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JOURNEY
NEW LIFE CHURCH CANTERBURY
LIFE TIMES
ISSUE 9: JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015
GOD into
2
Message from Pastor Aaron
Journey Into God
S elf obsession can be a quiet yet dangerous tyrant in the life a
Christian. It is very easy to be self obsessed in your pursuit of
God without even realising. Our pursuit of God can easily
become a means of feeding our self indulgent nature as
opposed to a means by which we bring God glory and praise. It seems
the more the Lord blesses us the more we become self obsessed.
It seems the more we are made comfortable the more we become
complacent.
It seems the only time we have cause to address God is when we bring a
complaint; o how far the favoured have fallen. I cast my mind back to
days of old when the patriarchs walked days on end in unforgiving
terrain to be in the presence of the only true God. The discomfort of the
stony ground never deterred them from kneeling in triumphant praise
to the God of majesty. The endless days and nights spent in hunger
never quenched their thirst for the Holy and righteous God; is it any
wonder that this great God will answer them by fire?
O how devoid of passion and determination our pursuit of the Holy
One has become; how devoid of reverence and fear our prayers have
become; how devoid of honour and sincerity our praise of Him has
become. No wonder the shaking of prison doors and loosening of chains
that bind are only things read about in the life of the contemporary
Christian. We have desired a mount Horeb experience though we have
never dared climb the mount of meeting with God.
When I offer our modern day worship up for comparison with that of
the ancient followers of this Ancient of days, I am saddened because I
realise that our journey, though it started well has stalled.
Like Terah we have started off from Ur of the Chaldeans on the way to
Canaan but have settled in Haran and dwelt there far too long. Our
lives have become comfortable, seduced by the riches of this world and
we have allowed the infinite riches of being with the Benefactor elude
us.
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“O wake me up God of Abraham” must be our hearts cry; “lead me to
the promise land and reveal Yourself to me on the way O Great I Am”
must be the resounding echo of our spirits. “Like a butterfly my lost
soul flaps aimlessly, stretch forth Your Divine hand that I may settle on
it and take me on a journey I have longed for all my life. By Your
mercies lead me to Your throne that I may bow in humble adoration.”
Many things may please the human soul but to be called a friend of God
tops them all. “May the very things You gave for our enjoyment never
have dominion over us O Lord” must be the cry of every contemporary
Christian. The desire of earthly riches must never be allowed to enter
the deep recesses of our lives; a place reserved for the One who crafted it
with His Divine hands.
Insidious is the way of this world; like a deciduous tree, the lust of the
flesh can creep into every arena of our cleansed lives. Though it may
shed its leaves the roots often remain, ready to rear its head at the
opportune time. With fear and trembling work out this wonderful
inheritance won for you on Calvary cross, never allowing the enemy of
your soul a window of opportunity. For a morsel of bread Esau sold his
earthly birth right, never with ease sell your spiritual birth right for a
short lived, earth given, hollow comfort.
It is time to pack our bags for a journey of no return; unlike Lot's wife
we have no cause to look back. 2014 is over and we are embarking on a
journey filled with promise and potential in 2015. I pray that this
journey leads us to a land flowing with living water, a land where the
shekinah glory of the Great I Am dwells, a land where the glory of The
Lord is found. Let your eyes be focused on seeing The Lord one day
and never allow any pit stop to be comfortable enough for you to
unpack your bags. I pray that this year will be a year when your
promise and potential is fulfilled, a year that the Lord empowers you to
fulfil your God given mandate.
Our theme for the year is Empowered For Success May 2015 be your best year yet.
4
T he conditions that face
the unemployed in
our community
leading to financial
hardships for many including
children and young people
growing up in low-income
neighbourhoods with no real
extended family support, calls for
Christians in our community to
contribute to solutions to these
problems.
Media reports suggest that the
number of children on free school
meals is increasing and food banks
are constantly making emergency
requests for more donations.
There are those with serious debt
issues - the homeless, youth,
unemployed, children beyond
parental control (who are known
to the local specialist children
social services), parental drug and
alcohol abuse victims and children
growing up in those families.
