February 07, 2010

Service Cancelled due to major snowstorm

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January 31, 2010

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “LORD, What Will Thou Have Me To Do?”

Text: Acts: 9:6a  

 

V 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord what wilt thou have me to do?

 

We have come to the end of the “Questions To Ask God.”

There are several issues in this one question: Lord, What Will Thou Have Me To Do. Rev. White stated that he is aware that this first part of Verse 6 is not written in all the translations of the Bible. It is not included in NIV, NLV, RSV, New Century, and some other versions. Reverend also stated that this is not the forum to discuss why it is omitted. In the Youth Prayer the question is asked “What is there for me to do in this world? Can you use me? Do I want to be used by you? Help me get through this and find your way for my life.” All of us need to know what we are to do in our lives. We all have something to do. We all should have a purpose in our lives. Why I am on this earth and what am I to do while here on earth?  This is not only a religious question. The children say the above prayer to help them realize they have a purpose on this earth.

If we don’t have a purpose in our lives, we will be drifters. We must have a purpose in our lives.

We are glad that we don’t live in a world that persecutes people because of their religion.

Paul was one who persecuted those who believed in God. Paul changed from persecutor to a follower of Jesus Christ. We don’t need to be drifters. Find out what God wants you to do! Everyone must ask this question: What Will Thou Have Me To Do? There are several things God wants us to do. God does not want us to be drifters. God wants members and disciples of the Church to ask: What Will Thou Have Me To Do?

 

This question is an after question! You ask this question after something has happened. Paul asked this question after something happened to him.

 

Experienced A Touch

Paul experienced a touch in the form of a bright light surrounding him. He was touched on the road to Damascus. Paul was on his way to do harm to the Believers when he was touched. He realized at that moment that God is REAL.

Don’t worry about those who are going to do you harm. God is there to protect you.

 

God Got Paul’s Attention

God got Paul’s attention. God stopped Paul dead in his tracks on the outskirts of Damascus, as he was going to persecute the Believers. This question came after God touched him and got his attention. Paul was on his way to Damascus, but he could only look up and question: What Will Thou Have Me To Do?

 

After God has touched you, He puts a stop to the things you have been doing. He changed your way of living. This question comes only after you’ve been touched by God.

It may be what you have chosen for the rest of your life. It may be what God has chosen for you to do for the rest of your life. That is a question between you and God. What Will Thou Have Me To Do?

 

Some are in the Church because of God’s answer to this question. Paul found some one bigger than he.

 

God Spoke To Paul

Paul heard God when He spoke to him. Paul listened to God as He answered the question. Paul did as God had directed him. You must hear what God has to say to you. God knew him by name. Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

 

God has work for me and you. Do you know what your work is for the rest of your life? God wants you to do His Work for the rest of your life. God is anxious to help us. He wants us to be anxious to hear him. God has something particular for us to do.

 

Ask the Lord: “What Will Thou Have Me To Do?” No matter how old you are, you need to ask that question. Some have yet to ask this question.

 

The Church didn’t want to touch Paul. God told the Church, “I touched him.” I stopped him on the road to Damascus before he could harm you. He heard Me. He’s alright now!

 

When He shows you, let us know!

 

 

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January 24, 2010

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Why A Blood Payment?”

Text: Hebrews 9:22

V 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

 

We need this Word. Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. We all need this word.

In this series of Questions to ask God we have listened to the following sermons:

            “Why Won’t You Help Me?”

            “What’s Wrong With Me Prospering?”

            “Why No Hail Fell In Goshen?”

 

Today we will  hear: “Why A Blood Payment?”

Read Hebrews Chapters 7 – 10 !  This will give you a greater understanding of this verse.

 

In this growing global community Christians should understand and be able to explain their Faith. We are globally closer than we’ve ever been because of advanced technology. We run into neighbors who are different from us in faith. We should be able to share with them the reason for our Faith and the hope within us.

 

We can no longer say  that Christianity is the only religion. This growing global community has exposed us to other world cultures. God is showing us through this sermon, Why The Blood Payment, so that we may accurately understand and talk with others about our Faith. This letter was written by Paul to help the Jewish people understand their new Faith.

 

One issue is: Why The Blood Payment rather than a Blood Requirement. There is no longer a Blood Requirement for the forgiveness of sin because of The Blood Payment.

 

God ended the Endless Blood Requirement

God put an end to the religious question of Blood Requirement. The Blood Requirement was a ritual of sacrificing animals which the Jewish people did yearly for forgiveness of their sins. This blood requirement solved nothing, for Jews did this over and over. They had yearly sacrificial requirements for sins committed during the year. God put an end to their endless sacrificial offerings. In Jesus Christ, God issued The Blood Payment. Jesus Christ shed his blood on the Cross for the remission of our sins. The Jewish people got their forgiveness, but the blood requirement did not give them eternity. God gave us Jesus Christ which ended the endless blood requirement.

 

God Put An End To Death

God put an end to death. The wages of sin is death. Death is on everyone’s agenda. We die because of Genesis Chapter 3- (The Fall of Man). This chapter tells that we die because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God. We die because of death and not as a result of an illness. Death is our way Home. Dying is our way to eternity. Jesus Christ paid for our sins with His Blood.

 

God Put an End To Religious Fantasies

We don’t need a priest. There is no more priesthood. When Jesus Christ died on the Cross, He was our Priest. He took our sins with Him. He paid for our sins with His Blood. Without The Blood Payment there is no remission. Without The Blood Payment there is no forgiveness. Thank God for The Blood Payment.

 

Rev. White recited various titles of hymns that spoke of The Blood of Jesus: I Know It Was the Blood. Jesus Paid It All. O The Blood Gonna Sign My Name. The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.

 

Understand in your conversation with others that Jesus Christ spent His Blood to save us. We are washed in His Blood.

 

Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause as he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

 

There is no need for a mediator.

 

It’s in our Faith.

 

 

January 10, 2010

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME PROSPERING?”

Text: Psalm 73: 2, 3, & 17

 

V 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

V 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

V 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

 

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. These are the words of the Psalmist.

 

Last Sunday we visited Job and the question he asked: “Why Won’t You Help Me?”  The answer was: “It’s not what I didn’t do, but what I didn’t allow to happen.”

 

This second question comes from the Psalmist. Read Psalm 73: 1, 2, 3, 12, 16, 17, & 28. “What’s Wrong With Me Prospering?” Some of us may have the same question. We’ve seen no-count people who don’t go to Church, don’t praise God and yet they seem to prosper more than some of God’s children. Some of them are fairing better than me.

 

As we go through this Psycho-Spiritual Drama, we ask this question. We refer to the word; prosper, as referenced in Stanzas 1 and 3. The Psalmist is making a personal comparison between himself with the well-being of the wicked. We do the same thing as we compare ourselves to our neighbors. We compare our houses, our jobs, our pay, and even our neighborhoods. As the Psalmist compares his ministry with the well-being of the wicked, it seems as though God is letting the wicked prosper more than His children. The Psalmist is crying out to God. “What’s Wrong With Me Prospering, Lord?” The Lord answered, “Nothing. There is nothing wrong with you prospering if you mean what I mean.”

 

When the wicked go after their prosperity, they consider all gain whether it’s right or wrong. The prosperity they go after by hook or crook is of a materialistic agenda. There is no consideration as to who may suffer.

 

“My prosperity is different from man’s prosperity.  My prosperity is succeeding on your journey for God and His people. Understand what I mean by prosperity! I want you to prosper by the way. The Prosperity agenda is Proclamation to the world.”

 

“What’s Wrong With Me Prospering?” “Nothing! I don’t want you to make the world’s prosperity your agenda.”

 

 

Prosperity Agenda of the world is filled with distractions.

 

Eyes

Temptation: That which looks good to the eye. It becomes a distraction. The eye when distracted can become the root of human destruction. Prosperity will do something to your eyes so that you are distracted from the Proclamation. You should be looking for Ministry opportunities.

 

Ears

In this Prosperity Agenda you are not looking out for new opportunities in Ministry.

In this Prosperity Agenda you are not looking for Proclamation. You are looking for how to get rich quick schemes. You allow the serpent to get in your ears. You take a sabbatical from your Ministry. “I want you to prosper but not at the expense of losing your way. Proclamation to the world is your Ministry.”  Listen to the stuff you didn’t use to listen to! See the things you didn’t use to see!

 

Heart

This Prosperity Agenda does something to the heart. “I want you to prosper, but I don’t want you to follow the crooks of life. The Heavenly Father knows our needs.”

 

Looking at my neighbors, I don’t want to prosper as they prosper. The question: Why don’t I prosper? The Prosperity Agenda of the World is not your agenda. Your Prosperity Agenda is the Proclamation Agenda.

 

Don’t let this Psycho-Spiritual Drama mess with your eyes, ears, and heart!

 

I went to Church and it seemed as though that sermon, songs and preaching had my name on it. God made me successful. God helped me on my journey.

 

“What Wrong With Me Prospering?”  “Nothing!”  “Nothing, as long as you are using the proper translation of the word, prosper.” Go to your Bible for the definition of prosper.

 

Prosper – World - Prosperity Agenda

Prosper – Church - Proclamation

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January 3, 2010

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Why Won’t You Help Me?”

Text: Job 30:20

 

V 20 I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.

 

During our lifetime hidden under our trials and wounds is the hidden question to God: “Why Won’t You Help Me?”

Let’s make a brief visit with Job who has this question. Job doesn’t directly ask this question, but we hear the “why” in his talk with God.  Job is asking God: “Why Won’t You Help  Me? I didn’t cry out just to hear myself. I didn’t stand up to prove I could stand.”

 

Life can change drastically for any one of us without a moment’s notice because of the evil forces in life which surround us day by day. The world we live in is full of evil forces. The environment is filled with evil and evil forces even though we are on the LORD’S side. Don’t think that we were given an exemption card when we became Saved or made Jesus our choice. We’re standing by the Grace of God.

 

Drastic Changes put Job in lock down. These changes blinded him so that he could not see God’s Grace. Life had changed for Job. It had been some time since he had buried his children and his illness. Job looked bad to himself. His friends were making his days more burdensome. Job said, “I cry to You, and You don’t even seem to hear me. I stand and You don’t seem to see me. Why Won’t You Help Me?”

 

What do you say to Job’s question? Job is not the only one who puts questions to God. We’ve called upon God. What do you say to Job’s question? It might help us who have the same question, but we came up under a generation which did not question God.

 

God said, “I let it appear to Job that I won’t help him.” God wanted Job to refocus. Job was blinded so that he could not see what I didn’t do. Job felt he wouldn’t make it if God didn’t help him. However, God was still with Job.

 

Let’s focus on What God Didn’t Do for Job.

 

God Didn’t Shut-down His Mind

I didn’t shut-down his mind. Job’s mind is still clear. He still had his critical thinking skills. He was able to outline what his problem was. God wanted Job to focus on what He would do and instead of focusing on what He didn’t do. God wanted Job to have wisdom, so He did not shut-down his mind. God said, “Let it appear that I didn’t hear him!”

 

God Didn’t Shut-up His Mouth

Things can change so drastically that our mouths can shut-up. Where would we be if our mouths were to shut- up? We need our mouths. I let Job keep his mouth. Read the Book of Job and you will see how Job continued to talk and praise God. I helped him with what I didn’t do. What I did do was to help him. I let him continue to talk.

 

God Didn’t Shut-down His Mobility

I didn’t shut-down his mind.

I didn’t shut-up his mouth.

I didn’t shut down his mobility. He could stand. If you can move, you can go from place to place.

 

Why Won’t You Help Me? This question was growing like an amoeba from a period to a question mark.

 

If I had done what you asked me to do it would have been just for your purposes. I gave you more than you asked.

 

Where was I when the four winds blew? Where was I when your body was racked with pain? I was with you then. I had more for you than what you asked.

