Sermon Notes - Preparing for Tomorrow 12.11.11

Preparing for Tomorrow

Pastor A.L. Harris

In order to prepare for tomorrow you must sanctify yourself. To sanctify yourself is to commit to serving God with your whole heart. You must Love God with your whole heart. Also, commit to praying and fellowshipping with God consistently. Learn to live in the presence of the Lord. Many believers have made prayer an afterthought. We are supposed to always pray and fellowship with God. Prayer keeps you connected to God in the Spirit. The key word is consistency.

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Submit yourself totally to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Create a fellowship and prayer time, because on the other side there will be giants in the land.  Jesus was a man of prayer. Study Mark and Luke to learn about the life of Jesus.

Acts 12:1-5 refers to the earnest prayers for Peter while he was in prison. What would happen if the church would pray without ceasing?

Many people struggle to pray. You struggle because you have not developed a prayer life.

1)      Realize the prayer is essential to your spiritual growth and maturity. Know there is a need to grow spiritually and the only way to do this is through prayer.

2)      You must be intentional about praying. You can’t just want to pray everyday because something will always come up. Knowing and making something happen are two different things.

3)      When something is important you will do what you have to do to make it happen. Go and pray!

For more information about New Life Christian Center and our upcoming events go to

www.nlccministry.org

Sermon Notes: 12.4.11 - Prepare For Tomorrow

Sunday 12/4/11

Pastor A.L. Harris

“Prepare for Tomorrow”

Joshua 3:1-5
In the last part of Deuteronomy and the first part of Joshua the nation of Israel is in transition. Moses has died and Joshua has become his successor.
When God gives you a promise, you may have to engage in spiritual warfare to get what belongs to you.
Sanctify means to consecrate yourself and set yourself aside for the exclusive use of God. Sanctification is an ongoing process.
Redemption is free, but sanctification will cost you.
If we are going to sanctify ourselves, we must (1) commit to serving God with your whole heart.
In order to serve you must love the Lord with your whole heart first. Luke 10:27
Whatever you love, you will serve. Luke 12:34
When you are totally committed, you will be obedient to Him and serve Him. A half hearted person is a person who will praise God on Sunday and lives for themselves on Monday. When praising God is what you do, but not who you are. When you are committed to something you do it because it is who you are.
1) Repent – turn away from anything that has kept my heart away from God. Ask yourself what do I need to change?
2) Intentionally make your relationship with God the most important relationship.
Manage your time wisely. Commit to prayer and reading the word daily. Keep your relationship with the Lord fresh and strong.

Wednesday Night Bible Study Notes - Breaking Addictions by the Power of Jesus Christ - 11.30.11

Wednesday Night Bible Study

November 30, 2011

Release From Addiction and Staying Free

We all know that decongestant will help relieve a stuffy nose, but it will not cure a cold. Likewise, you can fight with the symptoms of addiction, but you will not end addiction until you deal with the source.

1. Face the Facts

Romans 3:23

2. Admit your weakness, seek God’s help

Proverbs 16:18

1 Peter 5:6-7

1 John 1:7-9

Wanting + Liking = Satisfaction

In order to really be satisfied we have to be set free.

3. Prayer

1 John 1:8-10

Philippians 4:6-7

4. Reading and Memorizing Scripture

James 1:14

1 Corinthians 10:13

5. Accountability

James 5:13-16

6. Guard Yourself, avoid temptations

Proverbs 4:23

Ephesians 6:12-20

Romans 6:16

Romans 12:1-2

Mark 7:20-23

7. Displacement

Psalms 103:1-12

8. Fortification

Ephesians 6:13-17

Sermon Notes: 11.27.11 "Live Free"

Sunday 11/27/11

Pastor A.L. Harris

Series: Live Free!

John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 8:32
And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

How to Live Free:
1) Submit to the control and authority of the Holy Spirit.
2) Resist what tempts you.
a. Avoid people, places, and things.
3) Change how you think.
Proverbs 23:7, For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Your thinking dictates your actions. Right thinking will produce right actions. The same is true for wrong thinking. Wrong thinking will produce wrong actions.
Changing how you think involves renewing your mind.

Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Romans 12:2, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.


- Read your Bible daily. Memorize scripture. Meditate on the Word both day and night.
- Stay away from TV shows and movies that will cause you to yield to your fleshly desires.
- Spend time with people of like faith. (People that add to your spiritual growth and maturity)

Money Matters 6.15.11

This week’s session served as a review. Pastor mentioned that new material relating to matrimony and finance will be covered next week.