It is well known that people facing
severe financial hardships tend to
be exposed to higher levels of
stress, economic uncertainty and
unhealthy conditions.
Unemployment has a great
influence on issues of domestic
abuse/violence, substance misuse,
depression or physical illness.
KEY QUESTIONS
1) What can churches do to help
promote and meet the physical,
emotional and spiritual needs of
these groups?
2) Are these issues at the heart of
every Christian in our
community?
- Let us not love with
words but actions (1 John 3 v 18).
How clearly do our actions say we
really love others around us?
. SOCIAL ISSUES BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
5
- In Jesus words, ‘I was
hungry, you gave me something to
eat, I was a stranger and you invited
me in’ (Mathew 25v35). It is easier
to love in theory than in reality
especially when it comes to
people who are difficult or
different.
- God has already set the
Standard; If anyone has material
possessions and sees his brother
in real and genuine need but has
no pity on him, how can the love
of God be in him? The teachings
of James and Paul are not at odds.
I am of the view that true faith
results in a changed life and good
deeds.
- Jesus has a special interest in the
welfare of those at the lowest end
of the social ladder and those who
are disadvantaged in the society
(Jeremiah 7v5-7).
HOW MIGHT CHRISTIANS
CONTRIBUTE TO SOLUTIONS.
1. Churches can help to pray for
these various groups and offer
consistent and accessible long
term spiritual support.
2. Christians can reach out to
different vulnerable groups- the
lonely, the homeless and prisoners
etc. to understand their felt needs
and share the love and good news
of Jesus Christ with them.
3. Christians can host outreach
events in the community. Invite
non-Christians and professionals
from different fields to share
information, offer advice and
support on issues facing our
community today.
4. Christians can be intentional
about giving aid to those in real
need as giving out of love truly
glorifies God (1 Corinthians
16v2). There is no doubt that
Christians can make a difference
in our community and in the lives
of others in need as we love God
‘with all our hearts and love our
neighbours …’.
Mrs Tina Onuchukwu
SOCIAL ISSUES BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
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NEW LIFE @ THE HUB
The Hub is our city centre base
intended to be a place of blessing
for those in the church as well as a
resource and platform from which
we can serve and impact our City
and local community.
Strategically located at Unit 15b,
Roper Close, the building is within
easy access to the high street,
Canterbury West train station and
along a main bus route serving the
heart of the city. As well as using
the space for much needed ministry
within the church, we hope to
introduce bespoke programs that
will help the church spread the
gospel to our community.
Scripture reminds us that “the
Harvest is plentiful but the labourers
are few.” I therefore ask that you
pray for the Lord of the Harvest to
send in more labourers. I also ask
that you all step forward and offer
your service in the Lord’s harvest
field and in helping us minister
God’s love and Grace to our city .
Here are some of the programs
that will be running from The Hub; I
hope you will take full advantage
of them and where possible
volunteer to help run them.
Café Church
Every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Cre8ive Youth Night
Every 4th Friday of the month
Daughters of Destiny (Women’s
ministry) – Dates to be announced
Ignite (18-25 evening service) Every 2nd Thursday of the month
(term time only)
Inspire Dance Academy (Dance classes for under 18s) – T.B.C
(volunteers needed)
Men of Integrity (Men’s ministry)
Dates to be announced
Prayer and Praise Service
Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Relate or the Married/Engaged Couples Gathering
Every last Sunday of the month
Family Brunch hosted by Praisers.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month
Firm Foundations Discipleship Programme - Seven week course every Monday. October - November, February to March and
June - July.
Pastor Aaron
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Youth & Sunday School meet every Sunday morning and all our workers
are DBS checked.
Every third Sunday of the month .
Join us for an extended time of prayer,
thanksgiving, praise and intercession.
8
HIGHLIGHTS
Mums and Wives Breakfast: 10:30am, Sat 17th Jan @ The Hub.
Corporate Fast: Tuesday 20th—Friday 30th Jan.
