Volume 5

Issue 24

June 20 2008

The Epistle

The Crown of Thorns: Symbol? Type & Shadow? Prophetic Act or Declaration? You Decide! By Deacon Tonna Eidson

To start with, let's look at some meanings. Symbols: What are Bible symbols and how do we know if it is a true symbol? I guess the best way to talk about this would be 1) realize that many symbols (which are completely different) may be representative of the same thing (i.e. the church is a symbolized as a female, an architectural structure (in which we are living stones), a living body (of which the head is Christ, and a family (in which we are brothers and sisters). Sometimes we discover the meaning of the symbol right in the context of the same passage and sometimes it's more difficult because it's "hidden" within scripture. It's like being a Bible detective-can you find the clues? Types & Shadows: A Biblical type or shadow (as I understand it) is foreshadowing of things to come. It is looking forward to a person, place, event, etc. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body [that casts the shadow] belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:17 (GWT) Moses' Teachings with their yearly cycle of sacrifices are only a shadow of the good things in the future. They aren't an exact likeness of those things. They can never make those who worship perfect. Hebrews 10:1 (GWT) This is talking about the sacrificial laws being a shadow of Jesus' sacrifice. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. Romans 5:14 (NAS) They serve at a place that is a pattern, a shadow, of what is in heaven. Hebrews 8:5 (GWT) Prophetic Act or Declaration: In Joshua 10:12-13, Joshua made a prophetic declaration and it happened. "O sun, stand still at Gibeon, And O moon in the valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. He was on the battlefield, fighting against five Amorite kings and their armies, but he needed more time, more daylight to get the job completed successfully. Agabus came all the way from Judea to make a declaration to Paul: And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" Acts 21:11 The Crown When I began to study what the crown and thorns represented, I was totally surprised by what I found. There are so many meanings that were symbols and types and shadows…and also realized that without even realizing it those who placed the crown of thorns on Jesus' head made a act -- even to the point of declaring Him king. The first thing I think of when I hear the word "crown" is, royalty. When kings were anointed, they received their crown. Jesus is The Anointed One and we all know Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but what else does this mean? Well, a king has authority. Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Jewish history shows that judges wore crowns. Jesus is the Only Judge and Lawgiver. James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy…. As Judge, Jesus also has crowns waiting for us: The victor's crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing. (II Timothy 4:8) Historically, in sporting events and in battles the victors were given crowns as their reward. Paul talked about this in Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor's crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. Jesus is our victor. Revelation 6:2 Then I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow, and a victor's crown had been given to Him…. Jesus was crowned with Glory and Honor, Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands. And we read in Psalm 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. In wedding ceremonies, bridegrooms often wore crowns. Jesus is Groom to His bride. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation: and with the robe of justice he hath covered me, as a bridegroom decked with a crown.... Isaiah 61:10 (DRB) And a little gleaning from Jewish history reveals that crowns were given to martyrs (which Jesus clearly was) and the Gentiles crowned "gods" (idols) with crowns - again without realizing it, they crowned Him as God. In the Jewish feasts men sat around the table wearing "crowns" of flowers on their head to represent beauty. Of Zion it is prophesied, You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Isaiah 62:1. And of Wisdom it is written, "She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty." (Proverbs 4:7). The song says that He is "Beautiful beyond description…to marvelous for words" and Psalm 135:3 says, Praise the LORD because he is good. Make music to praise His name because His name is beautiful. Also, according to Jewish tradition, the angel of death reportedly came to Abraham and told him that "If anyone is righteous, I take crowns and come to him." This may be legend (or it may be truth), but even if it is legend we all know Jesus is the Righteous One. And, in Middle Eastern history we read that a crown represented power and protection. Who has more power or provides more protection than Jesus? The Thorns Let's look at the thorns. Here's an example: Judges 9:14, Then all the trees said to the thornbush, 'You come and be our king!' Luke 20:37 Even Moses demonstrated in the story about the bush (thornbush) that the dead are raised, when he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' and Exodus 3:2 says And the angel of the Lord was seen by him in a flame of fire coming out of a thorn-tree: and he saw that the tree was on fire, but it was not burned up. (Remember, Jesus descended into hell and was not burned.) Thorns were a part of the curse which resulted from the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:18 The ground will grow thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat wild plants.) Jesus redeemed us from the curse! Also thorns represent hardship, and Jesus certainly took on hardship for us. Thorns represent ugliness and Isaiah 52:14 projects His appearance will be so disfigured that he won't look like any other man. His looks will be so disfigured that he will hardly look like a human. (GWT) and also David prophesied I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me. in Psalm 22:17. Jesus took on ugliness for us! The next time you see an ugly thorn, think on these things. Conclusion: So whether we look at the crown of thorns as a symbol, a type & shadow or as a prophetic act/declaration, we can see that there's a lot God is trying to say to us through it. I'm sure there's a lot more than I've discussed here, but this one thing I know. I will never think of the crown of thorns in the same way again!

