WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INCLUSIVE - SADELL BRADLEY - New Life Covenant Cincinnati - 07/29/15

   

Lately, I've heard some discussions about churches/Christians needing to be more "inclusive."  Inclusive in this context means not excluding any section of society or any party involved in something.  This conversation puzzles me. I've always known the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be ultimately inclusive. "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:16-17) The world and whoever are inclusive terms.  At first God revealed Himself through His chosen people Israel, but in Christ, everyone can access salvation. "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-- the Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Rom. 10:12-13). 
The Bible also makes another point of inclusion very clear.  "Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God." (Rom. 3:9b-11)  All, none, and no one are inclusive statements. Sin is missing the mark of God's Holiness. It is failure or guilt, and everyone has sinned. We were born this way. Christians believe the propensity for sin (in thought, word, deed, motive, commission, omission) is innate and inbred for all since the fall of man. David said, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." (Psalm 51:5)   None of us are better than others.  I love how the NLT version put this in Romans 3:22-23:

"We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard."  The way to be made right with God for EVERYONE is to place faith in Christ. At the foot of the cross is the great equalizer. All of us deserve death and would be disqualified for Heaven and righteousness on earth without faith in Jesus. (Rom. 6:23) God is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) Repent means to turn from sin to Christ for salvation.

Christ followers believe that, "All Scripture is inspired by God (though written through mankind) and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT) Christianity is not a social club, though there is fellowship. The Church is in a given City not just for historic traditions, or social justice; but because Christ followers believe there is a God, who is Lord and King over everything. We have voluntarily yielded ownership of our lives to Him and live to serve and worship Him as the Word of God instructs. We believe God has the right to dictate the rules/ boundaries by which He is loved and worshiped. But He also gives us EVERYONE freedom to choose whether or not they will.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”Romans 10:9-11

Anyone is another inclusive word. God wants anyone who desires to come to know and love Him. Next Wednesday, the word is EXCLUSIVE...stay tuned.

New Life Covenant is a multi-ethnic, inter-generational and multi-class community.  We are a church for the hurting...because everybody wants to be F.R.E.E!

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY
for WORSHIP at
Urban Artifact
1660 Blue Rock Street, 45223
in NORTHSIDE

Sunday, August 2nd

11:00 AM 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - THE STRUGGLE - Sadell Bradley - 07/22/15 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

   

THANK YOU!! to ALL who made HopeFest 2015 a great success!! despite the sweltering heat ; )  CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS!

After a weekend of impact that encroaches upon the devil's territory by directly assaulting poverty; a struggle inevitably ensues. Struggle means to engage in conflict, or to make one's way with difficulty.  It is to make a forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or constriction; to strive to achieve or attain something in the face of difficulty or resistance. The struggle is not imaginary.  We're not making this warfare up. As they say now...the struggle is real...but it's not with PEOPLE.

 

In Ephesians 6:10-17,  Paul instructs us to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This is hard to remember when you are in the midst of a painful personal conflict, but he reiterates, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Paul knew that some of our greatest struggles would be relational, but we wouldn't realize that there were greater forces involved attempting to thwart us from fulfilling God's purposes. We fight battles, not in our own strength, but with God's armor: truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, the helmet of the hope of salvation, the sword of the Spirit - the Word of God, and most importantly the shield of faith to quench the devil's fiery darts. Armor up!!

In 2 Corinthians 2:9-11, a man had brought much offense to the believers at Corinth and to Paul. He affirms that they are upset, but instructs them what to do:

I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the  trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man,  I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

 

Yes, they caused A LOT of painful trouble. It hurt badly, and you opposed them (yelled, gave them the silent treatment, had the hard conversation).  Enough with the punishment. Now...it's time to forgive, comfort, and re-affirm your love for them...so they won't be overcome with discouragement. So that they will know that your love's not going anywhere.  We forgive with Christ's authority, for the benefit of the wounded person, (that's US!) so that Satan won't outwit or take advantage of us! for we are not ignorant of his intentions, designs or devices. These things we know, but they're really hard to do! As we fight for our freedom in this area to keep ourselves from bitterness (Heb 12:15)...the struggle is real!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - COVENANT - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati - 07/15/15

A Covenant is an agreement, a contract drawn up by deed.  In the Bible, it's more than just a contract, a covenant brings about a relationship of commitment between God and His people. The French, covenir means to agree. Yesterday, Sherman and I celebrated 13 years of the covenant of marriage: our agreement to commit to one another through everything, until death, forsaking all others.  Over the years we've agreed and disagreed...and agreement is much better!  Amos asked, "Can two walk together except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) The importance of the marriage covenant is that it reflects Christ's love for His church. There are two kinds of covenants: bilateral and unconditional. Marriage is bilateral, it takes two to ratify and fulfill. If either party fails to meet the terms, the covenant is broken.  When God covenanted with Abram in Genesis 12, 15 (the ceremony) & 17, it was unilateral and unconditional - a covenant set in blood. God moved alone through the smoking furnace and flame torch to say that He was making a promises to Abram that only required Himself to fulfill. Glory to God!  Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all families of the earth shall be blessed. (Gen. 12:1-3) You may have noticed that the word Covenant is in our church Pastor Wilfredo 'Choco' DeJesus name. Pastor Wilfredo "Choco" DeJesus, when founding the New Life Covenant churches, desired to bring New Life to hurting people through Jesus Christ.  He covenanted with God to take the gospel to the ends of the earth... and money would be no object. So here, New Life Covenant Cincinnati, even as a small church is doing big things to share God's love for hurting people and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!   Church in Washington Park THIS Saturday, July 18th at 11:00 AM  HopeFest Health & Education Festival Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street Cincinnati OH 45202. Health & Education screenings, and information for school aged children, fun, music, games, giveaways & entertainment.  THIS Sunday, July 19th at NOON  Church in Washington Park.  An inspiring message by Pastor Sherman and music by Life Worship Team. Afterward lunch and games in the park with family and friends!   NEXT Sunday, July 26th at 11:00 AM we'll be back at Urban Artifact  concert venue, 1660 Blue Rock Street, 45223 in Northside for our Gospel Brunch! Brunch by Gwen Diva-G's catering for $10 and music by Life Worship Team.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - UNDISTURBED- Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati - 070815

