Volume 5 Issue 26 July 10 2008
The Epistle
By Apostle Randall Morgan
Revival is defined as: An act or instance of reviving The state of being revived Renewed attention to or interest in something A new presentation...or publication of something old A period of renewed religious interest Restoration of force, validity, or effect Culture is defined as: Characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization the set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic. So, revival culture is our shared everyday life and values that are geared toward a constant renewed interest in the Glory of God and His demonstrations (miracles, signs, and wonders) among us.... So often in the church, there is the desire to have a few days of "jam-up" services, and call it revival. Revival isn't about a series of meetings, revival is about a lifestyle that is geared toward the Word of God, prayer, worship, AND signs and wonders following believers. This should be the natural culture of the church and every member of it. Recently, someone came to me and said, "after almost 30 years of insulin dependence for Type 1 diabetes, I am no longer on insulin, and the doctor told me that, though he didn't understand it, I was no longer a Type 1 diabetic!" Someone else came to me and said, "Pastor, we were around the altar last Sunday, and I saw what looked like a cloud over the heads of the people." Someone else said, "I saw dancing lights." Over and over again, we are encountering manifestations of the Presence of God. The Word of God makes it clear that miracles are given and demonstrated in order to reveal God's Glory (John 2:11). We are diligently seeking to "experiement the Word of God," to make church into a revival culture laboratory - to do what the Word of God says, and get the same results that were demonstrated in the Word. This is at the heart of what we mean when we say, "revival culture." This means that the Kingdom of God is among us. We seek to be a ministry that displays the Glory of God in the earth. We desire to do so by the use of Glory Activating actions and instruments such as "Confessing and speaking the Word of God," "laying on of hands and impartation," "praise and worship," "activation of prayer language," "activation of the Gifts of the Spirit," "the usage of the Name of Jesus," "the application of the Blood of Jesus," etc. We seek to establish "Revival Culture" in the GLBT&S communities--a transformation that is brought about only through the awesome Presence of God... It's time to see revival in your home, in your work, in your church... "His Kingdom is Here!!!" *************************************************************************************************************

Atlanta Pride 2008 by Pastor Angela Brown	The Article
I would first like to thank everyone that contributed to the Pride outreach 2008. There was plenty of water, Gatorade, and healthy snacks donated to assist the volunteers in staying hydrated and energized over the three days. Next, and most notably, the volunteers. There were times when we were overrun with pride goers, and praise God, we always had enough volunteers to attend to their needs and questions. I am especially proud of the New Covenant “Youts.” The young generation of our church showed up and showed out at pride. Their energy at the booth kicked off on Friday and kept on going on Saturday afternoon what a wonder to watch! The float was fabulous and their energy during the parade was fantastic. The volunteers, I can not say thank you enough. It was truly a pleasure to work side-by-side with you this year. In the four years I have worked pride, I do not believe there was as much activity as there was this past weekend; and I know it is because the Spirit of God rested on the corner we occupied! Jen Price stood in the rain and caught this image as the New Covenant Church of Atlanta Pride Float passed by: Some comments from the younger set: This year at Pride we as the church.... Rolanda - Really covered pride! Created a buzz for Saved And Gay! Rocko - Were able to shine a light into the gay community. I feel that we reached thousands of youth for the reconciliation of homosexuality and Christianity. Cliff - Broke through walls in the community showing a way to see God's glory. Scott - Were a witness and a light to the lost and broken community. Showed those who did not know that there is a place where you can come and be who you are in one fell swoop. Showed others that you can be GLBT&S and God still loves you no matter what the world may say. Bridged the Gap! Jon - Made a really cool float! We marched... Our booth reached out to many people.   *************************************************************************************************************
The Testimony
God’s Restoring Power Worked in My Life! (My Testimony) by Janackeh Blackwell
I was born on September 20, 1981 in Palo Alto, California at Stanford University Hospital, two months premature. This has taken a significant theme in my spiritual life (birthing things prematurely) but I am working on hearing God's timing better. I was born weighing a little over 2 lbs to a drug addicted prostitute. When I was a baby, she tried to take care of me, but always turned back to drugs. One day, she left me alone in a hotel room and soon after, my grandmother asked my mom, Edna Blackwell, if she would adopt me. Edna had already adopted one daughter, my older sister Laurie, because she could not have children herself. She had taken care of me for my grandmother before and she loved me, so she said, "Yes." I grew up in a very loving Christian home. We went to church every Sunday and everyone in my family was involved in at least one church ministry. I sang in church as a small child, always very shy and reluctant, always worried about how other people saw me and if I sang good enough. I grew up not only involved in church, but also went to Christian schools until high school. I knew the Bible inside and out textually, but not personally. I knew of the Holy Spirit--I had heard people talking about the Holy Ghost my entire childhood, but I didn't know who He was. In high school, in 11th grade, my parents started having major problems and separated because of my dad's infidelity. This devastated me--my dad was my life. I felt like I lost