How Do You become Debt Free?

Step 1 Determine where you are.
a) Write down all of your debts.

Step 2 Stop going into debt.
a) Stop spending and borrowing.

b) Cut the credit card up if you can’t control it.

Step 3 Develop a repayment plan.
a) Look over all your debts and draft a repayment plan.
b) Be committed to the repayment plan.

Step 4 Establish accountability.
a) Be accountable to someone that you respect, concerning your commitment to getting out of debt.

Step 5 Reward yourself.
a) Each time you pay off a bill treat yourself to something inexpensive. Pay with cash.

We covered the 4 basic principles that are required to live debt free.

(See Blog entry from 6/10/11)

Four reasons to live debt free:
1. To provide a better quality of life for your family.

2. To be able to help others in their time of need.

3. To sow more into the Kingdom.

4. To leave an inheritance to your children’s children.

A good man will leave a generational seed.

Good credit and a good name is the result of living debt free and

managing your finances properly.

Here are some of the advantages of having a good name and good credit:
1. Lower interest rate on a car loan and credit card

2. Home purchase or rental

3. Career opportunities/Clearance

4. Respect among your colleagues

5. Favor and opportunities for you and your family

6. Ministry opportunities

7. Avoid embarrassment during a credit check

Join us for our Worship Encounters Every Sunday Morning starting at 9:30 AM with prayer.

Also join us for Bible Study every Wednesday Evening at 6:30 PM with Prayer and Worship

For more information about our ministry, check us out online at

www.nlccministry.org

A Father's Presence - A Special Father's Day Sermon from Pastor A.L. Harris

Solomon said that his father taught him.. In order for his father to teach him,
he had to be there.
The presence of a father is vitally important. Your
presence, if you remain in the proper place, will affect generations long after
you are gone.

6 Things God Expects from Every Father:

1) Fear God. Fear God and Keep his commands. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Reverence, Worship, and Honor God with your life

2) Obedience to his word. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Your obedience will open the door to the favor of God for your life. Your obedience is not only about you. It’s about your children and your children’s children.

3) Model Christ before your children. Matthew 5:16
Let your children see the attributes and love of Christ.

4) Train your children. Proverbs 22:6
It is the responsibility of the father to teach the sons and daughters.

5) Provide for your children. 1Timothy 5:8
Providing also means your presence and not only material goods.

6) Protect your children. Matthew 12:29
Be careful of your temper and temperament. You can not administer punishment when angry.

Join us for an Awesome and Impactful Worship Encounter

Every Sunday Morning at New Life Christian Center in Laurel, Maryland

Corporate Prayer at 9:30 AM

Service Begins at 10:30 AM

Wednesday Night Bible Study for adults and teens

Corporate Prayer at 6:30 PM

Classes Start Immediately After

For more information about our ministry and events going on at New Life,

check us out online at

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Archie and Audrey Harris, Pastors

9844 Mallard Drive

Laurel, Maryland

'Money Matters' Bible Study Series

Living debt free requires four basic principles:

1. Discipline
A pattern of behavior that governs one’s life. (Self-control) Galatians 5:22, 1 Corinthians 9:25

2. Budgeting
A budget will help you to plan ahead.
A budget will help you to control your spending.
A budget will give you a picture of what is coming in and what is going out each month.

3. Planning
a) Short term financial plan
b) Long term financial plan

4. Savings Plan.
a) Emergency savings
b) Long Term savings

Join us for Weekly Bible Study at New Life Christian Center in Laurel, Maryland

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We look forward to connecting with you!

www.nlccministry.org

'Money Matters' Bible Study Series

Here are Ten Biblical Steps in Managing Your Finances

1. Recognize that you are a steward and everything belongs to God.
Luke 12:41-44, Psalms 24:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
This means everything. (You and all material possessions)

2. Ask God for direction concerning how to manage His money.
Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 1:5
Make a commitment to consult God on any financial matter you may have.
Read books on finance, attend financial conferences, watch financial programs.

3. Release what you owe to God, tithe.
Malachi 3:7- 12

4. Become a generous giver.
Prov 11:25, Luke 6:38, 2Cor 9:6-10

5. Live within your means.
Simply put, don’t try to live a $4,000.00 dollar a month life style on a $2,000.00 dollar a month income. 1Tim 6:6-8, Proverbs 10:22

6. Learn to live debt free.
Prov 22:7

7. Learn to save money. (In this volatile market, cash is King)
Prov 6:6-8
Make saving a habit. Most financial consultants say that we should try to save or invest 10% of our monthly income. If your income is $2,000.00 a month you should try and save $200.00 per month minimum.
The old saying goes, always have something saved for a rainy day.

