http://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/rss/feedsTo grow in faith and share our faith in God with the world around us. In order to achieve this mission we will:--Strive to be an 'open-door'Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:59:07 -0700http://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/looking-for-churches-in-new-bern-nc-here-are-10-things-you-should-knowhttp://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/looking-for-churches-in-new-bern-nc-here-are-10-things-you-should-know Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus, in the midst of a world teeming with political upheaval and religious tension, spent so much of His time simply teaching in the villages? Matthew 9:35 tells us, "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness." He didn't just perform miracles to draw a crowd; He taught because He knew that without a firm foundation in the Word, the "ruckus" of the world would eventually drown out the truth.If you are currently searching for churches in New Bern, NC, you are likely looking for more than just a place to sit for an hour on Sunday morning. You are looking for a spiritual home, a place of training, and a community that reflects the heart of Christ. I have come to realize that choosing a church is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make for your family. It is about finding where you fit within the Body of Christ.As you navigate this journey, here are ten things you should know about finding a church home and how we at New Vision Ministries approach the high calling of spiritual growth.1. The Priority of Biblical TeachingFirst, you must ask if the church prioritizes clear, unapologetic biblical teaching. In the Intertestamental Period, that 400-year silence between the Old and New Testaments, the people of Israel were starving for a word from God. When Jesus finally arrived, He didn't offer self-help tips; He offered the Word of Life.At New Vision Ministries, we believe the Bible isn't just a historical document; it is our roadmap for survival and success. Our primary service every Sunday at 10 AM is centered on the Word. We don't just want you to feel good; we want you to be informed. Listen, the world will give you plenty of opinions, but only the Truth will set you free.2. A Focus on Training, Not Just AttendanceSecondly, a church should be a training ground. Too often, modern churches become "theaters" where the congregation acts as an audience. But the early church was a "school of the Spirit." As St. Augustine famously wrote in The City of God: "He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent." This "consent" involves a commitment to being trained.We see ourselves as a training ground for the Great Commission. We aren't looking for spectators; we are looking for disciples who want to learn how to serve. This is why our Wednesday Bible Study at 6 PM is so vital. It’s where we get into the "nitty-gritty" of the text and learn how to apply it to our daily lives.3. Understanding Your Role in the BodyAt this point, you might feel like just another face in the crowd. But Scripture is clear: you have a specific role. In 1 Corinthians 12:12, Paul writes, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."I believe that many people are frustrated in their faith because they haven't yet discovered their "part." Whether you are a "toe" or an "eye," you are essential. We focus on helping individuals understand their unique spiritual gifts so they can move from being "nobodies" in the pews to vital members of the mission.4. Community and AccountabilityFinding a church in New Bern means finding a family. And families have rules, not to restrict us, but to protect us. The Roman political landscape of the first century was brutal and individualistic, yet the Christians stood out because they took care of one another.We emphasize community accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together." We don't just meet to meet; we meet to hold each other up. If you are struggling, you shouldn't have to struggle alone.5. Reconciliation Over ConflictListen, conflict is inevitable in any human gathering. But how a church handles conflict tells you everything about its spirit. While secular culture often turns to litigation or "canceling" one another, the church is called to a higher standard.We believe in reconciliation through the spirit of love and forgiveness. We look to Matthew 18:15-17 as our guide. It’s about restoring the brother or sister, not winning an argument. This commitment to peace creates a sanctuary where you can feel safe to be vulnerable.6. The "Nobodies" Are WelcomeOne of the most beautiful aspects of the Gospel is how Jesus chose "nobodies" to change the world. The disciples weren't the elite of the Sanhedrin; they were fishermen, tax collectors, and outcasts.If you feel like you don't "fit" the traditional image of a churchgoer, you are in good company. We don't care about your past social status; we care about your future in Christ. Our doors are open to everyone in the New Bern area who is seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus.7. The Great Commission is the GoalWhy does the church exist? It exists to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). This isn't just a suggestion for missionaries; it is the "changing of the guard" for