Discipleship, Isaiah, Psalms, Matthew, Peace Josh Ellis Discipleship, Isaiah, Psalms, Matthew, Peace Josh Ellis

Seeking the Lord: A Call to wholehearted Pursuit

Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” It is a powerful passage urging each of us to seek the Lord in a spirit of desperation. No one is exempt from the need to seek God, although regrettably, not everyone will choose to do so.

Seeking the Lord

When it comes to a call to seek the Lord, we often find ourselves in one of two roles: either participants actively seeking God or observers watching others seek Him. Those who seek God approach Him with worship, praise, intercession, petition, and confession. Their lives are marked by doing so seriously, passionately, humbly, and desperately. But some merely observe, restrained by fear of judgment, fear of what the Lord would ask and the potential life changes it would mean, or the assumption that there's always tomorrow and someday they will seek HIm.

Some may even ask, “If God is always present, why do I need to seek Him?” Herein lies our need to understand the constant but not always perceived presence of God.

Understanding God's Presence

While God is omnipresent, there are seasons we neglect Him. The result is we become less aware of His presence. He is always near and always present, but we can become spiritually dull and insensitive to His presence. The Bible gives us a great counter to this in Psalm 105:4 "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always..”

Seeking cannot be a one-time event but must be a continual process. The Hebrew word for seek is the idea of repeatedly reading and studying. The picture is “beating a path” to God, consistently going to Him and His Word. In doing so, we tread the ground over and over, leaving an impression on everything in our lives.

Psalm 34:10 is a great promise for us when we seek Him with this diligence and passion. It says those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. What a promise! This should prompt us to ask: What are these good things?

Good things promised to those who seek the Lord

We Don’t Need to Worry:

In Matthew 6:31-34, we are reminded not to worry about mundane concerns but to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness. He knows our needs and will divinely meet us in those places when we our main pursuit is Him and His Kingdom!

We Are Delivered from Our Fears:

Seeking the Lord delivers us from fears (Psalm 34:4). The verse tells us that in seeking God, we discover a source of comfort, courage, and deliverance. By turning our hearts and minds towards Him, we find solace, and our fears are replaced with the reassurance of His unending love. Seeking God becomes a powerful antidote to the anxieties that can often grip our hearts, allowing us to navigate life with strength and peace.

He Will Be Found:

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Even in the depths of our hardest challenges, God is not distant or indifferent. Seek Him earnestly, with the simple belief that He promises to be found by those who diligently pursue Him. He is not elusive, but a faithful presence waiting to be discovered by us.

Wholehearted seeking is making Jesus our top priority. Picture the time management lesson with the jar, rocks, and sand – the key is to prioritize the big rocks, then the small rocks and sand will naturally fall into place. Jesus is the big rock! He is the significant, foundational rock that deserves our priority. Place Him in the jar of your life first and everything else will naturally fall into place. It is a wonderful promise!

The Urgency of Now:

The call of Isaiah 55:6 to seek the Lord is one of urgency. We are told to seek Him "while He may be found" and call upon Him "while He is near." Respond promptly when God speaks to our hearts! 2 Corinthians 6:2 reinforces this urgency with "NOW is the acceptable time; NOW is the day of salvation," and Hebrews 3:15 warns, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart." We are not promised tomorrow. We are not guaranteed the rest of the day.

If you are reading this, I know God is calling on you to seek Him! The call to seek the Lord is a timeless call but also a timely call. May the urgency of seeking the Lord resonate in your heart today.

Reach out to us if you are ready to answer that call!

Read More
Jubilee, Kingdom, Building, Matthew Josh Ellis Jubilee, Kingdom, Building, Matthew Josh Ellis

New Life Church: Jubilee Year of Supernatural Provision, Growth, and Trusting in God

We are fully stepping into our Jubilee year at New Life Church! As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the opportunities of the new year, the excitement within our church community is growing. This year, we celebrate a monumental milestone – our 50th year as a church! Brace yourselves for a year filled with supernatural provision, freedom, restoration, and victories over every challenge or assault thrown our way. There is much for us to celebrate and there is much for us to anticipate!

Baptism Explosion and Contagious Passion:

In 2023, we were blessed to witness almost 30 baptisms! There is a Jesus-passion explosion within our church. The contagious hunger to know and love Him more has ignited zeal for the Lord. I am sure you have felt it too. We are seeing measurable growth and influence and our church is truly becoming a beacon, drawing in precious people from all walks of life. We are encountering Jesus’ presence and love in life-changing ways together.

Building the Future: A Pressing Need in our Jubilee Vision:

Our vision to Build the Future is not merely a good idea; it's a pressing need. The growth in our student ministries has been substantial. We recently had to transform our conference room into a classroom. The number of Jr. High students has nearly doubled in number, and we need separate spaces for Jr. High and Sr. High. We are literally hitting the limits of our facilities. But this is a good problem to have! God's guidance, spoken through you and our elders two years ago, prepared us for this very moment. You can read about it here. We're now halfway to our one million dollar goal, and as we continue on in our Jubilee year, we CHOOSE to trust God’s leading, believing the other half will come through His miraculous provision.

The Power of Choices: Trusting in God's Provision:

Our choices hold immense power, a principle consistently emphasized in the Bible. Prioritizing God and trusting Him has tremendous impact on our well-being. Jesus' teachings remind us not to worry about life's needs but to seek God first, trusting that He will provide. (Matthew 6.33-34) As we trust God and express our trust in Him through giving our time, tithe, and talents, we become a source of blessing for others. As we sacrificially give to Build the Future, we bless future generations of New Life. Let’s choose to grow in this throughout the year, operating in an elevated level of faith and trust in God.

As we step into 2024, let's embrace the Jubilee year with anticipation and trust in God's richest blessings over our homes and families. Together, we are building a future marked by supernatural provision, growth, and an unwavering trust in the One who knows our needs. Here's to a year of jubilant victories and continued faithfulness!

