New Hope Music Ministry, Moreland KY

Great and Informative Article About Copyright Law.. Written By: Tim Smith

2010-11-30T17:58:00.002-05:00

Thank God Jesus Didn’t Copyright The Gospel

Tim Smith Tuesday November 30th, 2010 --> -->» Worship Music Wisdom -->

For most musicians, details of copyright law are the last thing they want to deal with. Yet the nature of music for gathered worship makes these issues unavoidable.

Copyright law has real implications on how we use music and, if you are a songwriter, has a huge effect on how you protect and give permission for others to use your songs. The problem is that when faced with these issues, most Christians either stick their heads in the sand and ignore them or maintain the status quo, neither of which is acceptable.

A Few Things You Should Know About Copyright

Once you create a work (at least in the USA) it is automatically covered under the protection of US Copyright with “all rights reserved.” There is an exemption in copyright law allowing copyrighted material to be performed in the context of “religious services.” This means anything outside of a musical performance specifically in the confines of a worship service is illegal unless you have either a specific agreement with the content creator or a license that covers that content.

This includes:

Displaying or printing lyrics in any form
Recording music in any form for any purpose
Translating songs into a different language
Distributing recordings in any way

How a License Protects

So if you have ever recorded a worship song that is copyrighted, made a demo for your band, put lyrics on a projection slide, or made a song sheet without a license or permission, you have broken the law. Many of us seek the protection of CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International), but you need to know that their license only applies to displaying lyrics and recording worship services onto physical CDs or DVDs.

There is another organization called Christian Copyright Solutions that offers a range of other licenses for performance, webcasting, and video/sync (putting music with your videos) rights. However, even if you bought both of these licenses, you still cannot legally make a recording of a worship song that you do not own for any purpose, even if you don’t charge for it.

Render to Caesar What Is Caesar’s?

At this point in the conversation the common response is, “Well, Jesus said to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” This is true, as far as it goes. Where songwriters have chosen to reserve all their rights, we need to honor their wishes and make every effort to comply with the law. In this sense we do need to give Caesar what he deserves. But when we write new songs, we have a choice. We don’t have to live in Rome!

This article was copied from .http://theresurgence.com/

Written By: Tim Smith

Punctuality for Homecoming Sunday...

2010-09-17T18:41:00.002-04:00

Attention all musicians and choir members:

Please be sure to be on time for practice Sunday morning (9/19) due to the fact that it is a big day for the music ministry. We will be doing 2 choir specials and the musicians will be carrying an extra load for congregational songs as well.

I would like to ask guitarists and bass guitar to be there at 8:15 to be tuned and ready for drums and piano at 8:30. We will hit the ground running to make sure we are well practiced to lead worship.

Choir, be at church no later than 9:30 to practice our 2 specials.

Thank your for your cooperation and commitment.

A Day to Remember

2010-09-10T14:54:00.004-04:00

As we approach 9/11, let's all be mindful of the great tragedy that befell our nation on 9/11/01. There are cuts that still run deep, families that are still mourning, and soldiers still on the battlefield defending our freedom. Let's keep them in our prayers and hold them in our hearts. Let's thank God for our nation, for our police, fire and EMS, and thank Him for our soldiers. May God bless us and return us to Himself.

New Musician

2010-08-02T07:30:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone,
In case you didn't notice, or weren't able to be at church on Sunday morning, God has blessed us with yet another new musician. Jason Smith will now be playing bass for us in the New Hope band... No, not like the fish (as interesting as that would be)... I'm talking about that 4 stringed, deep sounding guitar that adds much needed depth and richness to the sound of our band! What a blessing it is that in just a couple months God has added two new musicians to our number! Be sure to encourage Jason and let him know how much you appreciate his obedience to the call to serve in our music ministry... On that note (no pun intended), be sure to encourage all of our musicians this week... They all do a wonderful job serving God and serving us.

God bless you!

Jimmy

2010-07-21T11:13:00.001-04:00

Do you believe the things Jesus said were hope so's and mabey's--or do you believe they are promises? How you answer that will radically affect your theology.

2010-06-29T16:59:00.001-04:00

What is love??
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins... - 1 John 4:10

Songs for 6-20

2010-06-19T09:53:00.001-04:00

Sorry Guys!
The songs for this Sunday morning are now up... My apologies for the delay. Have a great day, see you in the morning.

Youth Mission Trip

2010-06-10T07:34:00.002-04:00

You may notice Sunday morning that the crowd will be a little lighter. Why?? Our youth are leaving early Sunday morning for one week to Joey Harness' church to do a bible school and a day camp. Remember to keep them in your prayers this week as the seek to minister to children in that church and in that community. May God bless you!

Jimmy

New Musician

2010-05-26T22:48:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone!
I am pleased to announce that we will be adding a new guitarist to our morning worship services. Robert Cummins, who has been a very active part of our church family for several years now will be joining the team on acoustic guitar. When you see him, stop and give him a word of encouragement. God continues to work among us and add willing hearts to our ministry team! Look forward to worshiping with you Sunday

Jimmy

Daily Builder

2010-05-14T07:44:00.001-04:00

6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

Daily Builder

2010-05-13T08:29:00.001-04:00

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. - Romans 5:1-5

2010-04-21T23:24:00.001-04:00

What can bring true reformation and true revival? Only God working through the power of His Word. The question is, dear church goer, do you want to hear it? Even more, do you want to live it? God help us not only desire to hear His Word, but also to live it out. God bless you as you seek to live for Him this week.

