Upward Basketball-- Opportunities to Serve

Check out this video by Caz McCaslin, founder of Upward Sports sharing the mission and vision of Upwards. The 2014 Upward season kicks off next week! There are still opportunities for you to plug in and be a part of making this season a success.

Opportunities:
1. Volunteer to serve as Host Commissioner. Learn more about the role of Host Commissioner here.
2. Volunteer to serve as Prayer Commissioner. Learn more about the role of Prayer Commissioner here.
3. Volunteer to referee. Learn more about the role of Upward Referee here.
4. Volunteer to be a Game Announcer. Game announcers help provide an atmosphere of fun and excitement on game day by announcing each player's name as they run through the tunnel.
5. Set up/Break down Team. Each Friday and Saturday of Upwards will have over 16 hours of games. A large team of volunteers Friday night, Saturday morning at 7 and Saturday night between 7:30 and 9:00 will help Upwards be a success and the church campus made ready to go for Sunday mornings.

The Nativity: Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

As required by the law of Moses, forty days following the birth of Jesus, He was taken by Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem, a 5 ½ mile journey, to be presented in the temple. (Luke 2:22; Leviticus 12:18) While among the crowds in the “Court of Wisdom” they encounter an elderly saint by the name of Simeon. Simeon had received a promise from the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he encountered God’s promised one (Luke 2:26). Luke states that Simeon was waiting for the “Consolation (or Comfort) of Israel” (Luke 2:25). What insights are gained from the following Scriptures regarding Jesus as “Consolation” or Comfort of Israel?

Isaiah 49:13--

Isaiah 51:3--

Isaiah 52:9--

Isaiah 66:13--

Following Jesus’ dedication Joseph, Mary and Jesus encounter the eighty-four year old prophetess Anna. (Luke 2:36) Similar to Simeon, Anna immediately begins to praise and thank God upon her seeing Jesus. In her praise Anna refers to “all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Read Isaiah 62. Here in Isaiah 62 the prophet compares the redemption of Jerusalem with the joy of m the joy and promise of marriage. Compare this imagery with Ephesians 5:25-27. How was redemption accomplished?

Application

Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. In what ways are the examples of Simeon and Anna applicable to you? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to find comfort in Jesus? How will you seek to spread the good news of redemption?

Memorize This

Matthew 1:23— Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. KJV

"A Baby's Hug"-- Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"." Luke 11:13 NIV

As a father of two bright-eyed beautiful little girls one of my favorite things about Christmas morning is seeing the expression on their faces when they open their gifts. Three years ago Sherrill and I were able to get the perfect gift, a giant doll house!

I knew it was the perfect gift because for weeks before Christmas I would take the girls to a certain toy store in the mall and watch them play with this doll house. The entire time I watched them play I looked forward to their reaction Christmas morning.

In comparison of giving gifts notice what Jesus says about God the Father in Luke 11:13, “how much more will your Father in heaven give…” Can you imagine what God was filled with when He gave the gift of His Son that very first Christmas?

Today we celebrate the most amazing gift of all time... the gift of Jesus. The following is a short story I read on Dr James Dobson's web page, Family Talk entitled, A Baby's Hug. The author is unknown.

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, “Hi.” He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment. 

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard, and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. “Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya’ buster,” the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, “What do we do?”

Erik continued to laugh and answer, “Hi.”

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came, and the man began shouting from across the room, “Do ya’ patty cake? Do ya’ know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.”

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the bill and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. “Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,” I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby’s ‘pick-me-up’ position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to those of the man.

Suddenly, a very old smelly man and a very young baby shared their love and kinship. Erik, in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man’s ragged shoulder. The man’s eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor cradled my baby’s bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms, and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, “You take care of this baby.”
Somehow I managed, “I will,” from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, “God bless you, ma’am, you’ve given me my Christmas gift.”
I said nothing more than a muttered, “Thanks.” With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, “My God, my God, forgive me.”

I had just witnessed Christ’s love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment, a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, “Are you willing to share your son for a moment?” He had shared His only Son for all eternity. How must God have felt when He put his baby in our arms 2,000 years ago?

The ragged old man had unwittingly reminded me, “To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.”

If this has blessed you, please bless others by sharing it. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back, or the car that you drive, or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.