Undisturbed - means to NOT interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of; to NOT cause to feel anxious; to NOT interrupt the sleep, relaxation or privacy of.  I love this pictorial example! Though the birds have landed all over this young lady's body...even on her head! she remains still and unmoved. To be undisturbed has been a great challenge in my life. I too often allow interruptions, distractions, and fires to interfere with my normal schedule or functioning...because I've tended to be a fixer on whom others depend.  Those who are people-pleasers might also have difficulties with this. I think this saying says it all...

God describes bringing Israel out wars and conflicts as giving them 'rest' from their enemies (Esther 9:16; Joshua 23:1).  Resting has the connotation of relieving oneself from labor; to relax, refresh, recover and regain health and strength.  God did not intend for His people to live constantly strained and in stress.  Isaiah, describing the Kingdom of Righteousness and Justice to be brought by the Messiah says, " My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." (Isaiah 32:18) Paul confirms to the Hebrews that there remains a promise of rest to the people of God, a rest that is produced by confident faith and expectation in Him, and the ceasing from our own works - our attempts to save ourselves from sin and circumstances. We should make every effort to enter into that rest. (Heb. 4:1-12)  Jesus clearly told us that in this world we would have tribulation, but He said for us to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world. (John 16:33)  He has given us a peace not of this world...so don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid! (John 14:27)  I pray this Word comforts and guides you today!!
 
New Life Covenant hopes to see YOU THIS SUNDAY at 11:00 AM at Urban Artifact 1660 Blue  Rock St. Cincinnati OH 45223 for a time of Worship, Word, Food and Fellowship!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PUSHING BOUNDARIES - 07/01/15 -Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant

It's time to push boundaries again....something Sherman and I have been known to do.
A boundary is a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. A limit is a point or level beyond which something may not extend or pass. The owners of Urban Artifact decided they would do some 'boundary pushing' in the eclectic Northside Neighborhood in Cincinnati by making an old Catholic Church into a Concert Venue, Event Center, Brewery and Bar. Each night, Urban Artifact serves up various styles of musical expression along with their custom beers. In an appropriate turn, New Life Covenant for 3 weeks in July, will make Urban Artifact a church again, holding our Sunday services there on July 5, 12, and 26, at 11:00 AM.  Yes, there is a bar. There are also bars at Fridays, PF Changs, the Playhouse and the Aronoff Center, at the Reds and Bengals games, and at the movie theater...and I could go on. Yes, we're having church there. Yes, we'd like for YOU to join us! 

This past week has been all about dividing lines: the funerals of the Charleston 9, the burning of several black churches since then, and the Supreme Court's Decision on same sex marriage. We now clearly see the stark polarization that exists in our country along racial lines, and between the 'sinner' and the 'saint.' Everyone is grappling with how to respond. Christians, take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 5:9-12.It clearly states that the church should, as the song says, 'Sweep around your own front door, before you try to sweep around mine." I think we too easily forget that EVERYONE has sinned and that we ALL can ONLY be made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom 3:22-23)

Jesus drew a contrast between Himself and his prophet-cousin, John the Baptist.  John was austere in his approach. He and his disciples were strict and severe in manner and behavior. Jesus, not so much: no Nazarite vow, hanging out with folks. In Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus said it didn't matter which approach was taken, because the religious Pharisees condemned them both: "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” 

JESUS - "A glutton, and a drunkard, a FRIEND of tax collectors and sinners." Let that sit for a moment.  Somehow Jesus was able to befriend and live with all kinds of people doing all kinds of things WITHOUT losing His identity as God, or sinning as man.  He endeared Himself to those in the world because He came to save them! He has given us that same Great Commission. One day, the church will realize that influence comes through relationship, and there is no relationship without connection. Our Christ is not just credible, but INCREDIBLE! Those we desire to know Him will never experience the love, healing, deliverance, and power of His presence unless we GO and show them! So join Us THIS SUNDAY 11:00 AM Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock St. Cincinnati OH 45223

New Life Covenant is a multi-ethnic, inter-generational and multi-class community.  We are a church for the hurting...because everybody wants to be F.R.E.E!

JOIN US for Church in the Park
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street

Sunday, July 19th, 12:00 Noon

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