The Church At Newark Magazine December 2017

Transformation Newark Magazine Has A New Name!

December 2017 DECEMBER 2017

The Christmas STORY Minister Johnathan Sims

Seminary Degrees Ways To Save

LONELINESS Change Your Life!

T h e C h u r c h A t N e w a r k . c o m

The Church At Newark Magazine

We’ve have a new name!4 As we seek to grow our ministry work and reach a broader audience we have prayerfully aligned our magazine with our TV show, “The Church At Newark.”

Yet our mission is still the same; Transforming the lives of our viewers and our readers to be more informed, more productive, healthier, happier, which is the result of being aligned with God’s will for your live, which is the catalyst for ultimately achieving the joy that this world has to offer and in the world to come.

We welcome your thoughts suggestions and comments

The Church At Newark Magazine Seeks to inform Enlighten, and Empower its readers to live more joyful, productive, and Godly lives The Church At Newark Magazine is a publication of MetroChristianMedia.com for more info or to advertise with us call 862-888-8238 1

The Church At Newark Magazine made its debut in September 2012 as Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n N e w a r k Magazine.

Our format of providing only positive news and life changing information is a welcome media source for our readers.

Our target market is a mostly an African-American adult 25-60 year old audience in Essex County who has a deep interest in our local community, improving their lives, and serving God. Our publication reaches about 3,000 homes monthly.

In total there have been well over 3 million pages viewed of our publications!

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Transformation: Ministry - Christmas 8 Transformation: Ministry - Greek & Hebrew 12 Transformation: Ministry - Seminary Degrees 16 Transformation: Financial - 3 Way to Save 18 Get Understanding: Paul’s letters & Journeys 20 Proline: Minister Johnathan Sims 26 Transformation: Life - Change Your Life 28 Sugar Substitute: Erythritol 29 Get Understanding: The KJV Bible Translation 30 Transformation: Relationships - Loneliness 31 The Story of the Candy Cane 34 Transformation: Health - High Blood Presure 36 Get Understanding: Fact About Galatians

MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7 The History behind the Birth of Jesus in the Christmas Story The census that was ordered by Caesar Augustus was the first of its kind. It was done because the Roman government wanted to make sure that everyone in the Empire was paying their taxes correctly. The census was carried out all over Empire (most of Europe): but in Palestine, it was carried out in a Jewish way rather than a Roman way. This meant that families had to register in the their historical tribal town rather than where they lived. This also meant that Joseph and the very pregnant Mary would have had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as this was town that Joseph's family (the royal family of David) originally came from - a journey of about 70 miles (112 kilometres).

Some people think that Bethlehem could also have been Joseph's actual home town and he'd

traveled to Nazareth to collect Mary once they were betrothed/married to take to his home town to initially live.

The journey would have taken about three days and they might well have arrived in the evening, because if they had arrived earlier in the day, it is more likely that they would have found somewhere to stay.

In those times, there weren't really such things as motels or inns, you normally would have stayed with some extended family or relations. A more accurate translation of 'inn' would be 'guest room'. You would normally stay with extended family in their ‘guest room’ but as it was a busy time the guest room was already full.

Most houses would have been shared with the animals that the family kept. Houses had two levels, the upper/mezzanine level where people slept and the ground floor where the animals slept at night and the family lived during the day. The animals were a kind of 'central heating' at night keeping the house warm! The 'guest room' was often an area on the upper/ mezzanine level or even a hut put on the flat roof of the house!

As many people would have traveled to Bethlehem for the census, all the houses, or certainly upper levels were full. Many people think that Jesus was probably born in September or October during Sukkot, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, rather than during December.

During the festival, Jews live outside in temporary shelters (the word 'tabernacle' come from a latin word meaning 'booth' or 'hut').

So Joseph and Mary probably had to sleep with the animals on the low level (where it’s common to have a manger cut into a wall where you put the animal food) or possibly (but unlikely) out in a stable, cave or even a covered market stall that sold animals (these stalls could be rented during tabernacles).

It was the custom in those times to wrap a new born baby very tightly in long bandages called swaddling clothes. The arms and legs of the baby were also wrapped, so they couldn't move.

This was done because they thought it helped the baby to grow strong, straight limbs! And as no proper crib was available, the new baby boy was placed in a manger, or feeding trough.

