NCC-Admin-1, Author at NCC Cartersville

Following Jesus

April 24, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“…Jesus said unto his disciples, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 KJV).

Following Jesus is costly. Jesus made that abundantly clear from the very beginning. He told those who wanted to follow Him, to make sure that they first counted the cost (Luke 14:28-33). He wanted them to know that following Him not only required the “denying of ourselves” but it also required the “death of ourselves” (Romans 6:6). Our lives must be “nailed to the cross (Gal. 2:20). Only then can we be resurrected to a “new life” (Rom. 6:5). Jesus exemplified this with His own life (John 12: 24-26). It was only after His death on the cross that Jesus would be a resurrected! Many who express a desire to follow Jesus want the resurrection, (the new life), but they do not want the cross. But we cannot have one without the other.

But once that happens everything changes (2 Cor. 5:17). Our lives are transformed from being self centered to being Christ centered. We care more about what please Him than what pleases us. Our greatest pleasure in life is found in seeking Him, knowing Him and experiencing Him. Following Jesus is not centered upon us. It is centered upon Him. And yet though that we find the greatest joy and satisfaction in life!
It is there that we discover the joy of His Presence. It is there that we discover the wonder of His Grace and His love. It is there that we experience the Peace of His forgiveness! It is there that we finally discover the life that we always wanted. A life filled will meaning, purpose and hope! It is there that we discover our reason for living!
The English writer G. K. Chesterton said it well: “The Christian life has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.” I would encourage you to follow Jesus! It is worth everything it costs!

James W. Black

The Power Of The Blood

April 17, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“…ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by the tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ…(1 Peter 1: 18-19 KJV).

The value of the Blood of Christ cannot be fully comprehended by the human mind. To the unbelieving world it means nothing. To the unbelieving world it is foolishness. But its value is not determined by the world. Its value is determined by God the Father! And the Father places a very high value upon the Blood of His Son!

The Blood of Jesus Christ is the most powerful element in the universe. It is the Blood of Christ shed for us on Calvary that purchased our redemption (Rev. 5:9). The Blood of Christ is so powerful that it paid in full EVERY CLAIM that sin and the kingdom of darkness had (or ever will have) upon us (Col. 2: 13-15). It is the Blood of Christ that gives us access to the peace of God (Col. 1:20). It is the Blood of Christ that enables us to be declared righteous (Rom. 5: 8-9). It is the Blood of Christ that enables us to have fellowship with God the Father and enables us to become a part of His family (Eph. 2:13).

It is the Blood of Christ that causes the demons to flee (James 2:19). It is the Blood of Christ that brings healing (Isaiah 53:5). It is the Blood of Christ that destroys EVERY stronghold (2 Cor. 10:4). The Blood of Christ contains the very Life of God Himself (Lev. 17:11). And that Life is eternal! It is the Blood of Christ that give US eternal life (John 10: 28). May we be ever thankful to God for the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Rev. James W. Black

The Crucified Life

April 10, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20 KJV).

The one thing that marks the true followers of Christ is the cross! It was on the Cross that Jesus paid for our sin in full! He became the sacrificial Lamb of God, chosen before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). It was on the cross that sin was judged and judgment was carried out. And it was there on the cross that the greatest message of love and forgiveness in the universe was displayed. Both events were open and visible for all to see.

The cross is the dividing line of human history. And the cross is the dividing line of our personal history. For the followers of Christ, it is there on the cross that our old life and our old person died. And it is there on the cross, that our new life in Christ begins. It is there on the cross that we were delivered from the power of sin. It is there on the cross where we are empowered to live a new life in Christ. It is there on the cross that all of Satan’s claims against us are cancelled. And it is there on the cross that we are empowered to overcome all the powers of darkness.

The crucified life is the paradox of the Christian life. Both death and life, judgment and freedom, hell and heaven all meet together at the cross. Mercy and grace are wrapped in unbelievable love. Death is swallowed up in victory and eternal life is the ultimate outcome (1 Cor. 15:54). It is the mighty resurrection of Jesus that gives the cross its power. And the revelation of that reality causes us to bow before Him! Until the cross and the resurrection becomes a reality to us, all we have is religion. But when it becomes a reality, we will be forever changed and transformed. We will never be the same again. And we will willingly spend our lives for Him! For there is no genuine life in Christ apart from the cross (Mark 8:34).

Rev. James W. Black

Be Strong and Courageous

March 26, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

We live in uncertain times. Our culture and our lives are moving forward at such a rapid pace that we are often out of breath just trying to keep up. We also live in troubling times. As we witness the unraveling of our culture, the eroding of any semblance of moral values, the destruction of the family, the rise of belligerent atheism, and the growing antagonism against the Followers of Christ, there is an increasing sense of foreboding about what is coming. The Followers of Christ understand that God will not be mocked forever without serious consequences. (Gal. 6:7).

