Volume 5 Issue 22 12 June 2008
A Firm, Unshakable Foundation By Pastor Randy Morgan	The E-Pistle
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!" Matthew 7:24-27. Today, I simply want to share with you a few points from this passage: 1. "Everyone who hears" If you are a child of God through Jesus Christ, you have the ability within your spirit to hear the voice of your Father, God. Listen to Him Daily. He speaks through His Word and He speaks directly to your spirit. Hear what He has to say. 2. "Act on the Word." When you hear from God, simply do what He says. What has God said to you that you're still 'waiting' on? Don't wait, act on what God has said. Demonstrate faith. 3. The Rains, the rivers, and the winds will fall, blow, and pound your life. Trials are inevitable. People are people, and they will either: Let you down or in some way act contrary to what seems reasonable - Jobs, cars, kids, spouses, dates, etc will not always be perfect. 4. "Yet the house didn't collapse because it was built on the Rock." Understand, the HOUSE won't collapse. No matter what some may say. No matter what life may bring, no matter who does what - when people are LISTENING AND OBEYING (SUBMITTING), then their houses won't fall because they are on a firm, rock solid, Jesus-Centered foundation. however, if you: a . "Hear the Words of Jesus but don't act on those words" See, it is possible for even the most Spirit-Filled, God loving individual to hear what God is saying; to hear it from behind the pulpit, to hear from their pastor, to hear it from a televangelist, to hear it directly from the Bible from the very throne of God, and still not submit, obey, or act on what God has said to do. For whatever reason, some people won't go along with what God requires. It's sad but true. b. The Rains, the rivers, and the winds will STILL fall, blow, and pound your life. The same trials that fall on the hearer-and-doer are the same trials that fall on the hearer-but-doesn't-doer. However, because of the non-action, the non-obedience: c. That house collapses and the ruin is great. Be quick to obey. No matter what God speaks. A collapsing house is a terrifying place to be. Today, Hear and Obey (act on) what God has said, and you will be built on a firm, unshakable foundation.
The Article
Take No Offence -- The Christ-Like Way of Handling Hurts or Anger by Deacon Tonna Eidson
We always have opportunities to get offended -- here are some thoughts on the subject: 1. It is only human for us to feel hurt and we can't beat ourselves up for having the feeling, but look at these examples: Jesus looked around at them in anger, deeply hurt because of their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." The man held it out, and his hand was restored to health. Mark 3:5 Paul Said, Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. II Timothy 4:14 So, if we live in a human body, there's 100% chance that we're gonna get hurt. If we live on this Earth, there's a guarantee we will be hurt at some time or another-it's an unwelcome part of life so it makes sense to be prepared for it. And remember getting hurt is not wrong, but making it an offence hurts us: Jesus interceded for us in John 17:15-16, I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. And we also read in Isaiah 53:5 He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from His wounds. 2. God's Word teaches us not to try to get even. If we fuel the fire, we make circumstances much worse than they already are. Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. Romans 12:17-19 Do not pay anyone back evil for evil, but focus your thoughts on what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people. Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord." Of course it's natural to want to retaliate, but with the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, we are equipped to live peaceful lives and empowered to act (or not act) in a way or manner altogether different from the norm. 3. God's Word tells we can turn to our Heavenly Father when we get our feelings hurt-or anytime for that matter: Psalm 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me. Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. 4. Jesus was our example. When He was presented with an offense, here's what He did: I Peter 2:23 When he was insulted, he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he did not threaten. It was his habit to commit the matter to the one who judges fairly. 5. A great way to handle offense is to pray. Praying for those who have hurt is what Jesus taught. Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Some teach to pray that God will take vengeance on their enemies, but Jesus taught Mark 12:31 '…You must love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater…. Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, as we forgive everyone who sins against us. And never bring us into temptation. Mark 11:25 Whenever you stand up to pray, forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins. Lastly, remember this may be your opportunity to resist the devil and rejoice: Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God, that is, for those who are called according to his purpose, all things are working together for good. Here's what some folks said about offense when I asked them: Pastor Jasmine Jones responded, "taking up an offense is a choice" and she referred to: Mark 4:16-19 (Amp) And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy; And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word; Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless. Pastor Angela Brown told me, "There are so many times when someone gets offended and the person who did it doesn't even know they did it. We take on an offence for no reason. Once realizing there is an offence the person who is in the wrong needs to "pony up" and apologize. Be man or woman enough to admit you're wrong." Pastor Tony Howard said, "Dead men don't get offended, I often have to kill my flesh." Pastor Brian Grizzle quickly replied, "Don't do it-it's a trap. John Bevere says it's the bait of satan." I heard someone else say, "People are people. We do not have halos. We are not people who do not make mistakes. We all get tired sometimes." So, think on these things the next time the enemy wants to put an offense on you.