The Article

Words From the Teacher by Pastor Angela Brown
Restoration God has set about all of us angels of protection. The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us to give us strength when we are weak and guides us. Sometimes he guides with a still small voice and at other times he is loud like a mighty rushing wind. We are never alone and we do not war in solitude, but in multitude to restore what the enemy has stolen from us individually and as a people. Restoration lays at the feet of our Savior. He equips us to not only be restored, but better than we were when the thief came and removed our possessions. Stand fast in God and know that you can take back what was stolen and it will be better than it was before! 1 Pet 5:9-11 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. Salt and Light What does it mean to be saved? Isn't it more than just a prayer to pray? More than just a way to Heaven? What does it mean to be His? To be formed in his likeness? Know that we have a purpose. Vamp: To be salt and light in the world, in the world. To be salt and light in the world. Above are some of the lyrics to the song 'Say So' by Israel and new Breed. The lyrics speak to the purpose of the saints, you and I, in the world. We are called to minister to the world to be living examples of Jesus and the love of God. We are the salt and the light. Do you still have your godly flavor? Can you be spotted in the dark because your light shines bright? Let the world see God through you, all of you. We are where we are for a purpose and even in times when we might not know what that purpose is, we are still His. Don't lose sight of the fact that you represent God every where and at all times. Be blessed and be a blessing! Matt 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up! We fall down But we get up We fall down But we get up We fall down But we get up For a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up When we fall short of the cross, this might happen daily, the key is that we get back up. God has not called us to be perfect, he has called us for a purpose. God grabs you where you are and then he molds you and as you grow in Him, you become more like the saint that he has called you to be. The key in this is that we have to be pliable. It is easier to shape putty into the form we want than it is to shape a 2x4. The same is applicable with God, he is the potter and we are the clay (Isa 64:8). When we are flexible and allow God to move in our lives, our lives flow so much easier than when we try to take over. Let God move in your life and when the hiccups happen, get back up again, don't wallow. Ezek 33:13-16 If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but then he trusts in his righteousness and does evil, none of the righteous things he has done will be remembered; he will die for the evil he has done. And if I say to the wicked man, 'You will surely die,' but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right- if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the sins he has committed will be remembered against him. he has done what is just and right; he will surely live. Don't What? There are times when our flesh gets in the way of our spirit, if it were the other way around, it sure would be easier, wouldn't it. God works in ways that we do not understand and never will. he is able to baffle even the keenest mind, but when we look at what the Lord has done, it is confirmed that He knows what He is doing and that is why He is first in our lives. Things happen and we wonder what in the world is going on or what are they doing or why did they do that. That is the case for me just yesterday. I found out something about someone and I was confounded by why they did what they did, but God said pray for them. I did not ask God why, but did say in my flesh, "Do what?" and then I prayed. It might not always make since to us, but perfect since to God. Luke 6:27-29, 35-36 "But I tell you who Hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic." But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Where Are You Going? Do you ever set out on a drive or a walk and not know where you are going? Generally, we have either been there before or have directions to guide us to our destination. If we did not know where we were going or did not have directions, we might get lost which could result in us either becoming scared or frustrated… This can also happen in our Christian journey. There might times when we know that God is moving us or directing us, but we have not been able to discern where or what. In those times we need to wait upon the Lord and he will send us direction or mapping to guide us to where he wants us to be. God is our GPS (Guide Provider Salvation) and will not lead us off course. Prov 16:9 In his Heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Planting Today is a good day, as is any, to be a child of the most high God. he woke us up this morning and started us on our way. he makes our enemy a footstool under our feet and through him we live in victory. Jesus used the parable of sowing throughout his teachings and the Bible has references of sowing throughout. These references apply to us today and how we go about our daily life. We sow into the lives of those we encounter, form the stranger to our closest friends. Just as we sow we reap. What type of harvest will you be bringing in from this year's crops? Live each day as if it were your only opportunity to make a mark on the Hearts of others and infuse that with the love that God has for us and you will reap a plentiful harvest every time. Gal 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
