonderful Name of Jesus! Trusting this email finds you well, and sensing the great love of the Lord upon your life.  I am writing today to encourage you...to encourage you to remember exactly who you are in Christ Jesus. You...are a child of God! John tells us plainly in chapter one, verses twelve and thirteen, "But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He has given the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." 

If you have received Christ into your heart and spirit as your personal Savior and Lord, you have entered into a brand new relationship with God.  This relationship never gets old!  Please know, and if necessary be reminded that now, God is for you, not against you (Romans 8:31b). He is concerned about you, He loves you, He wants the ultimate good to come to pass in your life.  And, He "will fight for you" Exodus 14:4a.

  My brothers and sisters in Christ, what a wonderful fellowship we have entered into!  Let's try our hardest not to let anything (ANYTHING!!) get in the way of this holy relationship with our Father in heaven. Worries? Offenses? Stresses?  Financial concerns? Marriages? Children? Relationships?  Health?  Etc, etc, etc? Our Father knows all about these things, and He is here to help us through each circumstance and become over-comers in all areas of life. 

Romans 8:37-39 "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Stay close to Jesus!  Rest in His love, meditate on His Word, for His word is life (John 6:63b.)   Let's not let anything get in the way of this wonderful, beautiful, awesome relationship with the Lord! 

Enjoy the remaining weeks of summer.  So very thankful for the great services this past Sunday in our absence as we visited with family members from out of state. Thank you to all that made the services run so smoothly and powerfully!

See you all this Sunday!!

All For Jesus,

In His Love, 

Pastor Rick and Pamela

Thank you!

Hillstock 2017 was great blessing to the City of Haverhill, to New Life Christian Assembly of God, and to the Lord Jesus!  Special thanks is in order to the many, many volunteers that made it all possible.  With such help, we were able to host a beautiful Worship Night on Hillstock Wednesday, a Prayer Walk on Hillstock Thursday, the Hillstock Saturday event at GAR Park, at which we served an estimated 800 men, women, teens and children!

Friday Night at GAR Park was rained out for the first time ever! None-the-less, we were able to effectively minister to a woman who was having a difficult time that night in the Park. Thankfully, we were there to assist.

Thank you to all that served!  Thank you to all that contributed funds and gifts and soda and water and food, and various other supplies. Through it all, the Lord Jesus was promoted, lifted up, honored, and blessed.

The following day, Hillstock Sunday at NLC, thirteen souls gave their hearts to Christ during the salvation call. Thirteen! The Teen Challenge Men's Choir from Brockton, Ma did a wonderful job ministering that day in song and testimonies. A beautiful all church picnic/fellowship followed the morning service.

With a thankful heart, we at NLC give all praise to the Lord.  May we continue to be "that light on a hill" that can not, and will not, be hidden!! Matthew 5:14

All For Jesus,

Pastor Rick

BEYOND THE WALL

ALL INVITED TO A SPECIAL SCREENING!!

"BEYOND THE WALL"

Sunday, July 9, 6pm

This documentary film features NLC's Jesus Ruiz, former prison inmate, leader of the Latin Kings (Lowell, MA), and now Servant of Jesus Christ!  Brother Ruiz serves NLC as an usher and Bus Driver, and he and wife Wanda head up "Off The Streets Ministry" an outreach ministry via Common Ground Ministries at the Cafe on Winter Street, Haverhill, each Saturday.

"Beyond the Wall highlights one of the most critical issues in criminal justice reform: the many prisoners returning to their communities each year where they face tremendous challenges and barriers. The film follows five formerly incarcerated men who are attempting to rebuild their lives on the outside with little support from the U.S. criminal justice system. Through this compelling and personal account, the film vividly shows their struggles and strategies for survival beyond the walls of jail and prison." (www.beyondthewallfilm.com)

All invited and encouraged to spread the word! Following the screening of the film,  Brother Ruiz and follow advocate, Louie Diaz will share their dramatic testimonies of the life changing power of Jesus Christ!