Thank You to Our Musicians

2010-04-12T09:13:00.004-04:00

I want to take some time today and thank our wonderful musicians here at NHBC. God has certainly gifted them with great ability to play their instruments and they are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we are prepared for worship on Sunday mornings. This week, if God gives you the opportunity, make sure to let Ashley, Kevin, and Josh know just how much we appreciate them and their willingness to serve. May God bless you as you strive to live for Him this week.

Jimmy

Update on Andy and Michelle Baker Benefit at Perryville Baptist

2010-03-13T04:48:00.004-05:00

What an amazing time in the Lord we had last night with our brothers and sisters from Perryville Baptist, Calvary Baptist, and many other local churches! We experienced wonderful fellowship, wonderful music, and a great worship opportunity. God was so gracious in showing His provision for His children and because of His grace and prompting $5,100 was raised in just a few hours to help the Baker family. Thank you to all that came to support and to all that were praying behind the scenes.

Please continue to lift up Andy and his family as they wait on the Lord. They are trusting Him through all of this but certainly do ask for our prayers.

Have a great weekend!

Jimmy

Have you been playing in the mud??

2010-03-08T16:46:00.008-05:00

1Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, (15) but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, (16) since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

I can remember being a child and standing out in the front yard playing in mud puddles for hours. I would sling sticks in them, float green army men in them, and splash around until my momma would call me inside. Playing in mud puddles was fine then. I had no other responsibility, no other higher thing to devote attention to. However, imagine with me for a moment where I would be if I had stayed in the mud puddle. Picture me, a grown man sploshing and splashing in my driveway--neglecting the higher things, shirking real responsibility for child's play.

As odd as that sounds, don't we find ourselves being tempted to live this way in our walk with Christ? God has called us out of sin, out of immaturity and into His glorious light. Why then do we go back to play in the mud puddles of worldliness? When God redeemed us, He made it possible for us to leave the mud puddle and be immersed in the deep ocean of His glory. May we turn from sin and immaturity and find real and supreme joy in God.

Have an amazing week as you seek to live a lifestyle of worship,

Jimmy

Scripture to ponder this week...

2010-03-04T09:14:00.003-05:00

Here's a Scripture passage to think about this week... What an amazing God we serve that cares about us and calls us to cast all anxieties on Him. Why wouldn't we take Him up on it??

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7

Jimmy

New Song for Worship

2010-01-23T12:41:00.010-05:00

Check out this new song we will be doing during morning worship in a few weeks. Familiarize yourself with it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGJdTpMUcU

Pray for Haiti

2010-01-13T06:11:00.007-05:00

Today, we awake to the news of a major earthquake that devastated the small nation of Haiti, which is located close to our boarders, below Florida. Haiti is a very densely populated area with an already grossly unstable government and economy.

In light of this news, let us not forget our responsibility. As Christians, we have the amazing honor of being able to bring supplications before our Holy God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let's join together in prayer for the all the people who's lives will be forever altered through these events.

Also, let us not forget that God was not taken by surprise in these things. He has a plan and purpose in them. Pray that His will would be carried out through the earthquake and that through it all, people would see His glory and that they would find their comfort, strength, and rest in Him.

Pray that God would burden your heart in whatever way He sees fit to help in Haiti. Whether it be as a prayer warrior, giving financially, or in going through a relief team--be open to His leading. If you would like more information on how you can help, I will try to research through the organizations I am familiar with to get you plugged in.

Blessings,
Jimmy

A Good Recent Article From Dr. John Piper

2010-01-08T20:15:00.003-05:00

What are your thoughts on Halloween?
By John Piper January 5, 2010

What are your thoughts on Halloween?

It's kind of one of those questions of, "Do you see Christ against culture, Christ in culture, or Christ over culture?"

I would guess that at our church there would be people from one end of perspective to the other. That is, some who say, "We don't want anything to do with that demonic holiday! Why would you even be involved with that at all?" And others who would have their children dress up as a butterfly and go knocking on doors and say, "Trick or treat!" And then in the middle would be people who do counter events, like a thing at the church where you dress up like biblical characters and have a great time.

I'm totally OK with the middle one and the first one. And sort of OK with the second one. I grew up trick-or-treating. We were pretty serious trick-or-treaters, right into teenage years.
There isn't much in my neighborhood. We're kind of an inner-city neighborhood, and it's not the most lucrative place to go knocking on doors. You're not going to fill your bag up with the best. You better go to the suburbs if you want to get a good pile.

So I would hope that all Christians would think biblically and carefully about any holiday, any event, and how they might be salt and light in it. And if they feel like this can be of value to the kids in some way, to teach them—if it can be an innocent way of enjoying God's grace and teaching lessons—so be it.

I'm willing to run the risk of attachment to worldliness in order to be biblically faithful in witness. The same thing with Christmas and birthdays and Easter and worshipping on Sunday. All of these things have pagan connections.

