Eze. 22:30, “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.”

Weekly Devotional: Where does it stop? Where does what stop? Becoming a Kingdom Man. We are always being conformed into the image of Christ. The Kingdom Man is a man of many facets, but ultimately it is that man in time or here on earth who represents the Heavenly Kingdom of God in eternity. And the process of conforming us does not stop until the day we draw our last breath. Then according to the scriptures, we will see Jesus as he is and we will be like him (I John 3:1-3).

In recent months, we have been hit with some incredible challenges due to this pandemic and none of us are exempt. We have had to adjust to some things never before seen in our lifetime.

The Lord God, spoke to the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel here in the chapter to explain to them some things. He was not please but rather angry at them for their ungodliness and vile behavior (Eze. 22:1-16). It was because God has a different, higher expectation of his people and Israel not only strayed away but stayed away. Although straying is a reality, failure or missing the mark is inevitable when the word of the Lord is neglected and questioned.

In the end, God went the looking for a man who would represent him in time from eternity and we can be “that guy”. The Lord is in eternity but we are in time. His word provides the blueprints, instructions, precepts and commandments for us to become the complete man of God he desires (II Tim. 3:16-17). God told Joshua his success is going to rest with him being strong, courageous and obedient to his word.

Weekly Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, let your will be done in my life so I may be the man of God you want me to be. Through your word, comfort my heart and remove any anxiety or fear that prevents or hinders me from achieving your agenda through me.

Weekly Meditation: “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, ² “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. ⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. ⁵ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. ⁶ Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We are compelled by the grace of our heavenly Father to remind you of the hope that lies within you and his grace which was extended to you through our Savior Jesus Christ. Be encouraged by the hope (Rom. 5:3-5) and be comforted with his word to redeem us from the temporary of this world by his coming again (I Thess. 4:13-18) into the eternal.

Our Lord has commanded us build up and edify one another as we see the day approaching (Heb. 10:24-25). This is the comfort we ourselves are comforted with. This year has been one strained and challenging experience and yet we are not done. Pastor Cason share these sentiments in a recent message Encourage One Another reminding us how necessary it is to both be encouraged and encourage others.

As we have spent time with family and friends this past Thanksgiving and will do again during the Christmas holidays, we would like to pass on some much needed information. Our world is still in the midst of the COVID pandemic and the CDC (Holiday Gatherings) has recently issued some helpful guidelines as well as strong concerns and warnings for everyone (highlighted below). We are advised by the word of God to exercise wisdom in all areas of our life (Pro. 1:7, James 1:5). Please take advantage of the information and continue to pray for protection and deliverance for those who are impacted by these things until things change. Your health and safety is of the utmost priority to us and we want you to be adequately informed. The Lord has given us only one body to serve in and we are mandated to do what we can to maintain it as a safe temple of worship (I Cor. 6:19-20).

CDC Guideline for Small Gatherings

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: Psalm 92:1

The “giving of thanks” to the Lord our God really a “no-brainer”. We as Believers in the Lord are going to give thanks even if we have to do it alone. We give thanks because it is right, and it a good thing to do (Ps. 92:1). But as with every other aspect of our public life, the pandemic that has its grip on our world and community has now impacted our personal life.

Due to the rising numbers of positive cases in our local areas (Data Tracker), our Medical community, Local, State and Federal government agencies have issued new restrictions and guidelines for the way we conduct our lives, including the ways we celebrate Thanksgiving. With that in light, we are asking and encouraging everyone to seriously consider adjusting to these recommendations for the sake of everyone’s safety. In Titus 3:1, we are reminded, “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work“. No one is telling us we cannot serve, worship, celebrate or honor the Lord. But we are in a medical pandemic situation which requires us to make some changes to help curve the transmission of the disease. We all have been personally impacted by this disease and too recommend you be wise in minimizing contacts with family and friends we are not used to.

Even if you cannot, use the information and recommendations provided for you in the link below to help plan out your family functions and festivities. Thank you and continue to give thank to the Lord, for he is good and his mercy is everlasting.

This is Open to the Public!!!!!
Are you a City of Norfolk renter or homeowner behind on your rent or mortgage and/or utility bills due to a COVID-19 pandemic related loss of income?
Apply for COVID-19 Housing Costs Relief Program by Wed. Nov. 25th 8 pm. at www.NRHA.us
Applicants must have filed a 2019 Federal Tax Return and must have loss income due to COVID-19 since March 12, 2020.
Up to 6 months of rent mortgage or utility payments, and housing/rental counseling on how to keep your residence.
If you have questions call 757-314-1638 (Ms. Parker)

via Sister Wanda Griffin

The body of Christ is comprised of people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It is the Church that Jesus spoke of to Peter and the other disciples (Matt. 16:18) The church body is a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place. An assembly of people with defined singular purpose which is continue carrying out the “The Great Commission” (Matt. 28:18-20).