8. Learn to make your money work for you.
Create a financial portfolio with investment vehicles for your money to grow. Example - 401K, Mutual Funds, Stocks and Bonds.
Don’t depend on the government to take care of you.
Be proactive and prepare for your future.

9. Set up a Life Insurance Policy.
This life insurance policy is designed to allow your family to maintain the same quality of life if you should die.

10. Create a will.
The will ensures that your final wishes are honored and financial resources are distributed according to your instructions.

Join us on Wednesday Nights for our Church Bible Studies. Biblical Teaching that will help you in your life as a believer.

Wednesday Nights 6:30 PM/EST Corporate Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Starts Immediately After

Join us!

For more information check us out. www.nlccministry.org

Sermon Notes: Elder M. Gaither 'In His Presence, My Cup Runs Over' 3.27.11

Elder M. Gaither Sunday March 27, 2011

“In His Presence My Cup Runs Over”

Psalms 16: 5-11

Happiness is dependent on happenings.

There is something more available to us – joy. Joy comes from the inside.

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Happiness is a state of mind, which changes. Who is in control? There is one far bigger than my problems. True joy comes from spending time with God. Spending time with God builds our faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. What robs you of your joy? Are you waiting on things to change your life and make you happy?

3 Keys to Experiencing Joy

1) Fret not; know that God loves us.

2) Faint not; know that God holds us in his hand.

3) Fear not; know that God keeps you.

Stay close to God day by day and let your joy be full. Everything that we need is in his presence. Press to get in his presence.

Sermon Notes - Order in the House Series - Daughters of Desperation 1.30.11

Sunday 1/30/11

Pastor A.L. Harris

Series: Order in the House

“Daughters of Desperation”

Genesis 19:29-38

Isaiah 4:1

Desperation is a result of losing hope. Losing hope is a failure to trust God or live by faith. If you are not careful, desperation will lead you down a road of compromise. Desperation mode is the overwhelming desire for companionship, need to be loved and to love, and a great desire to be married.

1) Whenever you stop trusting God and take matters into your own hands, you will always create a mess.

2) Never make concessions that God does not honor.

3) Whenever you lower your godly standards, it will always lead to compromise.

Consequences of Compromise:

1) Pre-marital sex

2) Unwanted pregnancy, which could lead to an abortion

3) You could have a baby out of wedlock and the man abandons you and the baby

4) Contracting an Sexually Transmitted Disease

5) You could find yourself living with a man that has promised to marry you

6) You could end up with a physically or verbally abusive husband

7) You could end up being unequally yoked

Continue to trust God and don’t lower your godly standards for anyone. As long as you compromise, Boaz can’t come. A “Boaz” is a man that first loves God, and loves you and will provide for you.

February! Love Month and More...

This month at New Life is Love Month.

Our Pastors Archie and Audrey Harris are going to be speaking

primarily to married couples this month.

Encouraging.

Informative.

Loving.

Be at New Life this month and experience Love Month.

Monday, February 7 begins our Married Couples

Love Dare

All married couples are encouraged to go pick up the book

Love Dare

Monday, February 7, the Husbands will start the dare.

The Wives will start the next week, on the 14th.

This dare is designed to bring the married couple closer

to each other and enhance the marriage.

Women's Fellowship will be the third Friday of this month.

All Women are encouraged to attend and be apart of this teaching for the women.

Friday, February 18, 2011

7:00 PM

We hope you will join us in February, as we will be doing some great things to upbuild the body of Christ.

Will you join us?

We hope so!

New Life Christian Center

9844 Mallard Drive

Laurel, Maryland

http://www.nlccministry.org/

Hey Men! This Sunday...

Join us as we watch the big game...

ON THE BIG SCREEN!!!

All Men are encouraged to attend, as we grow together with fellowship!

New Life Christian Center

9844 Mallard Drive

Laurel, Maryland

Fellowship Hall

6:00 PM

www.nlccministry.org

Sermon Notes - The Next Level Man - 1.23.11

Sunday 1/23/11
Pastor A.L. Harris
Series: Order in the House
“The Next Level Man”

Psalms 37:37
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Potential: the ability to become and the ability to achieve.
Perfect: blameless, spiritually mature.
A Next Level Man is a man who has maximized his potential. One can not be a Next Level Man without the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to help you reach your full God given potential.