I want to be loose and broad and give freedom to believers to find their way to be most effective. So I respect those who are renouncing it as too connected with evil, and I respect those who say, "No, let's redeem it and penetrate it and use it."
_____________________________________________________

Thoughts from Jimmy: Regardless of what you think at this point regarding the observance of these days, this is a good article to provide some food for thought as we begin a new year with all the holidays the world observes still to come. May we look at everyday as a new opportunity to redeem the time for sake of the gospel of Christ.

TuneWidget

2010-01-07T17:31:00.001-05:00

2009-12-28T07:25:00.005-05:00

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
- Proverbs 4:18

For be believer, there should be nothing in this life that discourages us more than sin. There should be no pain that we feel that penetrates us more than the sting of sin. There should be no misery that we experience that grieves us like sin grieves us. The very nature of what sin is totally opposes the new creation that God has made us to be. He has removed our heart of stone and given us a heart that thrives on obedience to Him and fellowship with Him.

So then, it is perfectly natural that when the believer finds himself in the midst of sin, he experiences depression, anguish, loneliness, and any other terrible state of mind you want to fill in the blank. He has rebelled against the only Treasure to be had on earth. He has turned his back on the only real joy he can experience.

At the same time, we will not always avoid sin. Yes, we are called to be perfect and called to be imitators of God, but the notion that we will be totally successful in this in nonsense. That is not a license to sin, but an acknowledgement of our depravity. So is there any encouragement to be had over our past sins as believers when repentance is made, the sting eases, and fellowship is restored? I believe there is, and I believe it is found in the verse we are looking at in this devotion.

Proverbs 4:18 says, "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day."

What does that verse highlight for us? It tells us that we are not shinning as bright today as we will tomorrow; and we will not be as bright tomorrow as we will in glory. In other words, until we experience glorification, we will not be sinless. However, we have the promise from God that by His grace He will continue to sanctify us--setting us apart more and more from sin and nearer and nearer to Him until that blessed day when we shine bright with the glory of God in His presence. What a blessed thought! Even though I still have sin, there is comming a day when I will not! And until then I can rest assured that until I reach glory God will still be working in me!

So believer, today be encouraged that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ! God bless you as you strive to live for Him this week.

Jimmy

Good Job!

2009-12-21T05:16:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to write a few words to let you all know how proud I am of where the music program at New Hope is and where it is going. I am not proud in a sinful way, but in a delighted in what God is doing kind of way.

Our children did such an amazing job on Sunday morning. With not very much practice, they managed to lead us in an incredible worship service and remind us of why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place. I look forward to many more opportunities to encourage our children to praise and worship the Lord through song.

Adult choir, I was blown away at how amazing you sounded on Sunday night. Though you were few in number, you filled the church building with the beautiful sound of praise to God. Your many hours of work on this program paid off for sure! Thank you for trusting me to lead you, and I look forward to all that God is going to do with us. Also, a special thank you to James Fultz and Josh Reardon for working our sound and to Tim and Jennifer Martin for narration.

Have a blessed Christmas as you remember the birth of our Savior and as you meditate on all that His birth accomplished for us.

Blessings,
Jimmy

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

2009-12-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

Here is a list of important times and information to keep in mind this weekend:

1) Dec. 18th: After-school tutoring banquet

2) Dec. 19th: Youth/Choir outreach project.. Come to fellowship hall around 9am. Make sure to have your desserts there around 9am.

3) Dec. 20th: Be at church at 4pm for rehearsal... You will have that morning off--the kids will be leading us in music.

2009-12-14T17:44:00.002-05:00

WOW! Can you believe it's just about time to sing our Christmas music we have been working on so hard for the church!?!? It seems like just a few weeks ago when I was talking about how we really needed to get started on Christmas music because it was just around the corner--and here it is! I want to let all of you know how encouraged I am by how diligently and joyfully you have worked on this program--and as I listened to you practice it on Sunday night, it is very obvious that all the diligence has paid off! You sound wonderful!

I know how crazy this time of year can get for some of you. As we lead up to Saturday's mission project and Sunday's music, I don't want us to forget why we are doing these things... We are doing them to honor and glorify God through the proclamation of His Son. How are we proclaiming Christ? We are proclaiming Him (1) through following His example of service and love by meeting others in their time of need, (2) by reminding all who will listen about why we are celebrating in the first place. That God sent His Son into the world--the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

So this week, as you go about your routine and seek to prepare for this weekend, keep those things in mind. Saturday is not about receiving a "thank you " for a good deed and Sunday is not about making the congregation smile at how good we sound. It is simply about making the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ attractive to a world that desperately needs Him. It's about lifting Him up through song and offering a sweet smelling sacrifice of praise to Him. Have a blessed week as you live for our great and wonderful Savior.

Jimmy

Just A Reminder...

2009-12-08T17:30:00.002-05:00

Please remember to let me know by Sunday at the latest if you (1) planning on attending the December 19th service project, (2) if you are willing to make 1-2 desserts at your home to bring for the project. This will be very helpful in the planning process we are finishing up.

This is an awesome opportunity of service, and if you sacrificially give yourself to serving Christ in this way, you always find it to be much more of a blessing than anything else you could spend your time doing. Please be prayerful about our project with the youth and be in prayer for these families that are finding themselves in need this year.

Blessings!