Pastor Joshua J. Ellis
New Life Church

Read More
Christmas, Revelation, Spiritual Warfare New Life Church Christmas, Revelation, Spiritual Warfare New Life Church

Merry Christmas! Unveiling the Grand Redemptive Story: Revelation 12 and the Defeated Bloodthirsty Red Dragon

Revelation 12:1-17 unfolds a gripping narrative that transcends time, delving into the past, addressing the present, and pointing towards the future. This unique Christmas story, unlike the conventional nativity narrative, unveils a cosmic battle involving a radiant woman, a male child destined to rule nations, and a bloodthirsty red dragon. The profound symbolism in these verses ties together biblical prophecies and emphasizes the victory that Christmas brings. Truly understanding Christmas requires to gaze beyond the manger, shepherds, and swaddling clothes, to see the unseen spiritual reality electrifying that Silent Night.

The Son's Triumph is Our Triumph:

In verse 5, the male child, destined to rule with an iron scepter, mirrors the prophecy in Psalm 2:7, where God declares, "You are my son." This triumph culminates in the ascension of Jesus, as described in Hebrews 1:3, marking the pivotal moment in the redemption narrative. Because Jesus succeeded where Israel and we fail; we can be “in Christ” and find our salvation. Because of His active obedience — actively keeping and fulfilling God’s commandments — His righteousness is imputed to us. Because of His passive obedience — submitting to the will of the Father to endure Calvary — our sins are imputed to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 rings true, “God made him who had no sin to be sin b for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The Woman's Identity is Our Identity:

The woman, adorned with the sun and standing on the moon with twelve stars, echoes Joseph's dream in Genesis 37. This vision may also symbolizes Mary's role in giving birth to Jesus, drawing parallels to Israel bringing forth the Messiah. But we can also assume the twelve stars signify that signify the twelve tribes of Israel also represent the church according to Revelation chapter 7. This means the woman could represent the Christ-bearing community of faith; or the Church. It makes sense as we see the dragon continues pursuing the woman and all the more as he knows his time is short. The enemy still pursues the faithful Christ-bearing community and all the more ferociously as time goes on.

The Dragon's Defeat is Our Victory:

Identified as Satan, the ancient serpent, the dragon faces defeat in heavenly warfare, fulfilling the promise of a savior in Isaiah 9:6. The birth of Jesus becomes God's decisive act of war against the forces of evil, rooted in the proto evangelium (first telling of the gospel) in Genesis 3:15.

The dragon's relentless attacks on the “seed” promised, seen through various biblical events, highlight Satan's opposition to God's redemptive plan. Murder, adultery, anti-semitism, genocide, are all tools inspired by Satan in this war. From Cain and Abel to the birth of Jesus, and through the trials faced by the patriarchs and kings, the dragon attempts to thwart God's promise by eliminating the “seed.”

The climax at Calvary solidifies the victory of Christ! The empty cross and empty tomb are evidence of the dragons imminent end. As believers in Christ, we now stand firm against the defeated foe, embracing the fourfold reality of salvation, power, the Kingdom of God, and the authority of Messiah Jesus (Rev 12:10)!

Rejoicing in Victory:

The triumphant believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, showcasing their love for the Lamb above their own lives (Rev 12:11). Despite Satan's intensified wrath, believers stand secure, reassured by the accomplished victory of Christ.

Conclusion:

Revelation 12:1-17 unfolds a narrative that goes beyond a traditional Christmas story. It encapsulates the grand redemptive plan of God, portraying the defeat of the bloodthirsty red dragon. As believers, we find assurance in Christ's victory, realizing that the peace we celebrate stems from the risen and victorious King Jesus. Trusting God's word and relying on His care, we stand firm against the defeated enemy, rejoicing in the enduring triumph of our Savior.

Read More
Prayer, Fasting, Mark New Life Church Prayer, Fasting, Mark New Life Church

A Time to Fast

The biblical practice of prayer and fasting holds profound power. Jesus illuminates this through a story in Mark 9:14-29, where His disciples struggled to cast out a demon from a boy. Addressing their confusion, Jesus brought clarity by saying that certain spiritual challenges require prayer and fasting for breakthrough and resolution.

We sense God has spoken and prompted many that now is a time to enter a corporate season of prayer and fasting. A divine call like this typically precedes significant moves by God in our lives and in our church. God beckons us to fast when He's preparing us for an imminent and extraordinary work!

We believe God has given big promises to New Life Church; things we cannot accomplish on our own. God, doesn't need our participation to accomplish His will, yet He generously invites us to partner with Him. Through prayer and fasting, we align our spirits with His Spirit and divine purpose. This intentional partnering enhances our understanding of God's work among us and strengthens our faith to see the fulfillment of HIs purposes.

We need His power. So for 21 days, November 1-21, 2023, we are following the prompts and faithfully stepping into obedience. You can download our corporate guide for these 21 days below. Join us and let faith arise!

Read More
Marriage, John, Hebrews, Genesis, Creation Josh Ellis Marriage, John, Hebrews, Genesis, Creation Josh Ellis

What I Believe About Marriage

Marriage, Biblically speaking, is not a random or arbitrary concept. Instead, it is a highly theological symbol that is integral to God's grand narrative of redeeming His people.

Marriage Redefined

The recent Supreme Court ruling has sparked a nationwide debate about the nature and scope of marriage. It is now considered unconstitutional for a state to ban gay marriage. Some view it as a triumph for equal rights and progress, while others lament it as a degradation of morality and an affront to religious freedom. However, before we rush to take sides, it's essential to understand the Biblical perspective on marriage. Now is the time to speak with clarity on the issue of Biblical marriage.

