Mom's Connection kicks off September 26th!

Mom's Connection meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM beginning Monday, September 26th. Mom's Connection provides moms with an opportunity to strengthen their connection with Christ and each other. This year moms will study Karol Ladd's book, "The Power of a Positive Mom."


For more information about Mom's Connection contact Karen Richards at 732.706.9274.

Check out this interview with Karol Ladd.

Acts 9:36-42 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

In Acts 9:36-42 we are introduced to Tabitha (also known by her Greek name, “Dorcas”) a disciple, “full of good works and charitable deeds.” (Acts 9:36) What additional insights does this passage provide about her?

Compare the qualities of Tabitha’s faith with the description of a godly woman in 1 Timothy 2:9-10.

What emphasis does the New Testament put on our good works?

Matthew 5:16—

Ephesians 2:10—

1 Timothy 5:25—

Titus 2:7, 14, and 3:8—

Hebrews 10:24—

1 Peter 2:12—

Family Discussion and Application

Tabitha used her skills to make clothes for widows and the poor (Acts 9:39). What are ways our family can use our gifts and skills to minister to others?

Jersey Shore Men of Valor Conference-- Promo Video

Men-- Join me Saturday, September 17th for the Jersey Shore Men of Valor Conference at First Baptist Church in Red Bank, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. In addition to teaching from Josh Holland (BGEA) who served on the leadership team for the Jersey Shore Will Graham Celebration the following break-out sessions will be offered:

Taking Out the Trash-- allow Jesus to help you "download" the stuff we carry around, and experience the promise that His "yoke is easy and His burden light."

Seizing your Dream-- learn how to recognize open doors of opportunity so you can become all that God has destined you to be.

God and Money-- Are you living according to your circumstances or God's vision for your life?

Pleasure and Holiness-- Learn what holiness is-- and how to find pleasure in the good blessings of our good God.

Training for War-- How to start something new and powerful for God.
"Pastor Dad"-- for fathers who are ready to accept God's call to disciple their children.

"What did she say?"-- How to be a better listener and communicator with your wife.

Pain or Pleasure?-- Learn how to trigger the power of God in your life and live a better life.

Experience God's Life of Changing Grace-- How to recognize and break free of those strangleholds that rob you of peace and joy in Christ.

Being a Man and Husband after God's Own Heart-- A look at the challenges and growth needed to be a godly husband.

Acts 9:20-31 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Luke reports in Acts 9:20 that following his conversion to Christ Saul (Paul) “Immediately began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: ‘He is the Son of God.’” After leaving Damascus Paul, by his own account says that he withdrew to Arabia for nearly three years to be prepared for ministry. How is Paul’s example of “immediately proclaiming Jesus” not at odds with time set aside for discipleship and preparation for ministry? (See also 1 Timothy 3:6)

Saul’s message was Jesus is the “Son of God.” What is the significance of the title “Son of God”? 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 2:7; Matthew 8:29; 16:16; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; 22:70; John 1:18; 3:16; Acts 13:33-34

How were the “brothers” (Acts 9:30), Ananias, Barnabas, James and Peter (Galatians 1:18-19) indispensible to Saul’s early discipleship and preparation for ministry. According to Galatians 1:16 what were they, or anyone else, unable to do for Saul? What insight does this provide to the concept that the Christian life is “personal but not private?”

What is the relationship of the “fear of the Lord” and “encouragement of the Holy Spirit”?

Life-Application:

As a result of this study, what ministry is God calling you to immediately pursue? For what ministry are you preparing?

Who is your discipler (mentor)? Who are you discipling?

Family Sunday School, August 21st

This week in Family Sunday School we'll be challeged to "Put on Love" (Colossians 3:12-14) by showing and telling others the good news. Here are some family discussion questions:

Read Matthew 28:19-20 & Acts 1:8

■How many days did Jesus stay on the earth before returning to heaven? (40)

■Where did Jesus tell His disciples to meet Him? (Mount of Olives)

■What were the two reactions when Jesus appeared at Mount of Olives? (Worship/doubt)

■What instructions did Jesus give to His disciples? (Go to all people and share the Good News and teach them how to obey God’s Word)

■What did Jesus promise His disciples? (He would be with them always)

■How would the disciples have the power to obey His instructions? (God was going to send the Holy Spirit to live in their hearts)

■Where did Jesus go after He finished giving instructions to the disciples? (Back to heaven)

■Who told the disciples that Jesus would return the same way He left the earth? (Two men)

■Who is someone our family can share the Good News?

■How can you share the Good News with someone this week?

NMBC Comdey Night, Sunday August 21st @ 6:30

Join us Sunday night for Family Comedy Night featuring Tom Padovano. The night is free and open to all. Learn more about Tom Padovano at www.tomcomedy.com.

Acts 8:1-19 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Compare Acts 9:1-19 with Acts 22:3-4 and Acts 22:6-16 where Paul recounts how he came to Christ. What strikes you about his testimony?

What was Saul’s purpose for going to Damascus? Why did Jesus appear to Saul and what was he instructed to do? (See also 26:15-20)

According to the following Scriptures, how did Paul’s testimony motivate his life and ministry?