 

 I allowed you to keep your mind. I allowed you to continue to talk. I didn’t let you shut-up. I allowed you mobility so that you were able to stand.

 

 

Rev White concluded the sermon with the recitation of the chorus from the hymn, Farther Along. Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along well understand why; Cheer up my brother, live in the sun-shine, We’ll understand it all by and by.

 

December 13, 2009

 

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Go Tell It”

Text: Genesis 3: 15

 

V 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

 

This being the Season of Advent, the focus is on What This Season Is All About.  The focus is on The Scope Of What We Have To Tell.

It is Genesis 3:15 where we get the scope of What this Season is all about.  God is talking to the devil. God is putting the devil on notice.

 

God said, Go Tell It!    

 

Most of us know that Rev. Haynesworth is a big deal in VERIZON Company. We are familiar with the VERIZON commercial which speaks about FIOS. At the end of that commercial, the man announces, “It’s big.”  Well, we need to Go Tell It. This sets the stage for what is going on in our lives. It’s BIG. It’s bigger than anything that we hear today. This scripture helps us to get our beliefs straight and settle our location. If we’re going to get our location straight, we need to understand this story of Why Humans Behave The Way They Do. This story is BIG. God gave the mission to the Church.

 

God gave the devil the first prophecy in Verse 15: bruise thy head…bruise his heel. This was a result of the “mess-up” in the Garden of Eden. This was because of the broken relationship between God and man. This story is true. The Church must Go Tell The Story. The Church must tell the history of humanity. Our lives, today, are a part of the tapestry of life from the beginning.  The story is BIG. No one can solve this mess but God. Call up all Christian Churches to tell them what we must do. Go Tell This!

 

The Creator Is In The Creation

“I will come myself.” For those who are wondering where is God, God is here. God is not the cause of the evil in this world. Adam and Eve walked away from God. We are born in sin and we walk away from God. God wants the Church and those who believe in God, the Creator, to spread the Good News. God is near. He’s always with me. The Creator is in the Creation; therefore, God is in you and me. We have joy unlimited. God’s first prophecy was to the devil. Jesus came to fix what we messed –up a long time ago.

God is in Creation. It’s BIG. God is outside of Creation. He’s fully armed. Go Tell It. It’s BIG.

 

 

 

The Cross Is In The Cradle

I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed. God is making a correction in His prophecy. This seed is the correction. Jesus is the Solution Seed. The devil messed with the first seed- Adam. God told the devil that he would not be able to mess with this Seed or corrupt it. This Seed was not of man. This Seed was of a woman who was a virgin. The Babe was born in Bethlehem. The cross was in the crib. Jesus was born to take the place of sin. He had to die to save us. Jesus was born to save us.  Jesus is the Judgment. Jesus is the Good news. Jesus is here, yet He has gone. He left us with the Holy Spirit so that we’re never alone. God fixed it so that the Seed is the solution. We must Go Tell It.

 

The Conqueror Has Won The Contest

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The Conqueror has won the contest. Go Tell It! God never fails. There is no need to be a slave to sin. The battle cry for redemption is on the cross. Look at His hands! Look at His feet! Look at His sides which were pierced by the sword! Look at Jesus who was getting the worse of it! He had to take it all for us. Wait for God to show up and do what He is going to do! It took Him only three days to do what he had to do. He got up with all power in His hand. Go Tell It. It’s BIG.

 

He fixed up what was messed up! Go Tell It! It’s BIG. Go Tell It Everywhere!

It’s Good News.

 

The Creator Is In Creation.

The Cross In The Crib

The Conqueror Won The Contest

 

Go Tell It!

  

 

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December 5, 2009

 

 

Presenter: Minister Carol Smith, Associate Minister, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Jesus Raises The Bar….Run Tell That” 

Text: John 4:39-42

V 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

V40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

V 41 And many more believed because of his own word;

V 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

 

Minister Carol Smith began her sermon with an opening prayer that the words she speaks would be acceptable and pleasing to our Lord, in Jesus name.

 

The Samaritans were the first to believe that Jesus was Savior of the world.  The Jews hated the Samaritans because they were of mixed blood. The Samaritans were considered foreigners. The Samaritans also hated the Jews.  Jesus broke the rule by speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. He broke barriers of hatred. Jesus Raises The Bar. He was a radical of His time. Jesus Raises The Bar. He was inclusive not exclusive. Jesus did what others couldn’t do. Jesus sought unity. The woman at the well was puzzled that Jesus asked her for water as the Jews had nothing to do with Samaritans. She asked Jesus why he asked her for water. He answered her in Verse 10 If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. Jesus offered her salvation. He offered her living water for the soul.

 

On His way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus took the route through Samaria. The day was hot and Jesus had walked quite a ways, so He was tired and thirsty. He stopped to rest at the well. A Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus Raises The Bar. Jesus asked for water. Jesus looked at her. Now, be sure, Jesus was not flirting with the Samaritan woman. Jesus was just asking for water. She asked Jesus was he greater than Jacob who gave them the well. Verse 13 Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: Verse 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst;

 

Yes, Jesus is greater than Jacob. Only Jesus can give living water. Jesus looked at this woman of low self esteem. This Samaritan woman wanted this living water that Jesus offered. She would never thirst and would never need to come to the well again. This strange man knew all man all about her. The Samaritan woman knew Jesus was a Jew. She also thought he was a prophet. Jesus reveals Himself to her as the Messiah. She ran to tell others about Jesus: This man she met at the well who knew all about her.

 

What about us? Do we run with excitement to tell others about Jesus? Jesus broke the norm. Jesus Raises The Bar. Jesus came to everyone.

 

There was a difference about the Samaritan woman after she had the encounter with Jesus. She wanted Jesus to know she was different. Jesus Raises the Bar from Exclusion to Inclusion. Jesus wants to dispel boundaries. Are we seeking Jesus to clear up our confusion?

 

When we read about people like Major Nidal Malik Hasan who shot up Fort Hood Army Base in Texas killing 13 people and injuring 31 others, we wonder if we are seeking Jesus. Many excuses have been given of how this act occurred without anyone recognizing the distress in his life. Much has been discussed and there is even a hint of a cover-up. We need Jesus. We need to go to Jesus.

 

John 7:37 If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

 

We need to Raise the Bar. We need to break the barriers. We need to be like the woman at the well who was going about her daily tasks when she met Jesus. She dropped all her troubles and let Jesus take hold of her life. Jesus will give you peace. Stop all that back-biting and gossiping. Let Jesus be the water in your life. We need to run to tell others about Jesus.

 

Minister Smith said, “Jesus lifted me.” She quoted the first verse of the hymn, Love Lifted Me: “I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore. Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me-Now safe am I. Love lifted me, Love lifted me, When nothing , nothing else could help. Love lifted me.”

 

The congregation joined in singing the hymn:  Love Lifted Me.

 

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November 29, 2009

 

Presenter: Minister Ernestine Harris, Associate Minister, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Turning To God”

Text: Joshua 1:7, 8 & 9

 

V 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

V 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

V 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.

 

Minister Harris thanked Rev. White for allowing her to preach from his pulpit. She also thanked Rev Haynesworth and the other Associate Ministers and the waiting congregation for their support of her Ministry.

 

 

Joshua was given a divine commission by God. Joshua is reminded that he must remain strong and courageous. He is also reminded to follow God’s law so that he might have success and claim the promise. V 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. Joshua had a mission to restore the land to his tribe. Joshua had the tribe make ready for the crossing of the Euphrates River. As the people stood and gazed at the river, Joshua told them not to be afraid and not to let the river stop them from reaching their goal. Think of the river as God who is able to lead us to success.

 

God has made it possible for us to be successful in our undertakings. He has given us principles to follow. As a Church, we can be dependable, competent and obedient. Obey God! Do His Will! Obey His Word! And, we will achieve.

 

We must meditate on His Word. Turn to God!

We need to turn ourselves over to God. We must be responsive to God with our minds and our hearts. Our minds must be stayed on Jesus. Turning to God is a Conversion. It’s a process called Faith Believing. Conversion is the opening of the Spiritual Eye. Conversion is obedience to God. Turn to God! Faith comes from the Word. Read the Word.

Learn the law! The law stands for God’s command. Turn to God and put His principles to work. Turn to God! God challenges us to be strong and courageous. We must follow His principles and the law. He is an ever- present God. We can learn to worship in spirit and in truth. Turning to God is important. He has healed the sick. He has comforted the lonely and desolate. He’s a good God. With God, we can do more than we think we’re capable of doing. Turn to God!

 

Be obedient!  

Put God First.

Be strong and courageous!

Know that God is with you!

Live a Godly life!

Think good thoughts!

Do good works!

Be not afraid or dismayed!

Get right with God and do it now!

 

Joshua had a promise from God. God will never forsake his promise.

Do the law as it is written.

Observe the law and do good!

 

Joshua was a humble man. He thanked God and was obedient to His Word.

 

Think of the goodness of the Lord and all that He has done for us. He gave His only begotten son for us so that we might have eternal life. The heart cries out, “The Lord is my life and my salvation.” Proverbs 3:5 & 6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

My heart cries out, “He’s the Lily of the valley. He’s the Bright and Morning Star. He’s prepared a Way Out Of No Way”.

 

I praise His Holy Name. Hallelujah!

 

TURN TO ME!    FACE ME!  I AM THE WAY!!!!

 

GOD HONORS HIS WORD!

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November 22, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Kevin Haynesworth, Sr., Senior Associate Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church  

Topic: “Divine Relief”

Text: John 11:39 – 44

 

V 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

V 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

V 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

V 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

V 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

V 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him and let him go.

 

How do you define relief? Relief can be defined as the feeling that comes when some burdensome thing is removed of reduced. There was once a commercial that asked the same question and the answer was ROLAID. Relief can also be defined as the alleviation, ease, or deliverance from pain, distress, or oppression.

 

Relief is something that all of us can relate to in that for some of us medical relief is needed. For others there is a need for financial relief that would be helpful. All of us can use some relief in some area of our lives. I am so glad that we serve a God who is gracious and faithful and knows when we need relief. This relief that comes from God is Divine Relief with no strings attached.

 

God gives us relief to activate our belief. Our testimony throughout our lives is God is good. He is gracious and kind. We can declare this because there are mile markers throughout our lives that tell of His deliverance, healing, provision, and pardon. God’s Divine Relief has blessed us and kept us.

 

The purpose for the writing of the Gospel of John is that we might believe. The key word of this book is believe. More than any other word, the words, believe, belief, or believing is written on each page of this Gospel. In John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. The essence of the entire Bible is captured in John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Divine Relief and activated belief are clearly seen in this passage.

 

Mary and Martha, two sisters find themselves in need of Divine Relief. They send for Jesus because their brother is dead. They are struggling with their grief just as most people who experience the death of a loved one. They are seeking Divine Relief from Jesus who they knew as a Miracle Worker. Because Jesus was not with them during Lazarus’ illness and death, they feared Jesus had deserted them. Martha blamed Jesus for her brother’s death. Martha failed to realize that everything the child of God goes through

is an opportunity to Glorify God. Glorify His name and activate your belief.

 

The trials that you and I face are for the Lord to receive the Glory. The Divine Relief we need, the Lord has it. The Lord knows we need it and when we need it. We should never forget how good God has been to us. Just trust Him! Thank Him and wait for His deliverance from our troubles.

He delights in our deliverance. Give God the Glory!

 

The Lord is teaching us here to activate our belief no matter what we’re going through. He knows every situation and He will get the Glory. We sometimes forget how good God is to us. In all things give thanks. Belief must inform our situation by reminding us that we are children of God. We are His children and we are precious in His sight. He will get the Glory out of our situation. Mary and Martha needed this reminder. In Verse 14 Then said Jesus unto them, Lazarus is dead. Verse 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent that you may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. God is using this death to Glorify Him and also give Mary and Martha Divine Relief.