Marriage is God’s Idea

Marriage, Biblically speaking, is not a random or arbitrary concept. Instead, it is a highly theological symbol that is integral to God's grand narrative of redeeming His people. the Bible begins with God speaking into the chaos and creating order. In God’s good and orderly creation are complimentary pairs working together to bring glory to God.

Day 1 Night and Day
Day 2 Water and Sky
Day 3 Land and Sea
Day 4 Sun and Moon
Day 5 Swimming Creatures and Flying Creatures
Day 6 Land Animals and Humans; then, And and Woman

God designed the sexes to be complimentary and together, culminating in the sacred union of one man and one woman. This union is a reflection of God's order and goodness, pointing towards His ultimate plan to unite heaven and earth in a grand wedding feast.

The Messiah’s Glory Revealed at a Wedding Celebration

In John 2, marriage becomes the backdrop for the launch of Jesus' earthly ministry. In John 2.11 it is said to be the first sign through which Jesus’ glory is revealed. God chooses a wedding celebration to reveal the glory of the Son. He chooses marriage to be the platform upon which the anointed Jesus of Nazareth, with the Holy Spirit and power, went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil. Jesus’ ministry which brings about our redemption, is inaugurated at a wedding celebration.

Our Ultimate Redemption is Celebrated with the Ultimate Wedding Feast

The marriage/redemption narrative does not stop there. Revelation 19, the ultimate redemption of all things is celebrated with a wedding supper! John the Revelatory sees the New Jerusalem descending onto the earth. It is God’s final and ultimate act of redeeming all things. Heaven and Earth come together and all things are made new. The earth and humanity are healed forever. The ultimate end consummated in the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb.

Why Marriage is Different for Christians

So marriage for us Jesus followers, is much more significant than a legal union that affords certain rights to couples, ensuring them of certain benefits and privileges. It is an earthly signpost that points us to the goodness of God and His creation. It is the emblem of His plan to ultimately and finally unite us with Himself. Marriage is sacred; something we approach with reverence and awe and participate in as unto the Lord.

When we understand Biblical marriage we understand that it transcends culture’s definitions. While the recent Supreme Court decision may have changed the legal definition of marriage, it has not altered the Biblical perspective on the sacredness of the God-ordained union between one man and one woman.

As Christians, we should engage in discourse about marriage in a way that elevates the discussion to redemption and God's great love for all creation and people. We should view marriage as an emblem that reminds us of the truth of God’s design, Jesus’ glory, and our freedom. Always remember we belong to a Kingdom that can never be shaken (Hebrews 12.27-28), and so we should not be shaken by this or any other decision.

Read More

The Patience of God Displays the Power of God

God's power to restrain God's self

In Nehemiah 9, we see God’s people fasting and praying for God’s forgiveness. Phenomenally, we see they stand in a posture to receive for three hours while publicly reading the scriptures aloud. That was not enough. They then confessed their sins for another three hours. After those six hours, the Levites then announce to the people, “It is time to stand and worship!”

What we read at this point is a really a fascinating song of praise. The lyrics are recorded for us to glean from. They sing about God as a promise keeper. He is a miracle worker. He visits them. He feeds them. In a moment of honesty and vulnerability before the Lord, they confess, “We have been arrogant and stiff-necked.”

But then we read they have a reason to celebrate.

Nehemiah 9.17…But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love…

God’s patience is a highly treasured attribute for us!

Why? Because God’s mercy and patience delays the punishment we deserve as sinful fallen creatures. He is able and willing to defer His justice so that we may experience His redemption and salvation. We are told in Romans 3.23 that all have been stained by sin. We have all missed God’s mark. Romans 6.23 teaches us the wages of our sinfulness is death. But the verse does not end there! A glorious second sentence is needed and thankfully proclaimed. “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We have a second sentence. We have hope because of God’s patience.

The cry of the Church in 1 Corinthians 16.22 is “Maranatha!” Come Lord! In Revelation 22.20 is our bridegroom’s response is, “Surely I am coming soon.”

So why does He delay? His patience. His heart is that none would perish as confirmed in 2 Peter 3.9. His patience restrains Himself.

His patience is His power to withhold what we rightly deserve

When we recognize His power to be patient, the truth becomes evident that it is actually showing us a power greater than His power to create.

Why?

The power of God exerted in creation displays God’s power over creatures and matter. Exercising His patience shows us God’s power over Himself. Power to control and order matter is swallowed in the enormity of the needed power to control God. Only God’s self has the power to control God’s self.

Therefore, His patience is not just a function of His love, goodness, and mercy, it is a revelation of HIs omnipotent power.

When we come to understand this power and receive His patience, things change in us. Here is an example of the change in Paul. We read he gains understanding of the patience of God in his first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 1.15-17 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ut for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Receiving God’s patience produces humility.

Paul is able to admit he is the worst of sinners. Pride causes me to mask my insufficiencies. Humility enables me to be honest and vulnerable about my failures. I am able to be humble because I understand in my weakness, God’s strength and power is displayed. He is patient with me.

Receiving God’s patience produces a heart of compassion for the lost and broken.

Paul has in his mind, “those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” In my humility, because of God’s patience, I can have a heart of compassion for lost. Not a heart of judgement.

Receiving God’s patience inspires worship.

Paul is inspired to declare God’s goodness and glory as he meditates and writes about the patience of God. It is the power of God. It is a treasured attribute to Paul. It is to be a treasured attribute to us.

Read More

Government Stimulus | Like Nehemiah or Naaman?

To me, the bigger issue is do we see money as the answer to our problems? Do we see stimulus as the solution? Are we putting our hopes and faith in federal government resources? Or are we lifting our eyes to the heavens from where our help comes? Does our help come from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth?

Copy of Copy of believe.jpg

I have had many ask me what I feel about the Coronavirus stimulus. In October I shared a series of messages on changing the world by picking the right leaders. One of my encouragements was to choose a government that chooses compassion. Why? Because God is very concerned for those in need. So much so, that He ordered worship and civil authority with patterns of caring for the poor.