every believer.Everything we do: from our Sermons to our Events: is designed to equip you for this mission. We aren't just building a church; we are building an army of light to reach New Bern and beyond.8. Faith is More Than a FeelingIn our modern age, we are told to "follow our hearts." But Jeremiah 17:9 warns us that "the heart is deceitful above all things." If you choose a church based solely on how the music makes you feel, you are standing on shifting sand.I have come to realize that true faith is built on the objective truth of God's Word, not the subjective whims of our emotions. We teach our members to have faith over feelings. Even when you don't "feel" like it, the Word remains true.9. Practical Service and OutreachA church that doesn't serve its community is just a social club. We believe in being the hands and feet of Jesus right here in North Carolina. Whether it’s through food distribution or local outreach, we believe our faith must be visible.When you join a church, you should see the fruit of their labor. James 2:17 says, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." We invite you to see our Gallery to see our faith in action.10. The Power of Personal TestimonyFinally, you should know that your story matters. Every person who walks through our doors at 1506 S. Glenburnie Rd. has a story of how God has worked in their life. Your testimony is a weapon against the enemy (Revelation 12:11).We aren't just a collection of individuals; we are a "connected spiritual family." We celebrate the victories and mourn the losses together. When you are looking for churches in New Bern, NC, look for a place where your testimony can be shared and your faith can be strengthened.A Call to ActionListen to me: Doubt should not keep you away; doubt should push you toward the truth! If you are searching, don't let another week go by in isolation. The Body of Christ is waiting for you.We invite you to join us this Sunday at 10 AM. Come as you are, but expect to be changed by the power of the Word. We are located in the heart of New Bern, and we would be honored to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey.Visit our About Us page to learn more about our mission, or simply show up this Wednesday at 6 PM for Bible study. We can't wait to meet you and help you find your place in the training ground of the Lord.Faith is a journey, but you don't have to walk it alone! Will you take the first step today?Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:57:00 -0700http://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/doubthttp://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/doubtDid you know that C.S Lewis, who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia, struggled with doubt? So did Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther and even Mother Teresa of Calcutta. After her death, several letters were discovered where she wrote of loneliness, emptiness, a void of God. She frequently asked privately for prayers, writing “Such deep longing for God—and … repulsed—empty—no faith—no love—no zeal. (Saving) souls holds no attraction—Heaven means nothing—pray for me please that I keep smiling at Him in spite of everything." She wrote to a friend, “I spoke as if my very heart was in love with God—tender, personal love. If you were (there), you would have said, 'What hypocrisy.'" I have come to realize that at some point we will all deal with doubt. Charles Spurgeon said "I think, when a man says, ‘I never doubt,’ it is quite time for us to doubt him, it is quite time for us to begin to say, ‘Ah, poor soul, I am afraid you are not on the road at all, for if you were, you would see so many things in yourself, and so much glory in Christ more than you deserve, that you would be so much ashamed of yourself, as even to say, 'It is too good to be true.'John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17) and visibly saw the Holy Spirit descend upon him (John 1:32), and confessed his deity, in fact, struggled with doubt in Matthew 11:1-6. According to scripture, John was able to preach his message of repentance as an outcast of society. As people begin to flock to John the religious leaders of the day began to get nervous. You see, Rome only approved their authority if they could keep peace among their people (John 11:48), and submit to Roman rule. So when this mad man, dressed in camels hair, begin gaining the attention of the people the Jewish leaders came to see what all the ruckus was about. John's identity was questioned yet he stood firm not to take any glory or bring any credit to himself, but focused on the power of the coming messiah who "already stood among them". At this point, no one laid a hand on John. He was free to share his beliefs without harm or threat. But in Matthew 11:1-6 John is thrown into prison for condemning the affair of Herod Antipas. John, knowing that Herod was a cruel man, knew that death was imminent and he began to doubt and questioned if Jesus was, in fact, the Messiah. “When Jesus had finished giving orders to His 12 disciples, He moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent a message by his disciples and asked Him, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else? ” The Jews had an expectation that the coming messiah was coming as a warrior to expel the heathen from their land (Acts 