New Life Newfoundland

Important Message

2010-10-27T17:10:00.001-02:30

Thank you for visiting our ministry's website! You may have found us through a gospel tract you received, through a personal encounter with one of our members, or by just surfing the web. God has blessed us to minister the gospel in St. John's and Ferryland for the past three years, and He has now directed our leaders to other ministries in North America. While both our fellowships have officially disbanded, thankfully, there was no dispute or split, and our members remain tightly bound to one another in unity and love. Nonetheless, should you be looking for a like-minded, Bible-believing Baptist church in the St. John's area, consider contacting Calvary Baptist Church at 415 Kenmount Road; (709) 579-5433.

May God bless you in Christ Jesus His Son, whom He gave on the cross as a substitute for our sins.

Humbly,

Pastors Adam Dorsey and Steve Grissom

Ferryland Fellowship

2010-09-18T18:45:00.001-02:30

The members of Ferryland Bible Fellowship enjoying each other's company after the celebratory service of Amir's Baptism.

Angela is here!

2010-09-10T22:19:00.005-02:30

Tina & Eric's first baby is here and her name is Angela! Congrats you two! We're thrilled.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

Darrin Patrick - Church Planter Intro

2010-09-08T10:23:00.006-02:30

That video was awesome. It energized me for the day. The task is serious gentleman. Satan knows it and we know it. Let's live by the Spirit and not by the flesh. It's a war out there. Put on the armor and prepare for battle. -Pastor Steve

This is one of the best uses of YouTube technology I have encountered.
-Pastor Adam

Fasting & Praying

2010-09-06T08:58:00.001-02:30

Just a reminder that today the members of New Life Fellowship are fasting and praying as we seek the Lord's will with regards to the future decisions of our church.

Joint Service w/ Ferryland Bible this Sunday

2010-08-31T19:58:00.004-02:30

This Sunday New Life Fellowship and Ferryland Bible Fellowship will be coming together for a service and fellowship meal. Instead of our regular service times, we'll be meeting together at 1pm @ the MacMorran Community Centre. See you there!

No Tuesday/Thursday study

2010-08-31T06:18:00.002-02:30

This Tuesday & Thursday there will be no Bible/Book study as most of our members will be away.

During this time, Pastor Steve & Adam will be in the Corner Brook area to officiate Murray & Heather's wedding. CONGRATS YOU TWO!

Also, Jeremy & Ryan will be away in St. Pierre for a short term mission trip. Please pray for them.

Christian/Atheist Debate Videos

2010-06-01T07:26:00.003-02:30

The debate videos between Jonny Lomond (President, MUN Freethought Society) & Adam Dorsey (Pastor, New Life Fellowship) are now on our Youtube page. Enjoy!

(01/12) Jonny's Opening Part 1
(02/12) Jonny's Opening Part 2
(03/12) Adam's Opening Part 1
(04/12) Adam's Opening Part 2
(05/12) Jonny's Rebuttal Part 1
(06/12) Jonny's Rebuttal Part 2
(07/12) Adam's Rebuttal
(08/12) Jonny's Conclusion
(09/12) Adam's Conclusion
(10/12) Q&A Part 1
(11/12) Q&A Part 2
(12/12) Q&A Part 3

Christian/Atheist Debate

2010-05-24T08:41:00.002-02:30

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: The Landing (In the University Centre)

Debaters: Jonny Lomond (President, MUN Freethought Society) & Adam Dorsey (Pastor, New Life Fellowship)

The MUN Freethought Society created this facebook event page for the debate.

We'd love to see you there.

Why David Platt’s Book Radical Shouldn’t Sell A Single Copy

2010-05-17T19:48:00.005-02:30

by Adam Dorsey
Missionary, Church Planter, Pastor—New Life Fellowship & Ferryland Bible Fellowship
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
May 17, 2010

Now come on…just hang with me for a moment. You don’t know what I am about to say!

In June, 2005, my wife and son and I moved to the campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where I was pursuing an MDiv., and training for Navy chaplaincy. That’s when I first met Dr. Platt. Dr. Platt? He was 24 years old then! He had just been named Dean of Chapel, and began preaching through the book of Acts. If any of you have ever heard David Platt preach, you understand that it is a life-altering, faith-rattling event. You do not leave one of his sermons the same as you came.

But why? What is so special about his preaching? Sure, his awesome recitation, by memory, of entire Psalms is a great way to kick off an exposition. But so is Joel Osteen’s bleached canine collection. Yeah, he preaches with the fire of John the Baptist. But so does Joyce Meyer. Why do we love his preaching so? Because he preaches the Word of God—not perfectly, but faithfully. Not effortlessly, but in season, and out of season. Let’s be honest. What it is that we all love about our favorite preachers is that they are faithful to the text. It is not so much what John Piper is saying that makes our hearts sing, it is Dr. Piper’s Spirit-filled proclamation of the Word of Christ. It was not Adrian Rogers’ voice that drove us to repentance, but the voice of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:4-5, 27).

Multnomah recently released a new book written by David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream. Now, this is not intended to be a book review, as my copy of the book is still in the mail (don’t start me on getting mail to this island…). I read chapter one on Monergism’s site last week, and ever since then, I’ve been thinking. First, are you kidding me? It was awesome! It was every bit of David Platt, and more! He nailed it! He nailed me. Of course, true Christian discipleship is denying yourself, and taking up your instrument of torture daily! Yes!, we are hoarding all our money and possessions while billions die on the foreign mission field. No, you cannot just call yourself a Christian. Yes!, we have thrown a big bucket of water on what Jesus said it really costs to follow him. Amen! Amen! Amen!