Three tithes were mandated and one of them was specifically for the care of the poor. In Deuteronomy 14.28-29, scripture specifically says, “Do this that God may bless you.” I want God’s blessing on America. Deuteronomy 15.11 we read a command to be openhanded toward those who are poor and needy. Proverbs 19.17 and 28.27 are further examples of God’s heart for the needy and the blessings promised for our awareness and action in caring for them.

At the simplest of levels, I do not have a problem with a government that does what scripture commands.

I can already hear the arguments. I am aware of all the issues of the current stimulus discussion. Is everyone in need? Is it wise stewardship to give out checks indiscriminately? What about deficit spending and generational debt? Isn’t that immoral? I am in agreement with all that. That is why I say at the base level, I support a government that cares for the poor. But I do not think those are the issues we need to discuss.

To me, the bigger issue is do we see money as the answer to our problems? Do we see stimulus as the solution? Are we putting our hopes and faith in federal government resources? Or are we lifting our eyes to the heavens from where our help comes? Does our help come from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth?

Nehemiah vs Naaman

There are two men in scripture who get government “stimulus” to fix their problems. We can compare Naaman in 2 Kings 5 and Nehemiah in Nehemiah 5. Read these two chapters and look for these contrasts:

Naaman first went to the government even though he was told by the Israelite slave girl to go to the man of God.
Nehemiah first went to God (Nehemiah 1) and after four months of prayer and fasting, he went to the government (Nehemiah 2).

Naaman saw the resources (gold, silver, clothes) as the means of securing his saving. He expected that to fix what was wrong with him.
Nehemiah saw the resources (timber, supplies, food) as his means of serving. He used them to honor the One whom he knew could right what was wrong.

Naaman became offended when the incredible resources (nearly $3mil today) did not get him what he wanted.
Nehemiah became defender of the poor with the resources he received, teaching others by example to be a blessing to those in need.

How to be a Nehemiah with the Stimulus

First, keep your eyes on the true Giver.

If your boss, business, family, or government is seen as your ultimate provider, you will be in a world of hurt when those let you down. They will let you down. Nehemiah said in verse 15-16 of chapter 5, “But out of reverence for God, I did not act like this. Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall.” Nehemiah would not give up his Kingdom calling and focus on God for all the money in the world.

Second, Nehemiah imitated the true Giver.

In verses 14 and 17, he says for 12 years he used the food allotted to him to feed 150 people at his table…every day…150 people! He could have put a tax burden on them. He could have taken real estate. Instead he chose generosity and care. He used the government resources at his disposal to imitate the true Giver and show care and compassion for people.

Third, Nehemiah understood you cannot out give the true Giver.

God met everyone of Nehemiah’s needs. He is the giver of all good gifts. But God also provides for us, you and me, the perfect gift. Our greatest need is to be forgiven and restored to God. So God gave His Son, the perfect lamb that takes away the sins of the world. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9.15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Paul says I cannot fully explain it, I can just give thanks for it. You cannot out give the one who gives you everything.

We should note that it did not end badly for Naaman. Though he struggled, he ultimately obeyed and became a worshiper of the true Giver. Jesus says of him in Luke 4.27, of all the lepers in Elisha’s time, Naaman was the only one to be healed. There is nothing God cannot touch, redeem, and restore in your life. He is the answer, not anyone or anything else — including government stimulus.

My hope for you is that you use your stimulus resources as Nehemiah. Bring glory to God and bless people.

Read More

WHAT TO MAKE OF ALL THE TROUBLE

When we see trouble, don’t focus on trouble. Ask, “What deeper thing is God doing?”

what to do with all that.jpg

These are strange times; unlike any I have seen in my lifetime. There are so many uncertainties and we seem to be focused on all the trouble. There is political trouble. Marital and family troubles. Church troubles and trouble within our own souls. In Matthew 6.22, Jesus tells us the eye is the entrance to your heart and mind.

Focus on trouble and you will be troubled

Not that we are to be blind to trouble. We are to be aware of trouble. Jesus was careful to explain to His disciples the trouble that would come with the end. In Matthew 24, He said there would be wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and this would be just the beginning. They should expect to be tortured, killed, and hated by all nations. False prophets would arise and there would be mass deception.

Jesus said these troubles were to function as a sign to them (and us) that God is up to something much bigger! They were to be a signpost to the deeper work of God in our midst.

Matthew 24.30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (NIV)

Similarly, the apostle Paul was aware of his troubles. In 2 Corinthians 11, he has a long list of troubles he has endured. He was constantly in danger. To top it off, in chapter 12, he speaks of a thorn in his flesh that he prayed three times would be removed. That trouble, however, was not his focus. All that trouble, he learned, was to point him to a much bigger and deeper work that God was doing in Paul.

In 2 Corinthians 12.9 he writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NIV)

God at work in our trouble

The deeper work of God happening in Paul is that God was teaching Paul about His sufficient grace. His troubles were but a signpost directing Paul to great trust in God’s strength when he felt weak.

When we see trouble, don’t focus on trouble. Ask, “What deeper thing is God doing? Towards what might this trouble be pointing me?”

I have found in the midst of our national troubles, God is redirecting the focus of many in His Church. I would love to hear your comments on what redirecting you may have discerned. Please post and share.

Read More
Josh Ellis Josh Ellis

Open Letter to New Life Church from the Elder Board - The Christian's Role in Democracy

Our hope is that you are stirred in a good way and that your convictions are more Biblically grounded than ever. Vote your convictions. Vote Biblically. Vote.

time-saving tips for hosting your first.jpg

As the people of God, we need to vote in this crucial election for the candidates who encourage government to fulfill its God ordained responsibilities. Scripture teaches us, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pro 14.34) We are implored, “[…] I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life […] that you may love the Lord your God […]” (emphasis mine; Deut 30.19-20) Choice is an important part of putting your faith into action. Some may use faith as a reason not to participate in an election, citing, “God’s will is going to be done anyway.”