Beyond The Wall

Produced and directed by Jenny Philips and Buster Cram

"Jenny Philips is a cultural anthropologist, filmmaker,writer, and psychiatric nurse.  She has a psychotherapy practice in Concord, ma, specializing in crises intervention, family and marriage therapy, behavioral medicine, and mindfulness training" (www.beyondthewallfilm.com)

Please spread the word to Law Enforcement, Probation and Parole, Social Workers, DSS Workers, Counselors, Teachers, Pastors, etc!!

See YOU on July 9, 6pm

"Beyond The Wall"

"Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah

gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; 

a new life burgeons!"  2 Corinthians 5:17  The Message

nlc 966 main st haverhill, ma 01830 978-373-1379 www.newlifechristianag.com

From The Eagle Tribune, Haverhill, Ma

Eagle Tribune, Haverhill, Ma

Article began on June 19 and should run till Hillstock begins.  It is listed under "Haverhill Community" in the online edition, www.eagletribune.com.

 

Christian Bands Returning To GAR Park

Contemporary Christian bands and soloists will once again fill GAR Park with uplifting music and praise when New Life Christian Assembly of God presents "Hillstock 2017."

"Hillstock is a celebration of praise and evangelistic music and arts designed to lift up and promote the lordship of Jesus Christ in private and public settings," said New Life Pastor Rick Amendola.

The celebration begins June 28 at 7 p.m. at New Life Christian Assembly, 966 Main St, with a worship concert featuring the New Life Worship Team, led by Stacie Amendola-Johnson and various singers and musicians from the church.

The celebration continues outdoors June 30 at 7 p.m. in GAR Park, with performances by Christian bands, rappers, and soloists. The public is invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities.

The July 1 event at GAR Park is from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature live music, videos, rap, Christian bands and soloists, and a special puppet show for children. There will be many special activities including face painting, pony rides, dunk tank, snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, refreshments, and a high striker, all for free. There will also be free raffles of items such as bicycles, school back packs, CDs and other items.

Sunday services on July 2 will be at New Life Christian Assembly at 10:45 a.m. (one service only) and will feature the Teen Challenge Choir from Brockton. Events conclude at 12:30 p.m. with an all-church picnic on the church grounds.

For more information, call 978-373-1379. Visit online at http://www.newlifechristianag.com./

HILLSTOCK 2017

HILLSTOCK 2017 - OUR ANNUAL OUTREACH TO THE CITY OF HAVERHILL!!

"HILLSTOCK: A celebration of Praise and Evangelistic Music and Arts designed to lift up and promote the Lordship of Jesus Christ in public and private settings."

 

Hillstock 2017 Dates/Venues:

Wednesday June 28 at NLC, 7-9PM A Night of Praise and Worship

Friday June 30 at GAR Park, 7-10pm, various singers and groups and ministries

Saturday, July 1 at GAR Park, 12-5pm, Fun Day! Bands, soloists, Kids Ministries, pony rides, snow cones, popcorn, face painting, hot dogs and drinks, games and activities for people of all ages, give aways-bikes, school supplies...all for Free!

Sunday July 2 at NLC, one special service 10:45AM, featuring Teen Challenge Choir from Brockton, Ma. Cookout to follow!

Volunteers welcome...call us, 978-373-1379

Make plans NOW to be there!!

HILLSTOCK 2017

nlc 966 main st haverhill, ma 01830 978-373-1379 www.newlifechristianag.com

May 25, 2017 Devotional

Greetings All!

Trusting this day finds you well, and close to our Lord Jesus! I am writing today to encourage you in your faith, in your personal devotions, and in your church attendance.  Please give a little thought and meditation to the following scriptures:

FAITH: Hebrews 11:6  "And it is impossible to please God without faith.  Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him." Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ." 

PERSONAL DEVOTIONS: Hebrews 10:22 " let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water." Psalm 1:1-3 "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.  But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  They are like tress planed along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.  Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."

CHURCH ATTENDANCE: Acts 2:42 " They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Hebrews 10:24-25 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."