 

There are three important truths concerning Divine Relief.

V 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

            Divine Relief is always present with a child of God.

            Mary and Martha both felt the loss of their brother. Divine Relief enabled Mary to  

fall down at the feet of Jesus and worship Him. Divine Relief is always with us    whether we recognize it or not.

           

Divine Relief can be realized before our situation changes.

Martha waited for her situation to change. Mary acted as if the situation had already changed. What about you? Do you recognize Divine Relief?

 

Divine Relief flows through activated belief. Mary demonstrated her activated belief by worshipping Jesus. She received Divine Relief in the midst of her sorrow. Realize how good God is even though He tarries.

 

It must have pleased Jesus to see that Mary could still worship Him in spite of her loss. Jesus must have been pleased to see that God was honored even though trouble was still present. The Lord is pleased when His children believe Him.

 

Jesus was troubled in His spirit because of the disbelief which was present in those around Him. He knew He had the power to raise Lazarus. He wanted the people to witness that He was the Savior of the world sent by God. He wanted the people to believe. Divine Relief would activate the belief in the doubters.

 

Jesus allows the people to participate in His offer of Divine Relief in five steps:

VV 39-44

1) A Divine Command – Take away the stone! To activate belief, He allows man to do the possible, and God to do the humanly impossible.

 

2) A Divine Message – Believe, and see the glory of God! The world teaches that seeing is believing. God invites us to believe and then we shall see.

 

3) A Divine Prayer – I know You always hear me, but because of the people standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent me. Jesus prayed a public prayer to produce public belief.

 

4) A Divine Call – Lazarus come forth! The people standing by heard the Divine call. Lazarus heard the call. One day you and I will hear the Divine call.

 

5) Divine Deliverance – Loose him, and let him go! Jesus activated the belief of the people by having them disrobe Lazarus of his graveclothes.

 

Why does John tell this story? I believe the Lord wants us to confess that we’re like Martha and think we’re in control. He wants us to be more like Mary and worship Him even in our mess, our loss, and our difficulties of life.

 

Martha’s position is “Give me what I want, and then I’ll give God the glory.”

Mary seems to say, “I’m not in charge. I’m going to worship God anyway.”

In Mary, we see that: Divine Relief is always present with the child of God.

                                   Divine Relief can be realized before our situation changes.

                                   Divine Relief flows through activated belief.

 

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November 15, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Eventful Excitement #2”

Text: St Mark 5:1 9 -20 (NKJV)

V 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said unto him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

V 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.  

 

In the reading of the story, Jesus had just gotten out of the boat when He came upon this man of unclean spirit. He seemed wild and untamed. He had lived in the mountains and among the tombs. He called upon Jesus to release him from his torment. Jesus asked the man his name. The man told Jesus that his name was Legion.

 

Jesus told the man to go home to his friends and tell how he was healed. Legion went in Decapolis to proclaim or preach his good news to all who listened.

 

This month of Thanksgiving we should all preach about Eventful Excitement in our lives for the joy that we experienced exists even after it is over. Christ Community, we don’t know where we may have to live, or what may fall our lot before we leave this world. This man, Legion had not counted on living anywhere but in his own home. Look at him now:-wild, untamed, tormented living in the mountains among the tombs. He had no hope until he met Jesus. Jesus put Eventful Excitement in his life. No one can take away your Eventful Excitement.

 

Everyday is Eventful Excitement. Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving. When the storms of life are raging, you still have joy. When your head is hanging down, God put something in your life so that you still have joy. 

 

Jesus gave this man a life he’d never had. There now was excitement in his life. This joy would not leave him. Think about the goodness in your life. You can rerun the pictures in your life. You can “change the channel” in your life to bring up Eventful Excitement in your life. You can look up and have joy. God not only blesses us once, but He blesses us over and over. Let God take charge!

 

Life Touched

This man got the life he never had before he met Jesus. His first Eventful Excitement was going back home with a new life to tell friends of his contact with Jesus.

Read Verse 1-7 which tells of this man’s life before he met Jesus. He lived in the mountains among the tombs. He had been bound in chains and fetters which in his wild and tormented state he was able to break. In his condition, he was crying and cutting himself with stones. We don’t know how he got there, but the fact is he was there. Did he want to live there? He was living in these conditions as an untamed tormented man. He called upon Jesus when he saw Him get out of the ship.  Jesus took control. Jesus touched the man and things changed for him. This was Eventful Excitement for him. The touch of Jesus changes us.

 

Life Transformed

In Verse 18 we find this man in prayer with Jesus. When Jesus comes into our country, He brings us Eventful Excitement.  It’s not just a touch, it’s a transformation.  Something happened in his life. He was clean. He could think straight. He could wear clothes. Jesus did something the doctors couldn’t do. Jesus gave this man Eventful Excitement. Jesus gave him joy that no human can give.

 

Life Testimony

Verses 19 - Jesus told this man to go home and tell his friends. This man had been touched and transformed. We also must tell others about the goodness of the Lord. Tell others that there is a life that Jesus can give that no man can give you.

Go back home and tell your friends!

Verse 20 - Legion went back home and told his friends that he found a man named Jesus, who touched him and drove out the demons and tormentors. “Jesus changed me. I’m clean. I’m wearing good clothing. I can think straight. I can talk straight. I got joy.”

Let God take charge! As he passed through the cities to get home, he proclaimed to everyone the miracle which Jesus had performed upon him. This was Eventful Excitement.

 

See God! Let God touch you! Let God transform you! Give your testimony!

Jesus died for us, He was buried. He stayed in the grave for three days, but early Sunday Morning he rose with all power in His hand. He’s not dead. He’s coming back again.

 

Joy! Joy! Joy!

 

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November 8, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Eventful Excitement”

Text: St. Mark 1:45

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

 

Rev. White read the Scripture. This man went out and published it. He published it much. He blazed it abroad. This man had excitement.

 

Rev. White has two purposes for this sermon.

1)      This is the month of Thanksgiving.

2)      The Church of Jesus Christ today, doesn’t have too much excitement these days in the pulpit or the pews.

We sing- “Jesus Is the Center of My Joy” or “Jesus Is My Joy”. We do have excitement in our lives. We call on the Lord when we have trouble. Jesus comes and changes our happenings. When Jesus leaves, we have Joy. Not only did we have Joy when He left, but every time we think about the situation, we have Joy.

 

In the Church of Jesus Christ we don’t live much Joy. We must remember that this Joy that we have, the world didn’t give it to us, so we shouldn’t let the world take away our Joy.

 

In the catalog of your life, there are events which bring you joy. Think about those events. Think about God’s Word. You should have some Eventful Excitement in your life. “Jesus Is My Joy” and “Jesus Is The Center of My Joy”.

 

The man in this story had an Eventful Excitement in his life, and he went out to talk about it. Jesus is in the picture. Jesus will move in our lives. God wants us to have overflowing Joy. Go back to your home, go to your job, and go to your school with an Eventful Excitement.

 

Look at this man! He was a leper, the Cancer of that day. He was locked down. He was locked out. People did not want to be near him. This man had no Joy. But… he heard about Jesus.

 

He Let Jesus In

V 40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

This man asked Jesus to help him. Jesus won’t come in unless you invite Him. Don’t tell Jesus what to do. The man asked Jesus to come in and do what He had to do. This man listened to Jesus. Jesus had compassion on him and put forth His hand and made him clean.

 

Jesus Sent Him

Jesus told him to go and show himself to the priest. Let the Lord direct your path!

The man left so filled with Joy that he told everyone he saw. He had to tell somebody. He couldn’t keep it to himself.

 

Jesus Changed Him

Something happened on the inside of this man. He was to tell no one that Jesus had cured him. His excitement was such that he couldn’t help himself. He had to talk about this experience. However, his disobedience closed the door for others to get help. Whatever God tells us to do, we must do as He has instructed.

 

Today, go out and tell somebody what God has done for you. Tell of His mighty work! Something is going to happen. He will change things. He will tell you what to do.

 

Joy is excitement. Joy shows in your eyes. God is good to me.   This is Joy.

 

I got Joy! Tell somebody about Jesus! In the excitement of expressing yourself, you have Joy.

 

September 27, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “God Messes With All My Excuses”

Text: Nehemiah 1:11, 2:1-10

 

V 1: 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

V 2:1 And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

V 2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid.

V 3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

V 4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

V 5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

V 6 And the king said unto me, (the queen was sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

V 7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

V 8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

V 9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me

V 10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

 

Rev. White offered a prayer before beginning the sermon.

We thank God for this privilege to be in the hearing of His Word. God is messing with us because He wants to use us.

Nehemiah knew that God was messing with him because He wanted to use him.

God can’t use us when we are weighted down with excuses. Nehemiah stated in V 11, “I was the king’s cupbearer.” He was willing but not able. We all make excuses. God is messing with our excuses as to why we can’t do what he has asked us to do. All of us are excuseologist. We are masters of excuses. We think we can get off with making excuses to God. We can’t get over on God.  We’ve met willing and able. We’ve met willing and not able. We’ve met able and not willing. Analyze your excuses! Nehemiah had an excuse: I was the king’s cupbearer. This was Nehemiah’s story and he was sticking to it. God had to teach Nehemiah three lessons concerning his excuses to Him. God worked a change in Nehemiah.

 

Lesson on Authority

The king may be king, but he is not Lord. I am Lord, Elohim, Yahweh. God showed Nehemiah that the king is only a king, but not Lord. We forget who we have with us. We should not forget who He is. There is a lesson as to what we say about God. God has the authority. Being able and not willing and being willing and not able is under the authority of God. Being willing and not able means that something is in the way. We may really be hiding behind not willing when we are quite able to accomplish the task. This was Nehemiah’s problem until God changed his story. The king is not Lord. If God says He wants something done, nobody can stand in His way. I Am!

 

Lesson in Power

The king is in MY Hand said the Lord. Nehemiah was afraid of the king. He was afraid of the power in the king’s hand. God told Nehemiah that he had to get over his fear. Nehemiah had to get over his anxiety and remember that no earthly power was over the power of God. God said the king and queen are in my power. God had power to change the king and queen. The king noticed the difference in Nehemiah’s face and stance. The king was really only worried about Nehemiah bringing him his wine in the right vessel. God showed Nehemiah that God has all power. God touched King Artaxerxes. The king asked Nehemiah why he was sad. Nehemiah had talked with God because the king had been messing with him. When the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted him to do. Nehemiah was able to ask the king to let him go to Judah. The king asked how long. Nehemiah gave him a time. God can change the power of an earthly king to work in the power of God. God changed the willing and not able to the willing and able.

 

Lesson on Resources

Verses 8 through 10 give us a picture of the resources. Whatever God calls us to do He has the resources to accomplish the task. God was to send Nehemiah back to Judah to build the walls of the city. Nehemiah asked the King to write a letter so that he would be able to walk through mean territory. Write a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the forest, so that I might have all the lumber I need. Nehemiah received the letter for safe passage and the letter for the lumber. When God sends you on a journey all your needs will be supplied. When you get there all the resources which belong to God, you will have. You will have what you need. Have faith! Wrap faith around God’s power and God’s resources. God sees the willing in your heart. God sees the able in your heart. He knows what He has to do. He gives you the power and the resources. He is the authority.

 

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September 6, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “GOD’S Mission Is Messing With Me”

Text: Nehemiah 1:1-4

 

V 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year as I was in Shushan the palace,

V 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

V 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

V 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.

 

For the next few Sundays we will hear sermons from the first Chapter of Nehemiah: “God Is Messing With Me”. In October the sermons will be: “God Is Using Me”.

God Is Messing With Me because God Wants To Use Me. Today’s sermon is: “God’s Mission Is Messing With Me”.

