Vol. 17 Issue 1

My gift to the … KING OF KINGS

When pondering the question “what can I bring and offer as a gift before the King?” I am reminded of a poem children often recited in church during my youth at this gift-giving time of the year. Children, as prompted by proud parents who’d rehearsed with them selected words of Christina Rossetti’s poem later set to music (1830-1894), stood despite their reluctance and stumbled over these powerful words:

What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Having lived a good full life, I now reflect upon the value of gifts both given and received. I think about the joys of gifts that filled the heart’s desire contrasted to meaningless last minute gifts given out of some shameful sense of obligation. As I soul-search, I ponder — what can I give Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Surely not empty worship or meaningless praise. The grandeur of His majesty and His exclusive position of power must be considered. I cannot bring what is an insult or offensively fouled by sin.  Surely not to this King who is full of love, mercy and compassion; who reigns with majesty, judgment and righteousness. I must bring an offering as pure as the gift He gave with His sacrificial death for my pardon. I must bring before His presence my gift chosen purely out of love, adorned with righteous fruit, and graciously wrapped with clean unblemished hands. I can give Him what He wants — the Will of His Father executed in my life. I can give Him a sanctified life full of love as I seek to possess all the qualities  and character He is endowed with. I can give Him my time as I remain in a constant state of  preparedness awaiting His appointed rapture and reign. I can use my resources wisely as I faithfully help build the kingdom of God. I can work faithfully and with all diligence fulfilling His Great Commission as I compel all to come to the Father.

Editor’s Corner

Celebrating … New Beginning

As we near the end of 2018 and anticipate the onset of the new year, I am reminded of the joys we often experience in life that cause us to celebrate “new” beginnings. While life affords us many new experiences, some come to us in the form of opportunities, promotions, challenges, acquisitions, increased wealth, births and relationships, to name a few, that are welcomed and give us cause to celebrate.  I am foremost reminded of the “new beginning” ushered in with the birth of Christ. Malachi documents the end of an era in which God’s Old Testament dealings with His creation that existed exclusively through prophets, judges, and priests who were chosen to conveyed His Will to His chosen people. Despite man’s inability to consistently obey God’s law and a four hundred (400) year period that followed the close of this era, the New Testament heralds in the good news of the birth of God’s only begotten, incarnate, and beloved Son. What a message of joy to the world! Now, through the birth of one man access to God and knowledge of His Will can be both known and obeyed by ALL who believe and receive the precious gift of salvation Christ alone brings. No wonder this season of celebration is welcomed with excitement and good will. For the believer, it recalls a “new beginning” unparalleled in history. It marks the new birth, transformation, adoption, restoration, and an eternal hope in glory that is his/her gift of God that although unmerited has been given without partiality. As we celebrate the holidays and the onset of a new year, may we ever call to memory and rekindle with excitement our new relationship (as the sons and daughters of God) that our elder brother Jesus Christ made possible and rejoice evermore!

Member Spotlight …   

Iris Ivana Grant, Member:  New Beginning, Jacksonville, FL

To gain a better understanding of what philanthropy is and just who philanthropist are, check out this YouTube video recently launched by TEDx Jacksonville (http://bit.ly/TEDxIrisIvanaGrant) and be sure to give it a thumbs up. Iris, President and CEO of The Genési Group, with over 14 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising and experiential marketing, helps individuals, companies and nonprofits change lives every day through training in sustainable giving (www.thegenesi.com). Selected from thousands of new and upcoming persons to “keep an eye on” who have “ideas worth spreading” recently screened by the global firm TED Talks, her firm’s mission and expertise landed her this coveted and most prestigious recognition as one of their keynote speakers. Each year, the world’s top thinkers, leaders, innovators and instigators gather for a multi-day journey into the future, filled with the keynote speaking presentations of those creating it. She is also the founder of PHILX a blog site featuring conversations that touch every aspect of philanthropic giving (www.irisivana.com). Iris is the daughter of Apostle & Mother Ivan (Iris) Grant, Sr., sister of Pastor Ivan Grant, Jr., member of our General  Assembly in FL and Director of the NFCOG Praise Team.  Two thumbs up, Iris!  

Quotable Quotes…God’s Word Said It First

“It seems to me that our greatest need today is an enlarged vision of Jesus Christ. We need to see him as the One in whom alone the fullness of God dwells and in whom alone we can come to fullness of life. . . There is only one way to gain clear, true, fresh, lofty views of Christ, and that is through the Bible. The Bible is the prism by which the light of Jesus Christ is broken into its many and beautiful colors. The Bible is the portrait of Jesus Christ. We need to gaze upon him with such intensity of desire that (by the gracious work of the Holy Spirit) he comes alive to us, meets with us, and fills us with himself.”

