Abby Johnson to speak at Solutions' Banquet, March 14th

Abby Johnson, author and pro-life activist is the keynote speaker at this year's Solutions' Annual Fundraising Banquet, Thursday, March 14, 2013, 7:00-9:15 PM. Abby’s shares her firsthand experience “from both sides of the abortion clinic property line.”Learn more about her story, here.

The Banquet is at the Sheraton Hotel, 6 Industrial Way East, Eatontown, NJ. Dinner is complimentary. An opportunity to make a financial contribution will be extended. You can register for the dinner here.

In January The Christian Post noted the 4 Most Powerful Pro-Life Female Voices. Here is more about Abby Johnson's story--

If Texas native Abby Johnson is ever attacked for her pro-life stance, her detractors cannot accuse her of not having first-hand knowledge of the abortion process. The reason is simple: for eight years Johnson was a Planned Parenthood employee, even holding the position of clinic director.

Johnson became increasingly disturbed by what she saw at the clinic. Although the abortion-rights organization claims it exist to provide overall healthcare services for underprivileged women, Johnson was convinced its number one priority was to perform abortions.

After being asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion and having to watch "in horror" as a 13-week-old baby fought and lost its life, Johnson realized she had seen enough. "I had never seen an abortion happen on an ultrasound," Johnson said in a 2009 interview. "My job during the procedure was to hold the probe on the woman's abdomen. I could see the whole profile of the baby 13-week head to foot. I could see the whole side profile. I could see the probe. I could see the baby try to move away from the probe."

"I just thought, 'What am I doing?'" she said. "And then I thought, 'Never again.'"
Johnson, who is the author of unPlanned, travels across the globe sharing her story, educating the public on pro-life issues, advocating for the unborn, and reaching out to abortion clinic staff who still work in the industry.

She resides in Texas and is married with one child. Read more here.

Solutions is one of NMBC's local mission partners. You can learn more about their ministry here.

  



What is a "Concert of Prayer"?

What Is A "Concert of Prayer?" by Darren Huckey

The term "Concerts of Prayer" comes from the early 1700s, and has been used in subsequent generations to describe major prayer movements preceding new global advances of Christ's Kingdom. In The Eager Feet, Dr. J. Edwin Orr writes: "The Concert of Prayer for revival in the 1780s in Great Britain and in the 1790s in the United States, and the renewed Concert of Prayer in both countries…was clearly demonstrated to be the prime factor in motivating and equipping Christians for service in a world-wide movement which totally eclipsed the military might of the nations at the battle of Waterloo. As in the first half of the century (the early 1800s), practically every missionary vision (from 1858 onward) was launched by men revived in the awakenings in the sending churches."

Here's one example. A praying businessman, Jeremiah Lamphier started a noontime prayer meeting in 1857 in the Dutch Reformed Church consistory in Manhatten, New York. In response to his advertisement, only six people out of a population of one million showed up. But they weren't discouraged. The next week there were fourteen and then twenty-three. In a few months there were concerts of prayer in scores of U.S. cities. This was the beginning of a God-given prayer movement that became the sustaining foundation for the Great Awakening of the mid-1800's, reviving the Church and resulting in a worldwide missionary advance lasting over 100 years.

Today, God has convinced many that the body of Christ worldwide is on the verge of a wonderful new work of God that will transform their cities, as well as bring the Gospel to some of earth's unreached peoples. Thus, they can do nothing else but pray and call others to join them!
Historically speaking, the primary focus of Concerts has been on two major agendas: Christians prayed for Christ's fullness to be revealed in His Church to empower them to accomplish the task that was before them. They also prayed for the fulfillment of His saving purposes among the nations through an awakened, consecrated Church. The same two-fold agenda prevails today.

And so "Concerts of Prayer" helps describe Christians united on a regular basis to seek fullness and fulfillment. Extraordinary united prayer is not determined so much by how long one prays or how often but rather that Christians do pray, that they pray for those things most on God's heart, and that they do so together - "in concert." MORE

Need more motivation for corporate prayer? Check out this video from session one of Jim Cymbala's When God's People Pray.



TRIAL:- Acts 28:1-16 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Rescued from the storm and safely on the island of Malta, the Apostle Paul and his traveling companions are close to reaching their destination in Rome. While building a fire to keep warm, Paul is struck by a poisonous viper. Onlookers conclude that this is the end of his journey. God protects Paul from harm giving him an opportunity to preach the gospel to those who witnessed his deliverance.