a parent. Also during this year, I met Devon Saucier and we became fast friends. We had some classes together and had a lot in common. The summer after we graduated, we came inseparable best friends-we even took a class together at Georgia Perimeter College. Even though I claimed to be a Christian, I never showed her, my best friend, that side of myself for fear of rejection and embarrassment. Little did I know the future God had in store. In 2000, I started discovering my sexuality and making realizations about myself that I could no longer just ignore. I was attracted to women. This almost shocked me, but I had come face to face with this reality and reconciled myself to it. By 2001, I met a woman named Amanda whom I was very attracted to. That same year, I met Leslie Klein. Leslie and I were casual friends and work companions at Starbucks. One day, Devon, Leslie and I went to a concert, and Devon and Leslie officially met. Nine months passed and I lost touch with Amanda. By October 2002, I found out where she was working and decided to go see her. We started talking and hanging out and I was instantly infatuated with her again. In December 2002, we became an official couple. During this time, I knew before we got together that Amanda had been sort of dating a girl named Katie. I didn't know much about Katie except we were around the same age, both liked music, and she was from Statesboro, GA. Yet again, I had no idea what God was going to do in my future. Off and on during this time, I heard about New Covenant Church of Atlanta. I knew that it was a "gay church" and I was completely puzzled as to what that meant. Actually, at first when I heard about New Covenant (from Leslie and Devon), I was a bit angry. Even though I had had my own struggle with reconciling myself with the fact that I was attracted to women, never would I have DARED to even THINK that God would not only accept me that way, but want to be in relationship and fellowship with me; and more importantly, He had a place for me in all of this. So the thought of this "gay church" had my mind reeling with self-righteous and judgmental thoughts of "What parts of the Bible is this so-called church throwing out ???" and "Who do these people think they are playing church?! I grew up in church and I KNOW what the Bible says about gay people!!!" (Hahahhahaa---I can laugh about that now because at the time I had NO CLUE at all!) One day in early 2003, I was working at the (short lived) Krispy Kreme in Buckhead and one Saturday night, a group of men came in. I didn't think much of them-I helped them and went on with my night. Later, while I was bussing tables, I got to the table the men were sitting at and picked up a card that read "New Covenant Church of Atlanta - Where the Spirit of God is Being Poured Out on All People - Pastor Randy Morgan". I stared at the card for a long time, then pulled out my wallet and stuck the card inside. I told myself that if God wanted me to go to that church, if that church was real and if those people knew God, then He would lead me there and show me. A few months later, in June 2003, I got an email from Leslie that simply said, "You have no excuse NOT to come to church tonight". I thought about it, shrugged and said to myself, "Why not?" That night, I walked into New Covenant Church of Atlanta for the very first time. I was very nervous-I hadn't been to any church in over a year and definitely not since coming out-and I showed up late, at the end of the service. I will never forget what happened when I walked in-all of the sudden, it was like love had hit me when I opened the door and I didn't know how to take it. I was overwhelmed by a feeling I couldn't explain, and the fact that I could feel the very manifest presence of God--something I hadn't felt in a long time-absolutely floored me. Shortly after, I became a member of New Covenant and started a real relationship with Jesus Christ, learning about the Holy Spirit and growing in ways I never thought could happen. The next year, in April 2004, Amanda and I broke up. It was one of the most difficult things I had ever experienced and looking back, it was one of the best things to have ever happened to me. How, you may ask, could a break up be one of the best things to have happened to me? Because, it forced me to rely solely on God! I was in so much turmoil and heart wrenching pain that I could barely see straight and I knew that God was the only thing that would heal my heart. Also during this time, I moved in with Leslie, who then became Jesse, and her mom, Lisa. Jesse and I became closer than we had ever been and began discussing our dreams and the things we wanted to accomplish in our lives. We realized that God had been working out a common passion in both of us for music and worship, but not just music but really encouraging others and bringing a message. During this long season of growth and development, Jesse and I became best friends. One night, while we were worshipping in the backyard, I fell to my knees and in my heart said, "Lord, I want to see your face" and all of the sudden I began speaking in tongues for the first time. It was one of the most beautiful moments in my life... and I got to share it with my best friend. Over the next two years, I began a major growth spurt in the Lord. He taught me about surrender and selfless love; he showed me my own ugliness and the things I needed to change about myself, including selfishness and greed. In September 2005, Katie and I became MySpace friends and started talking via MySpace messages. After our break up, Amanda got with Katie (the girl she had dated before me) and because of it, Amanda and I had to reconcile our past in order to move on with our futures as friends. We talked and forgave each other of past wrongs and decided to move on. Katie and Amanda were having a rocky relationship and they later broke up. Meanwhile, Katie and I became good friends, with a lot in common. Fast forward to May 2006 and Katie and I began dating. When we started dating, Katie was not a Christian. She knew God was an important part of my life and made an effort to begin coming to church with me, even if it made her uncomfortable. She began learning about Jesus and soon after gave her heart to the Lord and our relationship has grown