I don't know a parent who would not have the same reaction as Erik's mom and dad. Amid the laughter and celebration of this day, make sure you spend time in awe of God's gift of His Son. "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." 1Corinthians 5:21 NLT

The Nativity: Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

The Hebrew meaning of Bethlehem (“Bēṯ Leḥem”) is “house of bread.” As an agricultural community shepherds were commoners who were often despised by the religious elite. The very fact that these shepherds were chosen as the first to hear the gospel message by an angle of the Lord declared, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” is in itself evidence of the message’s scope “for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

In addition to demonstrating the universality of the gospel message, the selection of shepherds served to reinforce God’s role as Shepherd to His people (Psalm 23:1) and foreshadowed Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). It is also significant that due to their proximity to Jerusalem these Bethlehem shepherds most likely raised sheep for sacrifice alluding to Jesus’ great sacrifice for the sins of the world (1John 2:2).

What do the following Scriptures reveal God's role as Shepherd of His people?

Psalm 23:2--

Amos 3:12--

Ezekiel 34:8, 22-24--

In John 10:11 Jesus proclaimed, ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Read John 10:11-18. What insights about Jesus as the Good Shepherd are gained from these verses? What further roles fulfilled by Jesus as Shepherd are revealed in the Hebrews 13:20 and 1 Peter 5:4?

Application

Bible teacher Gene Getz in the Life EssentialsStudy Bible comments on the reaction of those who heard the Shepherd’s report, “and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds were told about this child” (Luke 2:18), “We should never ceases to be awestruck by the redemptive story revealed throughout Scripture.” Read other accounts of those amazed in Luke’s Gospel-- Luke 2:33; 4:22; 8:25; 9:43; 11:14; 11:38; 20:26; 24:12: and 24:40-41. Pastor Getz asks, “How can we keep this amazing story of God’s grace and redemption from becoming merely factual and ritualistic repetition in own worship experiences?

Memorize This

Matthew 1:23— Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. KJV

The Nativity Story

The Nativity Story, Blu-ray/DVD Combo By Word Entertainment Inc The most magnificent portrayal of the nativity ever! Witness the struggles and joys of the Holy Family---and the Savior's birth at the turning point of history. Epic in scope yet intimate in detail, this major motion picture spared nothing to ensure historical accuracy and cinematic power. A film to be cherished for years to come! Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) and Oscar Isaac. Rated PG (some violence). Dove approved. Approx. 101 minutes. Special Features: Widescreen and Fullscreen Versions English and Spanish Subtitles Closed Captions Trailers

Christmas Flash Mob

One year ago today, this "Christmas Flash Mob" delighted of local shoppers at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach and millions of views on YouTube last year. Enjoy!

2014 Winter Youth Retreat

NMBC Student Ministry (6-12th grade) will have our annual Winter Retreat on Friday, 2/21-Sunday, 2/23/14 at Camp of the Woods in Speculator, NY. This weekend is designed to challenge teens to grow closer to Jesus, build positive and meaningful relationships, and have more fun then you ever thought was possible! Throughout the weekend students will meet for Bible lessons, break out in small groups, participate in team tournaments (basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball), go snow tubing, ice skating, and so much more! The weekend costs $150/student. For more information please read the permission slip! This is a weekend you child won’t want to miss! Permission slips available Sunday mornings and in the Family Ministry Center. Space is limited so please get your permission slip in ASAP!

The Nativity: Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

Matthew is the only Gospel to mention the Wise Men. (Matthew 2:1-12) That these men brought three gifts is what lead to the theory that there were three men. The ESV Study Bible observes, “The wise men likely traveled with a large number of attendants and guards for the long journey” meaning that when they did not arrive in Bethlehem until sometime after the birth of Christ and the scene was much more crowded that depicted in our Nativity scenes. The names Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar are also merely legend.

Numbers 24:17 records the prophecy “A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel.” Jews held in Babylonian captivity understood this verse to point to a messianic deliverer (ESV Study Bible notes).  This is likely how these “wise men from the east” learned of this prophecy.

Most of the images and people present at the Nativity reinforce Jesus’ humble incarnation. (Philippians 2:7) The unexpected arrival of these wise men calls attention to Jesus’ Kingship. On a practical level the gifts they bring provide the funds needed for Joseph to rescue his family by fleeing to Egypt. (Matthew 2:13-15) Some theologians believe that the gifts themselves are prophetic. If so, what might the following Scriptures reveal as to the significance of each of these gifts?