The Testimony
Sexual Abuse Was Rampant Through the Generations of My Family--but, God Delivered Me! (My Testimony) by Kimberly Parks
I was born in Dublin, GA. My brother was born 15 months later. We lived in a small trailer park. My dad, a Vietnam War veteran, who had a good job (my mom says) as a janitor, until he got drunk and hurt some people in the company vehicle that he wrecked. He was then fired I was told (I found out he packed up and moved away). When my parents met, my dad was a coach for a softball team and my mom was a player. She was trying to get out of her home (she was raised on a farm with big garden, lake and many acres with her two sisters and brother). My pawpaw was a drunk and would beat them and my great uncle raped my mom at age eight, plus my mom's brother raped her when she was twelve (I'm not sure where my Granny was but, I think she was working). When she met my dad it was a way out of a bad situation. Since my paw paw did not let her date, she ran away and they were married--she was 18 he was 25. My mom never knew my Dad drank. He had been sober five years prior, so after the accident we moved to Dallas, GA in a white house right beside a graveyard (the house was made of cinder blocks -really creepy). I remember my dad being drunk a lot and them fighting. We then moved to the "projects" of Dallas until I was six. We did the whole every other weekend thing with our dad who was always drunk (so his parents kept an eye on us most of the time). My mom had a full-time job then and was in college to be a secretary and she was taking care of me and my brother. One night while we were sleeping a man broke in the kitchen window and crept in my mom's bedroom. He put a knife to her throat. She was scared but prepared, from under her pillow she pulled out a gun! He ran off not harming any of us thank GOD! I just remember my Aunt and the police coming over--and being scared. After that we moved again--this time to Jonesboro. We lived in some more "projects" Keystone Apartments. We were not there long when my mother got a better job and met my stepdad. We then moved to a duplex on Magnolia drive -- I will never get that place out of my head that is where my hell really began. My stepdad, Wayne, and my mom married when I was eight and divorced when I was 13. He too, like my dad, was a drinker; and he also smoked pot (and maybe other things -- there was not too much to do around there). Wayne worked all the time and so did my mom. So, I took care of my brother and I, I think they called it "latch key kids" back then. I was told stay indoors with the doors locked and let no one in. I would cook me and my brother hot dogs. It was easy and cheap and kept us from being hungry until mom came home. One day my brother let his new "friends" from next door come over (they were not so much friends to me). I do not know where my brother was but they raped me from age eight or nine until I was almost 14. It happened so many times I couldn't count. I would throw up and burn myself with scalding water and Coast soap because I felt so dirty. They said that they would kill my mom and deny anything happened--or tell everyone I wanted it and that I was a whore! The whole place was crazy. No matter how much my mom cleaned there were roaches everywhere and the people next door fought at all hours of the night. He beat his wife. One day Wayne told my mom he loved her but he could not stay. He divorced her. I asked my mom, "Why?" and she said that he could not deal with me and my brother--that we were bad. I later found out my stepsister who was 14 I think was pregnant. After that the guys next door quit messing with me. My mom found a condom one of them had used on me in the toilet. She then accused me of whoring around and I never really could say anything. We moved a few more times. I guess we kept upgrading. I went to many schools. We then moved to Dallas, GA where I finished high school. That's where my mom bought our first house! In the meantime I was attending a Baptist church that spoke of hell and fornication. I just knew I had a place there! I was already messed up, unclean, unworthy! I had no one to talk to but Him. So, when I was 14, I asked God to come into my heart and He did. I felt so happy I was running around telling everyone. I still never felt right. I was the one that would say, "They are all bad and should be shipped away!" I was a big homophobic! I did Bible studies and all. Then I would have these crushes especially a girl who lived down the street. I would talk to her about her boy troubles and she would cry on my shoulder and I would hold her and be like, "Why can't she be with me? I would take care of her I would not hurt her!" I did not really act on anything until I was 24 or 25. I did like everyone else. I always had a boyfriend. I never really did much--I did not know what to do--I just let them (boyfriends) have what they wanted. I thought that was what men and women did. I threw up afterwards and felt so dirty. I graduated an honor student and went into the Army (to get away--as an escape, LOL!). My dad was proud (he was a marine back in the day)--if I only knew what I do now! I loved basic training and it was great until I was hurt in a desert training accident. Then, about that time, they