Men are naturally competitive, it is natural for me to sacrifice for a trophy or medal. Paul likens our race to that of an athlete. (1 Corinthians 9: 24-27) If you want to be Next Level Man, you have to demand more of yourself – doing so allows you to reach for more. We must give the Holy Spirit authority in our lives so we may reach our full potential. Allow the Holy Spirit to take you to lofty heights in him.

Question: “If God were picking an Olympic team to represent him in the earth, would he select you based on your spiritual level?”
“Can God look at you and say you are a Next Level Man?”
“What is stopping you from becoming that Next Level Man?”

All of a sudden in God, you are able to reach heights you could not reach. It’s not about being “perfect”, it’s about walking in spiritual maturity.

What qualifies you to be a Next Level Man?
1) God must be Lord of the man’s life.
2) He must love righteousness and hate sin.
3) He must pray daily and on a consistent basis.
4) He must live by the word of the Lord.
5) He must possess wisdom. Have understanding of a matter, knowing what the outcome will be.
6) He must possess integrity and moral standards. There is no conflict between his private and public life.
7) He must love his wife.
8) He must father his children.

Make sure to visit www.nlccministry.org for upcoming events and information regarding our services.

Bible Study Cancelled Tonight! 1.26.11

Sermon Notes - Order in the House Series - Order of the Man - 1.16.11

Sunday 1/16/11
Pastor A.L. Harris
Series: Order in the House
“Order of the Man”

Genesis 1:27; 2:15-17

Every man has been created by God for purpose. Man’s purpose is to bring glory to God. When man is out of order, he can’t bring glory to God.

Isaiah 43:7 “Everyone who is called by my name, Whom I have created for my glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

If you are going to affect change, you have to model being a man of order. Many of the ills today are caused by man being out of order. From the moment Adam disobeyed God, his life was out of order. Adam walked with God before he was disobedient. After Adam was disobedient, he hid from God. His wife hid also. Whatever you are connected to is affected by your disobedience. When you are out of order, you can’t do your assignment. Disobedience brings disorder and dysfunction.

God’s Intended Order for Man
1) Every man has purpose.
Genesis 1:27

2) Man was created to live in the presence of God.
Genesis 2:15-17
Out of God’s presence flows everything you need.

3) Every man has been given an assignment.
Genesis 2:15-17
Where you are is simply not to make money, but it is for your kingdom assignment. Our job is not our source. God is our source.
Matthew 5:16

4) Every man is called to live according to God’s commandments.
Genesis 2:17
Isaiah 1:19
He that obeys God will prosper. Psalms 1

Order in the House - New Teaching Series

Senior Pastor, Archie L. Harris will start a new teaching series entitled 'Order in the House'

Check the website for more information and to hear some sermons from the series.

Coming soon!

www.nlccministry.org

Bible Study Notes 'Character Matters' 1.12.11

Wednesday 1/12/11
Pastor A.L. Harris
“Character Matters”

Great Criticism and suspicion looms in the aftermath of scandals, divorces and misconduct in the secular and sacred. The majority can be traced back to character issues.

Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
But character will keep him there. (Pastor AL Harris version)

Power and talent without character is a fall waiting to happen.

What is character?
The English word Character comes from a Latin root that means “engraved.” Character is comprised of virtues and values engraved in the heart of a person. It is the qualities and traits of a person; what we call moral and ethical standards.

Question: Can you be a believer with bad character traits?
Yes. Acts 5:1-6; James 1:19-21.
Sanctification is a process and does not happen overnight.

Good Character Traits:
• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Long-suffering

• Gentleness

• Goodness

• Faith

• Meekness

• Temperance

• Courage

• Loyalty

• Honesty


All Believers can cultivate good character traits by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the agent of change in the life of the believer. Christian character is produced by the Holy Spirit and not by self effort.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [creation]; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

St. John 14:26 – But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said unto you.

Galatians 5:16 – This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Good character traits are developed by doing three essential things:

1. Submitting to the Holy Spirit’s authority in your life.
St. John 15:1-5; Galatians 5:22-23


2. Obeying the word of God.
Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:22


3. Submitting to Spiritual authority.
Hebrews 13:7,17; Ephesians 4:11-13

21 Day Fast Details

The Fast shall start at 12 midnight on Sunday, January 9, 2011
and end on Sunday, January 30, 2011 after service.

