New Hope Community Church - Our Church Blog

If there is only one true Word of God, how come we have so many different kinds of Bibles such as the old King James, New King James, New International, New Living Translation, Contemporary English Version and on and on it goes?

11/7/2018

This is an excellent question because we are basing our eternal soul on what we believe to be the Word of God. The writings that we have were originally written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek which were common languages of that time. Over the course of time, the common language spoken and written changed until we arrived at this moment in history. Most reliable versions of today's bibles are the work of numerous scholars who are striving to translate the original writings into the language of today. Most of the different versions will present the same message using different wording trying to convey the timeless truths of God's Word. The main message remains the same: God is the Creator, man disobeyed God and needed a Savior. Jesus is that Savior who died for our sins and rose from the dead. All who believe and receive Him can be saved. God loves us and He wants us to love Him, love each other and share the good news with others.

I don't think church and politics should be mixed. Why do you as a pastor talk about politics?

10/31/2018

You have the right to think what you think but no where does the Bible tell us as believers not to be involved in politics. In fact the Bible mentions how God equips some to be leaders, administrators and that we are to pray for those in positions of government. The Christian church, the true followers of Christ should be the moral compass for our society. When the church, the pastors are silent on moral issues such as abortion, same sex marriages, pornography and etc. then society, political leaders who may not have a Biblical moral compass my make decisions contrary to God's plan. But when every church, every pastor who follows the Bible speaks out, then this moral compass gives Godly direction to our governmental leaders and encourages those in politics to have faith and stand for what is Biblical.

Is it okay for my kids to celebrate Halloween and do the door to door "trick or treat " thing?

10/24/2018

As a child I was allowed to do this. My family did not attend church and we really didn't give it much thought. The majority of families and kids are probably in the same boat. They dress up, have fun and collect candy from the neighbors. However, there is a very dark and evil part that is also associated with this day. Dressing like devils, ghost and ugly gruesome creatures feed into this evil side. Pray, ask the Lord what is right for you and strive to keep the kids safe.

Is it legal for Pastors to talk about candidates just before an election?

10/16/2018

A church cannot endorse any candidate nor can a pastor speaking on behalf of a church. However, a pastor can provide information on where a candidate stands on the different issues. I encourage everyone who wants to know which candidate is Pro-Life to go to RTL.ORG. You can pull up a personalized voter's guide that will list all the candidates who have been endorsed by Michigan Right To Life. This election is crucial regarding the Right To Life issue. Bill Schuette voted to ban partial birth abortions, both Gretchen Whitmer and Debbie Stabenow voted to continue partial birth abortions. Schuette has a 100% prolife voting record, Whitmer and Stabenow both have supported using tax dollars to fund abortions. Stabenow voted against parental consent laws for minors, voted against laws thatwould stop children from being smuggled across state lines for an abortion without their parents consent. Whitmer voted against requiring abortions clinics to be properly licensed. People need to know the truth.

I just heard that another church is getting started in this community. Why in the world do we need another church?

10/10/2018

A survey was done for Eaton County and it was reported that over 80,000 people in Eaton County do not attend church On Any Given Sunday. If every Church in our community was filled to capacity, there still wouldn't be room enough for everyone to attend church. A Bible believing, God honoring church that loves and accepts people right where they are will get my full support. People who are lost and hurting need to know that God loves them and has a plan and a purpose for their life.

I am looking for a church to attend with my family. How can I really make sure I find a good church?

10/3/2018

I commend you for wanting to get your family into a good church. Within 10 miles of our church there are approximately 30 or more churches to choose from. Some of these churches are smaller than ours, some are larger, some are very Bible centered and some have choirs, others have worship teams, some are very liturgical in structure and others are more casual. Here is what I would suggest you to do to find a good church: 1. Pray, ask for the Holy Spirit to direct you. If you go and feel it is not right that may be God letting you to cross that church off the list. 2. Attend with an open heart. Where ever you go, go with the intention that you are going to receive something from the Lord. 3. Is this church Bible centered? Does the preaching and teaching line up with commonly accepted Biblical support. 4. Where the people welcoming and friendly? If you can find a church that is true to God's Word, that you can understand and receive life changing messages from, that you feel welcomed in then you have probably found a good church. Attend at least two or three times and try to introduce yourself to the pastor before you make a final decision.

How come some churches are okay if their members smoke and occasionally drink alcohol and others make that a restriction?

9/20/2018

Each church has the duty to make a decision what will be required to become a member of that local church. Almost every club and organization does the same thing regarding membership such as the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Eagles etc. A church is supposed to be a group of people who have first of all have made a personal commitment to accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. To be officially a member of that church they may require not only that commitment but they may ask for some other commitments like you mentioned as a outward evidence of a person's convictions. Some things should be expected to be allowed and others things not allowed in order to claim full membership. Let me encourage you to always ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and God's Word for guidance before you join any club or organization and I would apply that even to a church.

Why does it seem like the more I pray the worse it gets?

9/13/2018

We have been encouraged many, many times in Scripture to pray, to call upon the Lord, to pray without ceasing. God wants us to always look to Him and to talk with Him concerning our every situation. There are also demoniac spirits who will try to steal, kill and destroy everything God has planned for you. When you asked this question I felt that the Lord urged me to say, "It could have been a lot worse if you hadn't prayed." Prayer is our direct connection to our heavenly Father. Don't let the enemy steal your connection with God. No matter what may come your way, continue to pray and see what God will do. Your prayers release the hand of God to move on your behalf.

How can I help my friend? He says that he loves God but he gets drunk on a fairly regular basis for over 20 years. He is very sorry and embarrassed afterwards and says he wants help.

9/6/2018

Your friend saying he wants help is a very important first step. Recognizing our need for a savior, for someone to help us when we can't help ourselves is part of confession. Your friend is in bondage. He is captive to this addiction. Jesus said in Luke 4, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me...He has sent Me to...proclaim liberty to the captives...to set at liberty those who are oppressed." His addiction has set up a stronghold for many years that only the Holy Spirit can now break to bring freedom. Encourage your friend who says he wants help to truly be willing to seek and receive the help that is available. Teen Challenge is a program that I personally endorse for your friend. They deal with the root of the problem and not just the symptoms. Contact me if you want further information.

What can I say to a friend who says, “I don’t attend church but I am very spiritual just not religious”?

8/30/2018

It is good that you and your friend are talking about spiritual things. Being spiritual however can mean a variety of things from having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ to channeling demoniac spirits through various means. I would ask your friend what they mean when they say they are spiritual. Ask them if Jesus Christ has any part in their spiritual experience. Without knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior the Bible says no one will see Heaven no matter how spiritual they might be. John 14:6