But the Word of God encourages us with these words: “…Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9 KJV). We can be absolutely confident in the fact that no matter what is happening or what is coming our GOD IS WITH US! He will enable us by His Power and His Spirit to not only go through any and all circumstances but also OVERCOME THEM! (Rom. 8: 35-39 & Rev. 12:11).

All that is required of us is to stand upon His Word, obey Him, and follow Him no matter what. That takes courage! But OUR GOD even provides the courage when we need it. So even though we may be facing difficult times, we have nothing to fear! (Isaiah 41:10). For OUR GOD IS WITH US! (Isaiah 8:10).

Rev. James W. Black

Rejoicing In The Lord

March 19, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

ITS TIME TO SUIT UP

“Finally my brethren, be strong on the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
(Eph. 6: 10-11 KJV).

The only way an astronaut can survive in the environment of space is to be properly suited. Without his specially designed spacesuit he would die. Space is a hostile environment to the human body. The human body was not designed to live in space. Therefore, it needs help.

Likewise, the only way a Child of God can survive in the hostile environment of this world is to be properly suited up! This world is foreign to the Redeemed. In reality, we no longer belong here (John 17:16). We are aliens and strangers (1 Pet. 2:11). But until the Lord returns or calls us home, we must live in this environment. Thankfully, the Lord has provided us with everything we need to not only survive but to thrive! He has freely given to us the full armor of God.

Through Christ, we have been made more than conquerors over the darkness (Rom. 8:37). Because we are in Christ and Christ is in us (John 17:22-23), we can stand in the power of His might. Through Christ, who is our armor, we have the strength and power to not only stand against the onslaughts of the adversary but to push back and overcome his strongholds of darkness. Our weapons are “mighty through God” (2 Cor. 10:4).

Because the adversary knows his time is short, he has intensified his assault against the Truth of Christ and those who follow Him! But we have absolutely nothing to fear! All we need to do is simply suit up and take our stand. Do not be intimidated by the darkness! Suit up! Run to the battle! Ultimate victory is assured (Rev. 11:15)!

James W. Black

It’s Time to Suit Up

March 5, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“Finally my brethren, be strong on the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6: 10-11 KJV).

The only way an astronaut can survive in the environment of space is to be properly suited. Without his specially designed spacesuit, he would die. Space is a hostile environment to the human body. The human body was not designed to live in space. Therefore, it needs help.

Rev. James W. Black

The Desparate Cry

February 26, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“…blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:46-47 KJV).

We do not know how long Bartimaeus had been blind. He could have been born blind. He could have been involved in an accident that took his sight. We do not know the circumstances surrounding his blindness. All that is known is he was unable to see! And for a blind person in those days, the only means of surviving was to beg! It had to be a degrading existence!

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, for the first time in his life hope sprang up within him! He, no doubt, had heard of Jesus! He had heard accounts of Jesus opening blinded eyes! And when he learned that Jesus was near, he cried out to Him: “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” The people near him tried to silence him, but Bartimaeus refused to be silenced! Jesus was near! Only Jesus could help him! So he cried out even more (vs. 48)! Jesus heard his desperate cry! And Jesus answered his cry! There is something about the desperation that uniquely touches the heart of God!

We are surrounded by blind people; people whose eyes, hearts, and minds have been blinded by the adversary to the Truth of the Gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). But unlike Bartimaeus, they do not know they are blind! They cannot cry out for mercy because they don’t even know they need it! Therefore, it falls to us, the Redeemed (those whose eyes have been opened) to cry out for mercy on their behalf! Just as Jesus heard the desperate cry of Bartimaeus, so will He hear our desperate cry for the souls of those we love! No matter what others may say, let us not be silenced! Let us continue to cry out to Him! Jesus is near! He will hear! And He will answer!

Rev. James W. Black

The Power of Love

February 14, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sin.” (1 John 4:10).

Have you ever observed the power of a seed? Have you ever noticed how a small seed can sprout, and find the tiniest crack can literally burst through concrete or asphalt? The power of life contained in the seed is absolutely amazing! But what is even more amazing is the power of love! Have you ever observed the power of love displayed by a mother who sacrifices everything she has to care for her child! For her, no sacrifice is too great for the sake of her child!

But what is even greater than the love of a mother for her child is the Love of God that is displayed toward us! The Word of God tells us that there is no limit or boundary that can diminish or restrict the Love of God (Rom. 8: 35-39). And there are no words that can fully explain it or describe it! (1 Cor. 13, Eph. 3:17-19). Its power is absolutely incomprehensible.