At these challenging times, we at New Berean are being asked to re-examine our approach to ministering to one another. We are not being asked to change the message of ministering to one another but consider evaluating and changing how we share that message.

By default we all are members Team Berea. Every member of New Berean is in a unique position to be properly placed in the assembly to serve in the ministry. Team Berea the ministry of every person ministering to someone else. Having all things common (Acts 4:32) is a goal of the Lord for his children. It is identifying both the commonality and contrasts we share and do those things necessary to effectively minister to one another as the body was originally designed (Rom. 12:1-5, I Cor. 12:11-13). In operating in our various roles, utilizing the gifts given by the Holy Spirit and serving with a divine purpose in mind we are able to meet the needs of everyone and mature together as the Lord planned.

Team Sharing

Team Berea, working together will help us know how much we really do have in common, exhorting one another and glorifying the Lord. With the new challenges in front of us, we are collaborating our gifts and talents to minister and use the creativity God has blessed us for the purpose of edifying the body as a whole (Eph. 4:11-16).

For more information or to express your interest, reply back to the corresponding text message (757-280-4582) or contact Brother Steve Barnes (635-1911) and we’ll share more with you. Looking forward to hear from you.

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” I Thess. 5:11

The Bible has declared we all who have been saved have been “saved unto good works” Eph. 2:10. The good works we goo are deigned and intended to ultimately glory God and build up someone else in their faith. There is no greater time than today to encourage someone. Be encouraged in being obedient in being an encourager

Encourage One Another by Pastor DeWayne Cason

Team Berea

Date: Sunday September 27th, 9:30 am

For 31 years, New Berean has been blessed to serve in the Gospel ministry. Under the leadership of our beloved Founder and former Pastor, Leroy E. Ricks, Sr, New Berean has been taught, trained and discipled to be the people of God founded and rooted us in the discipline of “searching the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) . It is our tradition that we set aside this special moment for our Victory Celebration 2020 to give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity to look back on the experiences of his favor. It is also a time to look and reach forward for those things which are ahead.

This year’s recognitions will obviously be different without Pastor Ricks, but will still be a blessed time of honoring and giving glory to the Lord for the great things he has done through this ministry and the great things He is going to do in the coming years. As we prepare ourselves for the coming year, Philippians 3:13 reminds us of our need to “reach forward to that things which are ahead”.

This year’s guest speaker is the Rev. Kenneth W. Ricks of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

“God Will Provide” Video Format

Special COVID Health Information

Sunday Morning Prayer, Praise & Preaching Service

Morning Corporate Prayer – 9:00 am, Join our Prayer Warriors as we come together for a time of prayer and meditation seeking the Lord’s counsel, direction and wisdom over our lives.

Praise & Preaching Service – 9:30 am – God had commanded we come together to corporately worship Him, edify one another and be trained in the teachings from his word. Although there are extenuating circumstances, we are not to become complacent but rather seek to minister and be ministered. If you are not able to meet in-person, follow us online with Pulpit Points on our Inspiration page for inspiring and encouraging messages from our archives

Sunday Devotional

Lessons designed to give you a regular weekly opportunity to study lessons that we use for our Sunday Devotions here at New Berean. Join us each week as we “Learn More, Grow More, Be More” in Christ

Pulpit Point Preaching Series

Each Sunday, we will feature an audio edition of the pulpit preaching ministry of New Berean Founder Leroy E. Ricks, Sr, Associate Pastors Dr. Lamont E. Ricks and DeWayne Cason. Messages will be shared online every Sunday beginning at 10:00 am.

This page was developed to provide you with information pertinent to your feedback concerns and questions.

What is COVID, how it spreads and how it is contained.

Due to the challenging times we find ourselves, God has called us not to just to social distance ourselves but to socially evangelize the world with the gospel Jesus Christ our Lord.

Although certain practices have changed, being about our Father’s business has not. We too are to be considerate in our efforts and remain faithful. The spirit God has given us in not one of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Yes, fear is a factor but it is dispelled by the deliberate faith obedience to the command and Commission of our Lord.

We have a moral and spiritual obligation to the Lord and to one another. Knowing the terror of the Lord and his wrath (I Cor. 5;11) we are encouraged to be mindful of the souls of the people we socially evangelize. Fear can and will lock us up, prevent us from being about our Father’s business. But the Spirit who live is us provides us with:

• Power – which is the authority of God (Acts 1:8, Matt. 28:18-20), our commission and mandate. This is spiritual license given to share the gospel.
• Love – is our motivation. Knowing God’s love is his motivation for reaching out to us (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8) it is the exact same reason we reach out to others. True, there is God’s righteous wrath attached to the unbeliever’s rejection of his good news but it is our love for them and their eternal destiny.
• Sound Mind – requires us to spiritually wise to minister and evangelical in our efforts. We are to be smart-minded by educating ourselves with authenticated information afforded from our community and medical experts to share with our families and friends.

Be encouraged, he has promised to be with us even to the end of the world.