And the more I thought about what it is that he is saying in this book, the more it dawned on me—this isn’t revolutionary. This isn’t new. This isn’t even David Platt. This is Jesus. This is “so first-century ago.” This is what Jesus told the crowds in Palestine. You can read about it in Luke 14. Jesus already preached this Sermon. It’s right there in Matthew 7:14-23. David Platt is not the first to defend his leadership in a mega church over his defense of Christ’s radical requirements for discipleship. Just check out the Corinthian correspondence (especially 1 Cor 6:9-10).

I absolutely love David Platt. Thank you, Jesus, for raising up this dear brother as an instrument of your grace and truth. I am anxious to get his book. I will read it, and I will give copies to others. But here’s the sad truth. This book should not have had to be written (I didn’t say it shouldn’t have been written; but that it shouldn’t have had to be written.) I am very “pro-book”. But these words are on scrolls that have been collecting dust in the Temple for years now—we just haven’t been reading them. Or, perhaps, preaching them. Or, perhaps, obeying them.

Understood biblically, the word “discipleship” doesn’t need an adjective like “radical.” Following Christ is most purely defined by Christ himself. But, as Dr. Platt points out, the American church has redefined what it means to follow Christ. Desperate times call for desperate terms. And Platt knows he has no claim to originality in this book, which is what makes it such a treasure. It’s just the voice of Christ—backatchya.

So, we should not be reacting to this book as if it were revolutionary, really. In our excitement over what we are being reminded of, and in the heated rush of admiration for a godly young leader, let us remember that it is the Word of Christ that is radically turning our lives and ministries upside-down. I can assure you, David Platt will not be offended.

And by the way, the ultimate compliment to any preacher is that his message is not revolutionary; that it is the same-old, same-old story that Jesus started telling way back when.

Is it important for me to become a member of my local church?

2010-05-15T07:08:00.004-02:30

Reminder: Town Hall meetings are now on Tuesdays @ 6pm in the Loft (UC-3013). These are required meetings for anyone desiring to become a member of New Life Fellowship.

Online News Poll - Abortion Still An Issue?

2010-05-14T07:31:00.002-02:30

The VOCM Radio News (St. John’s, NL) Question of the Day for Friday, May 14 is:

Do you think abortion is still a significant issue in the province today? Yes/No/Not-Sure

Vote at http://www.vocm.com/qotd.asp
1. Please vote YES
2. Please leave comments on the VOCM Question of the Day website.

You can vote online until early Saturday morning (or maybe even Monday morning).

If you feel so inclined, call in to leave comments before 1:00 PM Newfoundland Time (11:30 AM EST) that may be played on the radio at around 1:00 - 1:30 PM. Call 709-726-5163 or 866-689-6397.

Make sure we send the message that abortion is not a dead issue.

The Radical Experiment

2010-05-13T21:49:00.001-02:30

The Radical Experiment is a year-long journey that includes these five components:

Pray for the entire world.
Using a prayer guide, such as Operation World, pray for the entire world over the course of a year.

Read through the entire word.
Using a chronological Bible Reading plan, read through the entire Bible.

Commit your life to multiplying community.
Commit yourself wholeheartedly to the local church. But even deeper than that, commit yourself to a small group within your faith family that is intentionally sharing, showing, and teaching the Word while serving the world together.

Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.
For the next year, take a close look at all of your expenses as individuals and families through the lens of specific need in the world. Work to set a cap on your lifestyle so that you can free up as much of your resources as possible for the sake of the glory of Christ in His church, among the lost, and among the poor.

Spend your time in another context.
As you give the majority of your time to making disciples in your community, commit, as individuals and families, to give 2% (one week) of your time in Gospel ministry outside of your community for the sake of God’s glory in all the world.

Town Hall Meetings: New Day/Time

2010-05-12T23:14:00.003-02:30

New Life Fellowship's Town Hall meetings will no longer be held on Wednesdays effective immediately.

The new time is 6pm in the Loft of the UC (before the Bible study).

Just a reminder that these are required meetings for anyone wishing to become a member of the church.

March for Life

2010-05-10T16:25:00.001-02:30

Pro-Life NL will be holding the provincial March for Life on Thursday, May 13, at 12:30 on Confederation Hill. Gather in the east parking lot of Confederation Building and march to the main door. This is in solidarity with other provincial and national Marches for Life marking the 41st year of abortion in Canada and mourning with the families of the 3,000,000+ babies killed.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream

2010-05-10T11:35:00.002-02:30

Pastor Adam highly encourages everyone to read the first chapter of David Platt's new book "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream"

Here's the first chapter: www.monergismbooks.com/pdfs/radical.pdf

More information on the book at radicalthebook.com or purchase it on Amazon.ca for $12.99 here.

Mother's Day Sermon

2010-05-08T21:57:00.000-02:30

Hello church,

Thank you for your prayers for our family as we welcomed Susanna Grace into this world. We look forward to loving her by teaching her God's truth through His word each day. Hopefully, she will make her appearance at church in a couple of weeks. I look forward to celebrating Mother's Day tomorrow with Sheena and our family.

On another note, I wanted to share with you a great sermon preached by John Piper a few years back about Mother's Day but probably more about God's Sovereignty and suffering in the world. You will be blessed if you listen!

