NEW HOPE

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Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:21:13 -0600

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Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0600

How to become a Christian

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0600

You’re not here by accident. God loves you. He wants you to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus, His Son. There is just one thing that separates you from God. That one thing is sin.

The Bible describes sin in many ways. Most simply, sin is our failure to measure up to God’s holiness and His righteous standards. We sin by things we do, choices we make, attitudes we show, and thoughts we entertain. We also sin when we fail to do right things. The Bible affirms our own experience – “there is none righteous, not even one.” No matter how good we try to be, none of us does right things all the time.

People tend to divide themselves into groups - good people and bad people. But God says that every person who has ever lived is a sinner, and that any sin separates us from God. No matter how we might classify ourselves, this includes you and me. We are all sinners.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Many people are confused about the way to God. Some think they will be punished or rewarded according to how good they are. Some think they should make things right in their lives before they try to come to God. Others find it hard to understand how Jesus could love them when other people don’t seem to. But I have great news for you! God DOES love you! More than you can ever imagine! And there’s nothing you can do to make Him stop! Yes, our sins demand punishment - the punishment of death and separation from God. But, because of His great love, God sent His only Son Jesus to die for our sins.

“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

For you to come to God you have to get rid of your sin problem. But, in our own strength, not one of us can do this! You can’t make yourself right with God by being a better person. Only God can rescue us from our sins. He is willing to do this not because of anything you can offer Him, but JUST BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU!

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5

It’s God’s grace that allows you to come to Him - not your efforts to “clean up your life” or work your way to Heaven. You can’t earn it. It’s a free gift.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

For you to come to God, the penalty for your sin must be paid. God’s gift to you is His son, Jesus, who paid the debt for you when He died on the Cross.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Jesus paid the price for your sin and mine by giving His life on a cross at a place called Calvary, just outside of the city walls of Jerusalem in ancient Israel. God brought Jesus back from the dead. He provided the way for you to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus. When we realize how deeply our sin grieves the heart of God and how desperately we need a Savior, we are ready to receive God’s offer of salvation. To admit we are sinners means turning away from our sin and selfishness and turning to follow Jesus. The Bible word for this is “repentance” - to change our thinking about how grievous sin is, so our thinking is in line with God’s.

All that’s left for you to do is to accept the gift that Jesus is holding out for you right now.

“If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10

God says that if you believe in His son, Jesus, you can live forever with Him in glory.

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Are you ready to accept the gift of eternal life that Jesus is offering you right now? Let’s review what this commitment involves:

I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of a Savior - this is to repent or turn away from sin

I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead - this is to trust that Jesus paid the full penalty for my sins

I confess Jesus as my Lord and my God - this is to surrender control of my life to Jesus

I receive Jesus as my Savior forever - this is to accept that God has done for me and in me what He promised

If it is your sincere desire to receive Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, then talk to God from your heart:

Here’s a Suggested Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life.”

If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you to grow spiritually.

If you have questions or concerns you would like help with, please call or write and let us know. We’re here to help you understand the love that Jesus is offering you for free, no matter who or where you are.

About the Pastor

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0600

Rev. Jacob “Jake” Rock was born and raised in South Minneapolis. He became a member of New Hope Baptist Church through baptism on 8/6/2000. As a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ at New Hope Baptist Church, he has served as worship team member, church treasurer, interim pastor, full-time pastor, and was ordained as a minister on 7/17/2005.

Jake is a graduate of The School of Urban Ministry (Diploma in Cross-Cultural Urban Ministry, 2006); Ashworth College (A.S. in Business Management, 2007); The University of Georgia (Certificate in Music, 2009);and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Midwestern Baptist College, SBC (Diploma in Christian Ministries, 2009; Diploma in Church Planting, 2011). Jake has taught Intro to Cross Cultural Studies and Church Planting Strategy for Midwestern and will be teaching The Gospels and Christian Doctrine I and II in 2012. He has been certified in volunteer leadership by MAVA and has a mini- MBA in Non- Profit Management from the University of St. Thomas. He is currently pursuing a Diploma in Biblical Studies from Midwestern.

Jake has served as moderator of the Twin Cities Metro Baptist Association, member of the executive board of The Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention, and is in his 4th term as board member/treasurer of The Phillips West Neighborhood Organization. In 2009 he was the recipient of “The Wendell Phillips Award” for outstanding service in Minneapolis’ Phillips community.

Jake and Brittany met at church and were married in 2007. Brittany is from Beloit, WI and moved to Minneapolis for college in 2003. She is a graduate of North Central University (Bachelor’s degree in Church Music, 2009) and The University of Georgia (Fundamentals of Supervision and Management, 2011). Brittany works full-time in retail management and serves the church as worship leader. They have one son, Antioch Zane. Jake and Brittany live in South Minneapolis and enjoy movies, the lakes, snowmobiling, sports (proud owners of the Green Bay Packers), music, and video games. Jake practices Indonesian Martial Arts and enjoys all things heavy metal. Brittany loves long-distance running and her Sheltie, Mrs. Tadakichi.