diagnosed my dad with throat cancer which spread everywhere. He died right before I was discharged; I was about 21. Strangely, he was buried in the cemetery right across from the old white house we had lived. In between that time I had many boyfriends--none of whom I had feelings for. I know why now! I then again let them have what they wanted and then when things got weird it was over. Then I met a sergeant's daughter. Nothing happened but it made me realize who I was just in time (I almost married a guy and for no reason!). I went through my get-drunk-and-dance phase at the local gay bar in Columbus; and after I was medically discharged I never looked back. I tried to be straight, but that did not work for long. I have always struggled with being gay and a Christian. I have been told over and over that it was an abomination; and I would go to hell. I thought that God could not do that--it just didn't seem right. Why would I have these feelings? I did my whole experiment stage at age 25 (with the lady I used to work with at Daycare). She was ten years older (and my best friend for a long time). It happened! I knew for sure! I had maybe two girlfriends, nothing ever serious. I longed to be with someone that would be feminine (but protective); and I also want to be married and have kids! So it was a struggle that I finally ignored for a while. I took care of my mom's mom for four or five years (she had a lot of medical problems); I cooked, cleaned, bathed, and fed her. I had never felt so needed and appreciated. She loved me unconditionally. She taught me most all I know. She was more like my mom. I was having some issues at my job and it was so bad that I would have panic attacks and/or pass out. I met a girl on the Internet and she was my friend. I flew to see her in Virginia two times--BIG MISTAKE that's when I found that women will use and hurt you. I came home and between the stress of my job, this girl (who didn't want to see me or talk to me anymore), and my granny. I went to work and tried to kill myself. I spent a week in a Institute stabilizing and learning to de-stress and take care of myself. I came back and they moved my granny in with my Aunt (which neither she nor I liked). I then met Samantha--my angel and soul-mate! I know God sent her to me. I met her on the Internet, and we became friends. We spent a lot of time together and fell in love--she was the one! I felt safe, loved and cared about; and there were no doubts. My granny kept getting sick and work became worse. Sam always checked up on me. She would take me to lunch and bring me flowers. She even helped me with my granny. I had never met anyone so caring; she had a heart of gold. Granny liked her! She laughed at all her jokes and, if we got dinner, she would buy granny some too--we would go eat and visit. I would give her pedicures and we would watch movies. Granny became sick in October I believe almost 2 yrs ago. Sam was with me every step of the way. She prayed with me and everything (my family got to know her well). My granny passed. It crushed me into a million pieces. I have not been the same since. I was angry with God--my daddy and now my granny! It hurt. I ended up leaving work and going into a day treatment program for depression and anxiety for four months. I learned that I was Bipolar Type II, ADHD, agoraphobic and that I had a panic disorder. I was overly medicated then, but I am now on track. I went back to work and was doing a different job--turns out a week later they fired me! I was training the girl for my own job! That was probably one of the best blessings. So, between that and the physical problems I have been out of work for a year now and am working with the VA trying to fix myself. I met someone from the Saved and Gay table at Pride, about two years ago. We went to a service at New Covenant and have been coming every chance we can. I feel like I have found a place where I can be me, and worship God, and not burn in the flames of hell! I now live with my girlfriend (Sam) of two years at her parents; and we take care of them, because they have many medical issues also. I love them and they love me--it's like the family I have never had them and the church! They're gone away most of the time (when there are no appointments); so Sam does all the outdoor work and calls them to tell them their mail report everyday and I keep the inside clean. I know life is tough sometimes but right now I have everything I need, and I know God will meet all of my needs! He has so far! I still have a lot to learn and am willing to be taught. God is good! I'm so happy to be where I am! Everything is up in the air with my medical stuff but I know God will take care of me! I know I have a purpose--what that is, I'm still learning. Also, the miracle in this that I didn't want to forget was, my dad asked Jesus to come into his heart a few months before he passed away. I had prayed my entire life and never gave up on him (even when things were hard)--God came through! My dad left a diary and in it he said that he had never felt so happy (and only wished he would have done things sooner so that he could have been a better father). He asked for my mom's, my brother's and my forgiveness--and of course we forgave him. I was so happy and amazed at what God could do! My daddy got to go to heaven!! One day I will meet up with him and my granny and all my loved ones. I have always pulled through and I will never give up! God is one our side!!!!

