RESPONSIVE READING THE CHURCH And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Matthew 16:13-19; 2:41-47; Colossians 1:18, Acts When Jesus came 24 into the coasts of Caesarca Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that | the Son of man am? others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that T am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son Of And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions goods, and parted them And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Ulias; and the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon and to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing one accord in’ breaking bread daily with the temple, and from house to — house, did cat their meat with glad-— ness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:41-47 Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my And he ts the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, Father the firstborn from all things eminence. might which is in heaven. And 1 say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and he the dead; that in have Which is the church, And they continucd the apostles’ doctrine stedfastly in and fellow- ship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. pre- Col. 1:18, 24 POPOOEEECCP UCP CEP OEP EEP OO CHOCO CECE SE SHES ESSE SE SESE SHS ET EP OE EEE Eee HSHEHESHESEHSSESHSHEHSHTHEHHHSHHHHEES e@eeeeee e@eeoeoeeoeoeoee eee ee ee 0 @ & e eee Allow my family and me to congratulate you on your 78th Church Anniversary Celebration. We certainly are grateful for the revival and today’s program. We wish to thank all of New Zion members, visiting preachers, pastors, congregations, and friends for your support. Thanks to Rev. A. W. Dock for sharing with us this week. We’ve come this far by faith trusting in the Lord who will not dare leave us here, but will exalt us in due season. By His infinite and soverign hands, we’re being molded and shaped into the church that He will use to pour out His spirit upon all flesh in these last days. Realizing that the molding and shaping process is sometimes a painful one, don’t misinterpret the pain as failure. On the contrary, keep the focus on the ultimate will of God for the New Zion Baptist Church. His will for His church is that of the great commission to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 16:13-19 Let us not forget our commitment of "Each One Bring One." \ sw It is the responsibility of each member to bring others to christ. Therefore, each member is asked to invite and bring others to church." se i — | Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. the Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, whatsoever thou shalt bind on carth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt. From The Pastor’s Desk March 31, 1996