Gold (2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Kings 6:20-21; Ezra 8:28; Haggai 2:8; and Revelation 21:18-21)--

Frankincense oil (Genesis 28:17-19; Exodus 27:20; Psalm 23:5; Jeremiah 31:12; Matthew 26:7-12; Luke 7:46; Hebrews 1:9; and James 5:14)--

Myrrh (Psalm 45:8; Mark 15:22-24; and John 19:38-40)--

Application

Using the following Scriptures, spend some time meditating on the Kingship of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6; John 12:15, 18:37; Acts 2:3; Philippians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14, and 19:16. Are there any specific areas of your life where the Holy Spirit is leading to more fully yield to Jesus’ kingship?

Memorize This

Matthew 1:23— Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. KJV

An insightful third grade girl wrote the following observations about grandmothers-- Dr James Dobson quote:

Here's the quote I referenced Sunday from Dr. Dobson's book What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew about Women--

A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own. She likes other people’s little girls and boys. A grandfather is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys and they talk about fishing and stuff like that.

Grandmothers don’t have to do anything except to be there. They’re so old they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is enough if they drive us to the market where the pretend horse is, and have a lot of dimes ready. Or if they take us for walks, they should slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. They should never say “hurry up.”

Usually grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. They can take their teeth and gums off.

Grandmothers don’t have to be smart, only answer questions like, “Why isn’t God married?” and “How come dogs chase cats?” Grandmothers don’t talk baby-talk like visitors do, because it is hard to understand. Whey they read to us, they don’t skip or mind if it is the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don’t have television, because they are the only grownups who have time.

What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women By Dr. James Dobson / Tyndale House Dr. James Dobson provides an empathetic look at the barriers to marital harmony, offering insightful and helpful suggestions on issues like low self-esteem, depression, loneliness and boredom in marriage, sexual problems, financial difficulties, hormonal and physiological problems and others. Both men and women will find his discussion interesting, often humorous and immensely practical to everyday living.

More thoughts on Joseph

I noted Sunday that the revelation by the angel of the Lord to Joseph added the information, "He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). To Mary, the angel's message emphasized the Lord's favor on her and greatness of her Son. (See Luke 1:28-33) To Joseph there was a specific appeal to the importance of the mission.

Perhaps I run the risk of making too much of this phrase, but I believe it is another example of the call God has placed inside the heart of every man... and especially every dad. John Eldredge defines this call in Wild at Heart as a desire for an adventure to live, a battle to fight and a beauty to rescue. For Joseph that meant risking his life to save his wife and her child from an evil ruler hellbent on his adopted son's destruction. 

Here's the CBS News report about the study from the National Academy of Sciences showing differences in neural wiring of men and women. I doubt any of us needed a study to reveal this, but it is interesting nonetheless.

The Nativity: Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In his betrothal to Mary Joseph unknowingly embarked on an unimaginable adventure. The first thing the Scriptures reveal about Joseph is that he is a descendant of King David (Matthew 1:16). The second revelation about this man deals with his character, “Joseph, being a righteous man…” (Matthew 1:18). Joseph is the man God choose to be Jesus’ adopted father and is an example to us of the characteristics of godly father-- consistent when tested, confident in his call and compassionate in relationships. 

Outside of the events leading up to and immediately following the Nativity little is known about Joseph. The last specific mention of Joseph in the Gospels is when Jesus is twelve years old and the family was returning to Nazareth after celebrating the Passover Festival in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-51). Jesus was known throughout Nazareth as Joseph’s son and it was from Joseph that he learned the skills of a carpenter. (Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3) What insights do you gain about the example of Joseph from the following Scriptures?

Matthew 1:16; Psalm 132:17-18--

Matthew 1:18-25--

Luke 2:15-17--

Matthew 2:13-15--

Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39-52--

Luke 2:21-25; Exodus 13:2; Leviticus 5:11--

Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3--

Application

The Life Application Study Bible lists four lessons from the life of Joseph. 1). God honors integrity, 2). Social position is of little importance when God chooses to use us, 3). Being obedient to the guidance we have from God leads to more guidance from Him and 4). Feelings are not accurate measures of the rightness or wrongness of an action. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to grow in consistent character, confidence and compassion as a result of Joseph’s example?

Memorize This

Matthew 1:23— Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. KJV

iBand at North Point

Very cool!

Support Philippine Relief Work Through Amazon.com

Shopping on Amazon this Christmas?