There's a theory that Jesus might have been born a couple of miles outside of Bethlehem where there was a special shepherds' watch tower called the Migdal Eder. So Jesus might have been born out with the shepherds.

The birth of Jesus probably didn't happen in the year 0 but slightly earlier, in about 5, 6 or 7 BCE/BC. The dates that we use now were set by Monks and religious leaders in the Middle Ages and before. It's also quite likely that Jesus was actually born in the autumn (during Tabernacles), not in the winter! It can get very cold in the winter in Israel and it is thought that the census would have most likely taken place during the spring or autumn, at a when many pilgrims, from all over the country, came to visit Jerusalem (which is about six miles from Bethlehem).

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MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION

The study of Ancient languages can be a divisive topic of conversation. After all, the Scriptures have been translated into most of the ‘vulgar’ languages and new projects are well under way to provide God’s Word in native tongues globally. No one speaks ancient Greek any more (and Hebrew is hard to find outside of some orthodox schools); practically everyone you will meet would use a translation of the Scriptures as their source of doctrine—so why bother with the original language (especially if it is difficult to learn)?

When considered objectively, there are only three reasons NOT to study the ancient languages: 1. I will not be preaching, so I won’t need to diagram the sentences, explain the grammar or cultural context, and I can use a lexicon to define individual vocabulary words as needed.

2. I do not have the time (or ability) to spend becoming fluent in a second (or third) language; it will only confuse my brain more so than it already is!

3. There are plenty of good translations available, so I can evangelize without knowing all the nuances of the original text and still call God’s children to Himself.

The arguments FOR studying the ancient languages are more compelling. Consider Martin Luther’s perspective: “A simple preacher (it is true) has so many clear passages and texts available through translations that he can know and teach Christ, lead a holy life, and preach to others. But when it comes to interpreting Scripture, and working with it on your own, and disputing with those who cite it incorrectly, he is unequal to the task; that cannot be done without languages.

Therefore, although faith and the gospel may indeed be proclaimed by simple preachers without a knowledge of languages, such preaching is flat and tame; people finally become weary and bored with it, and it falls to the ground. But where the preacher is versed in the languages, there is a freshness and vigor in his preaching, Scripture is treated in its entirety, and faith finds itself constantly renewed by a continual variety of words and illustrations.

We will not long preserve the gospel without the languages. The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained; they are the casket in which this jewel is enshrined; they are the vessel in

which this wine is held; they are the larder in which this food is stored; and, as the gospel itself points out, they are the baskets in which are kept these loaves and fishes and fragments.

Hence, it is inevitable that unless the languages remain, the gospel must finally perish.”

[To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany That They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools] Read that last sentence again—Luther ties the preservation of the Gospel itself to the study and understanding of the original language!

On a more pragmatic level, the arguments for studying the original texts are almost as compelling: 1. Biblical exegesis starts with grammar. A proper interpretation of grammar and sentence structure or phrasing will prevent misinterpretation of the text and specific meaning behind the passage.

2. Hermeneutics is dependent on understanding the original verbiage. Closely related to (and dependent upon) exegesis is the understanding of the ‘big idea’ contained within (or expounded by) the passage.

3. The study of linguistics will build discernment and understanding of another culture. Studying the syntax, vocabulary, idiom and language structure of Greek and Hebrew tongues reveals clues about their cultures.

This, in turn, will assist in bringing present-day relevance to ancient cultural ideas.

4. The reason above will also prevent espousal of corrupt doctrine. Bad interpretations have led many astray —either to an impotent gospel or completely heretical tenets. It isn’t just the cult leaders who twist interpretations of Scripture to meet their own meaning—there are many mainstream churches where the preaching is improper (due to poor interpretation skills).

5. The study of the language and its subsequent textual meanings will provide a deeper insight into the mind of God. Who would rather hear a summary of a love letter or poem as opposed to the actual words of the author? While there is a place for summary and commentary, nothing compares to the author’s own words— no commentator or editor can completely capture all the elements present in the original text (try to summarize or describe a poem—you simply will not do it justice!).

Yes, the study of the ancient languages isn’t easy and yes, there are alternatives to spending the time and effort which may or may not meet your needs. But the bottom line is that a greater enrichment is available in the study, presentation and living in accordance with the Scriptures when you understand the original language.

