Beware of the Crowd…

A group of frogs got together and arranged a running competition. The goal? To reach the top of a very high tower! A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer the contestants. When the race began, no one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard them saying, “Oh, WAY too difficult!” “They will NEVER make it to the top,” and, “Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!” The frogs began to collapse, but a few were able to keep climbing higher and higher. But that crowd continued to yell, “It’s so difficult! No one will make it!” More frogs got tired and gave up, but ONE continued higher and higher…this one wouldn’t give up! At the end of the race all of the frogs had given up climbing the tower – except for that one determined frog who after a big effort, was the only one to reach the top! Naturally all the other frogs wanted to know how this one managed to do it? How had he, against all the odds found the strength to succeed and reach the goal? It turned out, the winning frog was DEAF! He couldn’t hear the crowd working to bring down his confidence with all their negative talk. Never listen to other people’s negativity or pessimism. They will take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you – the ones you have in your heart! Words are powerful – everything you hear and read will affect your actions! Therefore ALWAYS be POSITIVE! And above all be DEAF to those who tell you that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Pastor Randy

Pentecost – What’s That?

The day of Pentecost was observed in Jerusalem 50 days after the celebration of the Passover, which commemorated Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt. It is significant that this day was chosen by the Lord to begin the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…” The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples in an overwhelming manner. Their complete commitment to Christ and His commission evoked a mighty baptism of God’s power. This was evidenced initially by their speaking in tongues [Acts 2:4]. The Spirit was resident in their lives from that moment. The Spirit-filled early church witnessed many outstanding miraculous happenings [Acts 3:1-7; 4:31]. They were able to lead victorious lives as a result of their Pentecostal experience. Two baptisms were disclosed on the day of Pentecost. There was a baptism in the Holy Spirit, and in the Apostle Peter’s message that followed, water baptism in the name if Jesus Christ was commanded [Acts 2:38]. This outward, physical baptism mysteriously merges with that of the Spirit, and is the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5. This is what Jesus referred to as being “born again” in John 3:3-7 and how wonderful to be born into the family of God-changed, transformed, and made a “new creature in Christ Jesus”. Pentecost is not a denomination. It is a new birth experience. It is primitive Christianity made relevant to today’s world. The people referred to as Pentecostal simply believe, teach, and receive all that transpired on that birthday of the church…Pentecost, 33A.D. New Life is a church that embraces these basic Christian truths and experiences, and is intentionally inclusive of ALL people. We believe you can experience your own personal Pentecost. “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” [Acts2:39]

Pastor Randy