My Conversations With God Changed My Life (My Testimony) by Pastor Paul Walker	The Testimony
Part 1: I am born. I come from a good family. My parents were and are wonderfully godly people. I deeply love and respect them even if I don't always agree with them. I am the youngest of five brothers and have a younger sister. Everyone in my family professes to be a born again believer and is religious to some extent. I received Jesus as my savior when I was about eight years old. I'd heard the salvation message all through my childhood but it was my brother David who finally explained it to me in a way that my eight year old mind could understand. I asked God to forgive me of my sin and asked Jesus into my heart while sitting in the back seat of the 'green pickle', our family's worn out 61' Chevy station wagon. It wasn't long before I had doubts about my salvation. The pastor at the first Baptist church that we attended preached about salvation but little else every Sunday. I thought, 'if he keeps preaching about it maybe I got it wrong.' I must have gotten 'saved' a dozen times over the next few years, just to be sure. That same pastor made a big mistake one Sunday when he said, "Don't ever go to that charismatic church up the road. They teach speaking in tongues and other false things." Well…. my mom is a very bright, independent and strong willed woman and the pastor's admonition only made her curious. The next Sunday found our family in the very back pew of an exuberant, chaotic, crowded and welcoming full gospel church. The pastor was a retired Mennonite farmer who had been kicked out of the Mennonite church for 'false doctrine'. Pastor Roy was one of the kindest, humblest and gracious men I have ever met. One on one he was shy and quiet; behind the pulpit he spoke with power and authority. Our hearts were opened to new teaching that we had never heard before; God's consuming love, the power of the Holy Spirit and our purpose here on earth, not just the reward of heaven later. I attended a private Christian high school and later my parents convinced me to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Outwardly, I was the perfect son; inwardly I was fighting a battle with my gay 'demons'. I knew from the age of eight or nine that I was different from my brothers and in my mind from everyone I knew. I knew that I had no attraction to girls but the cute Baptist boys with their crew cuts and starched Sunday shirts drew my curiosity. (Baptists continue to churn out a bumper crop of gay boys year after year, hooray for the Baptists!!) But I also knew, even at an early age, that my struggle was one I could share with no one. My parents were ultra conservative. My family was very much sheltered from the outside world. I was subtly taught that everyone and everything outside the church and home was dangerous and to be feared. The fundamentalist church taught me; 'Jesus loves you' but also 'God is mad at you so you'd better watch your step.' And even as divorce was becoming more common in the church it became acceptable and 'Christian' to bash and judge gay people. I was terribly conflicted. I knew of no other 'different' boys in high school. I knew vaguely of a few effeminate gay men at ORU. I learned to be friendly and outgoing on the outside but privately became introverted and self sufficient. I believed I was still a Christian but only as long as I forcefully suppressed any same sex desires. After college I moved to Washington, D.C. to work first as an apartment manager and later in real estate sales. The city was everything my parents were afraid of a more; I loved it! At the ripe old age of 25 I summoned the courage to dash into a gay bookstore in DuPont Circle and grab a Washington Blade. In the back of the gay weekly I discovered ads for (hold your breath) gay churches! The following Sunday afternoon I bravely (?) entered the nearby Episcopal Church where an MCC church held its service. I made a point to go only after the service had started and sat far in the back by myself so as not to draw unwanted attention to myself. Sadly, an aging queen could not resist the urge to come and sit right beside me during the service. He even insisted that we share a hymnal so he could have an excuse to touch my hand. I was sad and disappointed to be the focus of his lecherous gaze. Halfway through painfully boring, liturgical service I bolted. If this was what a gay church was like, no thanks. I didn't do anything else 'gay' for three years. Part 2: Coming Out The next few years were painful and lonely. My real estate career was going well. I built my first home and had a nice car. But I felt like a bystander in my own life; I was going through the motions of living but not really enjoying it, tasting it. I was careful to maintain my daily quiet time but suspected that if I gave in to my homosexual feelings that God would disown me. Toward the end of my twenties I realized that my feelings were no longer a phase that I would outgrow. I had been dating a female friend for several months but there was no chemistry. One day the truth hit me like a brick; I was being dishonest and unfair to her, but I was also being dishonest and unfair to myself. I broke off the relationship, rented out my house in the suburbs and moved into the city. I 'came out' to myself