 John R. W. Scott, Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church, London Understanding The Bible. 1999

“The value of the gospel is not that it gives us ideal life, but that that life is actually lived.”  

George Tyrell (1861-1909), Irish Theologian

. . . I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 (KJV)

“All Sacred Scripture is but one book, and that one book is Christ, because all divine Scripture speaks of Christ, and all divine Scripture is fulfilled in Christ.”  

Hugh of St. Victor (1096-1141), German Born Monk and Writer

“Words fail to express my love for this holy Book, my gratitude for its author, for His love and goodness. How shall I thank Him for it?”             

Lottie Moon (1840-1912), American Missionary to China

“All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book.”  

David Livingstone (1813-1873), Scottish Doctor, Missionary and Explorer of Africa

. . . I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23:12 (KJV)

Gathering to Worship . . .

Our EXCELLENT GOD

The beginning of the year was heralded in with a cry from Scripture as cited by David — ”O Lord, our Lord how excellent is thy name!”

Throughout the year, continual sermons, teachings, and sundry exhortations have reminded us that God’s excellence is not comparable to any being or false deity worshiped by man. As “the children of the living God” our walk is governed by a reverential fear of His Great Holiness; and we strive daily to pat-tern our character and obedience by our Heavenly Father’s requirements that can only be derived through transformation and the receiving of salvation through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

As our awareness of God’s providential care has been sharpened, and our duties as believers has been highlight-ed, we’ve armed ourselves to answer His summons to assemble before His presence. As obedient children, we began making preparation to gather in Florida for our Holy Convocation — as this year marks our 22nd annual gathering. While it has not been without its challenges, our confidence that God provides for His own and keeps His promise to a thousand generations has been ever before us. We are grateful for the generosity of Assistant Pastor Jason Tucker and Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church who have opened their doors for our worship.

Yes, Uth4Christ Summer Camp and 22nd Annual Holy Convocation will go forward as God has given vision.

Make plans to join us:
July 10th thru July 13th
Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
1953 W 9th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Hotel room blocks have been made– call now to reserve your room:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1120 Suemac Road
Jacksonville, FL 32254
904-693-5100
Group booking code: NFC
We are looking for a great move of God as we come together to worship His Excellence!

Editor’s Corner

Holding on to our FAITH

While life is full of uncertain-ties and presents a plethora of ever-changing circumstances that must be dealt with, the believer has the absolute ad-vantage.

The world often presents situations as hopeless and the ungodly find themselves at a great lost as they struggle with feelings of helplessness or overwhelming desires to give up on life. They often exhaust resources, programs, helps and counseling but still find themselves hopeless and unfulfilled.

In contrast, while not exempt from life’s challenges, we as believers take comfort knowing that no situation is beyond God’s power to control and resolve for our good. Resting in the comfort of the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ sent expressly to comfort, lead and guide us through unchartered waters as victors, the difficulties we face in life take on proper perspective. It is our confidence in Christ and the finished work of the cross that establishes a foundational faith that grows daily and navigates us through life.

There is little question why holding on to our faith becomes so important in our life as sanctified believers. Without faith, we know through Scripture, that it is impossible to please God. Without faith, facing life with confidence that God will enlighten us, guide us, and open or close doors for us becomes a distant pipe dream.

Therefore, we hold on to our precious faith and guard it with our heart, being fully persuaded that God will perform ALL that He has spoken and will do His good will.

Dreamstime.com

Happening in the Nation

NFCOG Bible Institute  10th Year. . .

Under the watchful eye of Dean Grant and Associate Dean Lisa Wright, the Bible Institute continues to experience student growth. With the continued offering of curricula in four areas of concentration students are currently being served online, via satellite campus classes in both Virginia and Georgia, as well as, via correspondence courses.

2018 ushered in NFCOG Bible Institute’s 10th year Anniversary as a established Bible College realizing graduates. As plans are underway for a special commemorative Baccalaureate Service, it celebrates the addition of new faculty members from the ranks of its outstanding alumni. Join them as they welcome the following individuals:
• Chaplain—Elder Ivan L. Grant, Jr.
• Provost Student Affairs—Missionary Edith Smith
• Faculty Members—Elder Sarah Brown and Elder Valerie Harmon

They additionally hold the distinction of receiving their teaching certification from Evangelical Training Association (ETA), joining the staff of certified instructors that include—Chancellor, Dean, and Associate Dean.

It is anticipated that their orientation will be completed and they will begin their serve by our Fall 2018 semester.

In the Fall 2018, the Bible Institute will release its 10th Year Commemorative Book. This unique edition will celebrate our history and graduates spanning 2008—2018. It will feature select valedictorian addresses and keynote speakers, etc. As a limited quantity will be printed, you are urged to reserve your copy during our upcoming Holy Convocation. DVDs of keynote speaker messages will also be available to supplement this commemorative book. This rare edition may never be produced again. Don’t miss your collector’s item copy.