If you are shopping on Amazon this Christmas use this link to support relief work in the Philippines through Baptist Global Response.  BGR is the international arm of Disaster Relief. 

BGR and their partners in the Philippines are responding to immediate needs and will formulate a longer-term strategy for helping affected people rebuild their lives. BGR expects this effort to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The task also requires considerable amounts of prayer and hard work. You can learn more about BGR and their relief work in the Philippines here. 

Happy Thanksgiving-- "The Skit Guys" Video Thanksgiving: God's Goodness

7 Things You Might Not Have Known About the Pilgrims by Nathan Cherry here.

In this humorous yet sentimental Thanksgiving video, we are reminded that no matter how messy our lives get, we should always be thankful for God's goodness. Enjoy!

Skit Guys - Thanksgiving: God's Goodness from skitguys on GodTube.

World Vision's Christmas Catalog

Order World Vision's Christmas Gift Catalog here.Go here to give a gift of thirteen small farm animals to a third world family.

Fight for Joy: Shining like lights in a dark world-- Philippians 2:12-18 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 2:12-30 the Apostle Paul unpacks the theology of the first half of the chapter  (the example of Christ’s humility and exaltation of Christ for God’s glory) by practically explaining what it looks like to “Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 2:12-18) He follows up this lesson with two godly examples: Timothy and Epaphroditus. (Philippians 2:19-30)  

Philippians 2:12 instructs “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” “Working out” salvation cannot be understood as “working for” salvation as evidenced by the clear teaching found elsewhere throughout the Scriptures. (See for example-- Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, and Romans 4:2-4.) The ESV Study Bible explains the meaning of working out one’s salvation here “in terms of progressively coming to experience all of the aspects and blessings of salvation.” What additional insights do the following Scriptures provide for better understanding working out of one’s salvation?

Philippians 1:6; 3:12-14--

James 2:18--

Romans 6:1-19--

Galatians 5:6--

Ephesians 2:10--

Read Philippians 2:13. In what ways is the understanding of “God working in you…” the key to living the Christian life?

Compare the command of Philippians 2:14 with Jesus warning in Matthew 15:11 and James’ caution in James 3, “controlling the tongue.” In what ways is our tongue (speech) an indicator of our spiritual condition?

Application

In what tangible ways is the Holy Spirit leading you to fight for joy by shining like a light in a dark world?

Memorize This

Philippians 2:4-5— Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Thanksgiving Food Drive-- tonight (11/22) 4 PM and tomorrow (11/23) at 7 AM

Thanksgiving Food Drive tonight 11/22 @ 4 & tomorrow @ 7 am-- help pack & deliver boxes to area families pic.twitter.com/SGgLZXFNs9
— Mike Miller (@emikemiller) November 22, 2013

Remembering C. S. Lewis

Today fifty years ago, on the same day President Kennedy was assassinated, writer, professor, intellectual and Christian apologist C. S. Lewis quietly passed away. His writings continue to encourage Christians and challenge skeptics. David Mathis wrote a moving tribute to Lewis on Desiring God's blog here. 

The folks at the Discovery Institute put together a three part video presentation outlining Lewis' critique of scientism and Darwinism. You can watch the first, The Magician's Twin: C. S. Lewis the the Case against Scietism, below and view the others here. 

It's in you!

  It’s in you!

Remember this classic Gatorade commercial featuring Payton Manning, Derek Jeter and Yao Ming promoting the “It’s in You” campaign? Philippians 2:5 instructs us to “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” How’s that possible? Well, it’s in you… or more accurately, He’s in you!!! “For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good pleasure” Philippians 2:13.

This doesn't mean we are sit back passively, but rather we are to “work out (never “work for”) our salvation with fear and trembling” (verse 12). In this Sunday’s upcoming conversation we’ll pick up this discussion with Philippians 2:12-18. 

Another Great Example of Others First-- Olivet Middle School's Football Team

Thank You NMBC!

@OCC_shoeboxes @TintonTim Thank You! pic.twitter.com/0lmNiG7Wyf

— Mike Miller (@emikemiller) November 20, 2013

Fight for Joy: Jesus Attitude Philippians 2:5-11 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 2:5 the Apostle Paul writes, “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.” The word attitude is a verb from the Greek word phroneō translated elsewhere “think, regard, mind, and savor.” Bottom line-- a “Jesus attitude” results from savoring the example and exaltation of Christ. Take time this week to savor the example and exaltation of Christ.