 

There is a Heavenly Mission for the Church. There is a question as to whether the National and State Conventions are operating on the Heavenly Mission. Another question is: Are the Churches of God operating on the Heavenly Mission? The Church is only a tool in the hands of God to affect the Mission of God. Are we really concerned about the Mission of God?

Nehemiah was having a change in his life this twentieth year in the month of Chisleu. God was Messing with him. None of us escape having to confess: “Somebody is messing with me.” We can stop people from messing over us, but we can’t stop people from messing with us. Don’t let people mess with you to take your joy. There is a certain kind of messing with you that means you some good.

 

God was messing with Nehemiah because He had work for him to do. The clues are God’s fingerprints. God’s Mission starts messing with you when your thoughts begin to enter in a new way. The thoughts that existed for what we wanted change and we begin to see it as God’s mission.

 

 

 

Experience The Connection

As Nehemiah was in the palace of Shushan, he had an opportunity to see the connection between where he was and what God was doing to him. He began to see why he was in Babylon. We too must see the connection between where we are and what God wants us to do. Nehemiah saw the delegation coming back from Judea. His eyes are open to where they had been and where they were going. God was messing with Nehemiah. There was a spiritual connection. Take time out to notice what is happening. In that time, you notice what you didn’t recognize before, and you see what you must do. See where you are and what God’s mission is for you.

 

Experience The Condition

Nehemiah saw the condition of the city and how God’s people were doing. The people were suffering. The gates of Jerusalem had been burned. Nehemiah was self-centered until God started messing with him. When he saw the condition of the city and his people he wept. He began to care about people and the place of God. God is not messing with people who don’t care about the people of God or the place of God. The connection is seeing and the condition is caring.

 

Experience Contrition

God was messing with me. God broke me down, and I got on my knees. It didn’t matter what I had. It didn’t matter who I was. I had to get down on my knees and pray. God will break you down. I saw something happen. I started crying. People had done God wrong. He broke me down so He could bring me up to do His will. I stayed there for many days. God was messing with me. God is a God who listens to me. God is about the mission in the world. God is concerned about everybody. God made everyone in His image. Don’t let anyone mess on you.

 

Some one needs to pray for Minister Steven Anderson of Faithful World Baptist Church, Phoenix, Arizona who prayed for the death of President Barack Obama. God needs to mess with that minister to show him the way.

 

God is messing with us.

 

We need to experience Connection.

We need to experience Condition.          

We need to experience Contrition.

 

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August 23, 2009

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Admitted to GOD’S Guidance Center”

Text: Psalm 139: 24b

V 24b ….and lead me in the way everlasting.

If the Psalmist had fast forwarded to today, in the Black Church, he would have agreed with the song: GOD Is.

We will finish with the preaching from Psalm 139 today, but will continue with the study, in depth, of Psalm 139 in Bible Study during the months of October and November.

Search me! Try me! Now lead me!

The Psalmist is asking GOD to lead him. This could be called the “road less traveled”. We don’t meet too many people in our lives who are not consumed with themselves. The Psalmist is concerned about himself. He said, “Search me, try me, and lead me. He was not trying to consume as much of life as he could for himself. He was concerned about how much he could consume about himself as to how GOD sees him. He wanted to know much more about himself. After being in GOD’S Cardiac Center and GOD’S Psychiatric Center, he learned how much GOD knows about him. He discovered where GOD wanted him to go. He felt his life was off-centered. He was off-track. He needed to go to GOD’S Guidance Center. The Psalmist wants to be the “me” who GOD knows. He wants that “me” to be the “me” who GOD wants. Search me! Try me! GOD will have to lead me. God created me to live in a certain way. GOD created me to do certain things and to live in a certain place. Psalmist is confessing, “I need the LORD to lead me and guide me. I’m smart, but not smart enough. I trust in myself too much. I don’t let God lead me. I try to tell GOD how to lead me. I need GOD’S guidance in my life. I need the LORD to lead me.”

I Must Go

I can’t go where GOD wants me to go unless He leads me in the way. I can’t go where GOD wants me to go if I have some hang-up about what GOD says. I can’t go in unless GOD directs me in the way. “In” is the location. It is a place where GOD is directing me to go: in His Will, in His way, in His works, and in this world.

We tend to resist being “in” places where we don’t want to go. We tend to resist places where we have to give up our old ways. GOD wants us to give up the old ways and adopt the new ways.

The Psalmist said, “I’ve been in the Cardiac Center and I’ve been in the Psychiatric Center. Now I need to enter the Guidance Center. Lead me in! Lead me in the place where YOU want me to be in my life.”

 

I Must Stay

Lead me and guide me in to the place where GOD wants me to stay. I’m going to a place where GOD is “in” the way. Not just any “in”, but “In His Way”. I want to be where GOD can use me. GOD wants all of us to be In the Way.

I can’t stay where YOU are placing me unless YOU lead me. Lead me in the way of righteousness. No matter where the world is, let me stay in the way of righteousness. The LORD wants me to do my duty. It is my duty to represent GOD correctly where He places me. Let it be known that I’m spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When GOD leads you that’s where you should stay. Where God placed you, that’s where you should stay. If it’s difficult for you to stay, it’s because you have refused to allow GOD to lead you. You are resisting GOD. You need GOD to lead you. You are missing what GOD has for you.

I need guidance if I’m to stay in the place GOD has for me. GOD wants me to stay in that way of righteousness, duty, and holiness. I need GOD to guide me In the Way so that I can stay.

I Must Arrive

I cannot arrive where GOD wants to lead me in the way everlasting if I refuse to follow Him.

God is more concerned with our permanent status than our current status. We’re so busy trying to be all we can be here on earth that we’re not concerned about our eternal home. The Psalmist said, “I’m a pilgrim on a journey that will not end in some place on this earth. GOD wants me to be concerned about my permanent home, so settle me in the way everlasting. GOD must lead me and guide me. I know where He’s placing me. I will stay until I’ve arrived: in the way everlasting.”

Salvation is everlasting.

Salvation is joy.

Salvation is peace.

Salvation is love.

Salvation is life.

I will come to my journey “IN” where the LORD is leading me. I will stay where the LORD is leading me. My arrival will be on time.

I discovered I’m not smart enough. GOD knows me better than I know myself. He put a lot of “can” in me, so that “cannot” will not stand. Lead me! If YOU don’t lead me, I will stray. If YOU don’t lead me, I will not survive. I will stop serving.

Let GOD lead you!

There is a place for you to Go: In His Way.

There is a place where GOD wants you to Stay: In His Will.

There is a place where GOD wants you to Arrive: In His Way Everlasting.

God knows you through and through!!!

 

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August 16, 2009

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Admitted To GOD’S Psychiatric Center”

Text: Psalm 139: 23b &24a

V 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

V 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

A couple of weeks ago, the sermon was: “Giving God The Right Of Way”. This message told us that we must admit ourselves into God’s Cardiac, Psychiatric, and Counseling and Guidance Centers. These messages only skim the surface of what the Bible tells us. The Psalmist asked God to search him to know his heart-Cardiac. Try me and know my thoughts-Psychiatric.

The only person who really knows us is The LORD. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows who lives in these clay houses. We need a wake –up call. There is Some one else who knows us better than we know ourselves. V 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. V 17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Most of what we know about ourselves is superficial. We don’t know ourselves because we’re not interested. We don’t know much about what the scriptures tell us about ourselves because we don’t read the scriptures and we’re not interested.

I want to know how my thoughts are wired. I’m admitting myself into GOD’S Psychiatric Center to know how I’m wired.

If we admit ourselves into GOD’S Psychiatric Center, we will learn how we are wired. We will learn how to live righteously. We will learn how we think in our heart.

Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: ….

How We Are Wired

We, who live in the Western World, are taught to think with our minds. The scientists and physicians focus on the human mind. They deal with our thoughts and our brains. We must understand how we were originally wired by God. Go back to Genesis 2 &3, and read the story of man in the Garden of Eden. Understand how life was before Adam and Eve decided to listen to Satan. We understand ourselves from the scientific aspect. The Psalmist was taught to think in his heart. Physicians and scientist want to deal with the mind. GOD said the mind is in the heart. If our mind is to do better we must deal with the heart. The mind function is located in the heart. Learn how to think critically and logically in our schools, but we must remember to think also with our hearts for the heart is the center of our being. Try me! I want to know me better. God wired us to think with our hearts.

 

We Are Wired For Righteousness

We are wired for Good. Matt 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;….. What you see exhibited in our behavior starts in the heart. It’s more than crossed wires or loose screws when we behave unseemly. We are wired to think good thoughts and not evil thoughts. When Adam and Eve decided to listen to the snake, that’s when the re-wiring began. That’s when evil began. Try me and know what is in my heart. We need to know Psychiatry in the Biblical sense. We’re wired for good. Evil is unpleasing to GOD. The source of evil is in the mind and not in the heart. We are wired for Righteousness.

We Expose How We Are Wired

Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, V 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: V 23 All these things come from within , and defile the man. If these actions are evidenced in us, we are unable to reach our potential. These behaviors should not be in the human heart. We must admit ourselves to GOD’S Psychiatric Center, so that He can shake us up and shake us out of ourselves. He knows our real thoughts. If we are wicked, there is something wrong with the human heart.

There is evil behavior in our society showing itself against the poor, the helpless, and the needy. Instead of goodness, we see evil thoughts and actions being performed on a daily basis. There is a need for all of us to visit GOD’S Psychiatric Center.

Evil is in the mouth and not the heart. We need to be Re-Wired. We need to be Tried. We need to be Searched. Try me! Show me how to love from the heart! We manifest behavior. GOD sent His son, Jesus, out of His heart, to save us from death.

GOD loves us. GOD is calling on His Church to speak from the heart. Believe in your heart and then confess with your mouth

 

 

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July 26, 2007

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Giving God The Right Of Way”

Text: Psalm 139:23 & 24

     

V 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

V 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  

 

This begins a series of Sermons on Psalm 139.

 

When is the last time you had a comprehensive talk with The Lord about everything: leaving no stones unturned? If you haven’t, you are due for one. If you have had a comprehensive talk with The Lord, you may be due for another. You need to have an A to Z – leaving no stone unturned -talk with The Lord. Most of us have had a “little talk with Jesus” and we know it makes everything alright. We need more than a little talk with Jesus.

 

We need comprehensive talks, “Big Talks”, with The Lord. “Big Talks” make us alright with The Lord. God wants more than a little talk. God wants us to be alright. A comprehensive talk with The Lord will make us alright. This is “Big Talk”. This talk gives God the “Right Of Way” in our lives. “Big Talk” tells God, “Have Your Way with me!” Only through “Big Talk” with The Lord do we commit ourselves into God’s Diagnostic Center.

 

The Cardiology Center

God wants to know our hearts. Stanza 23 begins Search me, O God, and know my heart… We need God to search us. God needs to search our hearts. We need to be admitted into God’s Cardiac Center. We must ask to be admitted. We must hunt God to get permission to talk with Him. We must ask God to search our hearts. God doesn’t have to do research on our hearts. He knows our hearts.  Search my heart, Lord, and tell me what I need to be a better person.  Little talks make everything alright. “Big Talks” with God make us better people.

 

The Psychiatric Center

Stanza 23 also reads try me, and know my thoughts:  The Psalmist is saying, “Hook me up to your monitors and test me. Show me what I think. Admit me to your Psychiatric Center and expose my thoughts. Some of us don’t know our thoughts. Our thoughts should lead to glory. We need to understand our thoughts. We must ask God to search our minds so that we can become better people. Admit me to Your Cardiac and Psychiatric Diagnostic Centers so I can find my way from earth to glory. God wants us to have more than a little talk with Him. God wants “Big Talk”. A comprehensive talk with God will lead us on the right path.