ever since. In April 2007, we got engaged and in May 2008 celebrated two years together. Katie definitely keeps me grounded and is the most kind hearted and giving person i've ever met. She is a persistant encouraging force in my life that always pushes me toward my goals, cheers me on when i accomplish things but is also not afraid to tell me if i've missed the mark. One month, Jesse and Devon and I had a huge misunderstanding and stopped talking. For two years. During this time, I felt like a part of my heart had been carved out--my friend from high school and my best friend didn't want anything to do with me and I felt like the dreams that God had placed in my heart had been shattered. Over the next two years I went through a spiritual wilderness. I couldn't hear or feel God at times. It felt like I was going through spiritual atrophy. Every single week I went to church and saw my friends, but couldn't talk to them or even look in their direction most Sundays. Worship was my only escape from that feeling. When I worshipped, I pictured Jesus on the Throne and no one else and nothing else mattered. Also during this time, I was creatively stuck. I stopped trying to write and play music and got into arts and crafts. I poured my free time into anything artistic EXCEPT music. I knew God had a plan in all of this, but I was so lost. In January 2008, after night service one Sunday, I took a deep breath, walked up to Jesse and asked her if we could talk. The whole situation was ridiculous! I knew that there had to be a resolution and if we could just sit down and talk, we could figure it all out. She said "OK" and we went to the front room at church and sat down and talked. The conversation went surprisingly well, but there was still something missing. There was an unspoken chain still holding us apart. Over the next few months, the same patterns continued just like before. We barely said hello to each other and we basically ignored each other's presence. I was frustrated by this time and wanted nothing to do with any of it. I gave up on my dream and the ministry I felt God calling Jesse and I into and I prayed for it to just end--but God said to me "Don't give up on this. I have a future of ministry for Jesse and you". In May of 2008, a few days before SpiritFest, I emailed Jesse and she and I talked online for a few hours. We discussed everything that had happened over the last two years and really dug deep into what happened. Finally, at SpiritFest, we got prayer and both said "Never again". That was it. It was finally broken. I was restored not only to God, but to my friend and to the ministry that was still in my heart. The Lord has shown me through all of this that He had a purpose all along, and will continue to have a purpose, even when situations look absolutely impossible. The Lord has restored my passion for worship and my love of the Word and wanting to know more of the mysteries of God. My vision has been restored as well as my passion for intercession. The Lord also restored a father to me in Pastor Randy, my spiritual dad. My life is an unfinished testimony and I owe it all to God. Throughout everything, He has shown Himself SOOOO FAITHFUL!! The Lord is faithful! He knows what we need and He is faithful to provide. I have never seen the righteous forsaken. Never! My life has been a constant test of faith and my faith just grows and grows through every season. My willingness to forgive is constantly challenged. I'm tested every single day and my faith just stretches and stretches. God is good and I wouldn't change any of it for a moment not knowing Him.

Pastor’s Corner			The Columns
by Pastor’s Angela and Joan and Deacon Ron Floda
Confession of Faith by Pastor Joan Castle		Fill'r Up! by Pastor Angela Brown
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?		Have you ever watched something on TV, witnessed something miraculous, or seen someone perform and it impacted you so much that you retold to someone else what you had seen. In those instances of sharing, you witnessed to someone about the natural. When we set out to share what God has done for us, sometimes we are nervous, scared, maybe so much so that we find that we are unable to speak about what has been done in our very lives. We need to take stock in ourselves and realize that what we have witnessed because and through God is more powerful than act witnessed on the TV, more miraculous than some trick we might have witnessed. God has done mighty works in our lives and as a praise to him, we need to tell somebody. When we witness, we might just save someone's soul and maybe their life. Prov 14:25-27 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. When Sunday service ends, most saints are full throttle open to walk with God and take back what the enemy has stolen. How often does that spirit filled tank empty out before Wednesday even breaks the horizon in our lives. The fire of God will burn only if we continue to stoke it in our spirits through prayer, praise, and the reading of the word. Our cars can’t run on empty and neither can your spirit and just like motorized vehicles our spirits need fuel daily. It’s not about time, you can make time. It is not about can, it’s about will. It is not about then, it’s about now. Every second that you give to God makes the enemy shiver and take a step back from you, because you increase in power and might. When you clear out the junk of the enemy, fill it with the glory of God and reclaim your victory in Jesus. 1 Tim 6:11-12 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses
I am not oppressed by cares, difficulties and trouble for I cast all my cares upon Him, for He cares for me. I am not in a losing battle, “the Lord shall fight for me, and I shall hold my peace”. I am not running from the devil, for I am “resisting the devil, and he is fleeing from me” I am not lacking any good thing, for “no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly”. I am not without peace, “being justified by faith, I have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ”. I am not without power, for “ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you”. I am not weak, for “the Lord will give strength unto His people”. I am not defeated, for “I’m more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me”.
