As a congregation we believe that the Bible is the Word of God. We hope these sermons will challenge you to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ and encourage you to apply God's Word to every aspect of your life. May God's grace be with you as you use these resources.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
New David: Thirst for More of God
Your mantra this 2010th year of our Lord should be "More, More, Lord Jesus, More...." When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and were baptized into the water, you received the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, and became a child of God, a member of the body of Christ. But did you really get all that God has for you?
No! God is in you, but have you fully released God into your life and into your world? Often we do not allow the Spirit we have received to be as active in us as He wants to be. To use an analogy, the Spirit is like chocolate syrup poured into a glass of milk-it goes to the bottom of the glass until stirred up. But when it is stirred up, it permeates the milk and transforms it into something new. This year, we can learn how to "stir up" the Spirit-and how to receive more of him (John 7:37-39; Luke 11:13).
The Lord teaches us that first we must thirst for more of God, after we have been saved; we must desire more and more of His Spirit. Then we must believe that Jesus is faithful to His promises and will indeed give us His Holy Spirit. Finally, we must ask God for the Holy Spirit. Finally, we must ask God for the Holy Spirit to released in our lives (to baptize us in the Spirit). We must pray without ceasing, asking, seeking, knocking, believing that "everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Luke 11:10). We can become like the early Church by praying as they did at the first Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14)
What can we expect when we release the Spirit (baptized in the Holy Spirit)? We can expect an immediate experience of deeper union with God, our Loving Father, and with Jesus, our Lord and Friend; a fresh appreciation of the Word; a greater love for others and a desire for Christian fellowship; the fuller presence in our lives of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience and more (Galatians 5:22-23); the reception of spirtual gifts such as praying/praising in tongues, healing, prophecy, service (I Corinthians 12-14).
This gift of a new fullness of the Holy Spirit is, I believe the grace of our age. "Ask and it will be given to you!
Instructing Your Kids in Prayer
Many parents feel uncomfortable when constructing prayer for children or instructing their children about prayer. As parents we want to impart our depth of faith as we help our children discover their spiritual selves. We all have that picture-perfect image of a praying child-closed eyes, folded hands, peaceful expression. But usually times of prayer find our children fidgeting while we shush them, telling them to bow their heads. Is there a formula that defines prayer in a natural, simple manner to our children?
Even the youngest child understands that prayer means "talking to God". As a child share their concerns, parents write down simple phrases to help them recall. By creating specific prayers, parents can address the child's individual needs and concerns. Prayer is "stimulated" by many things-walking in the park/woods (giving thanks), seeing the handicapped/elderly (asking for healing), planning a vacation (requesting protection). Music also creates an awareness of God's nearness, helping children focus on their feelings (Colossians 3:16). In time, children learn that prayer is a special time of thanksgiving with a Friend.
Praying out loud is important-God spoke His Word out loud. There is power in prayer, especially when incorporating God's spoken Word. It is very helpful for children to memorize Bible verses. This gives parents the opportunity to see how the Holy Spirit help their children recall God's truth (John 14:26). A few examples of scriptural-based prayers for the children might include:
Thank you God, for taking away my sins and helping me to live right (1 Peter 2:24)
Help me to know Jesus' love and to feel Your power in me (Ephesian 3:19)
I trust God to always protect me (Psalm 91:11, 14)
Teach me God to be honest about my sins so I can confess them and be forgiven (I John 1:9)
Take 10 Minutes to Pray for the Salvation
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Harvest of 9,900 Persons
Last year, the Lord revealed to us that New David is to harvest 10,000 new members within the next few years. Well, we have harvest 100 new members since receiving the vision, however, we know that all visions must be soaked in constant prayer for complete realization. Therefore, we are calling upon all of NDBCC's membership to pray 10 minutes a day for the salvation and harvest of 9,900 persons.
Committing 10 minutes to pray each day is only .69444 percent of your total day. Yet it sets the mood for your day by placing your mind, your life and your intentions in God's hands for His purpose.
Here a few considerations for conducting your 10-minute prayer session:
Decide on where and when to pray.
Design your own prayer space. Usually your own prayer space equates with your bedroom or another spot at home. You may want a special chair, a candle, your Bible, a journal, soft music or a focal point (a cross, some flowers, a picture)
Chose our prayer posture. Some prefer to stand, kneel, lie face down on the floor or with hands raised in the air. Stay open to all kinds of postures.
Learn the skill of concentrating. Making sure your prayer spot has few distractions. After you are calmed down, you can begin your prayers.
Start with praying for a just a few minutes, if you are new to praying for others.
Give every thing to God in prayer. Don't hold back on what you say to God.
Listen for God's voice. God will respond with thoughts, words, vision, and feelings.
See God around you. Each day challenge yourself to see God in people, events and thoughts.