We tend to think of power in terms of military might, political or economic power.
And although those things are real and can be formidable, they cannot compare to the Love of God! The greatest expression of God’s love was displayed on the Cross! For it was love that sent Him to the cross! It was love that held Him there (Matt. 26:53). It was love that motivated Him to endure all that He did so that our sin could be paid for in full (Heb. 12:2). This love is so powerful that neither death, hell, or the grave could prevent His Mighty Resurrection (Rev. 1:18). And believe me, they all tried! They gave it their best shot! But the Love of Christ conquered them all (Col. 2:15).

And now this Powerful Love is freely offered to all who will surrender to it and receive it (Rom. 10:13). This love is so powerful that it completely destroyed all the powers of darkness! This love is so powerful that it can completely transform a life (Acts 9: 1-18). There is no life that is so lost that it cannot be saved (Acts 16:31). There is no stronghold so powerful that the Love of Jesus cannot destroy it! There are no bonds so strong that this Powerful Love cannot set the captive free (John 8:36).

So, embrace this Powerful Love! Walk it! And allow its power to be unleashed in your life! You will never be the same again!

James W. Black

Bringing Pleasure to the Lord

January 29, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness. ”
(Psalm 147:11 AMPC).

Just as loving parents find pleasure in their children, the Heavenly Father finds pleasure in His! Good parents love their children from the very moment they are born. Just watch the way a mother looks at her newborn baby the first time she sees it! That newborn baby is totally and completely dependent upon the parent. The newborn has done absolutely nothing to earn or merit the parent’s love. But the parent loves the child with an overwhelming, unexplainable love! The loving parent would at that very moment lay down their life for that child. And the only basis for such love is the relationship; nothing else!

As the child begins to grow, the pleasure the parent finds in the child also grows! The parent enjoys watching the child discover and become aware of life and the world in which he lives. And the parent experiences even greater joy when the child willingly listens, learns, and obeys those things he is asked to do! For the parent always knows and wants what is best for the child and for the child to walk in obedience brings great pleasure!

That is a picture of how our Heavenly Father loves us! His love for us is far greater than any words can describe or explain (Eph. 3: 17-19). The Heavenly Father takes pleasure in us simply because of the relationship; nothing else! In fact, He longed for that relationship before we were ever born (Psalm 139: 16-17). The Father’s pleasure is amplified and enhanced when we choose to recognize Him, honor Him, reverence Him, worship Him, and follow Him! It brings Him great pleasure! So much so that the Father will even brag on His children to others whenever He gets a chance (Job 1:8).

So let us resolve to learn of Him more and more and seek to walk in obedience to those things which He teaches us so that the richness of His love for us might be realized each day. Whenever we do, it always brings the Heavenly Father, great pleasure!

Rev. James W. Black

How We Are To Live In This World

January 9, 2022 by NCC-Admin-1 in Pastor's Corner

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into he world.”
(John 17: 15-18 ESV).

In His final prayer for the disciples as He was on His way to the cross, Jesus prayed that they(and we) would live with the consciousness that they no longer really belonged to this world. In other words, it wouldn’t feel like home to them anymore. And though they still lived in this world, they would be different from this world! They would no longer find pleasure in the dark things they once enjoyed!

The indwelling work of the Holy Spirit would make them (and us) a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). And the Power of the Holy Spirit would transfer them out of the kingdom of darkness into the the Kingdom of God (Col. 1:13). Because of this transformation they (and we) would be “hated” by the world just as Jesus is hated by the world. (Luke 21:17, John 17:14). The fact that they would be hated was evidence that they (and we) truly belonged to Him!

They (and we) were to live with the understanding that it is not the plan of the Savior to take them out of this world but for them to remain in this world in order to be His light in this world (Math. 5:14-16). As they sought to live in His light and to reflect His light, the Word of God would become precious unto them. Living according to His Word would definitely set them (and us) apart from the rest of the world (John 17: 17). Such living would be considered strange and radical by the world.

The prayer of the Savior is that they (and we) would be delivered from the assaults of the evil one as they continued to live in this world. The adversary would seek to distract them, divert them into different directions, discourage them, and destroy every effort they made in trying to following Him (John 17:15)!

The prayer of the Savior is that they (and we) would realize that they were on an assigned mission to go wherever He would lead them in this world so that others might know that He loves them just as much as He loves us! (John 17:18). And the day would come when He would bring them (and us) home to be with Him in eternity (John 14:3, John 17:24). Such living transcends everything that this world has to offer!

My, what a wonderful way to live!

Rev. James W. Black

Author: NCC-Admin-1