July 2, 2021
ON MY HEART
From Pastor Roger
I Don't Feel Guilty Anymore
Greetings!

A friend and I were talking this week about grace. My friend was pontificating on how grace is not a "license to sin." I agree with my friend on that and reminded him of a story I once heard.

A man entered a restaurant and sat on one of the stools at the counter. The waiter bought a glass of water to the man. The customer then immediately threw it into the waiters face. Quickly grabbing a napkin, the customer helped the waiter dry his face while he apologized with great remorse. "I’m so sorry," he said. "I have this compulsion to do this. I fight it, but I don’t know what to do about it." "You had better do something about your problem," the waiter replied. "You can be sure I’ll remember you and will never serve you any drink until you get help."

This man came into the restaurant a few months later. When he asked for a glass of water, the waiter refused. Then the man explained that he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that his problem was solved. Convinced it was now okay to serve him, the waiter poured him a drink. The man took the glass and splashed the water into the waiter’s astonished face. "I thought you were cured," the shocked waiter screamed. "I am," said the man. "I still do it, but I don’t feel guilty about it anymore."

We may chuckle at the story, but sometimes there is some truth in that. Yes, it is because of God's grace we are forgiven of all of our sins. (Ephesians 2:8-10) But it is also because of God's grace that we are empowered to live a new life. The truth is that we cannot fix ourselves, but because of His grace and power He can.

I have probably said this somewhere along the way in my life, and when I hear it from others, I can only reflect that I too at one time said the same thing. I would say things like, "I can't help myself," or "Well that's the way God made me."

The Apostle wrote all of his fellow strugglers in Corinth with this encouragement. "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT2)

SEE YOU SUNDAY!
I LOVE MY CHURCH FAMILY!!!!
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NEW MESSAGE SERIES STARTS SUNDAY!
Let's hear a warm Freedom Welcome to some of the newest team members God has sent our way.

PASTOR RICHARD DEMSICK
Director of Discipleship

I am a workout addict, cat loving, coffee snob, who loves movies and is a proud nerd. First and foremost I am a Jesus and philosophy nerd, but I could also get into some comic books, or board games. I like playing guitar, and love worshiping. My favorite movie is, “its a wonderful life”, or “on the waterfront” depending on my mood. My favorite actor is Jimmy Stewart, cause I was raised on the classics. What I am most passionate about is seeing lives change for Jesus! There is nothing like watching someone become a new person, and God using you in that process. It is the greatest privilege of all!

LEAH STRINGER
Financial Director Dynamic Life & Freedom Administrative Assistant

I have always loved helping people and organizing, so this is the perfect job for me. My favorite pizza is anything loaded with veggies and of course gluten free. I love worshiping God and have a habit of singing random things in random places. I love kids and will cuddle any baby at any time. My favorite movie is a tie between The Princess Bride, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Inception.

PASTOR RICHARD ROSALIA
President New Covenant Bible College

I've been part of the college since its inception in 2013. My passion is delving into the Word of God, preaching and teaching its richness to the congregation and to students. Iam married to my wife Denise for 37 year, and we have 3 children, Richard, Matthew and Julie. We are excitedly expecting their first grandchild this fall. I am looking forward to working with New Covenant Bible College to accomplish God's mission in equipping the saints for the mission field.

LARRY OTREBA
Vice President New Covenant Bible College

.Lover of: Christ, My Country, My Family, My Friends, Our Mission, God's Word. NYC Thin Crust Sausage Pizza, Philly Cheesesteaks, Worship Music, Anything Temple University, Lover of Almost All Music, Hanging with My Grandkids, Passionate about sharing THE GOSPEL! LOVE MY WIFE, FAMILY, FLORIDA, MY NAVY SHIPMATES
MISS LAST SUNDAY?
Here's a replay of Sunday Celebration

EVERY GOOD PATH

Proverbs 2:6-9 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.”

It is God’s job to give us wisdom when we ask for it, but He does so much more as we see in the additional verses. He gives us success, He shields us, He guards us, and He protects us. All we need to do is ask for wisdom, be upright or moral, be blameless, and walk by faith. 

So what path are you on? Does these verses mirror the current path that you are on? If not, it is time for a course correction. God is a forgiving God. All we need to do is confess our sin and turn from our wicked ways and he will forgive us. We can get right back onto the path that God has for us and start enjoying the benefits that come from a relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

Keep giving, keep serving, and keep on the path that leads to a blessed life!


Blessings everyone,

Brian Traynor - Associate Pastor of Stewardship
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THIS WEEK

  • Sunday School Impact Group Sunday mornings in the church office at 8:20—join Randy Driggers for a verse by verse study in the Word.

  • Sunday Corporate Prayer 9:14 am in Worship Center

  • Monday 6:30-7:30 PM Breaking Chains Women's Group (NEW!) Contact Laurie Smith for details 772-473-3016

  • Super Summer Wednesdays Freedom Kids meet 7:00-8:00 for Super Summer in the Disciple Ship at the church. Freedom Youth will meet at The Genesis Church on Wednesdays 186 27th Avenue from 6:30-8:00

  • Thursday 7:00 PM (doors open 6:30 for fellowship) Celebrate Recovery - for every hurt, habit and hangup!

  • Friday 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer

COMING SOON

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