Key Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Isaiah 45:1-3
Prayer points: For the church to fulfil its mandate in 2015 and that its members will accomplish all that God has purposed and empowered them to accomplish.
Youth Night: 6:30pm, Friday23rd Jan @ The Hub. An evening of socializing, fun, games and inspiration for 11-18’s.
Victory Praise & Testimony Evening: 6:30pm , Sunday 25th Jan, Woolf Lecture Theatre
CALENDAR
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HIGHLIGHTS
Mums and Wives Breakfast: 10:30am, Sat 17th Jan @ The Hub.
Corporate Fast: Tuesday 20th—Friday 30th Jan.
Key Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Isaiah 45:1-3
Prayer points: For the church to fulfil its mandate in 2015 and that its members will accomplish all that God has purposed and empowered them to accomplish.
Youth Night: 6:30pm, Friday23rd Jan @ The Hub. An evening of socializing, fun, games and inspiration for 11-18’s.
Victory Praise & Testimony Evening: 6:30pm , Sunday 25th Jan, Woolf Lecture Theatre
HIGHLIGHTS
Envision Sunday: 10:30am, Sunday 1st Feb .
Firm Foundations Discipleship Programme: 7pm—8:30pm every Monday from 2nd - 16th February @ The Hub
‘CHERISH’ A Celebration Of Love & Friendship: 7pm, Saturday 7th Feb @ The Hub
INSPIRE Leadership Gathering: 7pm, Fri 20th February @ The Hub
CALENDAR
10
There are several ways to serve and
participate in the life of the Church on a
regular basis. Contact any of the ministry
leaders below to see how you can get
serving.
Admin & Comms: Caroline Agoi
CONNECT Groups: Joanna Addison
Men’s Ministry: Ps Shadreck Chikomba
Missions & Outreach: Nicholas Stephenson
Multimedia: Pastor Will White
New Life Choir: Josh Sebu
New Life Drama: Lanre Kassim
Prayer Ministry: Ronke Adeyanju
Sunday School: Judith Stephenson
Welcome/Hospitality: Akua Berko
Women’s Ministry: Violet Chikomba
Worship team: Pastor Will White
Youth: Lanre Kassim
These are a GREAT place for developing meaningful relationships as you
CONNECT with GOD, with OTHERS and with the VISION for the Church. We
encourage everyone to take part, grow and reach out as a blessing so CONNECT
today! Groups launch mid October and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
different locations across the city led by the
following leaders:
Amanda Naude & Rebecca Odunaike
Caroline Agoi
Daniel Acheampong & Sheyi Kuyinu
David Kasule & Jennifer Amani
Francis Darko & Christine Ofosu-Ampadu
Jed Nkansah-Yeboah & Aaron Thompson
SERVE IN MINISTRY
Joshua Sebu & Bukunmi Taiwo
Justice & Joanna Addison
Linda Mathe & Andrew Bonsu
Nii Noi & Kafui Osuteye
Shelly Anne-Fung & Abigail King
Email [email protected] or
contact [email protected] for more
information on joining a group
CONNECT GROUPS
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Money Talk
D id Jesus Have A
Credit Card?
The simple and
obvious answer to
that is “no” and that is not because
Visa or Mastercard were not around
at the time or that plastic had yet to
be invented, or that cash points had
not yet been rolled out across the
Roman Empire. Jesus just believed in
a very simple philosophy of “living
within your means”.
He was never having endless
meetings with debt collectors to talk
about his financial situation and that
is probably because he was never
seen buying the latest Emperor
Armani suit, or the newest Sport
Utility Chariot with leather seats
and all the mode cons.
No, Jesus was normally seen walking
with his twelve disciples from town
to town and from memory there was
only one occasion where he hired a
donkey to enter Jerusalem while
being hailed as the King. If we put
that into modern context it is a bit
like George Clooney rocking up to
receive an Oscar in a clapped out
Toyota pickup. It doesn’t compute.
But Jesus “chose” the mild and meek
donkey and I cannot but think about
the imagery he was trying to
portray. Donkeys are renowned for
two things, their strength and their
stubbornness or some would say
their determination. Jesus was
showing the world who “He” was.