Romans 1:14-15—

Galatians 1:13-2:10—

Philippians 3:4-8—

1 Timothy 1:15-16—

Take some time to review your testimony (the story of who God brought you into a relationship with Christ-- A. Your life before Christ B. How you met Christ C. Your life since Christ). How does your testimony motivate your life and ministry? How is the Holy Spirit motivating you to respond to this study?

Family Sunday School-- This week

My favorite thing about Family Sunday School last week was watching dads and moms talk about how to show and live the fruit of the Spirit with their children. This week's bibletoon is based on Matthew 17:20, " Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” All of us face fear and worry... even our children. Jesus wants us put our trust (faith) in Him.

Here are the questions families will discuss following this week's bibletoon. There questions come from www.ministry-to-children.com.
1. Our world is full of fear. Why shouldn’t we be afraid? God says….
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Isaiah 41:10
(God is with us no matter what fearful time we are going through.)
2. What if we don’t want to be afraid anymore. How can we stop?
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13
(He helps us. We can’t do it on our own. He gives us His Word to hide in our hearts when we are scared, His Holy Spirit to comfort us, grown-ups who follow Jesus to help us, prayer, and friendships. Make it clear to your students that you are always there to support them and help them get over a fear.)
3. What would happen if we don’t give our fears to God?
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15
(Fears tend to grow, sometimes out of control. The more you are afraid, the less you live the life that God has for you. Being afraid is like being in a prison, but God has set us free. As His children, we can trust Him because He is a good Dad.”
4. How can we trust Him? Will He really help us with our fears?
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
(Jesus’ love for us is perfect. He showed us that by dying on the cross to rescue us from our sins. Perfect love is the only thing that can drive out all fear.)
5. What if we do learn to trust Him? What then?
“Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” – Psalm 34:9
(If we trust God more than we fear the world, we show Him honor and love. This verse says that we will lack nothing. In other words, we will be given everything we need in Him. Wow! Now that’s a promise worth holding onto!)

Acts 8:14-17: Understanding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit-- Questions for Reflection and Discussion

According to Acts 5:3-4, who is the Holy Spirit? What attributes do the following Scriptures reveal about the Holy Spirit? Genesis 1:2; Psalm 139:7; Job 33:4; Matthew 12:28, 28:19; Acts 28:25; Romans 8:11; Hebrews 3:7-11 and 9:4.

Read Acts 8:14-17. In verse 17 Luke reports, “Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” What insight does John 4:9 provide as to the significance of Samaritan believers receiving the Holy Spirit?

Compare and contrast Acts 10:44-46 and 19:1-7 with Acts 8:14-17. What evidence in these accounts leads the reader to conclude that it was not Luke’s purpose to show how the normal relationship of the Christian with the Holy Spirit post Pentecost.

How does a someone “receive the Holy Spirit” according to the following Scriptures?

John 7:37-39—

Romans 8:9—

Ephesians 1:13-14—

What is so incredible about the Holy Spirit residing in us? (Colossians1:27)

In your everyday life and witness, how are you displaying confidence (faith) in the Holy Spirit to do His work in and through you?

A relationship with God that goes far beyond rules and authority.

When I was a new Christian it was explained to me that the role of the Holy Spirit was to help me "live in obedience to Christ." Certainly a crucial component of a relationship with Christ is obedience. After all, Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Further, the Holy Spirit does empower us to live in obedience to Christ (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23). Yet a thriving relationship with Christ is much more than obedience.

This Sunday we’ll take a closer look at the Samaritans who believed the gospel, were baptized, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). There experience is not one that we share in that we receive (are sealed in) the Holy Spirit when we believed the gospel (Ephesians 1:13). God’s unique purpose for these early Christians serves to showcase the relational purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Pastor and author Francis Chan has written an excellent book on the Holy Spirit entitled, The Forgotten God. In this clip he shares with his church his motivation for writing the book. Romans 8:17 tells us, “The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” If your relationship with Christ has grown stale, let me encourage you to grab your Bible and spend some time meditating on Romans 8:12-17. God loves you. Don’t take my word for it… Let God tell you Himself.

Acts 8:13-25 Genuine vs. Counterfeit Faith: Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Read Acts 8:13-25. What evidence is there that Simon’s faith was counterfeit? What evidence is there that his faith was genuine?

Why do you suppose Luke does not conclusively answer the question as to Simon’s faith? (See 1 Corinthians 11:28; 13:5; Galatians 6:4; Philippians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; and Revelation 2:23)

What do the following Scriptures reveal as “proofs” that in themselves are not conclusive of genuine faith?

Matthew 7:21-24—

Matthew 19:16-21; 23:27—

Matthew 25:1-10—

Luke 8:13, 14—

Romans 1:21; 23-27

1 John 5:13 declares, “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” On what is the Christian to base his or her certainty of salvation? (Or, what do the following Scriptures reveal are the basis of genuine saving faith?)

John 1:12—

1 John 1:1-3—

1 John 2:1-2—

1 John 3:18-20—

2 Corinthians 7:10—