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByTopic/204/55_To_Be_a_Mother_Is_a_Call_to_Suffer/

Be sure to thank your mother tomorrow for giving birth to you! Ephesians 6:2 -- "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise—

Blessings,

Steve

Christmas Eve 2009 Fellowship & Singing

2010-05-08T07:16:00.001-02:30

Clips from our Christmas Eve 2009 service at Pastor Adam's home. We had 7 countries represented that evening including Iran, China and Sri Lanka.

There is new life at New Life...

2010-05-06T16:03:00.002-02:30

We have a new baby girl! Susannah (not sure of the spelling yet) Grace Grissom. 7lbs, 13oz.

It was a safe and eventless delivery, by God's grace! Sheena and baby are recovering well.

May God abound His saving work upon this precious one, by His grace, and for His glory.

Tonight's Town Hall Meeting Cancelled

2010-05-05T16:03:00.000-02:30

Due to schedule conflicts, the town hall meeting for tonight, May 5, 2010 has been canceled. We will continue next week with the town hall meetings. Please remember to keep Sheena and Steve in your prayers, as tomorrow is the day for the birth of the newest Grissom.

Town Hall meeting this Thursday

2010-05-03T18:32:00.001-02:30

Hello, Church Family!

I just wanted to let you know that we will be having this week's Town Hall meeting at our home, as the Grissoms prepare to welcome their new baby on Thursday. We will meet here at 6pm, and will finish by 8pm.

As we have mentioned, these meetings are designed for everyone who desires membership in our church, so attendance is required. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Blessings!

Pastor Adam

The Unreached - Did You Know?

2010-04-27T05:22:00.000-02:30

Fellowship Sunday evening for Murray and Heather

2010-04-16T21:50:00.000-02:30

Hello, church family,

This Sunday, April 18, will be Murray and Heather's last Sunday with us for a while, as they are leaving on Saturday, April 24, to go back to Deer Lake, and preparing for a move to Louisville, KY in the fall. We will miss them, and hope to see them during the summer. This Sunday night, in their honor, we are having a fellowship meal together after the services. Bring finger foods, i.e. sandwiches, chips, cookies, soft drinks, desserts. If you have any questions, call me at 895-8017 or contact the Dorseys or Grissoms. Look forward to seeing you all there on Sunday, for a great time of praise, worship, and fellowship together.

In Christ,

Dennis

China News

2010-04-15T09:43:00.008-02:30

Here are some recent news stories concerning China. These reports should lead us to prayers of intercession (#1) and prayers of thanksgiving (#2-3).

Reminder: Mandarin Chinese Bible Study Tuesdays @ 6pm in UC-3013 (Memorial University)

Hot Dog Cookout at Topsail Beach

2010-04-14T16:04:00.004-02:30

In Celebration of the end of the Spring Semester at MUN,

NO MORE EXAMS, CLASSES, PROJECTS, CLASSES, LATE NIGHTS STUDYING, CLASSES!!!!!

We are planning a HOT DOG COOKOUT at TOPSAIL BEACH

New Life Town Hall Meetings

2010-04-12T08:19:00.002-02:30

Starting Wednesday April 21st we will begin going through the Baptist Faith & Message as a body.

These are required meetings for anyone who wants to become a member of New Life Fellowship.

Location: The Grissom's home in Mount Pearl
Time: 6-8pm
Length: Approx 4-6 Wednesday's in a row

If there's any questions please contact one of the pastors via. the information on the left.

Murray's Baptism [Video]

2010-03-15T18:53:00.001-02:30

On March 13/10 Murray shared his testimony before the gathered church and followed Christ's command to be baptized. The baptism took place in a home Jacuzzi and was done by one of his pastors, Steve Grissom.

Murray's Baptism this Saturday

2010-03-11T10:13:00.000-03:30

Hello all, we are going to baptize Murray White this Saturday at 3:30pm. It will take place at Adam and Christi's home (215 Marine Drive in Logy Bay) in their jacuzzi tub. If you need a ride, please let me know.

Afterwards, we will have a small meal together. So, if you can bring something small that would be great. This will be the last day that the mission team will be here before they head back to Tennessee so it will be a great way to celebrate before they leave.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email me! -Pastor Steve

Changes for Tonight's study

2010-03-09T10:34:00.001-03:30

The Tuesday night study tonight is changing it's time and location for this week only. The Chinese study will begin at 5:00 and the English study will begin at 6:00. We had to move the time and the location because of MUN campus events this week. We will meet in the MUN Council Chambers room. It is on the 2nd floor in the UC at MUN. If you have any questions, just meet us outside of the loft and we can take you there.

Announcement from New Life Fellowship

2010-02-13T09:09:00.001-03:30

Pastor Steve Grissom shares an update about the upcoming changes for New Life Fellowship including a new meeting location and time. It all starts Feb 21/10.

Here's the map to our new location:

Suffering and the Christian Response

2010-02-05T08:44:00.000-03:30

Article by Pastor Steve Grissom

Read here (PDF)

1 John 1:5

2010-01-30T09:35:00.004-03:30

As we have started our sermon series in 1 John, we hope to have these recorded messages uploaded onto the blog/website soon.

Until then, I wanted to share one of the points from the sermon I preached last week. The foundational truth that we looked at was found in 1 John 1:5...This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

From this, we looked first at the foundational truth that can't be altered or changed. Regardless of claims made by others, we saw that God's absolute moral purity helps us understand that he is holy and worthy of all honor and praise. In a day when many try to alter who God is or offer a different version of God, we know from God's word that He is light and there is no darkness within him. This brings comfort knowing that the Creator is ordaining all things according to His character and not ours. As we contrast 1 John 1:5 with Romans 3:10-12, we see a gap between God and man that can't be crossed by our own efforts. John then points to the only way to know God and that is through repenting of our sins and trusting in Jesus Christ (John 14:6, 1 John 1:9). We praise God for his mercy and grace offered at the cross.

Mandarin Chinese Bible Study

2010-01-25T09:35:00.003-03:30

This Tuesday we will be starting a new Bible study in Mandarin Chinese.

It will be on Tuesday evening's at 6pm in the Loft (UC-3013), just before our CrossRoads Bible study.

It will be led by our very own Rongren Li (Rolly) who is a Memorial University student from China.

Bible Study room change

2010-01-19T14:48:00.002-03:30

This week only, the Bible Study will be held in a different room.

It will be on the 6th floor of the UC (University Center), Room 6011.

See you there!

Response to the Haiti Tragedy

2010-01-17T08:19:00.001-03:30

In light of the recent tragedy that has taken place in Haiti, I am sure each of you were reminded of the brevity of life. This disaster has awakened many of us to the need to share the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world while eliminating poverty. As believers in Christ, we can not neglect either truth. There are so many needs in the country of Haiti right now. One of the main needs that is overwhelming is the need for medical supplies to address those who are wounded. There are so many painful stories as we watch them unfold from our computers and televisions. So, Pastor Adam and I have discussed this and we would like to take an offering this Sunday to help those in Haiti. I wanted to let you all know in advance so that people would be ready if they feel so led to give to this tragedy. We will be giving to the Canadian Baptists. You can find out more here and here.

Lastly, please review this article by Dr. Mohler as we know how to interpret this tragedy biblically. This article can be read here.

May we pray that God's love will be seen in an unfathomable way in the country of Haiti.

Trusting Him in the midst of chaos,

Pastor Steve

New Life Christmas Eve Service (Promo Video)

2010-01-14T09:47:00.000-03:30

Clips from our Christmas Eve 2009 service at Pastor Adam's home. We had 8 countries represented there including Iran, China and Sri Lanka. This is a promo video from Pastor Steve's dad for their church in Mississippi.

Women's Book Study - Resuming

2010-01-04T14:25:00.002-03:30

The women's book study was on break due to the Christmas holidays. They're now ready to continue their study of Lies Women Believe this Thursday.

When: January 7th @ 7 pm
Where: Christi Dorsey's home

More information on this book and our study.

Plans for Christmas Eve & Day

2009-12-20T21:23:00.005-03:30

Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve we'll be having a service and potluck supper at the Dorsey's home. Everyone attending is requested to bring a dish. All are welcome.

They're asking everyone to be there at 5pm.

Address: 215 Marine Drive in Logy Bay MAPQUEST
Contact the Dorseys: 726-7104

Christmas Day
The Gardiner Family would love anyone from Church wanting to spend Christmas with them over to their place. No need to bring a dish. They'll also be screening 'The Nativity Story' on a projector.

They're asking everyone to be there at 4:30pm.

Address: 132 Park Avenue (Basement around back), Mount Pearl MAPQUEST
Contact the Gardiners: 368-4109

Here's a trailer for the movie:

Pray for brother Eldon

2009-12-09T13:26:00.002-03:30

Brother Eldon, who owns the home in Ferryland that we meet in, is in the hospital today preparing for open-heart surgery tomorrow. Please remember him in your prayers. Pray that God would be glorified through this circumstance, pray for healing and pray that his wife Mary would rest in Jesus and be comforted.

Women's Book Study

2009-12-06T21:07:00.007-03:30

Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets them Free
By: Nancy Leigh DeMoss

The ladies of New Life Fellowship will begin the "Lies Women Believe" book study on Thursday, December 10th @ 7pm at Christi Dorsey's home.

If you're in need of a ride or would like more information please contact Sheena Grissom at 747-1218.

The book description is below.

We are like Eve. We have all experienced defeats and failures, trouble and turmoil. We have all experienced a selfish heart, a shrewish spirit, anger, envy and bitterness. And we ache to do things over, to have lives of harmony and peace. In Lies Women Believe, Nancy Leigh DeMoss exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women:

* Lies about themselves: I should not have to live with unfulfilled longings.
* Lies about sin: I cannot walk in consistent victory over sin.
* Lies about their marriage: If I submit to my husband, I will be miserable.
* Lies about their emotions: I can't control my emotions.
* Lies about their circumstances: I just can't take any more.

She sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. Lies Women Believe offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan's deceptions---God's truth.

What Baptism Is, Expanded

2009-12-03T11:52:00.000-03:30

Pastor Adam Dorsey of 'Ferryland Bible Fellowship' explains what Baptism is from the Scriptures.

Origin into MUN video

2009-11-20T17:19:00.001-03:30

From Jeremy's "Answering Atheism" youtube page.

Come join my church and I as we pass out 240 copies of the "Origin Of Species" by Charles Darwin. This video was filmed on location at Memorial University (MUN) in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.

Origin into MUN Tomorrow

2009-11-19T09:24:00.002-03:30

Tomorrow, Friday November 20th starting at 12pm we'll be giving away the 150th Anniversary of the "Origin of Species" at MUN's UC outside the Loft by the food court. For more information and to read the introduction to this special edition (by Ray Comfort) scroll a couple posts down.

If you can join us to help give books out meet us at 11:45am outside the Loft.

Bible Study, this Wednesday only

2009-11-15T13:51:00.002-03:30

This week only the Bible study will be moved from Tuesday to Wednesday. Same time, same place. See you there.

"Origin into Schools" at Memorial University

2009-11-15T13:43:00.002-03:30

As mentioned today, we'll be taking part in the "Origin into Schools" project later this week at Memorial University. Please take the time to watch the above video and also read the introduction to the book found here:

http://assets.livingwaters.com/pdf/OriginofSpecies.pdf

More details later this week.

Outreach this Saturday

2009-11-12T22:01:00.001-03:30

We would like to invite all to our outreach this Saturday, November 14. We apologize for the short notice. We will be passing out information about our church in and around the Mundy Pond area in an effort to spread the word about what we are doing. This effort will hopefully spark gospel-centered conversations as well as future contacts. If you would like to come and participate, please meet us at the MEWS Community Centre at 3:00 PM. We expect to be done by 6 PM at the latest. If you have questions concerning this event, please contact Pastor Steve at 747-1218. If you need a ride, don't hesitate to ask as well.

A Christian Response to Swine Flu “Fever”

2009-11-04T13:37:00.000-03:30

A Christian Response to Swine Flu “Fever”
Adam Dorsey, Pastor, New Life Newfoundland

Also available in PDF format

“Do not be anxious…For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matt 6:32).

I’m not sure what it’s like for you all in the U.S. this morning, but here in Newfoundland, and all across Canada, the news reports, radio talk shows, and water cooler banter are swirling around the H1N1 virus/vaccine. What to do; where to get the vaccine; how to know if you have Swine Flu; and on and on. News broadcasts air statistics of school closings, and pictures of long lines at inoculation clinics. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of fear, uncertainty, and even chaos related to this “pandemic.”

This seems like a God-ordained opportunity for the church to speak. As gospel proclaimers, we must take advantage of this opportunity to speak confidence into fear; assurance into uncertainty, and order into chaos.

We can all relate to what the lost world is experiencing. As redeemed sinners, every one of us has formerly lived on “the dark side.” We’ve all lived lives of unfettered fear. Each of us has experienced the horror of an uncertain future. We have, before Christ rescued us, been victimized by, and even contributed to, the chaos of life in a fallen world. But that’s all changed now, for those who have been redeemed by Christ. Having been united to Christ, we are new creations. “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). Now, from the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have received not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control (2 Tim 1:7). Now, our future is no longer uncertain, for God has revealed to us what the future holds for His redeemed children—a certain future of eternal life in a new heavens and new earth. Through the finished work of His Son Christ, the Father has established order and hope in the lives of every one of His children—a powerful foretaste of the fullness of the Kingdom to come. He has done all this because He loves us and desires to show His power, grace, and glory to the world through our salvation (Eph 1:11-14).

Of all people, then, we are the ones who have the message of hope, assurance, and ultimate security that the world is clamoring for in the midst of this “pandemic.” We can be anxious for nothing because we are united to the God-Man who has tasted suffering and death as our substitute, and has conquered it in a resurrection which guarantees our own (1 Cor 15:20-23; Rom 6:5). As ambassadors, we have a message for the world from the King, and it is a redemptive message of the kingdom of God, where sin, death, and the devil are thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:14), where sickness and tears are no more (Rev 21:4; 22:3), and life springs eternal (Rev 22:5).

Jesus says that fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and chaos are for the Gentiles, not His people (Matt 6:32). Let us not ourselves, then, be swept up into all the fear, uncertainty, and chaos, all the while taking responsible measures to protect ourselves and our families. Let the world look upon the church at this moment and see a picture of the kingdom of Christ; a gathered, called-out people of God who are trusting and hoping in Him for their ultimate safety and provision. Let them scratch their heads at our peace in the midst of this storm. Let them, as a result, long to partake of the Bread of Life that God so graciously and abundantly feeds us on, and come to saving faith in Christ. Then let them, alongside us, burn hot with the fever of devotion and gratitude for Christ, to the glory of God.

Tonight's Bible Study Cancelled

2009-11-03T17:30:00.000-03:30

I am writing to let you know that we have decided that it is best to cancel tonight's Bible study at MUN. Several of you are struggling with illness, and so it is best to allow those who are ill to have rest and recovery, and for those of us who are healthy to reach out to and minister to the sick.

For those of us who are not ill, this is an opportunity to seek ways to serve the rest of the body. The Bible teaches us that we can serve one another through prayer, meeting needs (meals, etc.), and offering words of encouragement and hope from God's Word. We want to be sensitive to the need for rest, so a phone call or e-mail would be prudent measures to check on one another's needs, but be mindful of the time of day, etc. I encourage you all to be in prayer for one another, and trust in God's wisdom, goodness, and mercy in our time of suffering.

Welcome Back!

2009-10-16T09:43:00.003-02:30

This Sunday will be very special as Steve, The Dorsey Family & Dennis will all be back in Newfoundland for good. We're very thankful to have Steve & Adam back leading together as well as our latest addition to the New Life Family; Dennis from Texas.

Bible Study on Tuesday

2009-10-11T18:51:00.002-02:30

Thank you Tim Churchill for joining us at New Life Fellowship this morning and speaking to us about God's Word, from God's Word. We enjoyed your fellowship.

This Tuesday's Bible Study will be led by Rolly on the "Person of Christ". 7pm at the Loft on MUN's UC.

Guest Speaker today

2009-10-11T08:31:00.004-02:30

We're excited to have one of the Elders at Calvary Baptist join us to speak this week as our pastors are in the United States.

Please keep both Steve and Adam in prayer as they both have many speaking engagements.

Clips from our Worship Service

2009-09-28T13:16:00.003-02:30

Join us as we sing two songs in worship to our Lord and hear a clip of Pastor Adam Dorsey's preaching. Come join us!

This video is from our service on Sept 20/09 at MEWS Community Centre

New Service time for TODAY only

2009-09-27T06:42:00.001-02:30

Hello dear church family and friends!

We have been blessed to meet at MEWS Community Centre. This week, because of a previous engagement at MEWS, we will be meeting at 10:00 am instead of 11:00 am. We need to be finished with the room by 11:30 am. Again, this is only for this Sunday. Next week, the Grissom family will be back, and we will be meeting at 11:00 am as usual.

- Pastor Adam :)

We Are The Body Of Christ

2009-09-21T10:00:00.001-02:30

A video montage from our Sunday fellowship. The song "We Are the Body of Christ" can be downloaded here for free: http://bit.ly/2DyCi7

Dennis got a place!

2009-09-16T22:19:00.005-02:30

Let's give thanks to the Lord, he has given brother Dennis from Texas a place to live. Dennis had mentioned that he really wanted to be close to Adam or Steve and the Lord has answered that request. Dennis will be moving just up the street from Adam's new place in Portugal Cove. The Lord is good.

Dennis heads back to Texas on Saturday and will return with the Dorsey family to Newfoundland mid-October.

For Your Growth

2009-09-16T09:26:00.006-02:30

Vision and Strategy

2009-09-16T08:15:00.017-02:30

What is the mission of New Life Newfoundland?
As a church starting ministry, our mission is to be obedient to Christ and faithful to His great commission by compassionately proclaiming the gospel to those we encounter, while growing in Christlikeness ourselves.

What are some core values of New Life Newfoundland?
The Primacy of the Gospel
The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
Obedience to Christ
Worship
Expository Preaching and Teaching
Evangelism
Biblical Counseling (Discipleship)
Leadership Training
Training and Equipping of Biblical Families
Community (Living out the Gospel)
Cultivating Humility
Maintaining Church Discipline
Cheerful Giving

What is the vision of New Life Newfoundland?
Note: While the following sentiments reflect our perspective, they do not reflect total originality! We are indebted to Dave Harvey and Sovereign Grace Ministries ("Perspectives" #3 and #4) for much of the framework below.

Introduction
As we continue to shape our vision and the church planting strategy that will flow from it, we seek to first recognize that God has called us to this task. Therefore, we desire to look to God and be ready to serve Him as He calls us in church planting just as He has called us out of the darkness and into the light.

Calling
As we set out to the task of church planting, we recognize our first calling: we were called unto salvation by God. Likewise, it is He who has called us to this glorious task; a calling within a calling. As we plant churches, we seek to grasp more clearly that the cross is central to the gospel just as the gospel is central to church planting and any goals that flow from it. It is our belief that the DNA in church planting flows from a heart that is passionate for the church while being grounded in the gospel. We rejoice in the cross and desire to plant churches that proclaim the gospel.

Leadership
Our role in the church planting process is important and is one that is mobile and focuses on equipping the saints through pastoring the flock. At this point, our goal is to plant and pass leadership on to biblically qualified elder(s). It will be vital for us to identify and equip qualified leaders in various stages of the church planting process. We affirm what has elsewhere been proposed as the duties of the church planter. They are: to lead the church, teach the church, equip the church, protect the church, and care for the church.

Humility
As we truly think and reflect on the gospel, we are immediately humbled. It is the ungodly that He justifies (Rom 4:5). Everything we have, we have received from Him (1 Cor 4:7), so we have nothing to boast in but the cross. We must repeatedly come to the cross for daily forgiveness, receive His free forgiveness in Christ, and seek after growing in His image (Rom 8:9).

Contentment
The gospel will remind us that we can be content with God's approval. A wise man once said, "If God is well pleased with His Son, then why can't we be?" Already, we are experiencing the many challenges and rewards involved in church planting. We desire to be mindful of our calling to the field and thoughtful of what it means to be obedient to Christ. We ask for grace to guard against the popular trends of church planting, which often reflect not a priority of obedience to Christ, but an appeal to the culture, or contextualization at all costs. Consequently, we don't plant churches for the sake of planting churches. Our desire is to plant and build churches for the glory of God, and therefore to be content in obeying Christ.

The Message, The Method, and The Model
As stated above, the Message is the message that is present throughout Scripture, the gospel. It is the good news of Jesus Christ who came and lived a perfect life and was killed, buried, and then resurrected. Christ died for sinners in order that we might be reconciled to God purely on the basis of His Son's substitutionary, atoning death. This message is at the foundation of our understanding of missions. Our message is not original and we are not repainting the Christian faith through our message. Our goal is simple: to contend and to preach the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints (Jude 3).

The Method stems directly from the Great Commission. The Great Commission is central to missiology and the life of the church. George Peters aptly writes, "The Primary historical significance of the Great Commission lies in the fact that it gives to the church the pattern and purpose of missions. It defines and delineates the missionary task. We have in the Great Commission a compass, a charter, and a plan."1

We reject ‘sheep stealing’ as an evangelistic method, and instead seek to proclaim the gospel and gather new converts into new churches.

The Model that we have a vision for is one that seeks to begin a church starting church in the St. John's area. The first church planting church would be the hub or mission base. This church would focus on raising up indigenous leadership in sound doctrine and for modeling a Christ-centered community with the gospel being lived out daily (Acts 2:4, 2 Timothy 2:2, Philippians 3). As the church planting church is mobilized, it would expand or give birth.

Naturally, the local church would reproduce itself and in time the others would do the same. Therefore, this first church planting church is fundamental as waves of churches going forth from St. John's west to saturate the Avalon and eventually the island itself with the gospel.

This model would focus on St. John's and the surrounding metro area as the beachhead for this initial work. Currently, we have two Bible studies that are progressing and both have a desire to become churches in their respective communities. These Bible studies are in St. John’s and Ferryland.

Conclusion
We desire and strive to be slaves to the Scriptures and obedient to Christ in all things, specifically as we reach the lost, make disciples, and gather them into God-honoring, Christ exalting churches. We believe in God's Word and we believe that His Word does not return void (Isa 55:11). Therefore, our mandate is clear: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Christ has commanded us--for we are his witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).

Our desire is to love God as we live out the Gospel through a missiology that is grounded in the Word, driven by our passion for Biblical theology and how it affects the church.

1. George Peters, A Biblical Theology of Missions (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1984), 178.

The Gospel

2009-09-14T08:06:00.007-02:30

The Gospel in 6 minutes
by: John Piper

What is the Gospel?
by: C.J. Mahaney

Recently, someone asked two excellent questions:
(1) What is the gospel?
(2) What is the most serious threat to the gospel?

The following is my attempt to answer these important questions with the help of those much smarter than myself:

1) What is the gospel?
No question is more important, and biblical clarity in response to this question is critical. Sadly, confusion about the gospel is quite common among professing evangelicals today. I find Graeme Goldsworthy’s comment all too relevant: “The main message of the Bible about Jesus Christ can easily become mixed with all sorts of things that are related to it. We see this in the way people define or preach the gospel. But it is important to keep the gospel itself clearly distinct from our response to it or from the results of it in our lives and in the world.” So here is my attempt to heed the counsel of Dr. Goldsworthy and keep the gospel “clearly distinct.”

The following definition of the gospel, provided by Jeff Purswell, the Dean of our Pastors College, seeks to capture the substance of the gospel: “The gospel is the good news of God’s saving activity in the person and work of Christ. This includes his incarnation in which he took to himself full (yet sinless) human nature; his sinless life which fulfilled the perfect law of God; his substitutionary death which paid the penalty for man’s sin and satisfied the righteous wrath of God; his resurrection demonstrating God’s satisfaction with his sacrifice; and his glorification and ascension to the right hand of the Father where he now reigns and intercedes for the church.

“Such news is specific: there is a defined ‘thatness’ to the gospel which sets forth the content of both our saving faith and our proclamation. It is objective, and not to be confused with our response. It is sufficient: we can add nothing to what Christ has accomplished for us--it falls to us simply to believe this news, turning from our sins and receiving by faith all that God has done for us in Christ.”

I find this definition of the gospel faithful to the presentation of the four Gospels—they present the person and work of Christ as the good news. In the Apostle Paul’s concise summation of the gospel, he focuses more particularly on Christ’s death and resurrection as the core of his proclamation:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures….”

Focusing more specifically still, the apostle encapsulates the work of Christ by focusing on the cross: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

So that is the gospel: God’s saving work in and through Christ. And the cross is the pinnacle of that work. Knox Chamblin helpfully notes this emphasis in Paul’s writing and ministry: “His gospel is ‘the word of the cross’ (); nowhere is there a comparable reference to ‘the word of the resurrection.’ In it is ‘Christ crucified’ who is identified as ‘the power of God and the wisdom of God,’ not as we might have expected (especially in the case of ‘power’), Christ resurrected…. Both the cross and the resurrection are ‘of first importance’ in Paul’s gospel (). Unless Christ has risen from the dead, the preaching of the cross (and of the resurrection) is a waste of time (); but once the resurrection has occurred, the cross remains central.”

And the centrality of the cross isn’t temporary. The cross remains on center stage even when we receive a glimpse of eternity in the New Testament’s final book: “One is taken aback by the emphasis upon the Cross in Revelation. Heaven does not ‘get over’ the cross, as if there are better things to think about; heaven is not only Christ-centered, but cross-centered, and quite blaring about it.” Jim Elliff

There is nothing more important than getting the gospel right. Years ago, John Stott made the following frightening observation of the evangelical church when he wrote, “All around us we see Christians relaxing their grasp on the gospel, fumbling it, and in danger of letting it drop from their hands altogether.” It is my prayer that God would use the Together for the Gospel conference to strengthen our grip upon the glorious gospel.

2) What is the most serious threat to the gospel?
For this question I think J.C. Ryle provides us with enduring discernment: “You may spoil the gospel by substitution. You have only to withdraw from the eyes of the sinner the grand object which the Bible proposes to faith--Jesus Christ--and to substitute another object in His place… and the mischief is done.

“You may spoil the gospel by addition. You have only to add to Christ, the grand object of faith, some other objects as equally worthy of honor, and the mischief is done.

“You may spoil the gospel by disproportion. You have only to attach an exaggerated importance to the secondary things of Christianity, and a diminished importance to the first things, and the mischief is done.

“Lastly, but not least, you may completely spoil the gospel by confused and contradictory directions… Confused and disorderly statements about Christianity are almost as bad as no statement at all. Religion of this sort is not evangelical."