 

The Re-set Center

Allow God to re-set your life! After giving us the results from the Cardiac and Psychiatric Centers, God must have The Right Of Way in our lives. We must tell God, “I want YOU to lead me.” I may be saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost healed, but I’ve been leading myself. I’ve been telling myself who to relate to and who not to relate to in this life. I need to enter the Re-set Center. I need God to Re-set my life. We know the hymn: Lead me, guide me along the way. For if you lead me I can not stray Lord, let me walk each day with thee, Lead me, oh, Lord, Lead me. This is what we need to tell God in our “Big Talk”. This does not come from a little talk with God. Lead me Lord, even if I don’t want to go. I won’t let my friends or posse lead me.

 

The Psalmist had a “Big Talk” with The Lord. The “Big Talk” makes us alright.

I’m satisfied with Jesus. The question is: Is My Master Satisfied With Me?

 

When we have the “Big Talk with God, He reveals so much to our hearts and our minds that we need to Re-set our lives. Is my Master satisfied with me? Engage in a “Big Talk” with God. That will make us alright

 

Rev. White ended the sermon with singing the hymn: Satisfied With Jesus.

 

* * * * * * * *

July 19, 2009

 

Presenter: Minister Ernestine Harris, Associate Minister Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Being Persistent In Prayer”

Text: Luke 18: 1-3, 5 & 7

 

V 1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not faint;

V 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

V 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

V 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

V 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

V 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

V 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them.

 

The sermon will deal with the underlined words in Verses 1, 2, 5, & 7.

 

Minister Harris began with a prayer that God would speak through her to help us who may be sick or troubled, so that we might hear a word of comfort. She also asked God to bless her as she delivered His Word to the waiting congregation.

 

As we look at this Twenty-First Century, we see so much trouble and despair. We sometimes question whether God can help us. The answer is, Yes, He can! Be persistent! Never give up! Continue to pray!

 

Man Ought Always To Pray

In this scripture, Jesus is teaching the disciples and telling them to continue to pray. Prayer should be a permanent occupation of the Christian. We should pray and have faith. When we feel least like praying, this is the time when we should pray. This is the time we need to pray. This is the time when the spirit takes over and we pray without a voice. The widow was persistent in going before the judge. We must be like the widow and continue to pray. The more we push, p-u-s-h, the more we will see results. We must be persistent. There is discipline in prayer. The more we pray, the more we will see the end.

 

 

 

Feared Not God

The unjust judge did not fear God. This judge represents the corrupt world. The widow had become annoying to him by her constant appearance and making the same request. He used his power to abuse. To get rid of her, the unjust judge granted her request. Our God is not like the unjust judge. Our God does not want anyone to perish. Our God wants everyone to be saved.

 

Lest By Her Continual Coming

God wants us to be patient and persevere in our prayer life. We must be as persistent in prayer as the widow. We must pray with trust and faith. If we struggle with prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to give us the confidence we need to offer our prayers to God. God wants us to push and to pray. Lean on the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures to aid us in prayer.

The judge did not fear God. The widow needed help. The judge sent her away. The judge didn’t want to be bothered. The widow stayed in his face. Prayer is the key that opens doors. Don’t try to sound like anyone else. Just pray! Talk to God! Let your prayer be your prayer. There is power in prayer. There is peace in prayer. Be not like the hypocrite who stands in the synagogue or on the corners preaching. Follow the model prayer! God wants a simple prayer in your words. Pray for yourself! Pray for others! Pray for your enemies, and pray for strangers! Pray and be persistent! He will hear you. Continually talk to God!

 

Cry Day And Night Unto Him

The widow was annoying. We can’t annoy God. God loves His children. He will answer us. God answers right on time. He may not give us the answer we’re looking for, but the answer will be to His glory. We will not wear Him out. We have access to God day and night. Be persistent in prayer!  Prayer is the place where you meet God to talk to Him. Every prayer is heard by God. Look to your Father for help. We must pray continually. We must have faith in our Lord and Savior. We must pray and not faint. He is the only One. Push and Pray! We will see the work of God. We will have greater faith. Pray without ceasing!

 

If we are Persistent In Prayer: Evil will cease.

                                                We will see the joy of the glory of God.

                                                We will walk the walk.

                                                God will deliver.

                                                He will heal the sick.

                                                He will turn all of us around.

 

We need prayer.

We need to Push, Push, Push until something happens.

Be Persistent In Prayer!

 

 

* * * * * * * *

July 12, 2009

 

 

Presenter: Minister Carol Smith, Associate Minister Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Live On Top Of The World”

Text: St. John 8:36    

V 36 If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

This exchange between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees came after they had brought the woman caught in the act of adultery before Him demanding that she be stoned in accordance with the Law of Moses. He explained to the Jews who He is, but still they

misunderstood and disputed Him. V 23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

 

Last week, we celebrated July 4^th, Independence Day. We all celebrated our Independence, even though we haven’t always been free. If you are a Child of God, you are truly free indeed.

 

We have many choices in this world, and so we often become confused. We have many views. Do we always have the right view? Jesus is talking to the religious elite and some new believers in this message. Are we free or slave to some view? We don’t have to live as slaves. We can Live on Top of the World. V 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Whosoever committed sin is the servant of sin. We don’t have to live as slaves to the world. We must trust Jesus as our Lord and savior. V 31  & 32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. You can be in the world and not be of the world. There is a conditional clause in this passage:- If  (You must obey.) You must abide in the Word. Minister Smith that she liked passage as stated in The Message Version: Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”  The word “stick” means commitment. If you stick by His word you can’t live with false truths. You must have the specific truth.

 

Freedom does not give us the right to do what we choose to do. We must believe the Word to be free. Jesus is always up front and clear. He frees us so that we can be clear.

 

We must know the truth. We must continue in the truth. We must live out the truth.

 

 

We Must Know The Truth

We must believe in God’s Word.  We know the truth by reading His Word. We must put our faith in Jesus Christ. We must believe in the promises of Jesus Christ. We must live out His Word and we will be free.

 

We Must Continue In His Word

We need a steady dose of spiritual food. Biblical medication is good for the soul. We need Biblical medication to renew our mind. Fill the mind with scripture and the power of His Word. Come to Church! Come to Sunday School! Come to Bible Study!

 

We Must Live Out His Word

We must do what His Word says. We must know His Word. His Word is free to all. There is truth in the Holy Scriptures. The Holy Scriptures will lead you to salvation. Just as  Jesus was misunderstood and rejected in His day, so may we be misunderstood  and rejected to day. We must continue to live out His word. V 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.  What a mighty God we serve! Commit to God and live! Put on tender mercy! Follow Jesus and become free! The Word leads us to be free. We are free to overcome the world. We are deemed to Live On Top Of The World.  John 16:33 ….In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world.

 

What is your view? Are you living out the Word? Are you free?

 

Study The word!  Continue In His Word! Live Out His Word! We belong to The Father.

Be in The Son! We are redeemed. Believe! Trust! Hold to His Hand!

 

V 36 If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

Minister Smith said I’m free and recited the words to the Spiritual, I’m Free.

 

Minister Smith said she prays to God to order her steps and recited the words to the song, Order My Steps.

 

The world is ever changing, but He is still the same. You can live above the world.  

If you have the right view and the right action. You can Live On Top Of The World.

 

********

July 5, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Kevin Haynesworth, Sr., Senior Associate Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “The LION In Daniel’s Den”

Text: Daniel 6:22

V 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

 

Too often we place too much or too little emphasis on what is going on in our lives. We don’t know when our lives will spin out of control. We need to predisposition ourselves as to what is God’s Will in our lives. The will of the child of God must take a back seat to the Will of God. God’s Will must be first in our lives. Believe it or not, we live in a lion’s den. I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: The world is a lion’s den.

 

The lion, Satan, rules this world

The LION, GOD, lives on the inside of us. The LION lives in our hearts. God knows and God cares for us even when it does not seem as though He does. He assures us with words found in Psalm 32:7 Thou are my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. We are reminded in Psalm 63:9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. Psalm 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

II Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Hebrews 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

These blessed promises are also for us today because the lions are here to devour us.

 

The question today is: Is there a LION in you? Is Jesus in you? There should be a LION living inside of you.

 

Daniel was literally in a den of lions. Figuratively there was a LION inside of Daniel. The LION inside of Daniel was the Lion of the tribe of Judah – Jesus.

 

You remember the story of Joseph whose brothers plotted to kill him. They put him in a pit where he was later found and taken to a foreign land where he was imprisoned. Didn’t God take care of Joseph? Didn’t God make him ruler over those who sought to do him harm?

Daniel was not surprised that he was in the lion’s den. The enemy knew that Daniel was faithful to his God. They knew that Daniel would continue to pray to his God three times a day at the open window facing Jerusalem. Does the enemy know who you are? Daniel stood on his faith. He did not compromise. You and I are in a den of lions. Will the world cause us to compromise our faith? Daniel was one of uncompromising faith and character.

 

There were three major things we can learn from the life of Daniel: The Will of God, He was delivered from man, Daniel put no trust in himself.

 

Daniel Sought the Will of God

Daniel sought the will of God. Daniel did not compromise on his obedience to God. His friends knew he would pray three times a day. In St. Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Are you disappointed in your life? Look at Daniel! Daniel sought the Will of God and found satisfaction in seeking first the kingdom of God. He found direction for the rest of his life. Daniel was not afraid when he was placed in the lion’s den. The LION in Daniel protected him. The king was not surprised to find Daniel alive in the lion’s den the next morning.

 

Daniel Was Delivered from Man

Daniel did not compromise his position. Do you find yourself concerned about what others think about you? Daniel was not concerned about what his friends thought because he would not compromise himself for man. He stood up for God. He knew that his God would deliver him.

 

Daniel Put No Trust in Himself

Daniel put his relationship with the Lord before he thought of himself. “It’s not all about you. It’s about the Will of God.” Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. It’s not all about you. Be careful that you don’t read your own “press release”. Get away from the mirror! Let God elevate you! Daniel was aware of the lions around him, but he had the LION of Judah in his heart.

 

What does the world know about you? Does the world know when you pray? Does the world know whether you put your trust in man? Does the world know if you put your trust in God?

 

Depend on the Will of God!

Trust not in man or self!

 

********

June 28, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Kevin Haynesworth, Sr., Senior Associate Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Rehearsing His Return”

Text: I Thessalonians 4:18

V 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

The emphasis in this verse is on the word, comfort, as the next thing on the eschatological calendar is the death of Christ. The last thing on the eschatological calendar is the Rapture.  The body will join the soul and the spirit. Those who are alive and remain will be caught up in the air. Jesus said that the Lord Jesus will return.

 

The world keeps us so busy that we sometimes wonder if Jesus will return. We need to rehearse His return. We need to take time to remember and rehearse His return.  The people of Thessalonica were under Roman rule and suffered from Roman persecution. There was also in uninformed distress. This is not unlike what you and I see today. People began to wonder if they would see their loved ones again. They began to question whether Jesus would return. The Christian race is not easy, but don’t lose faith. Don’t doubt whether this Christian Faith is worth it. Don’t question whether Jesus will return. Too many people doubt Jesus’ return. False gospel says that Jesus will not return.

The return of the Lord is imminent. Paul told the people of Thessalonica that Jesus will return. “I am here to tell you what you already know. Check yourself! What has come of your faith?” Rehearse Jesus’ Return. It is pivotal to the children of Christ. There is victory, comfort, and strength. Know this in your heart! Rehearse Jesus’ Return! Continually Rehearse!

 

V 18 Comfort one another.  This statement begins with the verb: Comfort. “You” is understood. Paul begins with the second person, “You.”  He is talking in the present tense active voice. You are to continually, always comfort one another. The comfort is on-going. He is speaking in the imperative mode. This is a command. The command is also to you and to me. We are to Rehearse His Return. Paul speaks of grief and sorrow, but assures us that Jesus will return.

 

 We must Rehearse His Return because it helps us to Remember Past Tribulation that He has already brought us through. We think about past trials and remember as we sing the old Negro Spiritual: Swing Low Sweet Chariot coming for to carry me home. We know our change will come.

