Organized N1950. Ephesians 6:10-20

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1 J u l y 1 6, I s s u e # 1 8 Where the Message and Mission are Divine Organized N1950 ewsletter Reverend Larry J. Mouton, Jr. Pastor NHMBC Ephesians 6:10-20 The Full Armor of God The phrase full armor of God comes from Ephesians 6:13-17: 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. We are not given a list of specific tactics Satan will use. However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of Satan s strategy. Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr. The first element of our armor is truth (verse 14). This is easy to understand, since Satan is said to be the father of lies (John 8:44). Deception is high on the list of things God considers to be an abomination. A lying tongue is one of the things He describes as detestable to Him (Proverbs 6:16-17). We are therefore exhorted to put on truth for our own sanctification and deliverance, as well as for the benefit of those to whom we witness. Also in verse 14, we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. A breastplate shielded a warrior s vital organs from blows that would otherwise be fatal. This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men. Rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks.

2 T h e F u l l A r m o r o f G o d (continued from page 1) Verse 15 speaks of the preparation of the feet for spiritual conflict. In warfare, sometimes an enemy. places dangerous obstacles in the path of advancing soldiers. The idea of the preparation of the gospel of peace as footwear suggests what we need to advance into Satan's territory, aware that there will be traps, with the message of grace so essential to winning souls to Christ. Satan has many obstacles placed in the path to halt the propagation of the gospel. The shield of faith spoken of in verse 16 makes Satan's sowing of doubt about the faithfulness of God and His Word ineffective. Our faith of which Christ is the author and perfecter (Hebrews 12:2 ) is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial. seat of the mind, which, when it has laid hold of the sure gospel hope of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine or give way to Satan s temptations. The unsaved person has no hope of warding off the blows of false doctrine because he is without the helmet of salvation and his mind is incapable of discerning between spiritual truth and spiritual deception. Verse 17 interprets itself as to the meaning of the sword of the Spirit it is the Word of God. While all the other pieces of spiritual armor are defensive in nature, the sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God. It speaks of the holiness and power of the Word of God. A greater spiritual weapon is not conceivable. In Jesus' temptations in the desert, the Word of God was always His overpowering response to Satan. What a blessing that the same Word is available to us! In verse 18, we are told to pray in the Spirit (that is, with the mind of Christ, with His heart and His priorities) in addition to wearing the full armor of God. We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. The helmet of salvation in verse 17 is protection for the head, keeping viable a critical part of the body. We could say that our way of thinking needs preservation. The head is the Without prayer, without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile. The full armor of God truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer are the tools God has given us, through which we can be spiritually victorious, overcoming Satan s attacks and temptations. 2

3 S h o w M e H o w t o By Deacon Ron Peterson Chairman, NHMBC Deacons Board. S h a r e the G o s p e l B E O P E N T O C H A N G E The author states another reason the church has lost its cutting edge is that we have not kept up with the times. We are living in the post Christian era. The author gives an example, tin hthe e seventies as he traveled he would ask a nonbeliever "Have you ever heard of John 3:16?" The standard answer was yes. If he started quoting the verse, they could often finish it. Now the standard answer is no. He doesn't ask that question anymore. We need to recognize how significantly the world has changed. Many have not read the Bible, talked the Christian language, or sung Christian hymns. It's not that non-christians have given up on God, they have given up on the church. They feel it is no longer relevant to their lives. The commitment of a believer is not as fervent as it once was in the current environment. We find on Sundays many a believer choose to be at a youth sporting event, attending or watching a professional sport, playing recreationally a sport, washing the car, going to a movie, sleeping in, etc. You get my point? They feel that those activities are more interesting than anything going on at church. If that's true for a believer, would it not be even truer for a non-christian? Does this mean we change the Bible, our language or hymns or what we do during services? No, but what it does mean is that we have to be sure we are communicating with non- Christians and being sensitive to where they are coming from. If a new comer came to New Hope is what we are saying and doing something they would understand and be helped? Remember, we are talking about the newcomers of the nineties and two thousands, not from fifty years ago. Most of them don t have the background that many non- Christians from decades ago had. We must recognize that although the Word does not change, how we deliver it must be in a manner that reaches the current generations and yet recognizes our traditional roots. This puts tremendous pressure on our church leadership to meet this cross section of needs. The author mentioned one Pastor who stated "I know there are areas we need to change. Our people really resist any substantial change. But I get the impression if we don't make what we are doing from eleven o'clock to one o'clock on Sunday morning more meaningful to those who have grown up the current generations, we as a church are not going to be here ten years from now. How open are you as a layperson to change? Do you resist it or welcome it? Are you open to the fact that music and service format that God used to touch your life forty years ago is not necessarily what he will use to touch somebody's life today? Whenever new ideas are presented, do our leaders dread a phone call from you or expect you will be holding parking lot conference (PLC) meetings or do you greet those ideas with an ear willing to listen. The author gives the example of a senior church member who gets upset if he observes people talking before the service. This is supposed to be a quiet reverent time of preparing yourself for worship. What he doesn't recognize is that people starting to come to church don't even know what worship is. They have not had a church background. They have not be taught and may not have been through a discipleship program. We need to understand people of today as well as be sensitive to our traditions that continue to be relevant. None of us would want to admit to being hung up on tradition. But isn't tradition harder to break than we say it is? It's often helpful to approach scriptures by saying, suppose we had no experience to draw from. What do scriptures tell us about how to conduct our church services, programs and activities? There are not specific guidance on how to conduct church services and other church activities. As I understand it, there was a time that musical instruments were frowned upon in a church service. As we move forward, let us all be prayerful and obedient to the Holy Spirit s guidance. In all things to God be the Glory! 3