and started to do all the things that young gay guys are supposed to do; clothes, bars, clubs, messing around etc. It wasn't long before one of my new friends said, "Paul you're just a B O T H, Big Old Trash Heap!" I took it as a compliment. My parents would have been shocked to know just half of what I was doing. I felt liberated; I was finally enjoying my life. Like so many others I reasoned, 'if I'm going to hell for being gay I might as well make it worth it'. By the grace of God I connected with a genuine group of Christian gay folk at Metropolitan Community Church in Washington, D.C. That MCC taught that God loves all his children, gay and straight. I remember reading, 'Jesus loves me, He knows I'm gay'. I made two decisions early on; 1) I would not abandon my relationship with God altogether, but I wouldn't let religion interfere with my fun and 2) If my family asked, I would tell them without apology that I was 100% queer. After wasting my 20's being 'good' I invested my 30's in being 'bad'. I hit the clubs in D.C., Baltimore, New York and Chicago. I did what pleased me without apology. I was really living…or so I thought. All the while God kept speaking to me saying, "Paul, I want you back". This really annoyed me. In my heart I hoped that I could be saved and gay. I knew that I was born homosexual but at the same time the word taught me that God would not create someone for the purpose of hating him. I believed a compromised doctrine that said gays could be Christians but that gay Christians could never be good, holy, or useful. Gay Christians could make it into heaven, but just barely. I believed in Jesus as my savior but I did not understand or believe his promises to me. I was afraid that if really tried to live for God he would make me do things I didn't want to do. I was afraid he wanted me to suffer like I had in my twenties. One morning I was having my daily quiet time when God said it again; God: "Paul, I want you back." Me: "(really annoyed) what do you mean, 'I want you back'"? God: "I want you to live for me." Me: "But I'm gay!" God: "Really! Wow! That's a surprise. Paul, give me some credit. I knew you from your mother's womb. I knew who you would be." Me: "But you hate gay people!" God: "Says who?" Me: "Says everybody." God: "Everybody?" Me: "Well, most preachers and most Christians." God: "Since when do you believe everything you hear?" Me: "well……" God: "Well what?" Me: "Well, I don't want to be a miserable, self righteous, boring Christian." God: "I don't want you to be a miserable, self righteous, boring Christian either." Me: "You're going to make me do things that I don't want to do." God: "I never violate men's free will" Me: "What about the gay thing?" God: "Living for me is not about being gay or straight. It is the attitude of the heart. If you submit, I will break off of you the things that need to be broken off and add to you things that need to be added. My intention is never to harm but rather to help. If I didn't love you I wouldn't have sent my son to bring you back to me. If I didn't love you I wouldn't keep drawing you back to me. Right?" Me: "I guess that makes sense." Even after I moved to Atlanta in 1998 I struggled between trying to please God sometimes and pleasing myself most of the time. I knew I could trust myself; I was nice to me. I was less certain about God. He seemed obtuse sometimes. My relationship with Him could be best described as; in and out, back and forth, never staying, never holding on too close. Part 3: Coming Home In September of 2000 I started my own home building business and decided to make a fresh start in other areas of my life as well. I realized that all promises that satan had made to me were lies and that some of the things I had convinced myself of were lies as well. "OK God, I'll give this 'pressing in' a try," I prayed. I enhanced my morning quiet time by studying the word, not just reading it. I also began a daily worship and prayer time. I made it a point to confess my sins honestly and admit that God was right. Then God began to speak to me as he never had before; 'Steadfast and faithful.' 'Even the righteous man may stumble but he repents and keeps going.' 'By wisdom a house is built.' 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.' 'My kingdom is righteousness, joy and peace.' But before God began to add anything to me he began to break off the bad things; no more tricking, no more porn, no more swearing. Soon afterwards God began to add to my life; joy, peace, revelation knowledge and then on December 31st 2000 a new church family. The past seven years have been a struggle to learn, obey, give and serve. Father God has rewarded my efforts to be steadfast and faithful with; a wonderful godly spouse, faithful caring friends, financial provision, purpose and a large happy extended family at New Covenant Church. I still struggle to obey God's voice. I struggle to see myself as a pastor and not just a homebuilder that helps out at church. I still struggle to understand and believe all of God's promises to me. But as I continue to 'press in' to my Heavenly Father I experience more deeply the unsearchable riches of his mercy and love. Father God reminds me that a tree that struggles to reach and grow is a tree that is alive and flourishing. So it is with you and me.