Jimmy

Information for December 19th Service Project

2009-12-05T09:05:00.007-05:00

Hello!

Just a little more info to pass along to you regarding our service project. The menu will consist of the following:

1) A whole deep-fried turkey to each family.

2) A family-size pan of dressing to each family.

3) Mashed potatoes

4) Green beans

5) Gravy

6) Rolls

7) Two desserts for each family

Through donations, we are already in possession of most of the turkeys we need, if you know of anyone that may like to donate one (under 15 lbs.) or you would like to donate one, please let me know soon. Mike Gibson has been placed in charge of cooking the turkeys--and if you've never had his deep-fried turkey, you are in for a big treat during our fellowship meal after the project.

The rest of the menu items will be left up to the choir to cook. Desserts will be cooked at home by volunteers from the choir and everything else will be prepared at the church that morning.

Please continue to pray for what God may do through this outreach program. What an amazing way to serve Him through reaching out to the community and strengthening our fellowship with one another. Again, if you have any questions on our end of things just ask me and I will be glad to clarify some things.

God bless,

Jimmy

Ready to Serve??

2009-11-27T17:30:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone!

You may be wondering why in the world I have a picture of two New Hope youth flexing muscles on today's post... Well, let me tell you! I have some very exciting news that I am looking forward to sharing with you. This year, in place of the regular Christmas party, we will be joining up with the New Hope youth to serve 4 families connected to our church through the after-school tutoring ministry.

This event will take place on Dec. 19th from early morning to afternoon. You will be responsible for the bulk of the cooking and kitchen duties. James and I will continue working out the details and I will keep you updated as we make the necessary decisions.

The youth have been working for some time on this project and we are coming alongside them as the body of Christ should to support what God has already laid on their hearts. This would be an excellent time to extend an invitation for others to join us in music ministry as we step outside those bounds and serve the Lord in different ways. Also, this would be a great opportunity to build some relationships with our young people! We have an amazing group of youth here so prayerfully look foward to the time that God will allow you to spend with them.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you have a great weekend. To God be the glory!

Jimmy

2009-11-18T16:12:00.002-05:00

The following post is an article written by Pastor John Piper. May this be the prayer of our hearts as we prepare to lead worship this week. May He increase, and we decrease.

A Song from Romans 12:7-8

Download:
By John Piper
November 15, 2004

Romans 12:6-8
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

O Jesus, take my bent away
For thinking much of me,
And kill my pride, and from this day
With mercy make me free.
O Jesus, grant the gift to see
The treasure that you are,
And as the night eclipses me,
O be my Morning Star.

And now if I should serve, or lead,
Or give, or mercy show,
O Jesus, let my love be freed,
And like a river flow.
O Jesus, be the treasure of
My heart and all I do,
And may the river of my love
Alone make much of you.

November 1, 2009 Sunday Worship Service

2009-10-26T09:59:00.002-04:00

Hello guys,
Just wanted to let you know that we will be having a very special guest with us on Sunday morning. Josh will be out of town playing a concert so I have invited my very good friend, Doug Smith to come and fill in on guitar. Doug was a clear creeker with me who now lives in Lexington with his wife Christy. Be sure to give him a hearty welcome when you see him on Sunday. I know you will be blessed by his heart for Christ, his humility, and the talent that God has given him.

Blessings!
Jimmy

Article: When Words Are Wind-- By Dr. John Piper

2009-10-08T06:09:00.003-04:00

Check out this great article by Dr. John Piper--author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN... What amazing truth!

When Words Are Wind
Download:
By John Piper November 10, 1993

Job 6:26
Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind?

In grief and pain and despair people often say things they otherwise would not say. They paint reality with darker strokes than they will paint it tomorrow when the sun comes up. They sing in minor keys and talk as though that is the only music. They see clouds only and speak as if there were no sky.

They say, “Where is God?” Or: “There is no use to go on.” Or: “Nothing makes any sense.” Or: There’s no hope for me.” Or: “If God were good this couldn’t have happened.”
What shall we do with these words?

Job says that we do not need to reprove them. These words are wind, or literally “for the wind.” They will be quickly blown away. There will come a turn in circumstances and the despairing person will waken from the dark night and regret hasty words.

Therefore, the point is, let us not spend our time and energy reproving such words. They will be blown away of themselves on the wind. One need not clip the leaves in autumn. It is a wasted effort. They will soon blow off of themselves.

O how quickly we are given to defending God, or sometimes the truth, from words that are only for the wind. If we had discernment we could tell the difference between the words with roots and the words blowing in the wind.

There are words with roots in deep error and deep evil. But not all grey words get their color from a black heart. Some are colored mainly by the pain, the despair. What you hear is not the deepest thing within. There is something real within where they come from. But it is temporary—like a passing infection—real, painful, but not the true person.

Let us learn to discern whether the words spoken against us or against God or against the truth are merely for the wind—spoken not from the soul, but from the sore. If they are for the wind, let us wait in silence and not reprove. Restoring the soul not reproving the sore is the aim of our love.

Learning to listen to the soul,
Pastor John

Thoughts and Information

2009-09-24T19:34:00.005-04:00

Sorry about the delay this week, but the songs for Sunday morning are now up! Check them out so you can be familiar with the order of service (that is, if I keep it the same!)... Keep the several people in our music ministry in your prayers that are traveling this week and keep those in prayer that are dealing with different sickness.