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MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION

As with all higher education, Seminary offers a broad scope of degree programs. Where secular colleges and universities offer Bachelor’s Degree programs, Master’s Degree Programs and Doctorate programs, Seminary has their unique set of studies at different degree levels.

Here is a brief overview of the most common—and what they are useful for (ministry or career-wise): Master of Divinity (MDIV) This is the most common degree program in seminary. Like the Bachelor of Arts degree at a secular college, the MDIV is the initial degree for many seminary students. Additionally, the MDIV is required by most denominations for pastoral ordination. Many students entering the pastorate stop with the MDIV, but many also continue with further studies and earn additional degrees.

Ministry/career options for the MDIV graduate include chaplaincy, various pastoral roles, missions and counseling. Even though this is the least of the seminary degrees, the MDIV can be necessary for these fields. In the church environment, there are many options for the MDIV graduate, including corporate or military chaplain, counseling and teaching just to name a few.

Alternatively, there are secular options where an MDIV can be useful. Teaching, counseling and public arena advocacy (i.e., for family, civil rights, etc.) would benefit from an MDIV degree holder. There is a certain credibility associated with the theological studies that can add impact in the secular or public realm. A seminary graduate can also be a social commentator through writing, public speaking or through social ‘watchdog’ groups.

Master of Arts (MA) The Master of Arts degree typically includes a specific emphasis (Biblical Counseling, Christian Education, Christian Leadership, Cross-Cultural Ministries, Media Arts/Worship and Biblical Exegesis/Linguistics). This is a more focused degree program with a strong emphasis on one primary area within the coursework. This is considered to be a more academic program, although the targeted area does have real-world applications.

Many schools have a thesis (where a formal paper is submitted as part of the degree award) and non-thesis program for this degree.

Ministry options for the MA graduate include more narrowly defined pastoral roles, chaplaincy and counseling positions. Missions work is well within this career field as is education (either at a seminary or other institution).

While similar (and higher level) secular options are available for the MA degree as for the MDIV, the primary field of employment will be within a church or parachurch environment.

Masters of Theology (ThM) This Master’s degree is more focused on the study of Scripture in context (including theology, hermeneutics, apologetics, church history and global studies). It is generally more academic than cultural in that it is a deeper study of history, language and interpretation rather than social concerns. Although some schools offer tracks within this degree field for cross-cultural studies, evangelism and translation, this field of study is for the student who seeks expertise in the form of “book knowledge” in order to apply it to their environment. Some schools require a research paper as part of their application package.

The Masters of Theology programs are aimed at those in active Ministry as opposed to secular careers (although chaplaincy would be a valid field to have a ThM degree).

Doctor of Ministry (DMin) This Doctorate program is for MDiv or MA degree holders to delve into deeper studies of the Ministry and its impact on the culture and congregation. Many schools offer this program as a four-year study and include research projects and real-world engagement as part of the graduation requirements. The DMin program is structured to improve leadership qualities of a pastor while sharpening their discernment and focus within their area of ministry. Variations and specialties are offered at many seminaries (i.e., education, ministry development, leadership and spirituality).

The DMin is almost exclusively for those active in ministry in church and parachurch organizations. The graduate will be considered the expert in most ministry environments, whether on a church or missions board. This is among the most scholarly degrees in seminary, concentrating on preaching and exhortation, leadership and shaping the worldview of others.

Doctor of Ministry in Education (DEdMin) This program adds an educational focus to the DMin track where the practical application would be within the field of Education (non-public).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The highest degree offered by seminaries and Christian schools is the Doctor of Philosophy. Entrance requirements are strict (MDiv, MA, high GPA, academic excellence in undergrad and graduate coursework) and the program is strenuous—it typically includes multiple language studies (particularly Hebrew and Greek) and periodic comprehensive exams.

The successful PhD will write, preach, teach and offer insights and opinions on the God and the world. Theirs is the “expert” opinion sought by the media, church and parachurch organizations and publishers.

There is a path through the degree offerings and one may exit at any level and find valuable, fulfilling and relevant activity that will not only justify the time and expense but work to expand the Kingdom of God. Whether it’s the local church, missions (foreign and domestic), education or chaplaincy, seminary degrees provide the opportunity to open doors with respect and credibility.