Vol. 16 Issue 1

Waiting on the … Promises of GOD

A promise is a promise. God’s Word contains some 3000+ promises covering every subject and condition common to man. Not inclusive of those “precious personal” promises that have been etched in our hearts during those private moments we spend with the Lord. The problem we face as Christians is not in acknowledging with assurance their existence in the Bible, but possessing the character to wait patiently on God for them to come to pass. While we acknowledge all the promises of God to be rooted in eternalness, our human inclination stresses over the elements of “when” and “how” as we consider how we can make them be realized now. We know that God is immutable and in His infinite power He both can and will bring every promise to pass. Yet, we struggle feeling the need and compulsion to help Him along with His intended purpose and plan. As I recently sat hearing my pastor speak to the subject of Patience vs. Waiting during which time my young granddaughter who was taking her children’s church notes drew a series of pictures that graphically drove home this dilemma. She meticulously drew a series of chairs and placed a lone man seated in first chair. In each subsequent chair the man sunk lower in the chair until he ultimately slid off the chair onto the floor. He’d lost his patience to wait. In her final chair she decided to illustrate what would happen the moment he mustered up the strength to put patience to work as a child of God and wait on God. Immediately, the man was upright and sitting erect in the chair. I considered the simplicity of her illustrations and realized that’s exactly what happens when we fail in our fruitfulness of patience and sink in the doldrums because we cannot wait. My pastor uttered words that touched my heart — Patience is rooted in eternalness; and waiting is not a passive action but the act of exercising our faith

Celebrating … CHRIST

 With the Holiday Season upon us, the Nation of NFCOG wish you and your family all the blessings of Christ our Lord. While focused on family and friends, don’t fail to celebrate Christ, whose miraculous birth and sacrificial death enables us to both know and experience love, peace, and great joy!

Editor’s Corner

Living in the “NOW”

The changing of the seasons often comes with mixed emotions. Recalling the warmth of Summer’s sun and fragrances abundant in its warm breezes soon becomes a distant memory as we meticulously recount the palate portrayed by Fall’s canvas of beauty and spend countless moments wishing they could remain with us forever. Sometimes we struggle to embrace the early morning chill and the crispness of the air that accompanies the new approaching season that now challenges us to recognize the beauty we are about to behold. If we spend our time merely lamenting the bygone seasons, we will miss the unparalleled beauty of the “fresh fallen snow” that awaits us. Each breath we will take is filled with fresh air. Air that is clean and fills our lungs with important health benefits. Air that is good for our digestion. It improves our blood pressure and heart rate. It makes us happier and it strengthens our immune system. It even gives us more energy and sharper minds.1 If we embrace this new season and expose ourselves to its wholesomeness by living in the now, we will become healthier and much stronger. Just as seasons change in the year, so do they in our spiritual walk with Christ. What we perceive as the harshness of winter, our coldest season with its short days and long nights, will soon be acknowledged as a season of beauty and cleansing that alone prepared us for the Spring. 1goodrelaxation.com/2012/01/health-benefits-of-fresh air

Member Spotlight …   

 Shoneen  N. Brown, Member:  New St. Mark, Norfolk, VA

Join us as we welcome Shoneen Brown, our resident chef, who has joined our team of editorial professionals. Shoneen’s collaborative efforts with Tracy McClain bring to our Health & Wellness features insightful meal suggestions and tasty recipes, complete with preparation and useful storage information, that will enable our readers to make healthy choices supporting a healthy diet aimed to improve their quality of life. While several of her recipes have been previously featured in NFCOGnews, we are delighted she is now a member of our team. She holds an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts from Johnson University, and a B.A A. in Tourism Hospitality & Hospitality Management (Norfolk State University); and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Human Services-Life Coaching at Regent University. Shoneen is the daughter of Pastor & Elder Terry (Sarah) Brown, Sr. and is faithfully engaged in the work of her church, NFCOG’s Uth4Christ, and serves on the NFCOG Praise Team.  NFCOG readers are in for a treat!

Shrimp Grits & Soul Food

Quotable Quotes…God’s Word Said It First

“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.”  Jim Rohn To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “Everything has seasons, and we have to be able to recognize when something’s time has passed and be able to move into the next season. Everything that is alive requires pruning as well, which is a great metaphor for endings.” Henry Cloud “Time will pass and seasons will come and go.” Roy Bean For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.  Psalm 30:5 “I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming. I believe that there’s a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow. You get better.” Steve Southerland Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.  Psalm 27:14 “There are seasons in life. Don’t ever let anyone try to deny you the joy of one season because they believe you should stay in another season… Listen to yourself. Trust your instincts. Keep your perspective.” Jane Clayson And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. Exodus 12:25