Compare Acts 28:3-9 with Mark 16:14-18. Some scholars believe that the final verses of Mark’s gospel were not actually spoken by Jesus and written by Mark but were added later by a scribe. Assuming these verses do accurately reflect Jesus’ words, how does what the events recorded by Luke in Acts 28 demonstrate fulfillment of Mark 16:14-18?

Despite the difficult trials experience by Paul, Luke records he “thanked God and took courage.” (Acts 28:15) What insights do the following scriptures provide as to Paul’s attitude of thankfulness?

Ephesians 3:16--

Philippians 4:19--

1 Timothy 6:6-8--

2 Corinthians 9:8--

How are hospitality and fellowship used by God to strengthen us in times of trial?

Romans 12:13--

1 Peter 4:9-11--

Galatians 6:1-2--

1 Thessalonians 5:14--

Hebrews 13:3--

What is the Holy Spirit leading you to do in light of this study?

NMBC Global Mission Partners: The Singers

 

The Singers are on staff with SIM, International, serving in Jos, Nigeria. Dwight is the Deputy Provost for the ECWA Theological Seminary in Jos. In December the seminary graduated 192 students who will serve as pastors, bible teachers, and youth workers throughout West Africa. Miriam is responsible for nursing care, teaches Bible classes for pastor’s wives, and frequently is hostess for visiting personnel to the Seminary. You can learn more about SIM’s ministry in Nigeria and partnership with ECWA here.

Dwight has completed his dissertation for a PhD. (This is important to the continued growth and acceptance of the seminary.) He anticipates graduating in May. Please pray for the Singers as they train young men and women for ministry to a country and region plagued by violence and upheaval. Pray for the safety of the Singers and for the church in Nigeria. In recent years Christians have faced attacks by Islamic militants who are especially active in Northern Nigeria (more about attacks against Christians in Nigeria here).

Watch this video to learn more about an ongoing project of SIM International to get “Pastor Book Sets” to thousands of pastors throughout Western Africa.

Remembering the example of Valentinus

 

One week ago today we celebrated Valentine’s Day. After work last Thursday I stopped by the florist and was extremely glad that I had both pre-ordered and pre-paid for my order as the shop was packed like a toy store on Christmas Eve or Card shop on Mother’s Day. That night we took the girls to Granma’s to drop off their valentines then enjoyed a nice dinner out. (For an extra special romantic night we went as a family to my daughter’s Upward Basketball practice-- fellas-- my example here may not be one you want to follow.

It’s a good thing to set aside special times where we express our love and devotion to one another and thank God for the blessings of marriage and family. St. Valentine’s Day is named after Valentinus who was imprisoned in the 260’s (martyred in A.D. 269) for performing weddings for soldiers who were legally forbidden to marry. Valentinus also was passionate in remembering and serving fellow Christ-followers suffering persecution. Today let’s follow the example of this “Giant of the Faith”, Valentinus and “remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3).

 

-- On Sunday, February 17^th four Christian men, a South Africaian, Egyptian, South Korean, and Swedish American were arrested in in the eastern city of Benghazi,  Libya for distributing Bibles. Pray for the release of these courageous men and  for the protection of their families. Read more of their story here.

 

-- Pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini who is imprisoned in Iran for working with underground churches and for his effort to build an orphanage. Read more of his story here. Pray

also for U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry to speak out boldly and repeatedly for justice and the release of Pastor Saeed, who is a U. S. Citizen.

 

"Trials of many kinds..."

Eliot was born with an undeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of his body. However, that could not stop the living God from proclaiming Himself through this boy who never uttered a word.

In the midst of heartbreaking tragedy, the Mooney family found the presence of God strengthening, comforting, and guiding them. Their story reminds us to seek God and endure our struggles rather than blame Him for our hardships.

TRIAL-- Acts 27 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

FINALLY! Paul is on his way to Rome. “When it was decided” Luke begins Acts 27:1 “Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius.” We learn in verse two that Paul is accompanied by his friend Aristarchus. As well, Luke and another disciple Gaius are along.

What can be learned about Paul’s ministry partners, Aristarchus and Gaius from Acts 12:29; 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14; Colossians 4:10; Philippians 1:24; and 3 John 1:1?

What insights are gained regarding the Holy Spirit’s prompting of believers in the New Testament from the following Scriptures?