1:6). So, when John heard that Jesus was “teaching and preaching “he begin to doubt because Jesus actions were not aligning with what he thought the messiah should be doing. Doubt should push you to seek out truth! John could have very well balled up in his cell and cried “No, No, No he’s teaching and preaching? He should be fighting and slaying.” But instead John called his brothers and sent them to seek out the truth, “Asked Him, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else? ” Listen, doubt cannot make you stop living out your faith. Christianity is not about how you feel in your flesh; it’s not about feeling saved. Despite Mother Teresa feeling empty, lonely, a void from God she carried out God’s will in His written word. How she felt could not take precedence over what she knew. “Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. And if anyone is not offended because of Me, he is blessed.” To the Jew, everything that Jesus was doing: healing leprosy and raising the dead were things that only God could do. Jesus commanded John’s disciples to go back to John and report to their teacher what they see and hear. It would be their testimony that would aid their teacher in finding the strength to continue on. It’s important to know that we will all deal with doubt at times, but it’s how you respond to doubt that will strengthen or weaken your walk. It’s important to surround yourself with other believers who can encourage you with their prayers and testimonies of God’s strength and loving-kindness. And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrew 10:24-25 They conquered him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death. Rev. 12:11 Mon, 19 Dec 2016 03:20:00 -0700http://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/the-apostolic-commissionhttp://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/the-apostolic-commissionMatthew 9:35- 10:1 In Matthew 10 we see that Jesus gave his disciples authority over “unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.” In Matthew we see that verse 10:1 is a mirror image of 9:35. The power and authority that Jesus had over “unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness” was extended to his disciples. It is my belief that Jesus had two primary goals for doing this. First, it is important to understand that the space in your bible between Malachi and Matthew is called the Intertestamental Period. This is a 200-400 year period that heaven was shut up. During this time man heard nothing from God and was led, for the most part, by ungodly men. As Pompey defeated Aristobulus, Rome became the ruling power and thus the rise of the Pharisees and Sadducees. These were ungodly rulers who desired nothing more than to elevate themselves in the eyes of the people, and to remain in power by the approval of Rome, “If we let Him continue in this way, everyone will believe in Him! Then the Romans will come and remove both our place and our nation (John 11:48)." Jesus repeatedly rebuked these leaders, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as fit for hell as you are (Matthew 23:15)! These men were revered, educated in the law, and the final authority in the Jewish community. But now there will be a changing of the guard. God is appointing these twelve nobody’s as his ambassador’s. Fishermen and Tax Collectors were the men that God had appointment to bring a message of repentance to Israel. Why would the people stop listening to the established leaders and begin to follow these nobodies? They wouldn’t. Which is why, I believe, the Lord extended his authority to them. As evidence that they were truly called and sent by him. The Jews saw miracles as a sign that an individual was sent by God the father. Nicodemus stated in John 3:2 concerning the Lord Jesus, "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him." The signs and wonders that were performed by the Apostles (whom no longer exist), was evidence that they were, in fact, messengers of God. Secondly, the people, to the best of their ability, tried to follow the laws that were presented to them. But the leaders of the day made it very difficult, so much so that the people were “weary and worn out”, Matthew 9:36. As Jesus looked at the people, Matthew say’s that he had compassion; they were like sheep without a shepherd. As is so many cases today, having bad leaders is equivalent to having no leaders. As we follow the Lord through Capernaum, we can see the crowds grow. When the Lord healed the paralyzed man in Matthew 9:8, the bible says "they were awestruck and gave glory to God who had given such authority to men.” It was what he did that connected him to God in their sight. From healing the leaper in Matthew 8:1-4 to driving out the demon in 9:32, these signs or miracles where important in establishing Jesus as the promised Messiah, which is why Matthew shared these specific events with us. God gave this authority to these 12 men, I believe, for the purpose of connecting them to him. This would allow Israel to trust their testimony, and to establish the coming church.Wed, 12 Oct 2016 07:18:00 -0700http://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/check-out-our-new-websitehttp://www.newvisionministriesnc.com/blog/post/check-out-our-new-websiteNew Blogs Coming Soon......Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:30:00 -0700