James tells us our faith is shown through our deeds! (Jam 2.17-18) We absolutely have faith that God will accomplish what God purposes; that God establishes the governments. It could be, however, that as God’s purpose was to establish Israel in Canaan and they instead traveled around Mt. Sinai for forty years — God’s purposes for America may be unfulfilled. The 10 to 2 choice not to take the land delayed God’s purposes being accomplished. (Num 13.33)

Nearly 42 million self-proclaimed “born again” Christians have not participated in past presidential elections (www.politifact.com) Presidential elections since 1988 have been decided by about 10 million votes. (www.statista.com) We don’t pretend the Christian vote is a monolithic voting bloc, however, how radically different would our country be today if all Christians carried a conviction to vote toward a Godly vision of America!

Your vote matters and your vote is an expression of your faith to see God’s purposes come to fruition for our nation. Our faith pleases God! (Heb 11.6) So here is what we want to do to help you. We are presenting to you a list of questions to examine your feelings towards politics, which candidates would best lead us into God’s vision for this nation, and which would best partner with the Church to bring repentance and revival to America.

Before you read the questions, please understand two things: First, we have a high Ecclesiology. We believe the Church is by God’s design, is given dominion, and is the instrument God uses to bring about change in His world. Second, our intent is not to lead you to a specific candidate but to help you think Biblically about the issues and choices before us.

  1. Are you allowing apathy or the negative atmosphere surrounding politics to keep you from voting? Are you staying away from the “drama” of politics? Do you see how Satan can work division in the church and population through politics? Are you participating in the divisiveness?

  2. What is the track record of the candidates? Do they favor the people or the state? What have they done to benefit or hurt the nation? Have they participated in corruption or lies?

  3. How do the candidates measure up to the Biblical mandate for government found in Romans 13.1-7 — prosecute wrongdoers, bring law and order to society, commend those who do right?

  4. Where do the candidates stand on clear Biblical imperatives like abortion? Marriage? Compassion? Borders? Racism? Morality?

  5. What issue(s) do you believe to be most important to God? Where does each candidate stand on that issue? What is their voting record on that issue; does it line up with God’s heart?

  6. What are God’s purposes for this nation? Can we get there without repentance (changing laws and practices)? Are you repenting on behalf of the nation? (Neh 1.4-11) If only a ‘remnant’ is repenting, will God heal the nation? (2 Chron 7.14) Are you being an active part of the remnant?

  7. Are you asking God for the nation’s spiritual and moral healing and for a move of the Holy Spirit in the land? Are you asking God to have mercy on the nation? Are you asking God to bring about His purposes in the election for His Church?

  8. Are you asking God to restore our Christian foundations so we can be blessed as a nation whose God is the Lord?

  9. Since the Church is the conscience of the nation, are you taking a stand when government does not follow or practice God’s ways?

  10. Do you have faith that all government is on the Lord’s shoulders? (Isa 9.6) Do you trust that He establishes rulers? Will you be able to pray for and work toward the good and success of whichever candidates assume office? (1 Tim 2.1-4; Jer 29.7)

Our hope is that this has stirred you in a good way and that your convictions are more Biblically grounded than ever. Vote your convictions. Vote Biblically. Vote.

Read More
Josh Ellis Josh Ellis

Watch — New Life Church

We are excited to begin live streaming our Sunday morning gatherings.  In doing so, we are also creating a video archive for later reference or review.  Now you will be able to go and sing along with that new worship song again.  You will be able to rehash that sermon; allowing the Spirit to speak to you all over again. 

This does not mean watching will be the same as attending.  We in no way want to promote a disembodied church experience.  The Church is about togetherness.  You do not get the benefit of a hug from familiar face sitting in front of a screen.  You can not have a faithful prayer partner grab your hands and agree with you in prayer while physically absent.  Most of all, you do not participate in the unique, wonderful corporate presence of God; experiencing the uplift of worshiping together and taking communion together.  We encourage everyone to continue making the corporate worship experience a priority!

I am most thrilled that this will be an introduction of who we are to future friends who are visiting our site or church.  The first impression most will get of New Life, will be our online presence.  I am happy about that presence and hopeful that these tools will bless many! 

Read More
Josh Ellis Josh Ellis

Tongues?

pentecost-tongues_orig.jpg

I Know, Tongues is weird

Being a pastor of a church that believes the gifts are not only for today, but a necessity for the church today, I find I get the most questions and odd looks about the gift of tongues.  I will be the first to admit...it is weird.  There is a strangeness to our belief that we can babel and somehow God uses it.

Tongues is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 along with the other gifts that we have labeled the "power" or "manifestation" gifts.  These gifts tend to be the more overt and powerful demonstrations of the Spirit in terms of visibility and impact.  For better or worse, these also tend to be the more controversial gifts.  I am saddened by this.  Ephesians 4:11-13, teaches we need the gifts to have unity of the faith, to be equipped for the works and service that builds the Church, and to attain the fullness of Christ.  Yet, the gifts (these gifts in particular) have been the subject of divisive debates and splits within the Church.  Tongues, at that, I would single out as the most divisive of the lot.

But if we take the time to understand what God has declared and done through the giving of this gift, it becomes a beautiful and rich expression of His goodness and a necessary part of your life.

So, Why is Tongues Given as a Sign and What Does it Teach Us?

First, we should understand the roots of Pentecost.  Feast of Weeks or Pentecost was a harvest party!  It was when the grain harvest would begin to be harvested and the worshiper was to bring a tenth of the first fruits to God.  This taught them to be mindful that God is the God of the harvest and all we have is because He is good and gracious.  It is God who sustains us so we joyfully give back to sustain His work in our midst.  But there is even more significance to this holiday than it being the beginning of the grain harvest. 