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FINANCIAL TRANSFORMATION 3 Ways to Save Money 1. Move bank accounts to take advantage of perks and earn more interest If you’re paying a monthly fee for your checking or savings account, you would benefit from researching some of newest banking offers out there. Not only do some of the best banks offer sign-up bonuses simply for opening an account and setting up direct deposit, but some offer attractive interest rates to new customers as well.

It’s true that interest rates are not what they once were, but it’s still worth a look. Some of the best free checking accounts and best savings accounts can be found online.

Here’s a guide on how to make that switch.

2. Turn off the television.

One big way to save money is to drastically cut down on the amount of television you watch. There are a lot of financial benefits to this: less exposure to spending-inducing ads, a lower electric bill (and perhaps a lower cable bill if you downgrade your subscription), more time to focus on other things in life — such as a side business — and so on.

Want to take things a step further?

Consider cutting the cord to cable TV altogether.

3. Stop collecting, and start selling There was a time when people thought their collections would bring them riches.

Beanie Babies were a big fad at one time, as were Longaberger baskets. Now you can find those items on resale sites like Craigslist and at garage sales for a fraction of their initial cost, leaving many people who sunk thousands of dollars into their “investments” wondering what happened.

If you want to avoid that situation, don’t collect items of questionable value. And if you want to recoup some of the money you’ve already spent on collectible items, you can start selling them now and use those funds for any number of worthy financial goals. Read our “Guide to Selling Unwanted Items” for some simple strategies that can help you profit as much as possible.

GET UNDERSTANDING

Bio Reverend Jonathan Sims, Jr. is a native of Newark, and recently retired on January 1, 2016 from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families where he worked as a Regional Coordinator for the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP). This program was initiated by the NJ Department of Human Services in 1987 to help young people navigate the adolescent years, finish their education, obtain skills leading to employment or continuing education, and graduate healthy and drug-free.

He has an extensive background in forensic mental health, and criminal justice dating back to 1983. From 2005-2013 Reverend Sims worked part-time for Prison Health Services, Inc. as a Mental Health Clinician at the Hudson County Correctional Center for nine years. There, he provided individual and group counseling services to the male incarcerated population regarding substance abuse, spirituality, social / life skills, and conflict resolution. He also incorporated, and placed heavy emphasis on parenting, responsibility, and manhood/ fatherhood in all of his counseling sessions.

Starting in 2006 he developed a passion to tap into the essence of manhood, fatherhood, and parenting with men across the board. He counseled, and taught men the importance of fatherhood, emphasizing that the father has a major role in the safety, and wellbeing of his child / children feeling safe, and secure. Against all odds men learn to make an honest effort to connect with their children in all aspects of their lives. In return fathers feel like champions.

Educationally, Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Counselor Education with a minor in Psychology from South Carolina State University in 1983. He later completed a Master’s Degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in Psychiatric Rehabilitation in 2003 (name currently changed to Rutgers University). Reverend Sims earned in May 2006 a Bachelor of Science in Theology from Eastern Theological Seminary Newark Campus, followed by earning a Master’s Degree in Theology on May 3rd 2013, and currently a Doctorate Candidate (Theology). In 2013 he became a licensed minister, and was ordained as a reverend on October 5th 2014 at PZBC where he’s currently the associate minister. Rev. Sims believes that under the degrees there is the calling, the anointing, and the charge. This formulates the foundation which is titled humble servant leader.

Most currently after retiring from the Dept. of Children and Families Reverend Sims along with a few other clergy friends established a faith based fatherhood initiative which is named the Fatherhood Brotherhood Initiative (FBI).

Its primary focus is to assist men in getting back to their natural leadership role in the lives of their children, families, and communities as priest, provider, protector, and patriarch.

Minister Johnathan Sims

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LIFE TRANSFORMATION

Making big changes in your life isn't about moving across the country, or storming into your office and quitting your job.

Big changes are the result of small tweaks.

Whether your goal is to finish a project, change your friend group, make more time for passion projects, or improve upon a bad habit, here are 7 easy things you can do to change your life in the next 2 months: 1. You said you wanted to explore more of the city.

