New Highland Baptist Church Podcast

Part 7 of “The Rivah”A Series on Rivers in the Bibleby Rev. Dr. Robert Lee“Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you’” (Joshua 3:5, NIV).Definition: To consecrate is “to be holy, to be dedicated, to be set apart, to be pure.”Why should we be holy?1. Because it is a COMMAND -- “. . . so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15).2. Because of the PERSON of God -- “Be holy because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).3. Because we are DIFFERENT -- “. . . live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17b).4. Because of the COST -- “. . . you were redeemed from the empty way of life . . . [by] the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).How are we to be Holy?1. Prepare your minds -- (1 Peter 1:13).2. Guard your heart -- (Proverbs 4:23).

Part 5 of "The Rivah" A Series on Rivers in the Bible“Then [David] took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:40, NIV).Three main characters in this narrative:1.The Adversary – Goliath, who HATES God and everything that God represents.2.The Advocate – David, who STANDS AGAINST the one who defies God.•God’s faithfulness yesterday helps us face our tomorrows (v. 37)•Christians don’t go with the flow . . . we go against the current (v. 38-40)•We must recognize that all of the Christian life is spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 4:7-12)•Never underestimate the power of God in our weakness (1 Sam. 17:41-42 Cor. 12:9-10)3.The Almighty -- God. Our chief end is to GLORIFY God. When God’s reputation is at stake, we must stand up where we are.•1 Corinthians 10:31•Malachi 3:16•Revelation 5:11-14

Part 4 of “The Rivah” A Series on RiversWhen we feel like giving up Psalm 46 offers spiritual help and hope! “There is a River whose streams make glad the city of God” (Ps. 46:4). 1. GOD is all we need – vv. 1-3.2. When everything falls apart, when life is more than we can handle, we can DEPEND on God – vv. 4-7.3.Even though we can’t see God, he is WITH US – v. 7.4.God WINS every time! – vv. 8-11.“All the things that matter you can’t see. They are invisible.” -- Fred Rogers“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen in eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).

Part 3 of “The Rivah” A Series on Rivers in the BibleIn today’s message, the headwaters of the Jordan River lead us to the Sea of Galilee where Jesus called his first disciples and conducted much of his ministry. We will see how ordinary people are invited to join God in his activity.1. God sees incredible POTENTIAL in you -- (Matthew 4:18, 21).2. God will PREPARE and EQUIP you for your assignment -- (Matthew 4:19).3. God desires disciples with:•a WILLING spirit•CLEAN hands•a PURE heart – (see Psalm 51:12 and James 4:8).

Part 2 of “The Rivah”A Series on Rivers in the BibleIn today’s Old Testament narrative, set on the banks of the Nile River, the birth story of Moses helps us to receive the peace of God and to live in the purposes of God. We will view the story in the context of two realities:Reality #1:We live in a world where FEAR is the known factor.Reality #2:We must constantly remember the GOD Factor.Take Action: We can fear God or EVERYTHING else.Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).

Part 1 of “The Rivah” A Series on Rivers in the BibleWe are launching into a new series on Rivers in the Bible! Each Sunday through Labor Day weekend we will study either a literal geographical river found in scripture or the figurative use of rivers that teach spiritual truth. Today’s Gospel passage is situated along the banks of the Jordan River where Jesus willingly submitted to baptism by John the Baptist. We will look at three important truths as revealed in Jesus’ baptism and we will make one personal application for this week.Three truths revealed in our baptism into the family of God:1. Baptism says that we have made a DECISION.2. Baptism is the BEGINNING of something new.3. Baptism says that Christ is the CENTER of my life.Personal Application: My goal is to please God . . . PERIOD.“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17, NIV).

“Fireworks”Luke 8:16-18So often it is the light that shines in the midst of the darkness that produces “WHOA!”A contrast:* We have a lamp that gets lit, but then is HIDDEN UNDER something.* We are to put a lamp on a STAND so that others can see the LIGHT. Jesus ALSO links the concepts of “HEARING and UNDERSTANDING” with the concept of “LIGHT.”This little light of mine, I’m GONNA let it shine = INTENTIONAL CHOICE.Hide it under a bushel, “NO!” = what good does it do the KINGDOM if you hide the light of Christ?Don’t let Satan (blow) it out = Satan wants to diminish your WITNESS and douse your FLAME.Shine all over (fill in the blank) = proudly display the Light of Christ throughout your WEEK, WHEREVER you go.Let it shine till Jesus comes = shine the Light of Christ/PROCLAIM the Good News until your END or THE END.

ADVERSITY ACROSTIC:ACCEPT the events of your life as part of how God equips you.DECIDE to follow Jesus’ ways of responding to trials.VEER to neither the right nor left from the path of obedience.EXPECT the Holy Spirit to help you grow through your difficulties.REMEMBER how the Lord has helped you in the past.SET your face like flint (Isa. 50:7) to endure the trial without wavering.INVEST additional time in your relationship with God.TRUST the Lord, especially when you do not understand.YEARN to be made ready for the return of our Savior.

