N
E
W
L
I
F
E
T
E
M
P
L
E
Got Life A newsletter about spiritual enrichment for the Body of Christ
A Monthly Newsletter Offenses That Can Be Quickly Dissolved An address from the senior pastor.
The Power of Forgiveness Page 2
What’s Going On The monthly calendar, birthdays and anniversaries, and Daniel’s Fast resource information. Page 3
March ‘10 Church Information NLTC ministry staff, service information and statement of faith. Page 6
Little Chocolate Boy Charles Ademolu’s monthly column Page 5
Page 2
such holy days into our churches. I think we could benefit just the same from learning about them.
Celebrating The Story In a few weeks we will began celebrating one of the most sacred seasons of the Christian faith, the Easter holiday. Many people will spend their time looking for the right outfit, perfect shoes and where to eat that delicious Easter meal. Jewish households will begin the celebration of Passover. As a family they will reflect on the events that lead to the “exodus” out of Egypt. Retailers will enjoy great profits. Eggs and bunnies will be the face of the holiday. But will the true story be the highlight of the holiday? Will Love be the main character as the plot unfolds? It may seem a bit early to start talking about Easter. But in truth, the retailers have already began their eggs and bunny celebration. However, that most evangelicals March
They all are meant to remind Christians of the life of Christ and the sacrifice that he made leading up to the Crucifixion. And most importantly, Lent focuses on a time of “soul searching” and repentance. After a holiday like that, who would not want to celebrate Easter? What can we learn from the celebration of Lent? seem to wait until Good Friday to start celebrating the reality of redemption. Yet it is the best news that the human race has ever had. I’m not suggesting that we begin celebrating Lent and Ash Wednesday, but I would encourage us to consider what these religious sacramental holidays are based upon. What is the story behind this liturgical form of worship. While most of us in the Charismatic, Pentecostal church would frown on bringing
Imagine what it must have meant to spend those last months, weeks and days watching people love you and then hate you, all the while knowing that soon you would make the ultimate sacrifice. Retailers have it right. The Easter story is not limited to a Good Friday and a Sunday, but it begins following His birth. While we may mock certain denominations for their rituals, we can learn from their “tradition” of celebrating the story of Love. -Mel A. Perry. Mel serves as Global Relations Director and Assistant Pastor of NLTC. 1