Luke 2:25-28--

John 16:12-15--

Acts 16:6-10--

Acts 27:9-10--

Romans 8:14-16--

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22--

In what ways is God’s fame (glory) spread and ultimate good brought about through these biblical storms?

Jonah 1:1-16--

Luke 8:22-25--

Acts 27:13-26; 37-44--

Paul and his companions experienced God’s sustaining power throughout a catastrophic storm and shipwreck. Take some time to meditate on Psalm 121. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to trust in His sustaining power for trials you are encountering in your life?

Coming to NMBC this Summer!

NMBC has partnered with Mission NYC and Mission Discovery to host mission teams to our region this summer. In addition to Sandy Rebuilding work these teams will be involved in various outreach projects throughout our community.

One of the teams serving this summer is student ministry from West University Baptist Church and Crosspoint Church in Houston, TX. Each year these students perform a musical. I'm excited for the impact this powerful and life-changing musical will have on those who see it. Here's a video from last summer.


LFAM 2012 Performance from WUBC & Crosspoint on Vimeo.

TRIAL- Acts 25-26 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Luke ends Acts 24, “When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”  The Apostle Paul was innocent of the offenses for which he was charged, yet is treated as if he were guilty. (Acts 25:10; 26:31) Paul is the accused, but it is his captors who behave fearful of the crowds showing favoritism (Acts 24:27; 25:9). In Acts 25 and 26 Paul models to fellow Christ-followers a response to continuous trial that is courageous, persistent and sober minded.

In Acts 25:8 Paul again asserts his innocence, “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.” In Acts 26:32, Agrippa and Festus conclude, ““This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Why do you think Paul went ahead with his appeal to Caesar? (Acts 25:11)

What do the following Scriptures reveal about the Christ-follower’s call to persevere?

Acts 11:23; 13:43--

Romans 12:12--

1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13-14--

2 Corinthians 1:4-6--

Philippians 1:27--

2 Timothy 1:13--

Hebrews 2:1; 4:14--

Revelation 3:11--

In 2 Corinthians 6:4-7 Paul describes his patience in trial as result of the Holy Spirit and “in the power of God.” Why is this an important reminder for the Christ-follower? The King James Version translates “patience” in verse 5, “long-suffering.” What does this term add to your understanding of patience?

How have you been challenged as a result of this study? Is there any action you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to take?

TRIAL (Acts 24)-- Week 2 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In Acts 23 the Apostle Paul encountered a trial of conspiracy (Acts 23:12). Paul responded to this trial by taking comfort in the presence and promise of Jesus (Acts 23:11). He understood that no trial reaches a child of God apart from God’s consent. (See Job 1) God uses trial in the lives Christ-followers to “prove by experiment” the certainty of one’s faith which leads to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Here in Acts 24 the apostle responds to false accusations made against him by the lawyer Tertullus on behalf of the high priest Ananias.

Read Acts 24. Who are the major players in Paul’s trial before Governor Felix? What is observed about each one’s character?

 What counsel or example do the following Scriptures provide to God’s people when faced with false accusations? 

Genesis 39:6-23--

Ezra 4:6-16; 5:1-17; 6:1-12--

Psalm 35:19-20; 24-28--

Psalm 41:5-12--

Matthew 5:11-12--

In Acts 24:10-21 the Apostle Paul offers a strong defense to Governor Felix against the false accusations made against him by Tertullus. Read 1 Peter 2:21-23. When is it right to defend ourselves as Paul did, and when should we follow Christ’s example and say very little? What additional insight does Peter provide in 1 Peter 3:13-17?

 

TRIAL-- Week 1 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul instructs his readers, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Paul offered his life and experiences as a tangible example of what everyday followership of Christ looks like. Acts 23 through 28 records numerous trials encountered by the apostle: a mob’s plot, trials before the Sanhedrin, Governors Felix, Festus and King Agrippa, a shipwreck, viper bite, and house arrest. These trails affected Paul physically, spiritually and emotionally. How Paul responded to these trials is an example to every Christ-follower.

In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 Paul sums up his hardships and trials. According to 2 Corinthians 11:30 & 12:10, what is his purpose in doing so?

What response to trial/hardship/suffering does the Apostle Paul instruct of Timothy in the following verses?

2 Timothy 1:8--

2 Timothy 2:3--

2 Timothy 4:5--

In one sitting, read Acts 23 through 28. What are your impressions regarding Paul’s trials? What examples of Paul is the Holy Spirit leading you to emulate?