New Zion Baptist Church-Linwood

09/09/2026

Our brother and son is greatly missed!

“I WHOLE LOT OF THINGS MAKE ME
CRY BUT IT DIDN’T MAKE ME QUIT! 🙌🏾

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

Happy Monday!

09/06/2026

🩸THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD!🩸

Sunday, September 6, 2026
New Zion Baptist Church
Rev. Tavares Vance

📖 Scripture: Luke 22:19–20
“This is my body which is given for you… This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

Today, Rev. Tavares Vance reminded us of a truth that never gets old and a promise that never loses its power:

THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD!

Jesus sat at the table with His disciples knowing exactly what was ahead. He knew the cross was coming. He knew His body would be broken and His blood would be shed—yet He willingly gave Himself for us.

The bread represented His body, given for us. The cup represented His blood, poured out for us. This was more than a meal—it pointed to sacrifice, covenant, redemption, forgiveness, and love.

🩸 The blood reminds us that our redemption came with a price.
🩸 The blood reminds us that grace was freely given, but it was not cheap.
🩸 The blood reminds us that what sin tried to destroy, Jesus came to redeem.
🩸 The blood reminds us that the cross was not defeat—it was VICTORY!

There is power in the blood to SAVE.
Power in the blood to CLEANSE.
Power in the blood to REDEEM.
Power in the blood to RESTORE.
Power in the blood to give us HOPE when life feels hopeless.

And the beautiful part is that the power of the blood did not end at Calvary. That same blood still speaks today!

When we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, we are reminded that we are loved beyond measure, forgiven by grace, and covered by a covenant that was sealed through Christ.

🙌🏾 The blood still works!
🙌🏾 The blood still saves!
🙌🏾 The blood still has POWER!

Thank you, Rev. Tavares Vance, for allowing God to use you to remind us of the sacrifice that changed EVERYTHING.

“THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD!” 🩸✝️

09/05/2026

DOES YOUR CHURCH STILL HAVE A HEARTBEAT? OR A FUTURE?🤔

THREE STAGES OF A DYING CHURCH

Every church has a life cycle. It begins with MINISTERING. A church is alive, outward-focused, burdened for souls, faithful in prayer, committed to making disciples, and passionate about the gospel. It continually asks, “How can we reach more people for Christ?” The mission drives everything.

Over time, many churches drift into MAINTAINING. The focus quietly shifts from reaching people to preserving programs. Budgets, buildings, schedules, and traditions begin to consume more attention than evangelism and discipleship. The church is still functioning, but survival gradually replaces expansion. The question becomes, “How can we keep the plates spinning?“

If that drift is never corrected, a tragic third stage emerges: MONUMENT.

A MONUMENT church no longer exists to advance the mission of Christ. It exists to preserve the memory of what once was. Yesterday’s victories become today’s identity. Reminiscing about the “good old days”replace fresh conversions. Traditions become sacred. Change is resisted. Spiritual vitality gives way to mere existence.

Eventually, the monument becomes more than a landmark—it becomes a grave marker. The glory is gone.

I once visited a beautiful historic church. Its architecture was magnificent, and its history was rich. Yet there was no congregation. No worship. No gospel witness. No ministry. The community was raising money—not to revive the church—but simply to preserve the building as a historic landmark.

The building remained. The people were gone. When the LIFE has left, don’t memorialize Ichabod— have a funeral!

Jesus did not establish His church to become a museum preserving yesterday’s victories. He established His church to be a living body that proclaims the gospel, makes disciples, and advances His kingdom until He returns.

Every church should honestly ask:
* Are we MINISTERING or merely MAINTAINING?
* Are we reaching people or simply preserving traditions?
* Are we becoming a MONUMENT instead of a movement?

Churches do not die suddenly. They die gradually—when MINISTERING gives way to MAINTAINING, and MAINTAINING eventually hardens into MONUMENT.

Every church has a history.

The real question is: Does your church still have a heartbeat? And a future?

— Harold Vaughan

“Remember… and repent, and do the first works.” — Rev. 2:5

09/04/2026

Happy Friday!

09/03/2026

Happy Thursday!

09/02/2026

STOP DOING THIS DURING CHOIR REHEARSALS 💯🗣🎤

In every choir, there must be discipline for that choir to make sense and achieve desired goal.

1. Stop arriving late and disrupting the setup

Walking in late breaks the concentration of the entire room.
If you are late, enter as quietly as possible and slip in without drawing attention.

2. Stop talking while the director is talking

If the director is speaking, the room should be silent. If you have a question, wait for a pause or raise your hand.

3. Stop holding back when you know the part

Conversely, once you know your part, sing out.
The people next to you who are unsure need to hear you.
Confidence is contagious.

4. Stop having side conversations

Whispering to your neighbor while the different sections are working on their part is rude.
It distracts them and the director. Save the chat for the water break.

5. Stop complaining about the song

Even if you hate the song, complaining doesn't change the fact that you're going to sing it.
A bad attitude ruins it for those who might actually enjoy the piece.

6. Stop comparing yourself to others

Don't get frustrated that the soprano next to you has a higher range or a bigger vibrato.
Focus on your own contribution to the blend.

7. Stop looking bored

Staring blankly into space or looking like someone that lost her husband.

This signals to the director that you don't care.
At least look engaged, even if your mind is wandering.

8. Stop chewing gum

It looks unprofessional and makes singing impossible.
If you need minty freshness, have an Altoid before rehearsal starts.

9. Stop checking your phone

Unless it's an emergency or you are checking materials for the song, put the phone away.