Hi Newport Church Family,
We trust that you are doing well and experiencing a fresh measure of God’s presence, grace and peace.
The Power of our Voice our Message and our Presence
There is nothing that the enemy would rather see than the church being silenced, our message muted and our presence removed.
Over the last twelve months the enemy has been hard at work doing all that he can to do precisely that.
Paul said that as believers we should not be ignorant of the enemy’s devices, and Jesus exposed the devil’s strategy and purpose, which is to kill, steal and destroy.
Jesus said that whatever the enemy does and however hard he tries to destroy us, the gates of hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ and the progress of people who put their trust and hope in Him.
Whatever change and restrictions we have had to face, however much our lives have been disrupted, God’s plan and purpose remain unchanged, unrestricted and undisrupted!
We have a voice, we have a presence, we have a message of hope that our world needs to hear more than ever.
Let’s make our presence known, our message clear and our voices heard in bringing faith and hope to our community and world.
Here are 3 ways that we can do this:
1) Our Presence gives us a Voice
Jesus said that wherever two or more are gathered together in His name, He will presence Himself in their midst.
Now that we have the opportunity to meet again in person, our gathering is not only a time when we can encourage one another, but it’s also a declaration to our world of the unshakeable nature of the church and God’s kingdom.
Theodore Beza wrote in the 16th Century, “the church is an anvil that has worn out many a hammer,“ and as we gather after a season where the church has been under yet another hammer, we continue to declare the strength of the church and our centrality to God’s purpose in our world.
Whether you are watching online or joining us in person, let’s be a church that is a true voice of hope and faith to our community and beyond through our presence.
2) Our Prayer gives us a Voice
Martin Luther said, “Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.”
We must never forget that whatever challenges we are facing, God is not only able but willing to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all that we could ever ask, hope or imagine.
Martin Luther also said, “Pray and let God worry!”
Let’s keep lifting our voices to God, asking Him to turn back the tide of COVID-19, and that people would turn towards Him in these difficult days.
We are praying that what may be a trickle will become a stream, the stream will become a river and the river will become a flood of people finding faith and hope in Jesus.
3) Our Generosity gives us a Voice
Our generosity gives us a voice and presence in our community and world.
We’ve all heard it said that actions speak louder than words.
James the brother of Jesus said: “What good does it do, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith but does not prove it with actions?”
He went on to say:
“If a fellow man or woman has no clothes to wear and nothing to eat, and one of you say, “Good luck to you I hope you’ll keep warm and find enough to eat”, and yet give them nothing to meet their physical needs, what on earth is the good of that? Yet that is exactly what a bare faith without a corresponding life is like—useless and dead.” James 2:15-17
It’s our generosity that turns our words into action, giving us a presence in peoples’ lives, and opening their hearts to the voice of God and the words of Jesus.
Thank you for partnering with us through your faithful giving and generosity, which is enabling us to be a voice of hope and faith, and to presence us in the midst of the need all around us.
If you have not yet had an opportunity to do so, please take time to read and fill out the Vision 2021 cards which you received in the mail. You can put them in the offering box in the foyer of the church, or email a photo of the card to michael.ellmann@newportchurch.com. Your giving is making a difference!
As each one does its part, the body builds itself up in love
Ephesians 4:16
First Tuesday - March 2nd 7.00pm
This Tuesday is the first Tuesday of the month and all of our leaders, teams, volunteers and church will be gathering for a time of worship, vision and inspiration from the Word.
We would love to see you in person at church, or online. It won’t be the same without you, your presence will make a difference!
Can’t wait to see you all this Sunday at 11am and Tuesday at 7pm.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
We love and appreciate you all greatly!
With love and blessings,
Jonathan and Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors