God`s Love Is Unconditional

Rev. Leo Cyrus, Pastor --Teacher
New Hope Newsletter
32nd Edition
THE PASTOR SPEAKS
God’s Love Is Unconditional
(1 John 4:7-11)
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has
been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God
is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the
world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he
loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so
loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Pastor-Teacher
Dr. Leo D. Cyrus, Sr.
Pastor Speaks
Inspirational
Message
“Get rid of those ANTs”
The Power of a
Thankful Heart
Men’s Day
Celebration
There is nothing so immeasurable or as important as God’s love and yet His love is
so misunderstood by man today. God is love! Do you really understand what that
1&2
means? Have you ever considered the magnitude of that statement? Let us consider
God’s love…
2&
3
3
4
Pastor’s 36th Year
Celebration
Revival
Church
Anniversary
Senior Citizen
Luncheon
Senior Citizen
Luncheon
Breast Cancer
Awareness
5
6&
7
7
Word Scramble,
Math Challenge,
Crossword
Puzzle, and
Tidbit
8
Inserts
9&
“YOUTH IN ACTION”
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A pastor friend of mine was retiring, and had just delivered his last sermon from the
pulpit where he had preached many years. One of his faithful members stopped as
she went out the door and asked, "Pastor do you know what is the most important
thing you have said in all these years?" The Pastor inquired as to what it was so he
might learn of one way he had helped his members. The member replied, “You told
us we cannot do anything to get God to stop loving us!”
The most important thing that you can learn in life is that God never stops loving
you! Peter denied being one of the disciples and cursed, but God still loved him and
turned his life around. John Mark turned back and quit in the middle of a missionary
journey but Christ still loved him, and made him an asset to the church and the
Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).
David committed adultery and murder, but God still loved him. Wavering Israel as
often as they were hot and cold, God still said through the prophet Zechariah, “For
thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder
you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.’” (Zechariah 2:8) God’s
love is unending. God’s love for us is from eternity, without beginning and without
ending, who can deny such a great God?
As
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Christians we know that God’s love isn’t something we just talk about.
We can’t just learn it.
We must experience it.
We must receive it.
We must be filled with it.
Everything God has ever done and will ever do is first motivated by His heart of
love.
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 The very decision to create us was motivated by His love.
Our Mission Statement: “New Hope Baptist Church is a family of baptized believers who worship the Lord
our God in spirit and in truth, teach the saved to reach the lost while ministering to the needs of others,
and encouraging one another through acts of love and living in obedience to God’s Word.”
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Continued from page 1
The decision to reveal Himself to mankind was motivated by His love.
His walking in the Garden with Adam was an act of love.
His covenant with Abraham was a covenant of love.
The decision for God the Son to leave heaven and come to earth was a love act.
The sacrifice of God the Father was a love sacrifice.
The very acts of Jesus were all done from a heart of love. From the very beginning to the very end, His heart
was bursting with love for you and me. And still today and He lives to make intercession for you and me.
Remember everything, He does is done because of his unfailing, trustworthy, reliable, and consistent love.
Serving This Present Age
Leo D. Cyrus, Sr. Pastor/Teacher
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have
drawn you with unfailing kindness’’’ (Jeremiah 31:3)
Inspirational Message
Get rid of those ANTs
I do not like insects – especially not in my space. When a mosquito gets in the house, I think of West Nile and
everyone has to get a towel, shoe or something and go after it till it is no more. If I see a spider, someone
has to get the long hose attachment on the vacuum to get rid of it, (I don’t want anyone to get close and risk
it jumping on them when they try to kill it). I can’t even look at a water bug, they give me the willies and
send me running.
As much as I don’t like insects, I seldom react when I see an
ant in my home. Perhaps it is because they are so small, or
the fact that I see them out and about regularly. I just don’t
take pause. Despite their harmless size and appearance
these little creatures can be dangerous.
 Consider their strength – an ant can lift 20x its size.
 Consider their social nature – when 1 ant is seen, if it
finds a habitable environment – its friends will quickly
come in large numbers.
 Consider their ability to multiply – a single queen ant can
have millions of babies.
 Consider their laser focus – each ant is focused on a single job and it will work unto death to get it accomplished.
Ants can spoil foods and destroy structures. They should not be taken lightly.
The same can be said for another kind of ANT – the Automatic Negative Thought. The defeating selfpronouncements that run across our mind, and depending on the company, may come out of our mouth.
“I’m always tired”; “I’m so lazy”; “I’ll never get out of debt”; “I can’t go back to school”; “These kids wont do
right"; I’m big boned, I can’t lose this weight”; “The economy is horrible, I can’t step out on my own right
now”; “I know this relationship is no good, but I can’t leave”; “I can’t stop _______” (you fill in the blank)
“I could never ______” (again, you fill in the blank).
How often do negative thoughts come into our space (minds) and we overlook – or even worse tacitly believe
them. Perhaps because we assume that little thought can’t affect much.
The Bible warns us of the power of thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 tells us as a man thinketh so is he. Negative
thoughts, like the insect ant, do damage. They multiply and piece by piece, they break down and carry off the
fruit God has given you. They can have no place in your mind.
So how do we get rid of the ANTs?
Many psychology experts suggest immediately flipping the script. Talk right back to yourself changing that
negative thought to a positive. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Particularly if the damage done is
not acknowledged or addressed.
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Philippians 4:6-8 provides another process to get rid of those ANTS.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7 NIV
In times of an unsettled mind, these scriptures direct us to God with prayers of thanksgiving. When a negative
thought enters speaking lies about who we are or what we cannot do – don’t begin by talking back to
self. First, start talking to God.
God knows the end. He sees the battles won, the strongholds broken, and His purposes fulfilled. God is our
Strength. As children of the Most High, we don’t have to fight any battle alone – not even a battle with our
own mind! Place that which troubles our mind in His hands, thanking Him for what He has done and will do
(v6). Instead of lamenting about where we are, thank God for where He has brought us from and where He
will take us. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, thank Him in advance for what He will bring.
When we replace worry or negative thoughts with thankful prayer and supplication, we surrender, connect and
agree with God. In response, look at what our awesome God promises. His Word says He will give us peace
(v7); a peace that passes all understanding; a peace that will guard and keep our hearts and minds.
Now, with the negative thoughts gone, and the balm of peace applied, we are directed (and able) to fill our
minds with uplifting thoughts. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things. Phil 4:8 NIV
ANTs finding their way into your space? Take action:
1. Pray for awareness and begin to take note of defeating thoughts that come across your mind.
2. When the thought occurs, replace the thought with anticipatory prayers of thanksgiving until you experience God’s peace.
3. Fill your mind with God’s truth and uplifting thoughts.
4. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
God bless and bless God.
Web: www.nettyejohnson.com
© 2012 Nettye Johnson
Blog: http://myfaithmyfitness.com
Thanksgiving: The Power of a Thankful Heart
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this
is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18
It is not always easy to give thanks, but this is the very thing we must do in
order to see God's will accomplish in our lives. This is how we move into
higher realms of faith for ourselves, for our city, and for our nation.
Thanksgiving breaks the power of the enemy. Whenever you give thanks to
God, despite the most difficult circumstances, the enemy loses a big battle in
your life. When you give thanks in the midst of difficulty, you bring pleasure
to God's heart. He is looking for Christians who live in a realm of praise and
thanksgiving where the enemy no longer has an ability to hold or manipulate
that person. Satan is defeated when we have a thankful heart because thankfulness during difficulty is a sacrifice pleasing to God.
Are you thankful? Are you thankful for your present circumstances? Are you thankful for your salvation, your
friendships, and your job? Thankfulness is a key to your life. It is the key that turns your situation around because it changes you, your outlook, and your attitude. There is power in a thankful heart.
Let’s look at the example of Jesus. He followed the will of His Father to the very end. He obeyed without complaint. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul says that we should have the same attitude. Jesus made himself nothing and
took on the very nature of a servant. He humbled Himself and became obedient to death. We also are to have
this same attitude with a humble and thankful acceptance of God's will for our lives.
Sister Ora L Milligan
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Men’s Day Celebration
The theme for this year was: “Men in Black: Lifting up Holy Hands
in Prayer and Praise” with the scripture reference extracted from I
Timothy 2:8 which states, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
Pastor Thomas Bessix
The Men's Day Committee, chaired by Brother Melvin Hudson, Sr.,
and Deacon John Hulbert, hosted activities throughout the month
of July to encourage fellowship among men that included a bowling
night, Men's Day Breakfast with Deacon Lester Reed as the speaker, and a culmination Sunday Worship Experience on July 8, 2012.
Bro. Melvin Hudson, Sr.
Co-Chairperson
At the Sunday Worship Experience, the New Hope Male Chorus provided music and the guest speaker was
Pastor & Teacher Thomas Bessix of the New Gideon Baptist Church in Valley Park. Pastor Bessix delivered an
inspiring message, “He can Do It Again,” coming from I King 17:17-18. It states, “And it came to pass after
these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore,
that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of
God? Art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?” Therefore, fight discouragement as if you were fighting for your life, for in a sense you are! Before we need to branch out on decision,
we need to spend some time with the Lord seeking His direction and His guidance.
We are thankful for Pastor & Teacher Cyrus, the New Hope Congregation, and all the men along with visitors
and friends who helped to make the series of activities a success.
Bro. Melvin Hudson Sr.
Pastor’s 36th Year Celebration
Philippians 4:4-5 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say,
rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. “The Lord is at
hand.”
On Sunday, August 26, 2012, at 10:45 a.m., the New Hope
family, friends, and visitors joined in the celebration of 36
years of dedicated service to New Hope by our Pastor, Leo
Daniel Cyrus, Sr. After the grand entrance of Pastor Cyrus, the
New Hope Music Ministry led the congregation in songs of
praise, worship, and inspiration.
Highlighting the occasion was the message delivered by our
guest speaker, Pastor & Teacher Boris Braggs of Mt. Calm Baptist Church in Simmsboro, Louisiana with his text coming from
Philippians 4:4-5 and theme title “The Lord is at hand”.
Dr. Leo D. Cyrus, Pastor of
New Hope Baptist Church
Reverend Boris Braggs : Pastor of
Mt. Calm Baptist Church
He indicated that most people confuse joy with happiness, but he noted that they are two very different
things. Happiness is external while joy is internal. Happiness is temporary while joy is permanent in Christ.
Happiness has to do with temporal things like a winning chance ticket or good hair day, but joy has to do with
our great God and Savior Jesus Christ and the gifts that He gives. Happiness can be pursued and even obtained for short intervals; but Joy is a gift that remains with us no matter what happens, because we know
that our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God through Christ.
We should rejoice and give thanks to God for the example of Paul who never lost his joy, who rejoiced and
who would continue to rejoice, no matter what happened, as long as Christ was proclaimed. We give thanks to
God for giving us Pastor Cyrus and the strength that God have given our undershepherd to preach Christ to
his members, congregations, regionally, nationally, and even internationally.
Reverend Braggs inspired us through his message by reminding us that no matter what troubles, trials, tribulations, or hardships, we may or will encounter, the Lord is at Hand. He reminded us of an old song “You can't
hurry God, you just have to wait; you have to trust and give Him time, no matter how long it takes”. Pastor
Braggs encouraged us to keep the right attitude through all calamities because the Lord is holding our hands.
Sister O. L. Milligan
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Pre-Anniversary Revival
“SEEKING GOD FOR REVIVAL”
In a joint Pre-Anniversary Revival (PAR), powerful preaching was present in the
pulpits of New Hope and Second Baptist churches, September 18th, 19th, and
20th. Guest Evangelist Greg L. Oliver, a prolific preacher, an anointed vocalist,
and pastor of True Vine Baptist Church of Monroe, Louisiana, allowed the Holy
Spirit to use him to communicate the infallible truth of God’s Word.
On Tuesday, the first night of PAR, and using Judges 7:19 as the main scripture,
those in attendance got a lesson on “Learning How to Count in the Kingdom.”
Pastor Oliver explained that counting in the Kingdom is different than counting in
the world. Only in the Kingdom is it possible to feed 5,000 with two fish and five
loaves of bread; only in the Kingdom can a soul be raised from the dead after four
days in the grave and not smell; only in the Kingdom one man die, and everyPastor Greg Oliver, Sr. body can receive Salvation. In this spiritual mathematical class, the evangelist
True Vine Baptist
shared a formula for overcoming a frustrated faith: (1) don’t count your present
Church
situation – seek God and trust Him for deliverance; (2) don’t count on everybody
that you count on – God may not want you counting on that ‘support group’ that you depend on, He wants
you to count on Him; (3) count on God and do what He tells you to do – seek His guidance and be obedient to
His direction. Pastor Oliver reminded the congregation that most of us count on the sub-total, which is us by
ourselves, instead of regarding the sum-total, which is God and us.