It really pointed to a more significant historical event.  Exodus 19:16-19 is the story of the original Pentecost, or fifty days after Passover.  In Exodus, we read that the first Pentecost is where God gave the Law.  God's command to connect the Feast of Weeks to the original Pentecost taught them as the grain sustained and satisfied them physically, the Law would sustain and satisfy them spiritually. 

In Acts 2:1-13, God redefines Pentecost (just as He had redefined Passover with Christ as the Lamb of God) by pouring out the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.  The 120 gathered in the upper room miraculously praise God and declare His wonders in many languages that they did not know!  This teaches, whereas before, the Law was what sustained us spiritually, it would now be His own Spirit that would animate the Church and bring us to His abundant Life!

A Church without exclusion

The gift of tongues is the first sign given of this new empowerment; this new way of relating to the world as God's own representatives.  Dr. Luke is careful to tell us that people were present "from every nation under heaven," (Acts 2:5 NIV).  Symbolically, this miracle of the praises of God being heard in every language, shows us God's intent for a multilingual, multicultural, and multiracial Church. 

This becomes a major paradigm shift for those who grew up Jewish.  This is why Paul would say to the Ephesians and Galatians that the old systems of categorizing people; male or female, free or slave, Jew or Greek, no longer apply.  We are now all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28)!  We no longer devalue others but see all as created in God's image with intrinsic value.

The de-babel-ization of mankind

Tongues teaches us more about God's intent for His Church.  In Genesis 11:1-9 we read the story of the tower of Babel.  This story is about more than language.  It is about a people united under one language wanting the authority and power of heaven.  In verse 6, God says, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them."  He confuses their language and they are scattered all over the earth.

At Pentecost, the whole earth is gathered and one new language is given!  It is a heavenly language!  This is the de-babel-ization of mankind.  It is the reversal of Genesis 11.  The authority and power of heaven is not taken, it is given, and all we have to do is receive it.  Now, in Christ and empowered by His Spirit, we are one people with one language and nothing is impossible!

A Church edified

There are also practical reasons for the gift.  1 Corinthians 14:26-28 instructs the use of tongues and the interpretation as a means by which God will build up or edify His church.  This is to be done decently and in order (14:40), but by no means is prohibited.  Paul says emphatically that it "must be done so that the church may be built up," (14:26). 

Personally edified

Similarly, Paul says it for personal edification.  Why would Paul thank God he spoke in tongues more than anyone (14:18)?  It is because in verse 4, he says anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves.  That is why in verse 5, he then says I wish you all spoke in tongues!

Is Tongues Still Needed?

Does the Church still need reminded that God desires a Church without exclusion?  Do we still have work to accomplish for which we need the empowerment of His own Spirit?  Does the Church still need built up and edified?  Do you still need built up and edified?  Then it is my opinion we need the gift of tongues in operation in our corporate and personal lives.

Read More
Josh Ellis Josh Ellis

New Eyes New Day - Win By Name

8563762.jpg
 

Street evangelism; what could be more uncomfortable and challenging than that?  I think that is why I chose to go on the Deep Ellum outreach in my second month of Bible school.  “If I am not being stretched or venturing out into new experiences with the Lord, then what am I doing here,” I reasoned.  

There were close to thirty other students who must have felt the same nudge I did.  When we arrived in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas, we fanned out across four blocks of Main Street.  Being the “edgy” arts and entertainment district, there was no shortage of people whom we perceived to be in need of Jesus.  Growing up in church predominately influenced by an “us and them” theology, there were plenty of “them.”

As for “us,” there were some real characters in our group.  I will never forget the two guys whose best attempt to share the good news of Jesus was to dress up in devil costumes, yelling at people, “I have tricked you all!” while holding signs that read, “You’re All Mine!”  Being the contemplative, phlegmatic I am, I mostly leaned against the hot brick wall of The Curtain Club and observed.  An employee of the establishment stepped out to watch the same show I was.  Not knowing I was a part of this team, he leaned over to me and said, “Party poopers.”  I mustered all my courage and looked him in the eye and said, “The real party hasn’t started yet.”  

“Oh yeah?” he questioned me back with an eagerness to know exactly what party was coming and precisely how is it that he could be a part.  He looked down to my hands that were in my pocket.  My assumption was he was waiting for me to show him my “stash.”  If there was a party to be had, I was obviously in possession of some type of substance with which to party.  

So I leaned in closer to satisfy his curiosity, “Yeah, because Jesus hasn't come back yet.”  

He looked back into my eyes, took a step back, in a half disappointed and half irritated voice, he simply said to me, “Take it easy on’em.”  I will never forget that look and tone.  I wondered in that moment, if there might be a better way to display the gospel to these people who had infinite value to our Creator.  Did we miss it?

Win By Name

Our last value that we have to adopt in order to receive “New Eyes for the New Day,” is Win by Name.  Win by Name is birthed out of the revelation that we have not been, nor are we now as effective as we could be in evangelism.  While discussing this, the elders and I were burdened with the feeling that we have equated evangelism with events.  In doing so, we have unintentionally taught the congregation that we meet our evangelism quota when we participate in or volunteer for these events.  That is woefully inadequate.  This has been a painful revelation.

The Lord dealt with us on this matter and we knew that addressing this issue had to be a part of the formula of the new thing God wanted to do in our midst.  

Why The Angst

Our wise associate pastor, Oke Maertin, once quipped, “People inside the church and outside the church have one thing in common —they both hate evangelism.”  I know we all get a little anxiety when it comes to the charge of sharing our faith.  There are two reasons for this I believe.

One, it has become culturally unacceptable for us to tell people that Jesus is the only way to heaven and that we must put our faith in Him.  In the name of inclusiveness our message of  reconciliation has been excluded.  We have been bullied.  For fear of being labeled or ostracized, we have adapted to the pressure to keep our faith a private matter.  The only problem is true Biblical Christianity will necessarily disrupt society and confront powers and authorities that are anti-Kingdom.  