As you go throughout the rest of this week, get rid of the road blocks that come up against you from negative words, people, or thoughts and focus on the amazing things that God is doing in the life of this body and in you. We have so much to praise Him for and to be thankful about, and we have no time to listen to anyone or anything that would want to tell us differently. God is blessing us here, let's keep on "fighting for joy" in Him.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:8

Hi-Jacked

2009-09-15T11:07:00.003-04:00

Attention!! This music blog has been temporarily hi-jacked!

For what purpose would anyone hi-jack a blog you may ask.... well in this case it's to let choir know that they are doing an absolutely phenomenal job. I appreciate the time and effort you put in, it is clear that you are truly enjoying it.

I now turn this blog back into Jimmy's hands. As soon as my hi-jack demands are met... an Ale81 and a Zero bar. Have an awesome day!

Seeking Peace

2009-09-10T04:22:00.003-04:00

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
- Romans 12:18

There are some encounters that we simply cannot avoid. The angry person at work that feels compelled to take pent up aggression out on you. The frustrated driver that screams at you for being in their way. It is no secret, we will not always be at peace with everyone. There will be conflict, there will be frustration, there will be discord that we will have to face regardless of the actions we may (or may not) take to avoid it. However, this verse makes it clear to us that many times, whether or not we experience peace with someone else will come down to our own attitudes; how we respond when confronted with anger and aggression. That is, anger and aggression toward us from others--or the temptation for it to come from us toward someone else.

Many of us hear this and immediately begin running through a list in our minds of reasons why it is just so hard for us to live at peace. Do you even realize the people I have to deal with?? Do you understand how horrible I am treated at work?? You don't have a clue how little respect my family shows me!

However, for the Christian, the Bible doesn't allow us to make excuses like this. Why? Because the reason that we have to live at peace with others trumps any possible reason we could ever have to dwell on discord and strife. What is that reason? It is the love and forgiveness that has been shown to us by God in His Son, Jesus Christ. You see, at one time we lived under God's anger and wrath (fully deserved). But God, being rich in mercy, showed us abundant grace and brought us into a relationship of peace with Him in Christ. Now that we have been shown that kind of mercy and are experiencing this kind of amazing peace with God--there is no excuse for us to seek discord, but rather, every reason to seek peace.

So Paul writes to encourage the Roman believers to seek peace, as long as it depends on them. Brothers and sisters, that is the call to us as well. Let's not be like the rest of the world, at odds with others. Let's display Christ's love by striving to maintain peace and open lines of communication with others so that the gospel may flow from us to them in word and in deed. May God bless you today as you seek His face and live for Him.

Jimmy

Looking forward to "SHOW ME YOUR WAYS" Sunday!

This is the Day!

2009-09-02T04:09:00.002-04:00

Today is the day! The new children's ministry opportunity is finally upon us. Much prayer and planning have gone into it, and now we get to experience the amazing joy of loving on children that can do absolutely nothing for us in return. There will be times when we become frustrated, there will be times when we are yanked so far out of our comfort zones that we wonder why we signed up in the first place; but at the end of the day, I pray God reminds us why... We have invested in this opportunity because we delight in God being glorified through the gospel being spread to those that need to be confronted with it. We have signed on to this ministry because we believe so deep in our hearts that because God loves us, we ought to reflect His love to others. I pray we all approach these kids today with a gentleness, joy, and love that can only be described by Christ in us. God bless you! See you at 3pm :)

Jimmy

11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. - Titus 2:11-14

Check Out the Songs for Sunday

2009-08-26T04:07:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,
Check out the songs for Sunday morning. I FINALLY got them up for you. I hope everyone is having a great week. I will see you at church tonight!

Jimmy

9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. -Philippians 1:9-11

What a great service!

2009-08-16T15:42:00.004-04:00

What a wonderful service we had this morning! Choir, you guys sounded fantastic (good job Lindsey, and good job Jason last week)! There's something I noticed this morning as I was standing in front of you during "Worthy is the Lamb", you are all having a blast worshipping and praising God. You have no idea how much it encourages me as your leader to look at your faces and see smiles brought on by the awesome love and goodness of God. Your delight in God shines from you when you sing His praises; keep that passion burning!

Also, Isaiah did a great job this morning. Make sure you encourage him when you see him. I would like to see more kids develop a passion for singing God's praises! Wouldn't it be terrible if when their generation grew up and took on leadership roles, none of them knew how or even liked to sing praises to God! God has ordained singing as a way to worship Him corporately, so we need to make sure we are developing the younger generation to have a passion for that.

Check out the songs for next week and get familiar with them. If you haven't heard them you can likely find versions of them on YouTube (you can find anything on there)--but I'm confident that you probably know most of them. Have a great week! You will be in my prayers.

Jimmy

2009-08-14T11:24:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys!
Check out the song list for Sunday and aquaint yourself with what we will be doing. This will not change unless we run into problems during musician practice or something unforseen happens. I am really looking forward to "Worthy is the Lamb"! Don't forget, our focus is worshipping God and lifting Him up. If we keep that straight, we can never fail! Have a great weekend, see you Sunday at 9:34am ;)..