Each Care Taker Group shall fast for seven days (one week) to fulfill the 21 day period.

Group 1 – Fast will commence at Midnight on Sunday, January 9, 2011 and end on Sunday, January 16, 2011 after service.

Group 2 – Fast will commence at Midnight on Sunday, January 16, 2011 and end on Sunday, January 23, 2011 after service.

Group 3 – Fast will commence at Midnight on Sunday, January 23, 2011 and end on Sunday, January 30, 2011 after service.


Daily Meal Plan for the 21 Day Fast

Midnight – 3pm each day
No Food
Beverage – Water only

After 3pm each day
Fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and baked meat only
Beverage – Water only



Please limit your television viewing to Christian programs, Christian DVDs and News.

Remember to read your bible and Christian books. Pray and meditate on scriptures through-out the day.

Consecrate your house for God. Cleanse it from worldly and ungodly activities.

Financial stewardship- Create a written budget this year; payoff as much debt as you can this year.



Things to pray for during the twenty-one (21) day fast.

Week 1

Pray that God would save people in our local communities.Pray that God would save our family members and co-workers.

Pray that every believer in our local church will become committed to winning unbelievers to Christ.

Pray that God will open doors for our local church to have a greater impact in the city of Laurel through evangelism.

Pray that our church will impact the communities of Laurel in positive ways.

Pray that all needs will be supplied for every member.

Pray that God will heal those that are sick among us from all sickness and diseases.


Week 2

Pray that every member will take an active role in the local church.

Pray that God will encourage and protect our men and women of the Armed forces.

Pray that every married couple will have good success.

Pray that every single and single parent will prosper.

Pray that our children will be successful in school and college.

Pray that God will save and comfort those incarcerated.

Pray that God will provide the financial resources to do the work of the ministry.


Week 3

Pray that our local church will reach the financial goal of raising one-hundred-thousand ($100,000.00) dollars this year.

Pray for continual unity in our local church.

Pray that God will open doors for video, television and radio ministry this year.

Pray that our local church and members will experience great increase this year.

Pray that God will continue to renew the strength of our Pastor and Co-Pastor, and give them clear direction for the New Year.

Pray that God will open the door to purchase the Pheasant Run Plaza.

Pray for our President, State and Local officials.

For more information and more log on to

www.nlccministry.org

Go to Calendar icon at the bottom of the page

and click on

21 Day Consecration and Fast

Sermon Notes - 1.9.11 The Promise Still Remains

Sunday 1/9/2011
Pastor A.L. Harris
“The Promise Still Remains”
Hebrews 6:12-15

The Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians to urge them not to succumb to pressure. Pressure can pull you out of character, cause you to compromise, and say things that do not line up with the word. Pressure can cause you to second guess the thing you thought you knew.

Pressure can take the form of financial struggles, job loss, trying to keep a business afloat in a turbulent economy, marital crisis, etc.

In spite of what you have been through in 2010, remain faithful in 2011 because the promise still remains. The Promises of God never expire, they will always remain. There is never an expiration date on the promise.

While waiting on the promise:
1. Avoid becoming slothful.
• Slothfulness is spiritual laziness which can include not praying and reading the Word. Slothfulness can cause you to start saying things that don’t line up with the word.
2. Remember your past.
• Remember those that have gone before you. Remember what God did for others in your life. He will do the same for you. If he brought me out of that, he will bring me out of this. If he did that, he will do this. There has always been someone who has gone through what you are going through. Don’t be afraid to tap into people.
3. Know God is sovereign.
• Hebrews 6:13 “For when God made a promise to Abraham…” this implies that God is sovereign. Sovereign: supreme rule and authority, independent of any governing authority, and needing approval from no one. Because God is sovereign he can turn water into wine, walk on the water, and raise a man from the dead. God doesn’t ask the devil, the devil has to ask God. The promises of God remain sure because he is sovereign.
4. Know God swore.
• Hebrews 6:13 “…Because he could swear by none greater, He swore by himself.” God out of his own mouth made a declaration/solemn oath. He tied covenant with himself and was his own witness. God swore and when God swears, that settles it. God is the only one who can swear because he is sovereign. He is the only one who can keep his promise. Nothing can stop God from getting to you and fulfilling his promise for your life.
5. Stay Patient.
• Hebrews 6:15 “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Waiting teaches us to trust in God and strengthens our faith. Patience is steadfast endurance to wait with expectation. Stay faithful and stay patient while waiting on the promise.