The Gospel will challenge the world’s values!   We see in Acts 16:16-34, that the people of Philippi realize that if this Christianity catches on, there are real financial, cultural and social consequences.  “These men…are throwing our city into an uproar…” they charge.  The local magistrates go out of their way to not just stop Paul and Silas, but to humiliate them, make them feel pain, and put them away so as not to influence anyone else.  It is not just because they are mean people; they understand if the charges are true that there is a real threat here —that the gospel will not leave things unchanged.  For those of us who have bought into the anti-Kingdom value that says your religion is a private matter between you and your god, let this disturb you, then let this motivate you.  May it be said of us, “This church is throwing our city into an uproar!”

Two, we have not been taught that this is what we do as Jesus’ followers.  Being engrafted into Christ is inseparable from being brought into His mission.  Accepting Jesus also means that we accept His vocation.  In following Him, we take upon ourselves the mission of Christ; this is the non-negotiable of being His disciple.  Romans 8:19 says all of creation is waiting in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.  To rise up and take our place as the ones who mediate the glory of God to the rest of creation and to call all people into that holiness, is why we exist.  We are the Church and we exist for those who have not yet answered that call.

To be certain, one of the signs of real heart-felt change --of true conversion in your life-- is that God will give you the power and motivation to share that message; the message of His unconditional love and promise for new life.

How Do We Win By Name

Let me first suggest we need rethink how we communicate the gospel.  As I reminisce upon that muggy October night in Dallas, I know we failed to communicate the gospel properly.  Let me explain.  The "gospel" literally means "good news."  Good news means that it is...well, good.  Think about it like this.  Jesus said in Mark 10:18, "No one is good but God alone."  He alone is totally, completely, and truly good.  The "good news" therefore, is a reflection of God's good nature; it is the revelation of a good God.  That certainly was not the message communicated with devil masks and signs that read, "You're All Mine."  Moving from there, consider the angelic proclamation of Luke 2:10, "We bring good news of great joy!"  How does the good news that reveals a good God, bring great joy?  We best answer that question by understanding the gospel was being proclaimed before Jesus died on the cross.

Galatians 3:8 says that God announced the gospel to Abraham.  So what was this gospel that was announced?  "All nations will be blessed through you!"  We know this promise of "blessing" came to mean more than blessing just through the man Abraham.  It would eventually come to include the nation of Israel.  God's plan would be to raise a nation through Abraham that would be God's treasured possession according to Deuteronomy 7:6.  Ultimately, however, it would come to be understood as a promise pointing to the messiah, Jesus, who came through Israel, from Abraham.  Now, all nations, all people, all of creation is blessed because of Jesus who came through Abraham.  Galatians 3:9 continues by saying that through faith, we are blessed along with Abraham.

So here is the crux of our gospel message, "all are blessed through Christ."  That sounds good!  We, the Church, as the body of Christ, are meant to be living testaments, an embodiment of that blessing to provoke the world to faith in Christ.  Sadly, our tone has changed from Abraham's and the angelic hosts', to today.  Today, many preach and talk about the "good news" in a bad way; many preach "glad tidings" with anger.  We must show forth the character of God if we hope to bring people to Him.

We have changed our tone, now what?

We then need to understand our spheres of influence.  In your mission, you have three spheres of influence.  You have your geographical sphere; that is your neighbors, neighborhood, and places you frequent.  You have your familial sphere; your children, spouse, parents, and extended family. Finally, you have your vocational sphere; your place of work or productivity, your business associates, and any relationships that have sprung up from therein. These are spheres of influence in which God has strategically and purposefully planted you!  It is no accident you have the family you do, you live in the neighborhood you do, you shop where you shop, or you work with the people you do.  It is by Divine design!  The people God wants you to reach are the people whose names you already know!  Do you believe that?

Within these spheres, you will find almost everyone will fall into one of these three categories.  Nearly 50-55% (statistically speaking) will be unconnected Christians.  These are people who claim to believe in Jesus but have minimal to no connection with the Church.  They are missing out on the blessing of being a part of Christian community.  You will find some in your spheres to be religious nonbelievers.  These are people who have not made a faith commitment to Christ, but think that because they are "religious" they are Christian.  Lastly, you will find some to be unconnected nonbelievers.  This includes people who either claim a religious affiliation other than Christianity, or claim no faith at all.  This is an astonishingly rapidly growing segment in our culture today.  I would contend this third group is growing because we have not effectively reached the first two groups.  Here is our simple strategy.

Bring People To Jesus!  Invite people to the gathering of the Church.  Not to entertain them, but for them to encounter the presence of the living God and be drawn to Him.  There is a corporate anointing of God's presence that is different when we gather, than when we are apart. It is powerful!  I cannot tell you how many times I have seen hopeless people catch a ray of hope while observing the people of God love one another.  I have seen doubters of God tell me that they can no longer doubt the existence of God because of how they saw Him interact with His people during worship.  I have seen the hardest of hearts melt in the presence of our mighty Savior.  Who in your spheres needs an encounter like this?  Who needs to be a part of a community where they will be loved like this?  Invite them to church this week!

Bring Jesus to People!  We do this as we seek opportunities to make tangible the blessings of Christ.  How can we improve the conditions of people?  How do we address the social illnesses that are prominent in our spheres?  How do we, as the Church, meet the needs of the community around us?  Do you know a family who needs provisions?  Do you know someone who needs encouragement?  This is your God-given opportunity to bring Jesus to people.  

This is how we win by name.  This is how we change the world; one friend at a time.