3) Personal Application
It’s not difficult to identify distortions of the gospel. But as a pastor, one of my main concerns for genuine Christians is a more subtle one: either assuming the gospel or neglecting the gospel. I have found this to be the greatest threat to the gospel in my own life. Jerry Bridges echoes this concern when he writes, “The gospel is not only the most important message in all of history; it is the only essential message in all of history. Yet we allow thousands of professing Christians to live their entire lives without clearly understanding it and experiencing the joy of living by it.”

So let us not only apply discernment to the church at large, but to our own hearts as well. Let us, in the words of Jerry Bridges, “Preach the gospel to ourselves daily.” Let us heed Charles Spurgeon’s exhortation: “Abide hard by the cross and search the mystery of his wounds.” Let us respond to John Stott’s invitation: “The Cross is a blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough for its sparks to fall on us.”

So how can we get near enough? The following are books that will position you to experience the transforming sparks of the gospel:

The Cross of Christ by John Stott. A personal favorite. Stott says of the Savior, “It was by his death that he wished above all else to be remembered.” This book won’t let you forget.

The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. The man who taught me how to preach the gospel to myself will teach you to do the same.

The Message of Salvation by Philip Ryken. This excellent book deserves a broad readership. My oldest daughter recently thanked me for recommending this book to her and told me how much she was benefiting from this book. You will benefit as well.

The Message of the New Testament by Mark Dever. My good friend reveals the storyline of the Bible in each and every book of the New Testament. A must read for pastors but highly recommended for all. My wife has really enjoyed reading Mark’s book.

The Cross and Christian Ministry by D.A. Carson. For pastors this is another must-read. I’m indebted to Dr. Carson for this book. It has defined effective pastoral ministry for me, and I pray it will do the same for you.

That ought to get you started. Each of these books will draw you near enough to the “blazing fire of the cross so that its sparks” will fall on you and kindle fresh love for the Savior in your soul.

Tina & Eric's Baptism (from May 2009)

2009-09-14T07:59:00.001-02:30

On May 13/09 Tina & Eric followed Christ's command to be baptized. The baptism took place in a pool at Memorial University and was done by one of their pastors, Steve Grissom.

Welcome back to St. Johns brother Dennis!

2009-09-12T21:01:00.004-02:30

Tonight brother Dennis Melton arrives in Newfoundland from Texas. He'll be here until Sept 19th looking for a place to live. Please pray for him as it's difficult to get housing right now. He'll be at tomorrows service and is very excited to be here. Dennis was in Newfoundland a couple months ago with the Texas missionary team.

Also, let's give thanks to the Lord as the Dorsey family has found a place to live!!!

The Value of Life

2009-09-09T10:32:00.000-02:30

Seven year old Sierra Grissom (from New Life Fellowship) has just learned about Abortion. She gives her thoughts as her mom asks her some questions.

Welcome Adam, Bye Steve

2009-09-07T22:40:00.004-02:30

Welcome back to Adam, Christi & Jacob Dorsey. They arrived in Newfoundland on Friday and will be here for the month of September looking for a place to move into. We're very excited to have them back.

The Grissom family will be in the United States for the majority of the month while Steve officiates his brothers wedding.

Please keep both families in your prayers.

New Location!

2009-09-02T23:00:00.003-02:30

Our ministry is moving our Sunday morning location. We are very excited about our new place to gather as the body of Christ! New Life Fellowship will now be meeting on Sundays at the MEWS Community Centre. The address is as follows:

40 Mundy Pond Rd.
St. John's, NL
A1E 1V1
709-576-8499

We will begin our services at 11AM like usual. As you go in the front doors, we will be in the multi-purpose room on your right. We hope to see you there this Sunday.

Lastly, if you need a ride to church, please email me and let me know!

Don't Waste Your Time, Energy, and Money

2009-08-29T08:44:00.001-02:30

Pastor Steve wanted to share this video clip with you all. May you be encouraged.

Our Girls Love One Another

2009-08-28T09:25:00.000-02:30

The young ladies of New Life Fellowship show their love for another during our fellowship meal.

Adam Dorsey - The Relevant Church

2009-08-26T17:27:00.004-02:30

Pastor Adam Dorsey wanted to share an article he wrote called "Is your church...Relevant?". Give it a read. We're looking forward to having Adam back with us in Newfoundland real soon.

Read Online (PDF)

What do we believe about Baptism?

2009-08-26T09:46:00.000-02:30

In this video, Pastor Steve Grissom explains what we believe the Scriptures teach about Baptism.

Wu Zhong's Baptism

2009-08-25T17:41:00.000-02:30

On August 23rd, 2009, Wu Zhong obeyed Christ's command to be baptized. Wu shared how he came to faith in Christ and what changes have taken place in his life. Wu Zhong is a student from China, studying at Memorial University in St. Johns, NL.

Celebration Sunday!

2009-08-20T23:57:00.002-02:30

This Sunday we are going to celebrate together as we witness Wu Zhong's baptism. He wants to follow Christ in believer's baptism after accepting Christ less than a month ago. If you would like to come, please go to the MUN Pool in the Field house (Building #5) on campus. The baptism will begin at 11 AM. Afterwards, we will go over to the Landing for a fellowship and a shortened service. We hope you are able to come to this exciting event. We will also be discussing the future plans of New Life Fellowship.

Welcome!

2009-08-19T12:35:00.002-02:30

Welcome to the new website for New Life Newfoundland. The site is currently under construction so please check back in a couple days to see some new features. The main change is the site is now a blog, so expect regular updates from both Steve & Adam.