4 Means Inducted to Medical Honor Society t h e O l i v i a M e a n s Medical Student University of South Alabama College of Medicine Six third-year medical students at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine were named to the USA chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society. One of those selected was Olivia Means, the daughter Brother Joseph and Sister Roslyn Means. All of them are members of NHMBC. AOA, a professional medical organization, recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. Members have a compelling drive to do well and to advance the medical profession and exemplify the highest standards of professionalism. According to Dr. Kelly Roveda, assistant dean of medical education and student affairs at the USA College of Medicine and USA AOA chapter councilor, election and membership in AOA signifies commitment to not only scholarship but also leadership, professionalism and service. The top 25 percent of a medical school class is eligible for nomination to the society, and up to 16 percent may be elected based on leadership, character, community service and professionalism. Members may also be elected by chapters after demonstrating scholarly achievement and professional contributions and values after medical school and during their careers in medicine. The AOA motto is Be Worthy to Serve the Suffering. Portions of article taken from Med School Blog, University of South Alabama College of Medicine 4

5 S M I TH earns ASUN Recognition. t h e The Atlantic SUN Conference (ASUN) recognized its Spring Winners for Life team on Thursday, June 22, The team is comprised of one student-athlete from each of the eight institutions in the conference and honors those who display excellence on and off the playing surface. Alex Smith, a standout pitcher for the University of North Florida, earned this honor for consistently demonstrating the core values of Education, Honesty, Student-Athlete Experience, Fairness, Health, Ambition, Respect, Diversity, Inclusion, Leadership, Responsibility, and Sportsmanship. Alex is a member of NHMBC. He served as Church School secretary and on Usher Board #3. Alex is the son of Larry & Arthita Smith. A senior pitcher, Alex Smith collects the Spring Winners for Life team honor for North Florida. The right-hander from Tampa, Florida has been on the ASUN Academic Honor Roll every year of his Osprey career. Smith was effective out of the bullpen as he finished the 2017 season with a 1.11 ERA, the best among Osprey relievers. He finished the year with a 3-0 record, and did not allow an earned run in 15 of 16 appearances. Smith has volunteered for the mentoring program Real Men Read and has been a member of the facility staff at the Eleven Twenty Two church. Smith has also been a member of North Florida's SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) and has logged multiple hours reading at elementary schools. Portions of article taken ASUN Media Relations article. 5

6 C e l e b r a t i o n o f B a p t i s m An Ordinance of the Baptist Church July 3, 2017 Baptism Service. Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr. Officiating Welcome Jabez Reddick, Alashia McCallum, Zarana McCullum and Michaela McCallum to the Body of Christ! t h e 6