Read More
Josh Ellis Josh Ellis

New Eyes, New Day - Make it Better

8429362.jpg
 

If I were to pose the question, “How many of us believe God wants to revive a robust and vigorous love for Him, His people, and the work He wants to do in us and through us,” most assuredly everyone would agree.  Why would one ever disagree?  Standing on this common ground then, my next question would be a little more challenging.  

“Then what are you doing about it?”

Willing Vessels

For God to do what God purposes to do, He chooses to work through willing vessels.  This is the Biblical precedent.  Isaiah sees a vision of God’s terrifying and awesome throne room.  God purifies Isaiah and then asks, “Who will go for us?  Whom can we send?”  Similarly, Malachi speaks prophetically of a coming messenger that will prepare the way before the Lord.  When this work of preparation is launched, In Malachi 3:1, God says, “Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come…”

One is tempted to ask, “God if you are coming suddenly, then why must there be one to prepare the way?”  We know this prophecy is pointing to John the Baptist.  Jesus affirms this in Matthew 11:10.  However, the truth that undergirds this prophecy is subtly potent.

The truth being conveyed is that we can do nothing to “make” God come, yet at the same time He waits for us to ready ourselves and “prepare the way.”  God is going to do what God desires to do but there is  preparation and groundwork to be done.  This groundwork is not necessarily for God’s benefit, but for ours!  In our work of preparing the way, our hearts are made ready for His coming.  

Our hearts must be prepared to come along side the reviving, renewing work of the Spirit in our midst.  If we fail to prepare, be assured God will work in other ways, but what He has purposed to do in us and through us will not happen.  He will do something else equally good and wonderful, yet what He purposed to happen in and through us will be lost.

For example, New Life Church’s influence spreads throughout southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio.  God has a particular purpose and role for us to play in His work of blessing and redeeming this area.  However, if we are not prepared to step into our moment, into our calling, God will continue to work in this area for sure, but the way He intended to use us, this church, is postponed at best, forfeited at worst.

Galatians 4:19 we read that Paul understood this truth.  He tells the Galatian Christians that “Christ is to be formed in you, but that will not happen if I do not labor for you.”  It is not that God cannot work in their lives apart from Paul, but what God wants to do is work in their lives through Paul.  Paul knows that if he is not willing nor prepared to labor, then he will miss the role God intends him to play in the work of blessing and redeeming the Galatians.

I Must Participate

Hear what I am saying.  There are some things that will not happen in me and in the lives of the people God has placed around me, if I am not willing nor prepared to allow God to work in and through me.  God will still accomplish what God intends to accomplish, but it will look differently.  If I do not participate, the shape of this church and the world will be different.  He will raise up another, but the blessing, fruit, and progress that He willed for me will be postponed or forfeited.  

I must participate.  Paul tells the Ephesians in 2:10 that we were created to do good works.  Paul tells Titus in 2:14 that Jesus redeems us, purifies us, makes us His own, so we could be “zealous for [these] good works,” (ESV, KJV).  When He created you, God had in mind the things He would have for you to do.  These good works are nothing less than continuing the very work of Christ on the earth as His body.  The call to follow Jesus is indistinguishable from the call to share in Jesus’ work which is to bless and redeem the entire cosmos unto Himself.

When you participate in the good works He has for you, you indeed bring glory to God.  The work we do as His body is what points to and teaches the world about Jesus.  Jesus says as much in John 10:22-42, “The works I do testify about me…Believe the works.”  In other words Jesus says if you want to understand who I am then look at what I do.  In a very real and powerful way, if we want the world to know Jesus, we have to do His work.

Make It Better

This is the heart of “Make it Better:”  Understanding we have a role to play, and our willingness to take responsibility and labor affects God’s work among us.  Ultimately as we step into the good works we have been created for, we will bring Glory to God.  Let’s make it a little more practical.

We have been engrafted into a global, universal family of God through Jesus.  We also have been planted in a local expression of that family through our church.  We gather as a community, as New Life Church, bonded by familial relationship and calling.  There is tremendous energy and excitement, and synergy that happens when work together as a church to bring God glory.  We should be very excited about the possibilities of how our combined willingness to labor will shake the earth! 

How do we do that?

At this point, I think of Luke 10 and the scene with Mary and Martha.  I am convinced we need to be both Mary and Martha.  We need to be both at Jesus’ feet listening and praying, and we need to be in the kitchen making a meal.  

There are times for us to be Mary, on our face, in the Lord’s presence, in the place of intercession.  We need to do this because there are some things God will not do until we have prepared the way through prayer and intercession.  Sometimes it is our heart that need to be more broken; sometimes it is the principalities. 

There are also times for us to be Martha because there is work to be done.  Not that we stop listening to Jesus —we are always listening to Him— there comes a point, however, when we have to get up from the carpet, roll up our sleeves, and get to the work of Christ in this world.  There is drug addiction.  Families are falling apart.  People need food.  People need love.  These problems need something beyond intercession; they need Christ’s body to get out into the field and bring in the harvest.

That is the faithful Christian life.  That is the life Jesus models as there are times He separates Himself in prayer and times he is casting out demons and feeding five thousand.  So let us model this faithful Christian life too.

We need to labor in prayer.  Let us pray for a continual renewing of our vision, for new eyes.  Let  us pray we arrive at God’s intentions for our church, for the new day He has in mind.  Let us pray for one another, for unity, for love.  Let us pray for the needs, strongholds, and brokenness in our neighborhoods, families, and world. 

We also need to get up and get to work!  We need to resist complaining and make it better.  As you walk around the church —observing the family, using the facilities— when you notice things that can be better, if it is within your power and ability, by all means do it!  Make it better!  Grab the vacuum.  Change the lightbulb.  Do the dishes.  Clean the toilet.  Start the small group.  Be the hospitable one.  Be the reconciler.  Invite that family or friend to church.  Volunteer for the outreach.  Create the ministry.  Be the encourager, the doer, the worker, and not the complainer.

Let’s make it better!

Read More