 

We must Rehearse His Return because it Strengthens Our Faith as we face the present tribulation of today. God is able to deliver us. He is a Strong Deliverer. He is medicinal.

He is medicine for the soul. We sing the hymn: There is a Balm In Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. Rehearse His Return! Receive power from God.

 

We must Rehearse His Return because it Reassures us that you and I will escape the Great Tribulation which is to come. I Thess 4:16 &17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…….and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Those who believe in Him will escape the Great Tribulation.

 

Rehearse His return!  Knock down sickness and loneliness. We must do this in our homes, on our jobs and even as we walk the streets.

 

When we Rehearse His Return, there is no fear. Joy comes as we Rehearse His Return. ICor.15:51&52…but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…..and we shall be changed. Job said I shall see Him. David also wrote of the return of the Lord. It is imperative that we Rehearse His Return. This is a command. It is not a suggestion. This is not uninformed information.

 

Receive the joy and peace which only Jesus can give.

I beg you do not fail to Rehearse His Return. I pray that you will Rehearse His Return. No child of God should fail to Rehearse His Return.

 

Give The Lord a hand of Praise!

*******

June 21, 2009

 

Father’s Day

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “SUGAR-DADDIES IN THE HOMES”

Text: Acts 2:13

V 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

 

We all have an idea of what a “Sugar Daddy” is, but let’s bring it back into the Church. Every woman should have a “Sugar Daddy”. In the early days, there was a candy called Sugar Daddy. It was a good size caramel taffy. Today we have the Sugar Daddy Taffy, but it is about one third the size of the original Sugar Daddy.

 

At the conclusion of the service, the ushers will give each man a Sugar Daddy to remind him of the sweetness he is to bring into the home.

 

V 13 says These men are full of new wine. The word in the text for new wine translates into English as glucose. Glucose is sugar.  In other words These men are full of sugar. In North America, especially in the United States, more men are needed in the home. Some of the men in the homes are not men who get their model from the Bible. The home is the shaper of lives for good or for ill. The better the home, the better the members are. The home is where the development of young men and women begins. God wants men and women in the home to follow Him. He wants men and women to know what it means to be a good father and mother. He wants men and women to know what it means to be a good husband and a good wife. God wants man to make society strong.

 

Young people, you are not here to make babies.

 

The Black Church has not done a good job in helping Black men to become good fathers.

We need men who are under the influence of The Spirit of God. (That’s the “Sugar Daddy” I’m talking about.)

 

As we read the text, some gave the men the benefit of the doubt, but others mocked and ridiculed them. We need men in the home who are “Sugar Daddies”. Men who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit are needed in the home. The home needs men and women who are under the influence of God. Some men think religion is just for women.

 

Men who are “Sugar Daddies” are under the control of God. They are in the Church. 

 

How does one know a “Sugar Daddy” is in the home?

 

A “Sugar Daddy” has been anointed by the Spirit. He is a Jesus saved man.

He knows Jesus for himself. He has a personal testimony. “I was sinking deep in sin Far from the peaceful Shore, Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry. From the waters lifted me. Now safe am I. Love lifted me.”  A Jesus saved man has a testimony and he acts like a saved man.

 

A “Sugar Daddy” is a Prayer Convinced Man.

When the Day of Pentecost came the men outnumbered the women. “Sugar Daddies” in the home will outnumber the women in the Church. They will be men who are not afraid to pray. They will be men who are under the influence of God. Men who are under the influence of God know how to pray in the home.

 

A “Sugar Daddy” is one who is Possessed by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus comes into your life, and Jesus comes on your life. From the inside He starts shaping you because you are under the influence of God. He may make you act a little strange. You may begin to talk about the wonderful works of God.

 

On the Day of Pentecost everyone understood that the Spirit had come upon them. Men started talking about the goodness of the Lord. They were under the influence of Holy Glucose. (Holy Spirit) This is what is needed in the men of today.

            You’re doing things you did not do before. You’re doing the right thing.

            You’re standing up for God.

            You’re acting like new wine because you’re under the influence of Holy Spirit.

 

When you are looking at that man, ask yourself these questions:

Where does this man stand?

What is his relationship to God?

Does he want to make life better?

If he doesn’t have the influence of God in his life, walk away. You want a long term relationship with a man under the influence of God’s Spirit.

The man must be a Jesus saved man.

The man must be a prayer convinced man

The man must be a spirit controlled man.

 

God has some “Sugar Daddies” out there. Talk to God about him before you connect with him. God will place some “Sugar Daddy” in your way.

God wants “Sugar Daddies” in the home. Man needs to be in the home. He must be the “Sugar Daddy” in his home.

 

God wants men who are “Sugar Daddies”.

 

* * * * * * *

June 14, 2009

 

March –In- Day

 

Presenter: Rev. Dr.  Steven Avinger, Sr., Pastor, Greater Saint Matthew Baptist Church & Moderator, PA Eastern Keystone Baptist Association

Topic: “Renewing The Ministry Of Worship”

Text: I Samuel 15:24

 

V 24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

V 25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.

 

Rev. Avinger began with asking the congregation to stand and give God some praise. He greeted us in the name of Jesus Christ. He further stated, “It’s good to be saved.”  He acknowledged Rev. White and thanked him for inviting him to preach on this day of celebration. He further acknowledged Mrs. White, our First Lady, and the pulpit clergy.

 

When you get pass the style of each denomination and sect, the question is not How you worship, but What you worship. Why does the Church exist? What is the purpose of worship? What did God intend for the Church?

 

King Saul was a humble man. Later his ego got big. His mind changed and he fell out of worship. He had the wrong attitude. You can’t worship God with the wrong attitude. Be careful how you come to Church! Change your attitude so that you can worship God. Worship should be spontaneous and conscious of God’s presence. You can’t think too highly of yourself as you worship God. You can’t be conscious of what others are wearing or how they look. You are only to be conscious of God when you’re in His House. God is happy that we are in the House. You have the wrong attitude if you’re not satisfied with what the Lord has given you. You complain about your family, your job, or whatever because you’re not happy with your life as it is. With these concerns, your mind is not focused on God. All of this can interfere with your hearing God’s message.

 

When Saul became self absorbed, his attitude changed. God led him to a place where he had no power. Saul knew that something was wrong. He wanted his humbleness back. Saul begged God to Renew his Worship of God. He wanted to experience the presence and power of God within himself. He wanted to change his attitude. He wanted to feel God’s presence. If you’re not connected to God during the week, there is a good chance that He won’t come to Church with you on Sunday.

 

Worship: Purpose, Presence, and Power

 

Purpose

Worship is the relationship with God and the fellowship with other Christians of the same mind. People come together in the reality of being in the presence of the LORD. Worship brings us into the reality of God. We can meet with Him. God is good. God is real. He will open doors for you. In worship, we reach the reality of God. We are all in one accord. We are touched by the reality of God so that we can make it through another day. We’re in touch with God.

 

Presence

People can tell when the presence of the LORD is upon you. When Moses came down from the mountain he had the Commandments and the Glory of God shone about him. The people could barely look in his face.

Go into prayer and seek the presence of the God! Find a place to pray! Be alone with God.

David danced because of the goodness of the God. David celebrated with dancing. We should all celebrate the goodness of the LORD!

 

Power

Saul knew something tragic had happened to him. He had lost his crown, but more important, he had lost his anointing. He begged Samuel to honor him that he might again worship the LORD. We don’t have to stay in the same place of un-forgiveness. You can renew your worship of God. Come to Church to worship Him.

 

Be like the First Century Church!

 

Acts 2:2 – 4 V 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and if filled all the house where they were sitting. V 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it set upon each of them. V 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongue, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

When you receive the LORD, you will receive power. He will give you power to do mighty things. He will give you exceedingly abundantly power.

 

We must Renew our Worship of God so that we can celebrate His power.

We must Renew our Worship of God in prayerful thoughtfulness to receive the LORD.

 

Make that connection again!

 

********

June 7, 2009

 

 

Presenter: Rev. Joseph Daniels, Pastor, Emanuel Institutional Baptist Church

Topic: “Jesus At The Temple”

Text: St. Luke 19:45 & 46

 

V 45 (King James) And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; V 46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

 

V 45 (New American Standard) Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, V 46 saying to them, It is written, AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER, but you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.”

 

V 45 (New Century) Jesus went into the Temple and began to throw out the people who were selling things there. V 46 He said “It is written in the Scriptures, My Temple will be a house of prayer. But you have changed it into a hideout for robbers!”

 

V 45 (Contemporary English) When Jesus entered the temple, he started chasing out the people who were selling things. V 46 He told them, “The Scriptures say, My house should be a place of worship. But you have made it a place where robbers hide!”

 

“Our God is the greatest God in the universe. He still does great and marvelous things.” These were the first words from Rev. Daniels. Rev. Daniels thanked Rev. White for inviting him to preach the sermon in celebration of Pente Ministry on CO-OP Mission.

Rev. Daniels said that it has been a year since he preached at Christ Community, and God has kept us. He is a loving God. Rev. Daniels’ prayer is that he not leaves this earth before the fruition of his purpose. Rev. Joseph Daniels read the above scriptures from several versions. His comment on the scripture was: “It were as though the Temple had been turned into a religious bazaar, but when Jesus finished getting those folks out of the temple, some pretty good things began to happen.”

 

Jesus was on His final trip to Jerusalem. St. Luke placed signs along the way as Jesus made this journey.

Luke 19:1 What happens when Jesus passes through Jericho?

Luke 19:28 What happens when Jesus ascends to Jerusalem?

Luke 19:29 What happens when Jesus approaches the Mount of Olives?

Luke 19:37 What happens when Jesus descends from the Mount of Olives?

Luke 19:41 What happens when Jesus sees the city of Jerusalem?

Luke 19:45 What happens when Jesus enters the temple?

 

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went straight to the temple. What did He find? In the vernacular of 2009, He found a Flea Market set up in the Gentiles courtyard. The priest was in charge of the Flea Market. The Jews should have set up a Prayer Booth. Instead of the priest p-r-a-y-i-n-g for the people, the priest was p-r-e-y-i-n-g on the people.

 

In Isaiah 56:7, the temple was designated as a House of Prayer. In Malachi 3:10 we are told to bring our tithes to the Temple that the needs of the people might be met. “How many of you passed the Tithing Cross this morning without putting anything in it?” You are using the Temple to hide out. You have used the Church to hide out. Jesus used the Temple for those in need. Jesus handled the needs of the people in the Temple. Jesus is charging us with desecration He is charging us with hypocrisy. We are profaning the House of God. This is Spiritual prostitution. We sell our souls for little or nothing. We must bring our tithes and offerings to God’s House.

 

 

What would Jesus find if He were to visit our Church today? Would He whip us out of the Church? Jesus drove the hustlers and hucksters out of the Temple. Jesus drove them out in presence and in practice.

 

Do We desecrate the Church?

The sanctuary is where people of God come to talk to Him. The sanctuary is where we learn of God. The Church is where people find spiritual help.

We desecrate the church when we come to Church to distinguish ourselves. Church is about God. Church is not about me or you. We realize that we all do not come to Church for the same reason. There are some bothers and sisters who like to be noticed.  Some like to hear about their accomplishments. We are not the issue in Church. Jesus is the issue in the Church.

 

Do We Desecrate The Home?

Are we ashamed to go out in the morning because the neighbors heard us being loud and unkind to our family the night before? The home should be a place of peace and love.

We’re not talking about Eros-love. We’re talking about God’s love. We must love each other regardless. God loves us in spite of ourselves. Be who you are! Everyone should see you as you are. You must be the same in your home as you are in Church. You must carry that Church attitude wherever you go. You need to have fellowship, tenderness, graciousness, and kindness in the home. People, look beyond your faults. We must look beyond faults of others! You must be saved.