Fully God, became a man-- “God with skin on”

John 1:1-2, 14; John 8:48-59; John 10:22-39; John 18:6 and John 20:28--

Philippians 2:6--

Colossians 1:15-19--

Hebrews 1:3--

Humility of Christ

Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45--

Romans 15:3--

Philippians 2:7-8--

Exaltation of Christ

Matthew 25:31--

Acts 4:12--

Philippians 2:9-11--

Revelation 4:8-11--

Application

How does the example and exaltation of Christ motivate you toward a “Jesus attitude”?

Memorize This

Philippians 2:4-5— Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Samaritan's Purse Philippines Emergency Relief Update

It’s been nearly a week since the deadly super typhoon—one of the most powerful ever recorded—slammed into the Philippines. The winds leveled tens of thousands of homes. In some places, tsunami-like storm surges swept up to one-mile inland, causing more destruction and loss of life. At least 580,000 people have been displaced.

Samaritan’s Purse deployed disaster response specialists, including water and nutrition experts, to the region immediately after the storm. Community water filters, protective tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and emergency family food packets are being rushed to affected areas. (More)

Click here to donate to the Samaritan’s Purse Philippines Emergency Relief fund. 

"Others above yourself..."

Philippians 2:2-4  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. NIV

Help Filipino victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan

The Christian Post reports International Christian relief agencies based out of the United States are sending assistance to central and eastern Philippines, which was devastated by one of the strongest typhoons on record, Haiyan, that may have killed more than 10,000 people and affected more than 25 million others. 

Samaritan’s Purse immediately deployed disaster response specialists, including water and nutrition experts, to the region. Our multinational team is coordinating relief efforts on the Leyte and the neighboring island of Samar, working with local Christians to deliver relief to those most in need. Community water filters, protective tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and emergency family food packets are being rushed to affected areas. You can donate to Samaritan's Purse's Philippines Emergency Relief work here. 

Fight for Joy: Philippians 2:1-4 Grace >-- Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 2:1-10 the Apostle Paul defines what it looks like to “Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27), namely by following the example of Christ (Philippians 2:4). In the first four verses he lays out the proper motivation for doing so in four “if” statements. The conditional cause, “if any” is used as a figure of speech “assumed for the sake of argument” (HCSB Study Bible Notes). In other words, one who is truly saved can be assured of encouragement in Christ, consolation of love, fellowship with the Spirit, affection and mercy. Therefore, being a beneficiary of these incredible blessings, the Christian’s motivation for looking out for the interests of others is the grace he has received.

Take a closer look at these four “blessings” of salvation. How does the knowledge and assurance of each provide a motivation for obedience?

“encouragement in Christ”

1 John 2:1--

John 14:20,26--

“consolation of love”

Ephesians 3:18-19--

“fellowship with the Spirit”

Ephesians 1:13--

Romans 8:26-27—

“affection and mercy”

Philippians 1:8—

1 Timothy 1:16--

Application

In what tangible ways is the Holy Spirit leading you to look out for the interests of others ?

Memorize This

Philippians 2:4-5— Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Veteran's Day Thank You Idea for Your Family

Parents of elementary aged students-- Here’s an idea for you to use this Veteran’s Day (Monday, November 11^th) as an opportunity to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and honor toward those who serve our country.  First, watch this video together as a family then make a list of all the veterans you know. If you are not sure of the veterans in our church family, be ready to make note of those who stand when they are recognized this Sunday.

Then, pick up a “Thank You for Starting” card at Club252 check-in Sunday morning or download the template free here. Have your children write notes in the cards. You can bring these cards to church with you Sunday or deliver them to veterans Sunday afternoon or Monday. 

Use this list for idea starters:

• ·         Generic thanks for their service and sacrifice.
• ·         List the things in life they are thankful for.
• ·         A simple picture of their family with “thank you” written on it somewhere.

The Start of Sacrifice from Journey Box Media on Vimeo.

Mission Week 2013: NMBC Local Mission Partner Update

What is the value of one soul? We were challenged by this video at the conclusion of this year's Mission Week. A huge THANK YOU to my NMBC family for your generosity! 