Jimmy

SORRY!

2009-08-08T09:25:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,
I apologize that I have not put the songs up for this Sunday on the blogspot before today, it has been a WILD week!! They are up now so make sure you take note of them. I chose songs that we all know by heart for this week because of the delay. I am really looking forward to "Who Am I?" tommorrow. God bless you!

Jimmy

Thoughts on Sunday's Service

2009-08-04T17:32:00.002-04:00

What an incredible worship service God allowed us to experience Sunday! The Choir sounded beautiful, Ashley did an amazing job lifting up the Truth through song, and David's message was was wonderful. All those components were great! However, those things in themselves are not what made it an incredible worship service. If the choir had sounded awful, Ashley forgot her words, and David stumbled through his message--would it still have been a great worship service?? I say absolutely... Why??

Because it's not the outward aspects of the service that count, but rather the heart of worship that counts. It is the One through whom we are worshiping that counts. If everything else went wrong and we still exalted the Truth and lifted up praises to God through our Mediator, Jesus Christ, we still would have left having worshiped... We still would have left having been in the very presence of God. God bless you, have a great week! May you continue to experience His presence in your life each day.

Jimmy

Lowering Our Self-Esteem

2009-07-29T09:40:00.006-04:00

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. - Romans 12:16

There's no doubt about it, having a high view of "self" is believed to be a great quality in our society. We are told from childhood that we are not to think bad about ourselves. We are never to pay attention to feelings of guilt or self-doubt. We are to always believe in ourselves... The problem; just like most everything else the world teaches us, this kind of attitude toward life has no biblical foundation, and in fact is totally opposed to how God desires us to live.

While we cannot expect the world to act any differently, the problem is seen in this attitude being so deeply ingrained in the body of Christ. We have listened to what the world has to say about how we should view ourselves, and we have bought it hook, line, and sinker. Now, instead of coming together to worship God and build one another up, church often turns into a time for us to promote our own agenda and make ourselves feel better by gossiping about others.

This should never be. If we are truly Christians, that means we have no right to an unhealthy self-esteem. Why? Because that implies that we have realized how sinful and deserving of death we are, and even more than that, we have realized that the only One who is truly amazing and incredible God Himself. So what's the cure for a high-self esteem?? It is only in coming face to face with our holy God (Is. 6).

When God, by His grace, opens our eyes to behold Him in His glory, we will no longer find our delight in putting others down or being wise in our own sight. We will find our joy in honoring God above all and considering others as better than ourselves. May God give us all by His grace a fresh view of how amazing and holy He is.

Family Integrated Ministry: A Tragic Trend

2009-07-08T10:24:00.009-04:00

There is a tragic trend that is slowly spreading across many churches of the "reformed" persuasion. On the surface and by the name of this ministry model, it seems harmless, God-honoring even; but when you get to the heart of it, the tragic consequences should seem evident. What is this model that seems to be rearing its head in more and more reformed churches? It is called family integrated ministry, and churches that adopt this are called family integrated churches. Why is this so tragic? That is the question I hope to answer in this article.

First of all, what is family integrated ministry? Family integrated ministry basically says that it is not profitable to follow a model of age-segregated worship. In other words, they do not believe that there should be a time in the context of the local church when children should be separated from their parents for teaching or worship. This means no youth group, no children's classes, no exclusively adult Bible studies. Rather, when the body meets, they meet as a whole. The parent and child relationship is never separated.

What support do they offer for this position? The following points are some basic principles or beliefs held by the family integrated church:

1) They hold that their ministry viewpoint is the biblical mandate, or at least that there is no biblical support for age-appropriate segregation therefore it should not happen in the context of the local church.

2) They believe that since historically, reformed churches (puritan churches) did not separate the family for age-appropriate ministry then it must not be appropriate to do so today.

3) They hold that children need to see their parents in the act of worship, which will in turn strengthen the child's faith by watching the parent's example.

4) They believe it is right for parents to be present for the moments in the child's life when God illuminates His word and brings about conversion in the child's heart (or any other spiritual milestone the child may experience).

5) They hold that parents need to be present when the child is under biblical teaching in order to correct what may be false that the child is subject to.

While we may find ourselves agreeing with many of these points, as we should, we should ask ourselves if these points alone negate the need for age-appropriate ministry. Is it really necessary to stop youth and children ministry in the church?

The following section of this article will seek to answer the above points made by the family integrated church, and will show that while many of these points are valid, ceasing ministry at an age-appropriate level is not necessary:

1) While we cannot point to a specific passage of Scripture to show that age-appropriate ministry is mandated, there certainly is encouragement from God's word concerning the need for segregated ministry.

Titus 2:3-5 3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (this training being meant to take place within the local church body as well as in the home)

2) While puritan churches may not have practiced the age-appropriate or age-segregated model, we must not look to those churches as our standard for faith and practice. Certainly we respect them and are thankful for the example of biblical integrity they have left for us, but they were not infallible. Only the word of God can guide us in terms of how we practice our church ministry. Many churches would rather pursue being puritan than to pursue Christ-likeness.