 

Do We Desecrate Our Place of Business or Employment?

We should have a Godly business. We should conduct the business in a Godly manner.

Do we go to work and rob our employer? Do we give our boss an honest day’s work for the pay we receive? Do we take a forty-five minute lunch when we are only entitled to a 30 minute lunch period?  That’s desecration. That’s robbery. That is deceit. We must be honest. Take the Church to work with you!

 

Do We Desecrate The Human Body?

Do we desecrate this body that is so wonderfully and beautifully made? Shouldn’t we act as though we are dealing with a holy vessel? This body is made in God’s likeness. This body is a holy temple.

Don’t let our tongues defile us with cursing and fussing.

Don’t desecrate our bodies by drinking liquor, smoking cigarettes, or taking

un-prescribed drugs.

 

Do We Desecrate Our Lives?

God sees us. Is there time for God in our daily lives?

To live life forever on the other side, we must obey God. God sets bounds for us. Only God is in charge.

Do we put so much time in making money that there is no time for God?

Do we put more time in pleasure and enjoyment that there is no time for God?

 

No matter how man treats the Church, God set the Church for Praise and Worship.

 

Jesus showed righteous indignation when He went into the Temple. He cast out those who were exploiting the Temple. This operation was manned and operated by the priest who was using the profits for personal gain. Jesus became upset upon seeing sheep, oxen, bulls, doves and money changers in the Temple. He got rid of them and purged the Temple. The Temple was now conducive for prayer and worship. Jesus said, “This is My house. God lives here. God’s Presence is here. My house is aligned to God and reflects God.

The House of Prayer is a place of common assembly where people come together to commune for spiritual enlightenment. The Word is read. The Will of God is faithfully delivered. Man ought to pray.

The House of God is not a place for marketing and stealing.

 

People of God, call on the name of the LORD!

 

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May 31, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Allison Wilson, Associate Pastor, Vine Memorial Baptist Church

Topic: “That I May Know Him”

Text: Philippians 3: 9-14

 

V 9 And he found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God, by faith:

V 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

V 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

V 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

V 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

V 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Rev. Wilson greeted us in the name of the Father. He thanked Rev. White for allowing him to preach from his pulpit.

Rev. Wilson began his sermon with a hymn called, “Wouldn’t Let  A Day Go By”

 

Paul was a native of Tarsus. He was a Jew. He received strong religious training. He was very well educated. Paul had knowledge from books and from life experience. Paul persecuted Christ and Christians; however, Paul became a gret preacher of the gospel.

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May 24, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “DISCIPLES WITH A MAJOR DEFICIENCY”

Text: Acts 19: 2 & 3

 

V 2 He said unto them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

V 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

 

Read Verses 1-7!

 

The question today is: “Have you received the Holy Ghost. This question is important to us as we approach the Sunday of Pentecost.

 

Everybody in this world has some deficiency in his life. We all don’t have the same deficiency, but we all have some type of deficiency. God did not send us into this world as perfect beings. No one has been born perfect since Adam and Eve. There is no perfect human being in this world today.

 

There are deficiencies in all of us and all about us: in our homes, in our educational system, in our justice system, etc. This does not mean that we are handicapped. It means we are less than perfect. Deficiency means a lack of something; not enough of something; or destruction of something. There are deficiencies by birth of living in this world. Deficiencies, when realized, will help us as we live in this world. Deficiencies, when realized, can be addressed and/or rectified.

 

There was a deficiency in the lives of these twelve men. The deficiency was major because these twelve men were disciples. They were in Ephesus when Paul came to preach. He looked for the Christians and sought out the disciples. Paul wanted to interact with Christians. Paul was surprised by the answer he received to the question concerning the Holy Ghost. Paul had difficulty in finding evidence that the disciples had met Jesus. Paul found it strange that they professed belief and had not experienced the Holy Spirit.

 

It Will Show In Your Life

Are you “sure nough” a disciple of Jesus Christ?

If you have received the Holy Ghost it will show in your life. It will show in your conversation. It will cause you to live right. You move away from Satanic and worldly things. The life I live is for Jesus Christ.

It Will Show In Your Knowledge

There is so much access to the Word of God. There are books as well as the Internet. There is little excuse for not knowing Jesus Christ. We need to be in The Book. We need to speak like Christians. As soon as we open our mouths, it will let people know whether we speak with wisdom or speak as a fool. These disciples could not tell anyone about the Holy Spirit. The disciples did not have knowledge because they did not know Him. We need to know more so that we can show how God has affected our lives. The more we know about Him, the more we behave like Him.

 

It Will Show In Your Baptism

Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you were baptized? Paul asked the disciple, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” And they said, “Unto John’s baptism.”  This was not the right answer. This was not the answer that Paul expected. They should have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul rectified the situation. Verse 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. The disciples had a new way of talking. Paul said, “Now we can talk, sing, and serve together. The same Spirit that is in me is now in you.”

 

When you are baptized with the right baptism, the Holy Spirit is moving on the inside of you and it shows on the outside. There is a change in your conversation. There is new talk. The talk is about Jesus, the Christ.

 

What is missing in some Christians is the Holy Spirit.

 

Go into your neighborhood with the Holy Spirit. Confess and repent about what Jesus has done for you. Believe in Him and you will have Everlasting Life. He will send you a Comforter who will be with you and in you.

 

We must be saved.

 

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May 17, 2009

Family And Friends Day

 

Presenter: Rev. Elvis Turner, Pastor, New Jerusalem Baptist Church

Topic: “Fighting For Your Family” (“Be Encouraged”)

Text: I Samuel 30: 1-4, 6 (NKJV)

 

V 1 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire,

V 2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way.

V 3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.

V 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

 

V 6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

 

Rev. Turner began with a prayer of consecration in Jesus’ name. He greeted the congregation in the name of Jesus Christ. He reminisced about this neighborhood where he lived as a young boy. He remarked about the fact that there were no Malls in his day, but everything you needed could be found in the 40^th and Girard Street area. He reminded us of the Philadelphia School District’s great experiment in integrating the schools. He and others in the neighborhood were bussed from Blankenburg School located at 48^th and Girard Ave. to Lamberton School located at 76^th and Woodbine Ave. He cited several cultural differences in playing basketball in the “hood” as to playing basketball out at 76^th and Woodbine Ave.

Rev. Turner praised the Hospitality Ministry for inviting friends and family members to worship together. He commended Brother Bryan Daniels upon his singing of Someday as tribute to the memory of Rev. Dr. Laurance G. Henry, Founding Pastor of Christ Community Baptist Church.

 

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself. What does it take to win? What does it take to be a champion? Champions must learn how to win on the road. When you’re on the road, and you do something wrong, the people will wave and cheer because they are happy that you made a mistake. When you are champions on the road and you are scoring big time, there must be something within you to keep up your spirits. When you’re on the road, find something within yourself. Encourage yourself.

High Point to a Low Point

This is where David is now. David had made a decision to go off to war. While at war, the Amalekites went into the city, burned the city, and carried off their wives, sons, and daughters. When David and his men returned from the war and saw the burnt city and their families gone, they turned on David. The very people who were with him wanted to stone him. David went to the priest and asked for the ephod. Upon receiving the ephod, he prayed to God.

 

In Verse 6, David strengthened himself. He talked to himself about God. He reminded himself of the power of God. We know that God is able. Whatever you are going through, remember God still loves you. God is omnipotent. Psalm 37:25 I was young and now I’m old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

 

David Talked to God

David asked God if He were going to help him. God answered him.

V 8 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

David was encouraged. He had talked to himself about the power of God. He then talked to God. Accept what God allows. Life is tough. Learn to hang in there. You must do what God tells you to do.

 

David started out with six hundred men to get back their wives, sons, and daughters. When they reached the Brook Besor, two hundred stayed behind. They were too weary to cross the brook. David knew that he must do what God had told him to do. He did what was needed to be done to get back his people. It was hard. He had lost one third of his men, but David pressed on.

 

We know the end of this story. David recovered everything. God had put the desire in David’s heart to do His Will.

 

Are you willing to step out on faith and do what God would have you do? The devil knows that if you ever stop doing what God tells you, he has control over you. The devil is waging a war for your soul.

 

One with God is a majority.

 

If God says it will be done, It Will Be Done!

 

Stand up for Jesus!

 

Say Yes! Say Yes! Say Yes!

 

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May 10, 2009

Mothers’ Day

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: The Preaching Angel said, “Fear God!”

Text: Revelation 14:6 & 7

 

V 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

V 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

 

Rev. White said a prayer that the message might reach the hearts of the congregation and that nothing would be in our way to hinder us from hearing the Word of God.

 

The first part of Verse 7, reads, “Fear God!”  The Preaching Angel said, “Fear God!”

 

From birth to death we know fear, or we have fears. Fear invades all parts of our lives. Fear is evidenced in all nations. Fear is evidenced in tone or attitude. There is fear of the known as well as fear of the unknown. Fear may be imagined or justified.

Fear is also defined as reverence. Fear is an emotion and it is deeply felt.

 

What answers to fear have you? Do you have an antidote for fear? Do you let fear eat away at your life? Fear can put you on a run that will make you realize there is a God.

What are you going to be: a Fear Monger or a Fear Buster? We ought to have in our person the Fear of God.

 

We live in a culture where people fear nothing. No one is exempt from knowing fear. The Preaching Angel said that all of us should have a Fear of God. The Fear of God will help us more than anything else. If we need an antidote:-Fear God. God has demanded that His children Fear God. Don’t lose the Fear of God in your life. The Fear of God is important in our lives. Reverence of God is important.

 

Fear of God will determine our lives.

Fear of God will be a deterrent in our lives.

Fear of God will disclose whose people we are.

 

 

 

 

The Fear of God should be a Disclosure

Read the book of Deuteronomy. Moses teaches the Children of Israel to Fear God.

Try living your life as a Child of God. Try living your life as one who Fears God. People will know whose people you are. Fear God! God fights for His people. Fear of God discloses who you are. The world will know through engagements with you whose people you are. Fear God! Fear of God discloses who you are.

 

Fear God should be a Deterrent

Fear of God operates as a deterrent in our lives. Look at what we are doing in our families, schools and neighborhoods. Fear of God is a deterrent. Some things we just won’t do because we Fear God. Humanity needs a deterrent. We need God to guide us in doing the right thing. Yes, we are free, but as Children of God we have a deterrent in our lives. No matter how tempted we are, God will work it out for us. We should Fear God. We should reverence God. God holds our hands. God guides our lives.

 

Fear of God should be a Determinant

Read the Book of Nehemiah. Fear God! It might be that God will single you out as one of His testers. Do we fear God enough to be a tester? We must be determined to do the Will of God. Nehemiah had many odds against him, but he Feared God and pressed on to accomplish his task.

Read about Job. God said that Job’s fear of Him was genuine. Job was a Child of God. God told Satan that He was willing to make Job a tester. God told Satan that no matter what you do to Job, he will still belong to Me. Mess with his life, but you can’t touch his soul. Job went through a lot. No matter what Job went through he held on to God, and God moved in and kept him. Job feared God.

 

Fear of God disclosure. It discloses who we are.

Fear God is a deterrent. God keeps us from doing things we should not do.

Fear God is a determinant. Be a tester! Be determined!

 

The antidote for fear is Fear of God. The more I Fear God, the less I fear situations, sickness, storms, and conditions of the world.

 

When you Fear God, you have a testimony. Read Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

 

God will protect you. No matter what is going on in your life, God will work it out for you. Fear God. Live your life as a Child of God. Fear God!

 

Fear of God provides Disclosure power to be who we are and whose we are.

Fear of God provides Deterrent power to be who we are.

Fear of God provides Determinant power to be a tester. Be determined in following the Will of God!

 

God will protect you. Fear God!