. Announcements  Be sure to check out the 5-15 minute daily broadcast Growing in Revelation Knowledge from New Covenant Church of Atlanta Marietta Home Group Moved Effective June 3rd, the Marietta home group meets at Pastor Joan and Rose's home, 1575 Longwood Drive, Marietta, GA 30008 Friday Night Intercessory Prayer Is Cancelled at the church, please everyone pray at home on Friday nights until further notice. Pride 2008 - If you are interested in volunteering to work in planning and/or at the event this year, please contact Apostle Pastor Angela at angelabb70@comcast.net (we can no longer use her other e-mail address) or call the New Covenant office at (404) 929-1400. The youth will be making a float this year for the parade. Also, if you are not able to give of your time, you can donate drinks (Gatorade, water, soda), snacks, etc. and start bringing things to the church so we can be ready for PRIDE. Baptisms & Youth Swim Party - June 14th at 2PM we will have a baptism (all who want to be baptized, please bring a change of clothes and a towel and let PR know) at Deacon Jim’s and then the Youth will have a swim party beginning at 5PM. Athens Corporate Worship - June 29th 6 pm. A caravan of people from NCCA will be traveling to Athens to hold a corporate worship service with the Athens group. Mark your calendar and watch here for more details! Holy Spirit Hour: Beginning Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 6 PM (until 7 PM), we will begin “Holy Spirit Hour.” This is subject to change throughout the summer based upon the “birthing of other ministries that are on the docket.” In this time, we are going to begin “activating by faith” the miraculous power of God. We will have a time of worship, the Prophetic, “dream and vision interpretation” (more on that below), dance, laying on of hands, anointing the sick, agreement prayers for miracles that are needed, etc. We will begin “cataloguing” requests and miraculous answers to prayers. Though we have seen many prayers answered, we are under one of the most OPEN heavens we’ve ever been under before, and now it is time to make our requests known, and testify to the results we see. We believe that God has been speaking to many of us about releasing the “Season of the Miraculous,” and especially the releasing of the sound of His Voice. Over the past several weeks, God has been speaking in His awesome “dream voice” to many in our congregation. At first, many were thinking, “I had too much pizza for supper and it affected my dreams.” Now, we’re beginning to see that God is “breaking through” to us in night visions and speaking to us in our sleep, showing us plans and strategies and clarifying steps for us to take. It’s time to begin “Dreaming with God.” I encourage you, start a dream journal, keep it beside your bed, and ask God to begin to speak to you, and bring those journals to church on Sunday nights beginning June 1st, and we will as a congregation begin sharing and journaling what God is showing us in dreams and open visions. If you need a miracle, these services will be geared toward faith being applied for your situations. Ministry of Helps We need your help on a one-time or regular basis in the area of cleaning the church. Let us know if you are willing to participate at least once see Deacon Chuck Markins or Sara & Shelley. The Don't-Have-a-Yard-Sale Sale New Covenant Church of Atlanta now has an open account with Treasure Mart, 3641 Pierce Drive (off Peachtree Industrial near Chamblee-Tucker), Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 458-1200. Their hours for accepting consignments are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All you have to do is call and make an appointment to drop off your items for the church. They will price them and sell them for you (and they do get much more than you could get in a yard sale for the items). Be sure and tell them it's for New Covenant Church of Atlanta. It's a HUGE warehouse and you might get caught up for hours shopping there and finding the bargains. The items are priced, then if unsold, the price reduces 10% per month until sold. Items valued at $5.00 or less will only be held for 30 days and then reduced 50% (space is limited). Each month they will cut a check for the church and mail it. It's as simple as that, get rid of your junk, free up your time and enrich the Kingdom of God at the same time. If you can't get it there yourself, bring it to church with you on Sunday and Deacon Tonna will take care of it for you if it's not heavy furniture. Here's what they don't take: clothing, exercise equipment, electronics, rugs, mattresses/box springs, drapes, bedding, records, sofas, light fixtures. It's easy if you think decorative! Make sure your items are clean and in good condition.