3) As to the necessity of the children seeing the parents worship, we would all agree that this is irreplaceable and valuable for the building up of the child. However, the essence of true worship will be seen in the parents offering themselves as living and holy sacrifices (Rom. 12:1-2) throughout the week, not primarily in the congregational worship event. As my friend Kenneth Rutherford pointed out, "If the only time the children see their parent's worshiping is at church, there is something terribly wrong with the devotional time in the home".

4) While all parents would love to be present when God works in the lives of their children, this is not a biblical mandate, or a promise from God that this will happen. God does not need your presence or permission in order to work His grace in your child's heart--He does that of His own initiative. All that is needed for this to occur is the Spirit and the Word.

5) As to the necessity to police everything your children are hearing, if this is truly a problem within the church, it is a problem with the leadership appointing unfit teachers, not a problem with age-appropriate or age-segregated ministry. Parents must make themselves periodically present within the children's classroom in order to evaluate what their kids are hearing. If they do by some flaw in the system hear heresy on Wednesday night, there should be enough sound doctrine flowing into them throughout the week that they recognize it and discard it.

So what is the true tragedy of the family integrated church?? The tragedy is that many children and families will not be included in this narrow system. This system caters to the solid, model Christian home and leaves everyone else alone. What happens to the child that doesn't have godly parents at home to teach them truth? What happens to the orphan that desperately needs to be met with the gospel on his or her level? The answer, for the most part, is that the pushers of this system don't seem to care. They are concerned about what fits them and their home better, rather than what promotes the gospel of Jesus Christ in a more God-honoring way to people from all walks of life. While they pride themselves on not being "seeker-sensitive", they fail to realize that they are committing the same crime by forming ministry to be sensitive only to them.

True ministry must not be concerned only with self, but must reach out to those less fortunate than your children. It must reach out to the orphan, it must be a helping hand the widow, it must seek to get the gospel to those that do not have a gospel influence at home. True ministry does not leave people out, but does everything it can to include all--so that all may hear and be taught the message of Christ.

May New Hope never fall into this trap of thinking only of what suites us and our homes. May we continue to reach out with open and loving arms, embracing ministry to children and all that goes along with it.

Jimmy Hazlett

2009-07-06T09:21:00.003-04:00

I would like to take some time to let you guys know how much I love and appreciate all of you. To know that God has entrusted me with leading you in choir and in worship is a humbling honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. You have all been so encouraging and edifying to me throughout this whole experience. I know that it's not easy to transition to another leader after you have had a great man like Nehemiah for 4 years, but you all have been incredible. Thank you for your obedience to Christ and for helping to make this journey into the unknown for me such an enjoyable one so far. You are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:3-6

2009-06-28T18:59:00.003-04:00

If you are interested, here is the information to order the listening cd for the 20/20 worship collection we are using. Click on the link below to order from lifeway, our SBC publishing company.

http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?cs=1&R=802841

Always Rejoicing

2009-06-22T09:57:00.007-04:00

...But in everything as God's ministers, we commend ourselves... as grieving yet always rejoicing... - 2 Corinthians 6:4a,10a

There certainly are days, even as we walk with Christ, that its difficult just to get out of bed. Maybe we find ourselves overwhelmed with tasks or responsibility. Maybe we have to face something that day that we've been dreading. Or it could be that for no apparent reason we find ourselves amid a "dark night of the soul" where we simply cannot feel good about anything no matter how hard we may try.

The apostles knew about days like that. Paul would have laughed in the face of these modern day health-wealth teachers that tell you life after Christ is always roses. I'm certain there were days that Paul would have rather stayed in the "comfort" of his tent than to enter another city to be mocked and flogged for sharing the love of Christ. I'm sure there were days that the apostles found themselves overwhelmed, depressed, and fed-up.

However, another thing that is apparent from the New Testament is that while those disheartening moments came, they did not master them. While dark nights and difficulty rose up and pestered them, it did not overtake them--it did not define them. Rather, they were as we read here in our scripture, "grieving yet always rejoicing".

How?? Why were these men able to face so much hardship yet still have habitual joy?? Because of Who the foundation of their joy was. You see, they were totally unable to find their joy in circumstances. That's not to say that a beautiful day didn't fill them with a happy feeling. Or having a good meal didn't fill them with a sense of satisfaction and comfort. What it does mean though, is that their joy didn't bank on those things.

Paul said it like this: (Phil. 4:11-13) 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

So how can we say along with the apostles that we are grieving yet always rejoicing? By realizing and acting on the truth that our rejoicing doesn't depend on what goes on around us, but on Christ who is our rock-solid foundation.

Need a good smile??

2009-06-20T16:42:00.001-04:00

He Brings Us to God

2009-06-12T09:24:00.003-04:00

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God... 1 Peter 3:18a

Today at one point or another, all of us will come in contact with someone that doesn't know Christ (unless we refuse to the leave the house). As we interact and talk with these people it may very well be that God, in His eternal plan and purpose, has ordained that you speak with them about their spiritual condition; where they stand as it relates to their walk with God. As you speak with them, what kind of things do you think you would say? What questions would you ask?

Would you ask them what they believe about abortion? Would you make sure they aren't living a fast life of partying and immorality?? Would you make sure they are going to church? Let me submit to you, Christian, that as well-intentioned as we may be in asking questions like that to the unbelieving, that is not the direction God desires for us to take with them.