You've been saying that you want to go to more new places, to see things you haven't seen before--so why don't you do it?

This week, pick a different part of town, a new coffee shop, a museum, a restaurant, and go there. Put it on the calendar. Invite a friend. Make it happen.

2. You said you wanted to finish that big project.

Well, you can't finish a big project until you finish a small project.

When was the last time you started and finished something in a weekend, or even a day?

This week, pick one small thing you can finish and then finish it.

Then, next week, pick a slightly larger project (but not too much larger). Finish that.

Before you know it, you'll be finishing big projects left and right.

3. You said you wanted to go to the gym more.

Ok, so when? When are you going to go?

"I'm going to go, I swear," isn't an answer anymore.

Tomorrow, don't just make that loose promise to yourself that you'll get there. Set a time and block off everything else. Then, before you go to bed, set what time you're going to go to the gym again the next day, and the next day.

It's just a habit. That's all.

4. You said you wanted eat healthier.

"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail."

Is there healthy food in your fridge? Do you already know what you want to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

People eat unhealthfully, and live unhealthy lives, primarily out of a bad habit of failing to prepare. But if you had healthy food around, and if it was more of an option, chances are you'd probably eat better.

That's pretty easy to solve for, isn't it?

5. You said you wanted to stop scrolling through Instagram so often.

Well, is the app on the home screen of your smartphone? That sort of easy access makes it difficult to break a bad habit.

Instead, move it to the last page. Maybe even delete it altogether. If you want to break a bad habit, you have to break your relationship to the activity--not forever, but for the time being.

6. You said you wanted to surround yourself with more positive people.

Ok, so what are you doing back at that dumpy bar with those same five friends you know aren't going anywhere in life?

"You are a reflection of the five people you spend the most time with."

I'm all for having friends with all sorts of different interests and backgrounds and aspirations. But if you have a goal, and if you want to improve something about yourself, and the people you're always with make that process more difficult, then you need to reassess.

So, the next time they invite you out, say "No." Instead, give that other friend of yours a call. Maybe you two have never hung out.

Cool, then dive in. Go grab a coffee.

Change the dynamic and see where things go.

7. You said you wanted to work on yourself.

Let me guess: Netflix before bed?

Look, there is nothing wrong with watching a little TV every now and then. But working on yourself is, well, it's work. And if you don't prioritize things like self-reflection, journaling, meditation, etc., then you're never going to grow into the person you know you're capable of becoming.

Self-development is a practice. You can't think about it like this big mountain you're one day going to wake up having conquered. It doesn't work like that.

Instead, focus on what you can do today that will quiet your mind down and allow you to really sit with yourself.

Before you go to bed, write a page in your journal.

You'll be amazed at what you find out about yourself.

GET UNDERSTANDING

RELATIONSHIP TRANSFORMATION

by Pastor Rick

Our focus in our relationships must be our partner. Unfortunately this is often not the case.

Why is it the some relationships grow and flourish while others seem to stagnate and may actually die?

This is but another point that I may apply my theory that all of our problems are caused by selfishness. With that said, we are relational beings, in the image of God, in fact, desires relationship.

For our relationships to grow we must take the initiative to be proactive in making deposits in the lives of the people we love.

We must take great care to meet each others needs, after all that is why we came together in the first place.

Remember to be mindful that what your partner loves is what you gave them when you first met; love, affection, attention, and companionship; don’t leave them frustrated by withholding the very qualities which drew them to you in the first place, it not right, and its not fair. It will only lead them toward sin and resentment because they now feel alone.

THE STORY OF THE CANDY CANE In the late 1800s, a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He came up with the idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ’s love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane.

First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus.

Next, he added small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross.

There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity.

He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind.

When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd’s staff because Jesus is the good shepherd of man.

If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus’ name.

The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about. That JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON!

HEALTH TRANSFORMATION

DRINKS TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE Everyone is looking for ways to stay healthy and for those with high blood pressure, it's important to keep up and develop a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, moderate exercise program, and at home monitoring.

High blood pressure can be influenced by uncontrollable factors like genetics and age, so taking control of your diet and physical activity are just a few ways you can actively reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Now, if you are already eating right and enjoying a fun, effective workout program, then you're on the right track. but try incorporating these drinks for even better results!

GET UNDERSTANDING