Philippians 4:4-7, was the focus scripture for the message on Wednesday, entitled, “Rejoice.” The evangelist
reminded us that rejoicing is a biblical command that Apostle Paul mandated to the church at Philippi, yet it
applies to Christians today. He reminded us that the scripture instructs us to ‘rejoice, always in the Lord.’ We
are to rejoice no matter what the circumstance, no matter whether things are going right or not, no matter
whether we prayed and didn’t get the answer we sought, we should rejoice. He exhorted us to rejoice in the
Lord, not in our big bank accounts, not in other people, not in our cars, homes, etc.; we should rejoice because of His presence with us - despite all the bad that we’ve done, He still holds our hands, He never lets go
of us; we can rejoice for the peace that prayer provides, the peace that surpasses all understanding when we
keep our minds on Him. We can have peace about the worst situations we may find ourselves in, while not
understanding why.
“Don’t Take It Personal” (John 9:1-7), was the title of the message on the last night of the Pre-Anniversary
Revival. Although the evangelist declared that he would not ‘kill himself on the last night,’ the Holy Spirit had
other plans, because Pastor Oliver was even more powerfully profound than the previous two nights. In his
exposition on the title, he explained that we take our circumstances personal because, (1) we think we are
too big – arrogant – thinking more highly of ourselves than what we are, that bad things just shouldn’t happen to us; (2) we expand our moments to seem like lifetime situations – ‘this must be our destiny in life.’ Instead, we should recognize that it’s not about us, but all about God. We’re here for a reason and that is to
impact the lives of as many people as we can, building up the Kingdom, for His glory. Pastor Oliver explained
that even though we often blame God for our negative circumstances, that God has allowed us to be there
because of the (1) possibilities in the providential positioning of the Lord – we are where we are because it’s
where God wants us, oftentimes preventing worse things happening to us; (2) purpose of his prolonged position – God wants to get the glory for bringing us out of our circumstances; (3) peculiar way the power is released – a way in which only God can deliver.
In Pastor Oliver’s discerning manner of delivering word of God, during the three-day revival, the Lord’s name
was made large, making our challenges appear microscopic, thereby allowing us to be revived, refreshed, to
do the work that our Lord and Savior left for us to do.
The theme for this year’s revival was “Refresh My Soul,” using John 4:14 as the theme scripture. The music
ministries of both New Hope and Second Baptist churches provided spirited, praiseworthy music each night.
Prayer service was conducted each night prior to the worship experience.
Sister Jane Robinson
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CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
65 Years Church Anniversary Service
Sunday, September 23, 2012 – 10:45 A.M.
The New Hope Baptist Church congregation celebrated sixty-five
years of leadership and service rendered by wise masterbuilders that have kept Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. Our celebratory Sunday Worship Experience included a pre-recorded
synopsis of the “History of New Hope Baptist Church” given by
Bro. David Grisby and Deaconess Nettye Johnson. They remindRev. Ronald Robertson
ed
us that New Hope Baptist Church was organized on SeptemPastor of the Capital
Dr. Leo D. Cyrus, Pastor of
Missionary Baptist Church
ber 28, 1947 under the leadership of the late Rev. J.S. Wicks. New Hope Baptist & Second
Baptist Churches
The Adult Original Organizers and/or Adult Early Laborers
(affiliated within the first ten years of existence) included: Exter & Nazarine Burrell, Mildred Chambers,
Aszalee Chase, Mellene Dawson, Christine Jackson-Fisher, Jessie Ford, Georgia Foster, Samuel Gray, Susie
Hughes, Nelson & Irene Hills, Henry & Mamie Leonard, Louvilla Lewis, Lolo & Moses & Virginia Richard, Luella
Rogers, Mary Shoals, T.C. Wicks, and Theresa Wicks. The church was originally located at 1385 North 46th
Street. Today the church is located at 5856 Greenwell Springs Road, the site dedicated between November 27
and December 3, 1988.