The above scriptures are taken from the New Living Translation.  Can you "see", and can you "feel" the meaning of each one?  Here is a quick paraphrase:  

"Understand that faith is of the utmost importance.  Always have faith in God.  And, increase your faith by hearing, really hearing and pondering, the Word of God. When you take personal time in God's Word, you literally 'hide yourself' in His presence. It is there that you are cleansed and purified from the darkness and evil of this world.  We benefit so much by spending time in His Word, in fact, we receive strength and plant deep roots in Christ as we tarry in His Word. On top of this, we must continue in the ways of the early believers that 'devoted themselves' to sound doctrine, to fellowship, to communion and to praying with one another.  All this takes place in the local church.  As we gather together, on the 'first day' of the week or during mid-week, we encourage one another to keep going! We do this, especially as we discern the times, that Jesus is coming!"

Have a great week!  Please feel free to respond to this devotional to me. I would really like to hear from you!  

All For Jesus!                                                                                                                               Pastor Rick

Resurrection!

April 11, 2017

Greetings!

Just want to take a moment to encourage all that are reading this to find a good, Bible believing church to go to this weekend as we remember and celebrate two of Christianity's most important dates: Good Friday and Resurrection Day!

"Then he said, 'When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, 'Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.' It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things." Luke 24:45-48

Praise the Lord for His mercy and His grace!  Seize the moment to reflect and rejoice this weekend, Friday, April 14, and Sunday, April 16 with believers of like faith. He, the Lord of Hosts, is worthy of our attention!!

All For Jesus!

Pastor Rick

PS. See "Events" for NLC Good Friday and Resurrection Day Services

Snow....

Well, here we are on this fine day of February the 9th.  We are in the midst of a Blizzard!!  It is truly awesome to behold this storm.  Earlier, I had the wonderful opportunity to embark on an "adventure in Narnia" with three of my grandchildren...the three that live closest, (right next door actually!!) Ava West, Jack Sullivan and Ella Victory.  We trekked around the church property for a while, and ended up at the NLC Playground behind the church. Being at the Playground in the midst of this Blizzard was something to behold!  A summer spot now being enjoyed in the Blizzard...very cool! (No pun intended!)

The kids are quite unique, you know.  Each poetically talented, and different.  In a way, they represent all of us...curious, chatty, sensitive, needing love and craving independence.  I liked when Ava yelled out, "come on everyone!!" as they began their plunges down the slide and into the waiting snow at the bottom.  There were only three, but it seemed like an army...or an entourage...or...a family.  We all have a need for "family" don't we? A need to... belong?

This Blizzard gives me time to think of my many blessings....the recent return of my car that was stolen last Friday (a story for another day!), some truly wonderful services at church these past few Sundays, my personal family (Pamela, and Stacie and Jeffrey and Betsie, and my mom and other family members in NY and NC and Fla), and my church family.  

So curious, that church family is; IE last night was a very interesting Bible Study of 1 Timothy 2:9-15.  Check out that passage to see what I mean! Many creative questions were asked. Chatty they are...time just flew by! Sensitive, oh yes..each having a different story to share, and different application to grasp. And, how all of us need love,  yet desire independence.  

Which brings me to this: Romans 12:5, from the Message. Don't you just sometimes love the Message?

"In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t."

In other words, "enjoy your individuality, enjoy your togetherness, enjoy your new life in Christ!" 

Thanking the Lord today for a time to think....and a time to be truly thankful for His many blessings! 

BTW...."YOU" are welcome at NLC, anytime!!

And, yes, I really do love my grandkids!!

Sunday Services 2017

Just a reminder....

We are resuming our regular

Sunday Schedule of Services

this Sunday, January 8:

*8:30am...Worship, Prayer, Word

*9:50am...Adult Bible Study

*10:45am..Worship, Prayer, Kids Ministries, Word

*6pm...Adult Service, "Ignited" Youth Group

Start off the New Year with new determination to put, 

and keep God first in your life!!  

Join us this Sunday as we seek the Lord and enter into His presence!

 

"Come, let’s shout praises to God,

    raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!

Let’s march into his presence singing praises,

    lifting the rafters with our hymns!

And why? Because God is the best,

    High King over all the gods.

In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,

    in the other hand grasps the high mountains.

He made Ocean—he owns it!

    His hands sculpted Earth!

So come, let us worship: bow before him,

    on your knees before God, who made us!

Oh yes, he’s our God,

    and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds."

Psalm 95:1-6 The Message

 

See YOU this Sunday at NLC!!