Sunday we heard from our local mission partners Frank & Melodi Schultz serving with World Impact in Newark, Lorrie Erli serving with Solutions Pregnancy and Health Center, Harry Flaherty serving with New Jersey's Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and David Mannon serving with International Students, Inc. at Rutgers University. You can listen to their mission updates here:

Ghost Stories

Pastor Colby Atkins at Elevate Church in Erie, Pa entitled a teaching series on the Holy Spirit Ghost Stories (from the King James Version's translation of the Greek word pneuma as "Holy Ghost" when referring to the Holy Spirit-- for example, "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us" Romans 5:5). Me-- I'm shamelessly posting this catchy title today as a reminder to fellow Christ-followers of the importance of daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is not difficult, it's impossible. It can only be lived as we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

Catch Pastor Colby's message below. Week two here. Week three here. 

 

Last Sunday our middle and high school students wrapped up a series on the Holy Spirit. The Bottom Line: God’s work in us begins by the Spirit, continues by the Spirit, and is completed by the Spirit. I encourage you to seek out spiritual conversations with your teenager. I put some quotes and links to messages that will aid your discussion. You can download the Gospel Project for Student’s One Conversation here. Remember the emphasis should simply be about having a healthy conversation and not on having all the answers.

Sunday nights last year we did a study from Jim Cymbala entitled, When God’s Spirit Moves. I posted the video from lesson one on my blog here.

Francis Chan's excellent message The Holy Spirit's Power and Our Effor (Part 1) here. Part two here. 

Discuss the following quote together. How does this change your understanding of a relationship with Jesus?

“The more I know Christ, the more I love Him. The more I love Him, the more I obey Him. The more I obey Him, the more I become like Him. The more I become like Him, the better I know Him. The better I know Him, I love Him the more. And the more I love Him, I reach a new level of likeness to Him.” –Robert McQuilkin

Conversation Questions: Use these questions to begin thinking through and applying the lessons to your family life--




1. Why is it important for our family to understand the importance of the Holy Spirit’s work?

2. How can our family relationship be strengthened as a result of the Holy Spirit’s work?


3. How does the Holy Spirit’s continued work in us shape our family’s ability to know God?


4. How does the Holy Spirit’s work motivate our family to live on mission?

Mission Week 2013 Kickoff Message from Tom Simcox

Mission Week Kickoff Message

NMBC’s local mission partner, Tom Simcox kicked off Mission Week 2013 with a challenging message from Ezekiel 37:1-10 and Ephesians 2:1-3. The Lord instructs the Prophet Ezekiel to prophesy (preach) to a valley of dead bones, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4) Just like these bones, all of us are spiritually dead apart from Christ. (Ephesians 2:1) We are “made alive together with Christ” when “by grace through faith” we are saved. (Ephesians 1:4,8) Listen to Tom’s message below.

2013 Mission Week- Why Missions?

NMBC's Mission Week kicks off in a couple of days. Over the next week we'll have the opportunity to be challenged by local mission partners: Frank & Melodi Schultz serving with World Impact in Newark, Michael Miller serving with Solutions Pregnancy and Health Center, Harry & Janine Flaherty serving with New Jersey's Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Tom Simcox serving with Friends of Israel, and David Mannon serving with International Students, Inc. at Rutgers University. As well Gary Steidl will share an update about our partnership with Effort Africa.

Why missions? Check out this excellent and challenging message by David Platt at this year's TGC Missions Conference, Why the Great Commission is Great. Enjoy!

Fight for Joy- Live Worthy (Philippians 1:27) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

The New Testament epistle Philippians includes many favorite verses such as “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 and “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 2:13 (KJV). For the Apostle Paul the bottom line of his epistle is summed up in verse 1:27 where he begins, “Just one thing…” (Greek, “monon”-- “merely” or “only”). Ever other insight and instruction given in Philippians is designed to reinforce the bottom line that Christians are to “live (their lives) in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

The phrase “Live your life” comes from the Greek word politeuomai meaning “to behave as a citizen” (see mystudybible.com). What additional insights do the following Scriptures provide about our citizenship in heaven?

Ephesians 2:18--

Philippians 3:20--

Hebrews 11:13-16--

1Peter 1:3-4--

What insights do you gain about the Christian’s witness from the following Scriptures?

John 4:29; Acts 22:3--

Acts 8:30-35; 17:1-3, 10-12--

Colossians 4:6--

Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:1-2--

Application

How much does the gospel matter to you? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to work “side by side” with fellow Christians so that others hear the gospel?  

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:27a- Just one thing: Live your live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.