Pastor’s Corner by Pastor’s Angela and Joan and Deacon Ron Floda
Confession of Faith by Pastor Joan Castle		Martini by Pastor Angela Brown
Father, forgive me for all my sins, known and unknown. Let me be aware of the words of my mouth and how they impact those around me. May my words be filled with life today. I choose life filled words today. Words of encouragement and pleasant to the ears. I have peace today and it’s the peace that surpasses all understanding. I have joy today and it’s the joy that makes me want to leap and shout for joy. I have love in my heart today and it’s the love that wants to do something nice for someone else today. I have a new start today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. I live in the present. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who gives me strength. He is my all in all. He is my everything. In Him do I put all my trust.		When I was young and watched James Bond movies on T.V. there was one line that always stuck out for me. Whenever Bond had a martini, he always ordered it “shaken not stirred.” This morning I would like to offer that that is how word grounded saints are for God. Troubles may come, tears may fall, and heart may ache but in the midst of trials and tribulations we are “shaken not stirred.” God has his hand on the pulse of our lives and he will never let us go, nor will he leave us. If you are going through a trial or you know someone who is, pray and in all times give Him the praise. Eph 2:19-21 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
The Spirit Brooding
The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. (Gen 1:2b, AMP) One of the definitions of brooding is to incubate, cover and hatch as a bird that sits on her eggs. It speaks to me of care, expectation and anticipation. In this passage, the earth was either not yet created and was about to be, or had been destroyed and was about to be reconstructed (see Finis Dake's Annotated Reference Bible and the pre-Adamite world). But in either case, Holy Spirit was deeply involved and concerned with the (re)creation . Roll forward to today. Holy Spirit is still here, moving, hovering and brooding over the state of mankind. But today, he has fellow laborers in the earth, bringing forth the Kingdom of God by speaking for his word. We are that people, if we choose to engage and use the power of out tongue to bring forth life in our spheres of influence. What is your image of God? Is he here to meet your needs and give you a good time? Or are you here to meet his need, to engage in the work of the ministry. We all are ministers; we all have callings. So, instead of praying "Help me, Jesus", listen to his wooing, speak forth the word of faith, and pray "use me, Lord".
Upcoming Events
July 4-6 - Gay Pride Outreach - Atlanta Civic Center Date TBA - Cinema Night - Free Movie at church 23 - New Covenant Turns 8 Years Old 26 - 6 PM Anniversary Praise Night 27 - 11 AM Anniversary Celebration Service 27 - 6 PM Anniversary Praise Night Date TBA - Family Reunion (Picnic in the park) - All Day Event August 2 - Reunited (Home Groups All Come together) Date TBA - Pool Party September Date TBA - Putt-Putt at Malibu Grand Prix in Gwinnett Date TBA Gentlemen's Brunch Fellowship October Date TBA - New Covenant Cinema Night - Free Movie at Church 18 - Pastor Appreciation Sunday Halloween Party - see November November 1 - Halloween Party Date TBA - Thanksgiving Potluck - Dinner and a Movie December 31 - New Years Eve Party - Back by Request
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 is Moving Effective June 3rd, the Marietta home group will be meeting 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. Heads of Ministries Meeting at the Church June 25th at 7pm. Food will be provided. Athens Corporate Worship Postponed Until Further Notice 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. FYI: Tuesday May 27th the following home groups will be relocating for one week: The Tucker Home Group will be meeting at Chocolate Coffee in the Publix shopping center on Shallowford just off I-85 Tuesday night instead of meeting at Robert Kesler's home. We will gather out on the outside deck (unless there's inclimate weather, then we will get together inside the coffee shop). The Intown Home Group will be meeting at Jeff Karl's home. Attention: If anyone printed or saved a copy of the article on The Father's Love from last week's E-pistle, call Deacon Tonna at 770-882-8734. 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.
Fire Institute Weekly Reading June 15-21 Catch up on your reading of 90-Day Bible (up to Isaiah 13) and Chapters 5-6 of The Eternal Church by Bishop Bill Hammond Come ready to discuss these.