You see, Christ did not die to make this world a more moral place to live. He did not die to get people to come to church services or even to change views on abortion or same sex marriage. Jesus did not give His life to change you from the outside and make you look better. Jesus suffered, died, and rose again because we needed to be changed inwardly. We needed to experience new birth. We needed to be brought to God.

Jesus died to ransom a people for God. A people that would be more passionate about Him than they are about politics and the arguments of the day. A people that would not be brutal toward those that disagree with them, but would lovingly seek to point them toward the only One who gave us hope. He died so we could experience the all-satisfying joy of being brought to Himself and abiding there by His preserving grace.

May you find joy in being brought to God and may you seek to spread that same joy to others by pointing them to Christ and the amazing forgiveness that can be found in Him. God bless you.

Jimmy

Worship Service for 06-14-09

2009-06-09T09:44:00.004-04:00

Hello! Here is the order of this Sunday's service. You can listen to bits of these songs by going to http://www.lifewayworship.com/ and clicking on "Find Hymns and Worship Songs". Then just search the song and scroll down. May God bless you with His amazing peace today!

1) Worthy of Worship
2) I'll Fly away (Fellowship)
3) Shout to the Lord
4) You Are My All in All

Something to Praise Him For

2009-06-08T09:19:00.009-04:00

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins...

- 1 John 4:10

There's no question about it, life can get pretty hairy. I have not been on this earth long, but I have been here long enough to have experienced and observed that life can certainly bog us down. We have bills coming in faster than our paychecks, family situations that we can't seem to resolve, or maybe a lingering sickness that we can't seem to shake. Whatever the particulars may be, all of us in some form or fashion could come up with a quick list of things or situations in our lives that we could certainly do without. Maybe instead of responding to those things in faith and looking up to God for our joy and strength, we have responded with our flesh. Letting the circumstances dictate our worship.

What is the cure for a dragging faith?? I submit to you that it's as near to you as remembering the cross of Jesus Christ. Remembering the suffering and shame He took upon Himself. Not because we loved Him, but because of His amazing love for us. Recalling to memory what the cross of Jesus Christ now means for us. That one day, we will drop this decaying flesh and put on eternal glory with Him. It's as simple as getting quiet before God and remembering that even in the midst of chaos, we as His children will ALWAYS have something (everything) to praise Him for. May God bless you as you begin this new week!

Jimmy

Lift One Another Up

2009-06-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ... - Galatians 6:2

In my quiet time this morning, it occurred to me that most of the time we truly have no idea what people are facing on a day to day basis. It could be the worst week of someone's life and unless they come right out and say so, we would have no clue. God reminded me this morning that it is not my call to simply assume that people are fine, but rather, it is my calling as a part of the body of Christ to strive to lift people up regardless of what I do or do not know about their situation. Our obedience to this will not result in a gossip driven mentality, or super-spirituality, but will result in a lifestyle that shows genuine care and concern for the people we come in contact with. Maybe God is leading us to pray for someone, possibly He's leading us to help someone emotionally, physically, or financially.. Or maybe He's just leading us to be more aware of the fact that other people exist and His people should be concerned about them. Whatever He's leading us to do, let's obey. I pray that we are being more and more transformed into the image of Christ so that we may love God as we should and love people as we ought... May God bless you as you finish out this week.

Not Your Typical Sunday

2009-06-01T10:26:00.000-04:00

What a great day Sunday was! I thought we experienced an incredible worship service, even down to the screaming microphone. Those times simply serve as a reminder that God's power in the service doesn't hinge on every technical or musical aspect being perfect. Helps us keep our pride in check that we keep hearing so much about from Mark 9.

Upward Soccer celebration was fantastic. The church was full, the kids were encouraged, our bellies were filled, but above all, God was glorified in people being loved on for the sake of gospel. Also, the guys sounded great! It is always amazing to hear talent like that from two of our very own; I believe they're ready for radio and the road.

Jennifer and I will be celebrating our 2 year anniversary this week so we will be out of town this weekend. Josh will be filling in Sunday morning, but we will be back Sunday night for practice so don't forget! We need to work hard on "Irresistible" for the 21st. Have a great week.. I love you guys and will be praying for you.

Jimmy

Thoughts on Sunday's Service

2009-05-28T21:34:00.001-04:00

This Sunday morning worship service was a delight to be a part of. It was a joy to have Ashley Dunn playing with us for the first time. Her participation in the service and in practice later that night was so helpful. Glory to God! We look forward to many more Sundays with her at the piano. Also, the choir sounded amazing singing "Indescribable". God was certainly honored and exalted in the truth being sung out about WHO HE IS.

We can't talk about the service without mentioning the incredible message we heard from God's word. What amazing and convicting truth was revealed! The part that sticks out to me most was when we learned that we all need to "be inconvenienced" for the gospel's sake. Hopefully our eyes have been open this week looking for opportunities to live out the truth we delighted in.

All reports I have heard from Josh's trip to Arkansas were great. The guys had a good time sharing the truth through music and Josh made it home Monday in time to practice with his upward team!

I love you all and have been praying for you this week.. May God continue to bless us with the desire to lift Him up and enjoy Him.

NO PRACTICE THIS SUNDAY DUE TO UPWARD CELEBRATION!

Jimmy