Church mission, values, & vision

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0600

Mission Statement: “Passionately Seeking & Speaking the Love of Jesus Christ.”

Core Values:
1.TRUTH: Psalm 86:11.
2.PRAYER: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3.PROCLAMATION: Acts 3:6
4.TRUST: Exodus 4:2

Vision Statement: “A New Antioch”

Darkened streets and alleyways illuminated by the light of the world. Homes and families warmed by the Gospel fire. Broken souls and hardened hearts healed by the power of God’s love. A place no longer known, judged, or condemned by the standards and statistics of the world, but one that reaches the commands and ordinances of God through the reconciliation of the messiah, Jesus Christ. God’s word gives us a vision of His city in Rev. 7:9 “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” This is our model, our template for the vision of our city, a city of God.

Through worship and service to the King of Kings, we will see God use New Hope Baptist Church to impact our community as part of His greater Kingdom’s redemptive plan to transform Minneapolis into a city of God. God has given us a purpose through His sovereignty and His Word, He has fought and won the battle through grace by His son, and He has gifted us with power and wisdom through the Holy Spirit. We see Minneapolis becoming a headquarters for Kingdom advancement, a new Antioch.

Why wait? God is at work building His Kingdom; we gladly join Him in His harvest field. God is doing His part, let’s do ours!

Matthew 9: 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

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Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:41:26 -0600

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Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:03:19 -0600

From the Pastor

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0600

A few milestones in my life came to fruition in 2011; I turned 40, became a father- a by product of this was putting my Corvette up for sale and buying a 4 door sedan, our church will celebrate a silver anniversary, and I entered my 7th year as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church (which officially makes this the longest period of time I have ever worked at the same place- In other words I have been a pastor longer than I have ever been anything else). As a pastor, people have often come to me for advice and answers and I am happy to announce another milestone, I know the answer to everything… I have discovered the answer to all of the problems in the world today.
That’s right I know what to do! No matter what ails, pains, disturbs, irritates, frightens, dismays, discourages, confuses, troubles, tires, angers, oppresses, depresses you; I know how to fix it!

Here (or better HE) is the answer- Jesus Christ.

To all of you who read this and hurt- call on Jesus. To all of you worried- call on Jesus. To all of you suffering illness- call on Jesus. To all of you in a rut- call on Jesus. To all of you buried in debt- call on Jesus. To all of you at the end of your rope- call on Jesus. To all of you sick with envy and greed- call on Jesus.

Troubled marriage? call on Jesus. Unruly kids? call on Jesus. Hate in your heart? call on Jesus. Addiction? call on Jesus. Want to quit? call on Jesus.

Remember, around 2000 years ago the creator of this universe looked upon His creation and saw all the problems plaguing all the people on earth, His answer- Jesus Christ.

Whatever problem is plaguing you today, the solution is the same- Jesus Christ.

Christmas Week Schedule

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:02:00 -0600

We will have our annual Christmas party on December 21 from 5-6:30PM (pizza, cake, and soft drinks will be provided for free).

Our Christmas Eve. candlelight service will be from 2-3PM on December 24. There will be no service on Sunday night December 25.

Peavey Park Celebration 9/17/2011

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:43:40 -0500

Peavey Park Celebration 9/17/2011

From the Pastor...

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:00:00 -0500

I learned something interesting about the word “Christian.” Of course this word originated in Scripture, “and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”- Acts 26:11. The word is only used in the Bible a handful of times so it is relatively easy to understand it was defined as “follower of Christ” or my favorite “Little Christs.” Bottom line: Ownership by Jesus Christ which was a prerequisite for this moniker and those upon whom it was dubbed were “so owned” that they appeared as “Little Christs” to everyone they encountered…. Let me say that again, they appeared to be “Little Christs” to everyone they encountered.

If we ponder what the word Christian means today, how we hear it used, and look into the modern definition, we get a bit of a different picture. The definitions vary from the traditional to “showing a loving concern for others; humane,” “all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like,” and “the hero from Bunyon’s Pilgrims’ Progress.” Even the outspoken atheist Dr. Richard Dawkins considers himself to be a cultural Christian. Let’s face it, today we have a different definition (lifestyle, values, appearance) of the word “Christian” than when it was first used in Antioch. There is no avoiding the fact that there are millions of people claiming to be Christians without adhering to anything remotely resembling what we see in the Bible. There is also much industry in music, movies, books, and the like which all fall under the “Christian” label but do not glorify God at all. We all know this is true…matter of fact, to go into more detail on these things would be an exercise in unnecessary verbiage.

So what do we do? Fight back for our word? Get bitter about the way the world is besmirching it? Go about and attempt to prove wrong everyone who has ever misused the term?

Nope… I believe this can be solved if we ask ourselves one simple question, “Am I a Christian or am I a ‘Little Christ’?”

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Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:56:00 -0500

Prayerevolution!