The Columns
Pastors’ Corner & More
From Pastors Joan, Pastor Angela, Jacob Burgess and Deacon Ron Floda
	Confession of Faith By Pastor Joan Castle
Jesus is made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Therefore I confess I have the wisdom of God, and I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I am filled with the knowledge of the Lord's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. My old nature is taken away, behold all things have become new! I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him that created me. I received the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of my understanding are being enlightened. I am not conformed to this world but am transformed by the renewing of my mind. My mind is renewed by the Word of God. I am fruitful in every good work and I am increasing in the knowledge of God. I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power. I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.
Darkness By Pastor Angela Brown
All of us have experienced a power outage at some point in our lives. The most memorable ones are those that occur after the sun goes down. It brings complete darkness from the inside and out. We have to stumble to find the flashlight and candles to bring a flicker of light into our homes and lives again. The peculiar thing about fumbling around is that you would think we would know our house well enough to navigate it in the dark. Some, I am sure, can get around better than others, but we all eventually get where we are going with a few bumps into the furniture. It is the same when we walk in faith with God. We may not know our house well enough to navigate through it, but God does. He can get us to the candles and flashlights and let the light shine once again, if we just let him be our guide. Psalm 18:27-28 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

	My Psalm By Pastor Paul Walker
I am dust and tossed about Battered by storm and troubles. I am weak and do not understand, The answers to the trials that assault me. But I will hold fast to my God, He is a shelter, a rock, a cleft for me. All wisdom and understanding he owns, All power and authority are on his tongue. If my hope were in myself, I would have none. My hope and future is in God, He is my Father, I belong to him. As a good father protects and provides, So my Father will do unto me. As a small child clutches his father's hand, So I will cling to the God of my help. No weapon against me shall prosper, He has promised me so. I will diligently follow Him, He will keep me from all harm. No good thing will he withhold from me, Because I love and trust Him. God's promises are faithful and sure, He is true to his word. I will continually bless and praise Him, He amazes me with His patience and Love. I am eternally grateful to Father God, He is worthy of my praise and all.
		Lighting the Torch -- Preparing for the Feast by Jacob Burgess, Youth
The Olympics is soon upon us and we have been watching the torch go from one place to the next. The torch is a common emblem of both enlightenment and hope. A torch held up symbolizes life, truth and the regenerative power of flame. God has called the youth to stand in the gap for their nation. When I was asking God what I need to write about the image of a torch poped in my head. In the midevil times a torch was mounted up on the wall to light an area of the castle. God wants you, the youth to start to bridge the gap for a generation who see no hope. Letting God mount us up in places and be a light for the nations. Lets get ready for the Feast and be apart of what God is doing!
In the Beginning by Ron Floda, Prophetic Team
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth by speaking for a word of faith. He said "Light, BE!" (start existing) and it became so. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Heb 11:3, KJV) And we are supposed to be made in the likeness of our God! If we loosely define Prophecy as speaking a word of faith, led by Holy Spirit - whether foretelling (revealing the future) or forth-telling (not futuristic, just declaring what God believes / desires) - then we can see that we ALL can prophesy. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul said (NIV): 1b and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. 13 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 39a Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy So, when you greet a brother or sister and you say, in faith and in agreement with Holy Spirit, "Pease be with you", you are exercising the creative force of God to bring his Kingdom to earth. "The tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21a), use it wisely!
Events
June 14 - Youth Gathering - Pool Party Contact Jacob for more details - FREE FOOD - Be modest please - Starts at 5PM July - Pride Festival is July 4th-6th on the Atlanta Civic Center Property. July- New Covenant Cinema Night August - Pool Party September - Putt-Putt at Malibu Grand Prix in Gwinnett September - Gentlemen's Brunch Fellowship With a Key Note Speaker and Praise and Worship. -If you identify as male you will not want to miss this special event. October - New Covenant Cinema Night "October" - Halloween Party on Nov. 1st. November - Thanksgiving Potluck - Dinner and a Movie December - December - New Years Eve. Party - Back by Request TBA: Family Reunion (Picnic in the park) - All Day Event
Fire Institute June 8-14 Catch up on your reading of 90-Day Bible (up to Psalm 69) and Chapters 1-6 of The Eternal Church by Bishop Bill Hammond Come ready to discuss these.