7 Month Date Time Location Event Weekly Wed 6:30 p.m. NHMBC CLC Teachers in the Children, Youth, Men, Women, Discipleship. Training or Sunday School ministries: Please attend Wednesday night Teachers Meetings. Pastor Mouton will give an overview of Sunday School but the main focus will be on providing tools for effective teaching and evaluating our present curriculums. July 25 9:30 a.m. NHMBC Sanctuary t h e July 28 7:00 p.m. Terrance Sports 5311 E. Busch Blvd, Tampa, Fl July 29 11:00 a.m. NHMBC Sanctuary July 30 9:30 a.m. NHMBC Sanctuary Student Recognition: Recognition will cover the 3 rd and 4 th grading periods. Contact Sisters Dellarine Anderson, Corlissa Jacobs or Mary Teal with questions. Sponsored by the NHMBC Board of Christian Education. NHMBC Members (Ages 24-54) are invited to a Bowling Fellowship with Pastor Larry Mouton, Jr. & Sis. Reba Mouton. Choir Directors, Musicians, Choir Members, Ushers, Greeters, Media Committee members, Deacons and Associate Ministers: Attend a meeting with Pastor Mouton to walk through the order of our worship service. The Entire New Hope MBC Family is invited for a special Church Member's Training Class on during Sunday School in the Sanctuary. We will also conduct an Annual Sunday School Enrollment. July 30 Children & Youth Ministry Workers: Please your full name and to Sis. Lynne Stokes at stokes915@hotmail.com before July 30th This information is needed for background checks required by law. Aug 5 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. NHMBC CLC 18 th Annual Back to School Kick-Off and Community Fair: Students, parents and guardians, educators and the community are invited to attend. School supplies for the first 250 students present. Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by NHMBC Board of Christian Education. Sept 1 7 p.m. NHMBC CLC NHMBC Leaders and Ministry Leaders are emphatically encouraged to attend all Church Business Meetings. Please be prepared to discuss the calendar and budget for the upcoming quarter. Sept 2 9 a.m. 12 noon Oct 7 9 a.m. 12 noon Nov 4 9 a.m. 12 noon NHMBC CLC NHMBC CLC NHMBC CLC Ministers and Spouses & Ministers Widows: Plan to attend a training session facilitated by Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr. Deacons and Spouses, Trustees and Spouses, Deacons Widows: Plan to attend a training session facilitated by Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr. Ministry Leaders and Spouses: Plan to attend a training session facilitated by Pastor Larry J. Mouton, Jr. 7

8 THREE REASONS to volunteer in at least one NHMBC Ministry 1 HELPS TO ACCOMPLISH THE CHURCH S MISSION! It pleases God when we use the gift(s) He has given us for His purpose. 3 2 t h e GIVES YOU A BROADER PERSPECTIVE! Allows you to focus on larger issues and others rather than always on yourself. GIVES YOU LIFE LONG FRIENDSHIPS! There is a unique bond that develops from being in the foxhole with someone & serving together. I Do Not Have Time is the #1 reason given for not volunteering in a ministry. Everyone is busy so it is not just a matter of busyness but of PRIORITIZATION. Make joining & SERVING IN a ministry a Priority! Current Volunteer Opportunities Please consider joining one of the 40 ministries at NHMBC. The Ministries below have an immediate need for volunteers. Volunteer Opportunity 1 Back to School Kickoff & Community Fair on August 5, Culinary Committee: Training will be provided, no experience needed 3 Health Care Ministry: Training will be provided. 4 Media Ministry: Training will be provided. Fundamental computer skills and Microsoft PowerPoint skills required. 5 Newsletter: The positions of Editor, Lay-out designer, Reporter and Photographers are available. Training will be provided. Respond by July 30, 2017 August 30, 2017 August 30, 2017 August 30, 2017 August 15, 2017 Contact Person Mary Teal Mable Riley Deidre Wilson- Allen Michael Russ newsletter@ newhopetam pa.org 8

9 NHMBC KEENAGERS RECEPTION Many of NHMBC s Keenagers attended a delightful reception in the CLC on June 23, 2017 hosted by Pastor & Sister Mouton. In addition to a bounty of good eats, introductions and lots of laughter, Pastor Mouton was surprised with a birthday cake. Kudos to Sister Vanderlyn Davis for organizing a lovely event. describes senior adults this way: They shall still bear fruit in old We are senior adults who have lived a little longer but we re not age. We re not rocking chair on the porch seniors. We still old in spirit like the typical definition of old would imply. We enjoy actively serving God as men and women who have really do a lot of things more than you might expect! Psalm 92 experienced the liberating power of the gospel. Who are Keenagers? 9

10 7 p.m. Rev. Larry J. Mouton, Jr. Pastor & Teacher The Doctrine of Jesus (Christology) Check Out NHMBC s Facebook Page!!! Missionary-Baptist-Church / 10