The Timing of God
God created Adam and gave him this command and prophecy: but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die. (Genesis 2:17 NASB) Eve and Adam did eat from the tree of good and evil. But did they die that day? Man was made as a triune being: body, soul and spirit. The spirit died that day - it was separated from God - God no longer walked with man and banished him from the garden. Next, the soul began to deteriorate - the mind, will and the emotions. Confusion, waywardness, stubbornness, anger, hate and bitterness began to rule men's lives. And finally, the body, which was created to rejuvenate, was the last to succumb. Men's lives got shorter and shorter as mortality overcame immortality. But God has made provision to reverse the whole process. We accepting his Son and, being born again of the Spirit (John 3:5), we have fellowship with God (1 John 1:3). Our minds are transformed from our wayward, stinking, broken thought patterns, habits and behaviors into looking and acting like Him by renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We become new creatures: old things pass away and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). And Holy Spirit, who comes in and quicken our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11), he has stamped us with his eternal pledge-a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete (1 Corinthians 1:22, Message) until the day we receive a new body when we're raised for good, alive forever! (1 Corinthians 15:43, Message). So it is with the personal prophecies we receive: they're seldom accomplished immediately; they are often given to us ahead of time so that we might open our minds to the possibility of what God wants to accomplish in us and thru us - giving us the hope and faith to war with the personal word to overcome the obstacles that would prevent their fulfillment. And all personal prophecy is conditional on us, because we have a free will and can chose to ignore and walk way from God's plan. But, if we are willing, God is able to complete that which he has begun in us (Philippians 1:6). If you have been given and assurance from God, hold on to it and fight the good fight of faith. He has a WILL (what he wants to accomplish in us), a WAY (how he is going to do it, tailored for our specific need), and a TIMING (when he is ready to bring it about, after he has accomplished the desired things in our and other's lives).
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 New Covenant's Turning 8!!!! Anniversary Celebration Services July 26-27, 2008 -- Mark your calendars!!!! Apostle Randy will be speaking (along with many of our members who will be presenting their testimonies). Get ready for REVIVAL!!!! Coming Soon: A Brand New Bible Study Group in Sugar Hll!!!!! (Watch here for details) Be sure to check out the 5-15 minute daily broadcast Growing in Revelation Knowledge from New Covenant Church of Atlanta Athens Corporate Worship (Postponed Until Further Notice) Holy Spirit Hour: Sunday, June 1, 2008 6 PM (until 7 PM), we began “Holy Spirit Hour” which is our Sunday evening service. We are “activating by faith” the miraculous power of God. We 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 are “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 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 situation! Be here! 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. Thanks to so many who are already participating in this. Our church is beginning to reap the rewards! "GODSPELL" at Smyrna First United Methodist Church at Atlanta Rd and Concord RD (Spring Rd) In Smyrna Ga Shane Reed and his good friend are cast in this play and tickets go on sale this week. Show dates are July 18th at 7pm July 19th at 7 pm July 20th at 2 pm Tickets are $12.50 adults $10.00 for students 21 and under and seniors. You can see Shane with request or call him at 678-878-0563. *********************************************************************************************************** Announcing The Engagement of Pastor Jasmine Jones & Deacon Tonna Eidson Yes, the E-pistle editor is taking editorial privilege to announce her engagement to Pastor Jasmine of A City On A Hill Ministries in North County, San Diego. We'll by tying the knot (that's a three-fold cord) in mid September. More details coming up soon! . More Upcoming Events To Watch For... Cinema Night (free movie at church) and Family Reunion (all day picnic in the park)
Fire Institute Weekly Reading July 13-19 Read 90-Day Bible (up to Mark 16) and Chapters 13-16 of The Eternal Church by Bishop Bill Hammond July 20-26 Read 90-Day Bible (up to Acts 16) and Eternal Church by Bishop Bill Hammond (as assigned) Come ready to discuss these.