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:05:00 -0500

The other day I was at an ATM and I couldn’t help but overhear the man behind me talking on his cell phone. The conversation was (at least on his end) angry, desperate, and profane. I began to wonder what I could do to help the only thing and all I could think of was prayer. I prayed for him and made a vow to pray for anyone else I noticed was angry, desperate, and profane.

The very next day I was walking and I overheard a man standing outside his house in an angry, desperate, and profane telephone conversation. I began to pray for him as I walked. When I finished praying, I noticed a family playing tennis. In dramatic contrast to the man on the phone, this family seemed very happy in their game and with each other. That is when the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Son, these people need prayer too.” Suddenly, it hit me. Everyone needs prayer and we are called to pray for everyone.
I have heard people say they always pray when they hear sirens or when they see a fire hydrant. While these are certainly admirable, I am issuing a new challenge; take note of every circumstance you encounter involving your fellow man and pray. Whether it be an angry cell phone conversation or a birthday party in your neighbor’s backyard- pray. Here is an idea for the next time you are in line somewhere; turn to the person behind you and say, “You go ahead of me. I have something to take care of.” Then allow the person go ahead of you and as they are using the ATM, paying for their gas, etc., pray for them.

As I shared the story about my experience on Portland Ave. with people (how I saw an elderly woman openly dealing crack in the middle of the day), I heard similar stories from people. One person told me they felt as though they were invisible as they witnessed an act of prostitution in a community garden at three o’clock in the afternoon. Perhaps we are invisible to the people arguing on their cell phones or playing tennis but we see them and so does our God. God also hears our prayers above the din of this world.

I want to start a revolution… of prayer. A prayerevolution! To join this revolution all you need to do is pray without ceasing. Take the challenge. Notice everyone you see today and pray for them. Take notes of how many times you find yourself in prayer until you lose count and keep praying.

Is this too much to ask from a people whose God delights in being asked?

First outdoor service of 2011!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:22:15 -0500

First outdoor service of 2011!

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Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:13:00 -0500

July 2011 Mission team and baptisms

Dateline: Phillips West

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:39:00 -0500

Here is our prayer list for July 2011…

Pray for the group from Iowa coming to New Hope Baptist Church July 19-20. They will be sleeping at the church building and helping us clean up the basement freestore, “farm” the neighborhood, host a neighborhood cookout, and preform a concert.

Pray for the Powerplant outreach at Centennial Church July 18-22.
Pray for The Phillips West Neighborhood Church as we voted to become a part of the TCMBA. This means that New Hope Baptist now sponsors two church plants (The Phillips West Neighborhood Church and Centennial Church), Praise God!

Pray for New Hope Baptist (and the two church plants) to become the most influential churches in the city.
And pray for these churches to be God worshiping, Bible proclaiming, Christ witnessing, Holy Spirit powered, giving and going Brides of Christ!

Pray for Brittany and me as Brittany returned to work this month. I am adjusting to working at home and caring for Antioch. So far it has gone well and I am truly blessed to have a job with flexible hours… I just stagger sermon prep., Bible study, prayer, worship service planning, school, and administration around my son’s feeding, changing, and nap-times.

Pray for me as I continue to memorize books of the Bible. I am currently working on Nahum.
Pray for all of the lost souls in South Minneapolis.
Pray for the leaders of our country.

Pray for the laborers that are here and coming here.

Dateline: Phillips West

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 06:59:05 -0500

Tonight will be the first ever youth foosball tourament at our second floor youth room. As you may recall, we had the idea of giving the kids and youth in our neighborhood a safe place to come and play. Part of that plan was to get a 3 in 1 gaming table as a showcase activity for the room. After polling the youth, I found out they really wanted a foosball table.

I put the word out through this newsletter and you all responded. We were able to purchase the table and it is set up and ready to go. Speaking of purchasing the table, I went to Peter’s Billiards (a local place) and told them about this project and our need. They were very excited about the project and sold us a top of the line “Tournament Table Soccer” at 40% of the retail cost!

Thank you to everyone who made this project a reality.

Ag report:

We went farming this past Saturday with custom flyswatters (they have the church information and logo printed on the handle). Although this was an unusual gift, it was very well received; I already heard a compliment on the flyswatter at a community board meeting Monday night. We are beginning to be more upfront with who were are at each doorstep and I ask for your prayers so that people we meet would make the connection between the cool gifts, monthly visitors, and the Bride of Christ.

Dateline: Phillips West

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 -0500

Mark this Sunday, June 26, on you calendar.

Jim Willard will be preaching and sharing his vision for church planting during our 7:15PM service.

If you are near the Twin Cities, please come and hear the vision God has given this man.

Everyone should come to hear him and I especially invite all of you Anoka County residents and members of others churches in the TCMBA.

The service starts at 7:15 and we are done by 8:30PM.

Be there or be square! You can visit Jim’s church website here

www.centennialchurchmn.org

We will be farming this Saturday from 4-8PM.

This month we are giving out flyswatters (probably our most practical gift yet) with the church info. printed on the handle.

Please pray that we would continue to make Kingdom connections with our neighbors.

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Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:00:00 -0500

Baptisms

Baptisms

Baptisms