Not a man of this world obsessed
with its money, sex and power, but a
God-Man bent on showing the
world that you are here to live for
God and for others (love the Lord
your God and Love your neighbour
as yourself).
“You are here to
live for God and
for others…”
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Don’t get me wrong, Credit Cards
used well can be a blessing, as can
mortgages, loans and all sorts of
other financial instruments. But,
what is the context in which you use
them and what is your focus in doing
so? Are you trying to outdo your
neighbour by showing off your
material wealth, or are you loving
your neighbour. In fact Jesus “was”
having daily meetings with debt
collectors to talk to them about
himself. But this was the royal him
the great “I am”. He had little
interest in the money they had
accumulated or the trappings money
could buy. Likewise, He wants our
focus to be on him first and foremost.
So the next time you see something
in the shop and you find yourself
debating whether or not you can
afford it, ask yourself the simple
question. “What is my motivation
for buying this?” The music, the
colours, the smells, the personnel,
the branding, the scene, everything
will be tailored to scream at you that
you need to BUY IT NOW….but
try and stop for just a minute and
think; God has put you on this planet
to be a custodian of the wealth he has
given you, whether that is of much
or of little. When your time comes
and you arrive at your judgement
day, will you be able to stand
confidently before God and say that
you used the wealth given to you
wisely to affect change for good in
this world? Or will you need to give
account for the one million vanilla
flavoured semi-skimmed lattes you
bought and the untold designer
landfill you helped create ?
Whatever your wealth, use it wisely
for his Glory - Jon White
…” will you be able to
stand confidently before
God and say that you used
the wealth given to you
wisely to affect change for
good in this world? …”
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Finding Peace In This Chaotic World
R ecession, strikes, wars
against rebels or
extremist groups, plane
crashes, missing planes,
terrorist attacks, hunger, Ebola epidemic,
boys being raped in Pakistan (Watch
‘Pakistan’s Hidden Shame’ on 4oD to
watch the heart breaking secrets of
Pakistani men and children). Women
being raped in India, Nigerian girls being
abducted. The list is endless. All this
chaos exists because of the sinfulness of
man!
Seeing and hearing all this chaos and
atrocities going on around the world just
gets me overwhelmed. It seems we’ve all
run out of ideas to help solve these issues.
Even our world leaders do not know what
to do to end these problems. These
problems exist because we as a human
race have failed to seek God.
However, the great news is that amidst
everything that is going wrong left, right
and centre, we can still find peace whilst
we continue to live in this world. This
kind of peace that gives us calmness in
the midst of chaos can only be found in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (ESV) says
that: “And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus Christ is the solution for the world
but because the world is blinded by
darkness, they cannot see that he is what
they’re looking for: “In their case the god of
this world has blinded the minds of the
unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light
of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the
image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV) .
Thanks be to God for giving us sight to
see His love, grace and righteousness
leading us to repentance and faith in Him
and through which we have received the
peace of God.
Brethren, let’s not be selfish by keeping
this peace we have found in Christ in this
chaotic world to ourselves. Reach out to
others with the gospel so that they may
receive salvation and also enjoy this
peace. - Emmanuel Amponsah
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On Sunday mornings we come together in a
big two hour celebration service to worship
God and hear dynamic teaching. We want
Jesus to be at the centre of everything we
do and we believe every service should be
a life changing experience for all those who
attend. You are very welcome to join us;
refreshments are served from 10am.
Woolf College, The Pavilion, Giles
Lane. University of Kent.
Canterbury.KENT.CT2 7BQ 01227
827524 [email protected]
We run a minibus service all year so feel free
to hop on board if you would like a lift to
and from service on Sundays
9:45 am: Parham Road
9:50 am: Dominos car park
10:10am: Canterbury East Station
The return journey leaves campus at
12:50pm every Sunday. Please be at the
pick up points at least five minutes before
time to avoid delays.
TRANSPORT SERVICE
We are here
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WWW.newlifecanterbury.org l @NLCCanterbury l /NLCcanterbury
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