Our NHYM youth had just returned from a mission trip to Myrtle Beach, SC and our KIC children had returned from CentriKid at Eagle Eyrie. Several youth and children spoke about their experiences during the week.

Basic Thoughts:1. What if there really is a heaven and hell?2. What if God really expects the Church to carry out the Great Commission?3. What if there really are those with no access to the Gospel?4. What if God really expects each of us to take action?5. What if you can make a difference in the eternity of others?

To Start Looking:1. Pray2. Be Open and Willing to Respond3. Act - Be Still and Listen

Several of our high school graduates shared their testimonies with us during our Youth/Graduate Recognition Sunday.

The Lord's Supper reminds us of:1) The FRAILTY of Life2) The Need to be THANKFUL: a) for the undeserved access to the table due to the sacrifice of our savior b) for the comfort and peace of the meal c) for the hope or hopefulness that comes as a result of the meal d) for the fellowship the meal embodies3) The Need to Look Expectantly to the FUTURE - We will share this meal together with Christ someday.

Part 4 of Series: Just Walk Across the Room Key PassageLet your light shine before others in such a way that they may see your good works and then glorify your Father who is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (NIV)Living the Grander Vision means that your …1. Priority is PEOPLE.2. Focus is POTENTIAL.Simple Steps We Can All TakeAbandon your lesser visions in favor of living life the way God intended … with one eye on him, one eye on the people he loves, and a heart that beats fast for kingdom-building activity. Live in light of the reality that the only thing you can take to heaven are the people whose lives you touch!Throw your one and only life — all of your energies, your resources, your passion — into making a difference with people, and you will one day say,“Now that was a life well-lived!”

Part 3 of Series: Just Walk Across the RoomNew Highland Baptist ChurchKey Passage: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”—John 5:24 (MSG)Ready to communicate like a walk-across-the-room person?Realize that…1. STORIES and the WORDS used to tell them are powerful.2. GOD has a story…learn to tell it well.3. YOU have a story…learn to tell it well.Simple Steps We Can All Take: When you speak words of life, of light, of encouragement, and of grace, you leave the listener with a deep desire to know more of this God you know.

Part 2 of Just Walk Across the Room SeriesNew Highland Baptist ChurchHe looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now …furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man,“Hold out your hand.” He held it out … And it was as good as new!—Mark 3:5 (MSG)Walk-across-the-room people are people who live life in 3D;they constantly look for ways to …1. Developing Friendships.2. Discovering Stories.3. Discerning Next Steps.Simple Steps We Can All TakeLiving in 3D, Christ-followers find that the mission Jesus lived and died for can be fulfilled in their lives too: people who bear the name of Christ can be God’s loving hands and active feet in a worldthat desperately needs to know of God’s care.

Part 1 of Series "Just Walk Across the Room"A Series based on "Just Walk Across the Room" by Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community ChurchTo Give Someone the "single greatest gift of all:1. Be willing to enter the Zone of the Unknown.2. Listen for the Promptings of the Holy Spirit.3. Just Walk!"The single greatest gift Christ-followers can give to the people in their lives is an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and who has a purpose for each of their days."--Bill Hybels

Rev. Keith Robinson, retired pastor and teacher of the United Class here at NHBC, preached at the 11:00 service on 4/28/13 for Senior Adult Sunday. The main question that we need to ask is "What shall I do with Jesus?"

Dr. Bob Fleming, Pastor of Visitation and Senior Adults, preached at the 8:30 service on 4/28. His message was based upon the encounter that Jesus had with Zacchaeus the tax collector.Servants of Christ need to incorporate the following into their lives: 1. Be aware of every opportunity to witness for Christ.2. Be available of every opportunity to witness for Christ.3. Accept anyone who visits our church.4. Abide in Christ 24/7.5. Abandon any selfish desires.

Sermon NotesPart 3 of Series: “Taking Responsibility”New Highland Baptist Church(This series was adapted from the series "Taking Responsibility for Your Life" by Andy Stanley, Pastor of North Point Ministries. We purchased the Sermon Essentials Kit from North Point Resources.)Key Points in Series:• Irresponsibility is “when I don’t take responsibility for the things that I am responsible for.”• Someone else always has to pay the cost of our irresponsibility.• Our irresponsibility eventually catches up with us.Today we will address three groups of people in light of biblical history as recorded in Joshua 7:2-131. Very religious people who MASK irresponsibility with prayer.2. People with misguided COMPASSION who facilitate irresponsibility.3. People who reap what IRRESPONSIBLE people have been sowing.Application: There is a time to pray and there is a time to “stand up and do something” . . . a time to take responsibility.Questions to Answer:1. Where do you need to stand up and take responsibility?2. Where ar