The Gospel Message for this year’s anniversary was delivered by Pastor & Teacher Ronald Robertson, the dynamic pastor & teacher of Capital Missionary Baptist Church on Hooper Road. The title of Reverend Ronald
Robertson’s message was “In the Lord’s Hands.” The Scriptural text came from Jeremiah 18:1-6, The word
which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will
cause you to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something
at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again
into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make... Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter? says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel!
No matter what comes our way, it is a sweet relief in knowing, that we as children of God, are still in the
hands of the Lord. We all face some troubles in our lives. We all face some setbacks in our lives. We all experiences some pain, loneliness, disappointments, dejections, rejection, or sickness. But through it all, it is a
sweet relief in knowing that we are still in the hands of the Lord.
You may think you are going through some hard times feeling as if it’s an oven, but remember, “The oven is
not designed to kill but make you better” as stated by Reverend R. Robertson. We, as a Church Family, were
encouraged by the inspiring message that we are in the Lord’s Hands.
Sister Ora L Milligan
Senior Citizen Luncheon
Senior Citizen Annual Luncheon
Sponsored by the NHBC Mission Ministry
August 18, 2012
This year’s theme was “Seniors Called to Serve”. The seniors of New Hope, visiting family and friends, determined not to allow the inclement weather hinder supporting the luncheon and learn more about what the Lord
did exactly what the Lord has for them to do. Despite all the challenges that occurred, the event proved to be
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a wonderful opportunity to fellowship in the Lord. It was a glowing testament to the community, Christian and
otherwise, that ‘all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are the called according
to His purpose’.
As all members of the NHBC Mission Ministry worked together as a team to have a successful function, our
beloved Sister Shenna Burton did a remarkable job greeting the participants. She ended by challenging the
seniors with the question “how good is your service?” Afterwards, Rev. Lionel Anderson delivered the inspirational message in regards to serving the Lord. He stated we should serve the Lord with all our heart and
mean it instead of “playing church.” Furthermore, his message revealed we should serve God with the right
motive; serve God in faith, prayer, hope, and remember to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am
I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8
Sister Sharon Norwood
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the
flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2
Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of
breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. Supporters hope that
greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, which is associated
with higher long-term survival rates, and that money raised for breast cancer will produce a reliable, permanent cure.
Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a
breast cancer risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you
should discuss it with your doctor.
There are several ways you can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer:
 Exercise – An inactive lifestyle may increase the risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week.
 Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight– Some studies have found that high-fat diets may increase breast cancer
risk; yet, the results are inconclusive. The current recommendations, however, suggest that a diet rich in
fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers, including breast cancer.
 Limit Alcohol Intake – Heavy drinking is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
 Get Regular Screening Tests – Your doctor may recommend regular self-breast exams and mammograms,
particularly after age 40, to detect early signs of breast cancer.
 Talk With Your Doctor – When you work together with your doctor, you can better manage your breast cancer risk factors and receive the right kind of care when needed. Your doctor can tell you more about the
recommended screening guidelines and help you decide what is best for you.
Managing your lifestyle and personal health care enables you to take control of your risk for breast cancer.
Taking preventative steps may also increase the likelihood of early detection. Breast exams, mammograms
and other screenings increase the chances of detecting breast cancer early, when they are most likely to be
curable.
Sister Ora L Milligan
TIDBITS
 Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car.
 Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
 You have a choice when you’re going through trials – they can make you bitter or better. I’ve discovered the obvious -- better is better.
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FUN GAMES: Word Scramble, Math Challenge, Crossroad Puzzle, and Announcements
WORD SCRAMBLE
MATH CHALLENGE
How much is your
time worth?
Figure This!
Would you rather work
seven days at $20 per
day or be paid $2 for the
first day and have your
salary double every day
for a week?
A POSITIVE THOUGHT
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He
sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every
morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He
could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose
your heart. What about the Christmas gift He sent you
in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Vision Statement: New Hope Baptist Church, under the guidance of a Spirit-led leader, envisions a spiritually
mature, family-oriented, multi-generational church whose foundation is Jesus, equipped and empowered to
share the Gospel through the Word of God and through acts of service, utilizing facilities that will impact today’s society.