 

* * * * * * * *

May 3, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “It’s Time To Purge Worship”

Text: Revelation 14: 6 & 7

V 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

V 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.       

 

Rev. White began the message with prayer that God; Our Father would permit the Word to go forward with no hindrance from the pulpit or the pew.

 

….and worship him……

Reading from the book of Revelation, we must be ready to take a trip and to take a peek into what lies ahead. If you are interested in what lies ahead, read Revelation.

Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The message today is about what shall come in the hereafter. We need to know that there is a hereafter. Today, we read one episode: about the preaching angel. He spoke of things to be in the hereafter. Today we have preaching by men and women. The preachment from the preaching angel is Worship him. Fear God and give glory to him.

 

Today, the Church has forgotten about Worship and has adapted its practices to reach the people. Worship in most Churches is a program. We have inserted so much into the Service that the Worship of God is only a part of the program. Worship Him – only that and no more! Purge the Worship!

 

Preachers must preside over those things which pertain to God.  We have been doing some things for a long time, but that does not mean it is right. We may need to change. Worship is all about Him.

 

The program is God and Man centered. Sometimes it is more man centered than God centered. It’s Time To Purge The Worship. The angel in the hereafter is right.

 

Man- Centered Competition

In some Churches, you will find within the church, one choir competing against another choir, Praise team against Praise team, and soloist against soloist. There is competition in the pulpit. One preacher tries to out preach another preacher. One usher might try to out-strut another usher. Get rid of the competition! Purge the Service! Worship Him!

 

Man- Centered Conversation

Sometimes we forget what we’re talking about in our conversation with God. We need to get rid of unnecessary conversation. Sometimes our prayers are too long. We don’t talk to God that long when we are at home. We don’t need to welcome anyone into God’s House. Announcements are sometimes boring nothings. We are not gathered here for a program. We are gathered here to Worship Him.

 

Man- Centered Celebrations

Don’t think we don’t have time for the celebration of man. We do celebrate man, but God is the One to have Prime Time in Worship.

 

Some Churches are Celebration Headquarters. They have so many celebrations that they run out of Sundays to celebrate. Churches celebrate man to please the crowd. You don’t need a crowd to please Him. You don’t need a crowd to Worship Him. We are to be thankful unto Him and praise His Name. We come to Worship Him. We need not talk about ourselves.

 

Get rid of Man-Centered Competition in the Church!

Get rid of Man-Centered Conversation in the Church!

Get rid of Man-Centered Celebrations in the Church!

 

Compete in holy things! Compete against the devil and evil things!

 

There is a difference between a program and Worship.

The angel- Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

 

Those on earth must listen to the preaching angel.

Christ Community, the Preaching Angel wants us to Worship Him. We should all be in agreement to Worship Him. Nothing in our service should be man-centered.

 

Everything in our Service must be God-Centered.

 

We Worship Him.

 

 

* * * * * * * *

April 26, 2009

 

 

Presenter: Rev. Kevin Haynesworth, Sr. Senior Associate Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “A Distinguished Rendering” 

Text: Matthew 22:16, 21, & 22

 

V 16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

V 21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

V 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

 

There is a blurring of the line between rendering to Caesar and rendering to God. There is a blurring of the line of what belongs to the world and what has been set aside for God.   There is a blurring of the line as to what is set aside for God and what belongs to God.

 

Merciful, Kind, God! People of God are finding it more and more difficult to find that line between God and the world. We should know what is a Distinguished Offering. We should know what belongs to Caesar.

 

Jesus was tested V 17…Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Jesus passed the test with flying colors.  V 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this  image and superscription? V 21 …Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. The world wants to know, do we as People of God know the difference between what belongs to God and what belongs to the world.

 

The book of Matthew begins with the genealogy. Jesus came to the Hebrews and the Hebrews did not receive Him. They did not know Him. Teach the whole text. Take it up a notch to Love. Love is needed to prove we know the text.

 

There is a blurring of the line. We don’t know where the line is. We sometimes can’t distinguish between right and wrong. Jesus showed us the line. Jesus did not cross the line. Jesus knew who crossed the line and He said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

 

Do you remember what belongs to God? The Bible makes it clear what belongs to God There is a difference between what belongs to God and what belongs to the world, and never the twain shall meet.

There are three challenges cited in Verse 16: Truthful, Defer, Partial.

 

Truthful

In Verse 16, the disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians went to Jesus and asked Him, “Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Jesus gave a truthful answer. We can live and give truthful answer. We can render truth to God. Jesus set the standard. Know truth and the truth shall set you free. We must know the truth of the Lord. Truth comes from the Scripture.

 

Defer

You don’t defer to any man to get the answer. You defer only to God for the answer. You yield only to the Father. Jesus did not defer to any one. Is there some influential person in your life that you defer to, or do you defer to God?

 

Partial

When Jesus gave His response to the Pharisees and the Herodians, He did not give a worldly partial answer. He was partial to God the Father and God only. We also can give answers that are partial to God.

 

 

 

Do you find yourself with a different personality for the different groups in which you are a member? Do you talk or act one way for one group and talk and act another way for another group. If this is so, your line is blurred.

 

Young people and seasoned saints may need to wear glasses to see where the line is, for all age groups are under attack. We must stand on solid ground. We must be partial to God. If we are not seeing clearly where the line is we will need to wear the glasses.

 

Jesus is praying for the Young and the Seasoned saints. He tells us to Hold On. Jesus is asking us to be A Distinguished Rendering. Jesus would not ask us to do anything He would not do.

 

Jesus offered a Distinguish Rendering. Jesus was truthful. Jesus deferred to God. Jesus was partial to God.

Jesus came to His people and they knew him not. They were not truthful to God. They did not defer to God. They were not partial to God.

 

Don’t let the line get blurred. Be like Jesus! Jesus gave a Distinguished Rendering.

 

What Shall I Render To God For All His Mercy?  It must be a Distinguished Rendering.

 

 

 

* * * * * * * *

April 19, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “My Natural Body, My Spiritual Body”

Text: I Corinthians 15:44 & 49

 

V 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

V 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

 

Rev. White opened with Prayer to our Heavenly Father.

 

Rev. White reminded us of the sermons he had preached during this Holy Season leading up to this sermon. Palm Sunday he preached: “What If, There Is No Salvation”. Maundy Thursday, he preached: “What If, It Is All For Naught”. Easter Sunday, he preached: “What If, There Is No Resurrection”. Today’s sermon is: “My Natural Body, My Spiritual Body”.

 

The first testimony from the Church was, “God raised up Jesus from the dead.” If a man dies, will he live again? If the no good, the no count, the mean and evil die, will they live again? The answer from God is, “Yes”. There is a resurrection for all, but not all will live in the same place. The resurrection of Jesus guaranteed a resurrection for all. Our eternal “hang-out” is determined by Jesus. I decided to make Jesus my choice. I placed my faith in Jesus who was raised by God. My faith is anchored in the resurrection of the Lord.

 

The Church knew there is a natural body. The Church knew there is a Spiritual Body. Later, there were those in the Western World who had questions. “What kind of body do I have?” The natural body is where I live now. I die and I go to the grave. There is the Spiritual Body to replace the natural body which we lose to death and the grave. God does not want the natural body to mess up the Spiritual Body.

 

We will lose our natural body. We will gain a Spiritual Body. We are going to be changed.

 

We’re Going To Lose Our Natural Body To Death and To The Grave

One day we will all die. We will lose our body to the grave. Yes, we love and adore our natural body. Beauty will not keep us from dying. Regardless of our religion, we will die anyway. Dying will not keep us from the grave. We lose our body to death. We sleep! The body talks to us: “You’ll lose me one day. Hold diseases off a little longer, just one more day. I’m changing”. This natural body will be given up to death and the grave. There is nothing that you or I can do to stop it. We lose our natural body to death and the grave.

 

 

  We’re Going To Get A Spiritual Body

Understand: we will get a Spiritual Body that will live beyond the grave. This body is corrupt. V 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. The natural body cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. The natural body is built for this side of the grave. The natural body won’t help us on the other side. God said that we would lose our natural body. He has another body for us. God has a new body for each of us, yet we will recognize each other.

 

We die because we sin. The natural body is lost to death and the grave. The Spiritual Body is the body we will live in for eternity. Everyone is not guaranteed the same eternity. This is life outside of the grave. We will be asleep or alive when the Change comes.

 

We’re Going To Be Changed

 

When I wake up from sleep, Jesus will be there. I won’t be naked, but I will have a new Spiritual Body. God will give me the body that He wants me to have. One day I’ll have a Spiritual Body. Those who died in Christ will have a Spiritual Body. They will be the first to rise. When Jesus comes back, those who died in Christ will have a spiritual body. They will be the first to rise. If you are alive when Christ returns, you will be changed and caught up in the air. The grave is only a place of deposit for the natural body. The grave is a holding place for the natural body. Those who sleep will wait in Hades or Sheol to await His coming. Everyone goes there.

 

I don’t have to worry about my natural body. I don’t have to worry about my Spiritual Body. When I lose my natural body, The Lord Jesus will put me to sleep. When I am in the grave, I am in His care. When He comes back, I will be clothed anew. I will walk around heaven all day. I will be in My Father’s House. Thank God for the New Body- The Spiritual Body. No more natural body, but a Spiritual Body.

 

Wake up with a New Body!

********

April 12, 2009

 

EASTER SUNDAY

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “What If, There Is No Resurrection?”

Text: I Corinthians 15: 20-23

V 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

V 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

V 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

V23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

 

What If There Is No Salvation? What if it were all for naught? What If There Is No Resurrection? God’s Will is that we take the Resurrection. We should have the Resurrection faith wrapped around us. God is saying, “Have the Resurrection wrapped around your life”.

The assertion is that Resurrection is for all mankind.

There was an actual resurrection. Some one somewhere was resurrected. Some may think of the Resurrection as wishful thinking, supposition or guess-what on the part of Christians. But there were human witnesses to this event. There were witnesses who saw Him. There were witnesses who saw this Man, Jesus, who was dead, alive and walking among them. The report is out. The actual facts are recorded in the Scriptures that about 33A.D. He was seen by Cephas, the twelve disciples, and over 500 people at one time or another over forty days. (I Corinthians 15:5-8) This writer, Paul, said, “I saw Him myself.” There was a resurrection from the dead sometime, and it is recorded in history. There were witnesses who saw Him. Most of them were alive in 33A.D. Rev. White said, “I believe the report is correct.”

 

The announcement of the Resurrection by witnesses is recorded.

There is key evidence: The Firstfruits-The Christ. Christ is the One. He was crucified. He was dead. He was raised. He was seen by over five hundred people over a period of forty days.

 

People have problems with Resurrection.

Is everyone going to be resurrected at the same time?

Is everyone going to heaven?

Is the grave the end?

Lots of issues have been raised. If there is resurrection from the dead, there are some issues I must take care of before I die.

 

What If, There Is No Resurrection, then life doesn’t matter and all is for naught. The grave is evidence that I lived. There must be some purpose in life. People must have a purpose for living. Only if there is Resurrection does life matter. Otherwise, why care about life? The Resurrection is the key to having purpose in life. If there is no Resurrection, there is no purpose in life. Your life has no meaning. Your life doesn’t matter. Something in your rendezvous with life should have awakened you to the fact that life matters. The Resurrection is evidence that life matters. You need that wrap around Resurrection Faith.

 

All humans have to deal with death. Refuse to believe that death is the end of it! Resurrection Faith reminds us that life has meaning, and that death is not the end. Life would be hopeless and we do need hope. We need that wrap around Resurrection Faith. What If, There Is No Resurrection.

 

What If, There Is No Resurrection, the grave is the holder of the evidence that you and I lived at one time. There is a grave for each of us. Life’s journey would be a sad statement, if our end were just the grave.

 

The Good News is that there is evidence of A Resurrection. Having a Resurrection Faith is essential for Christians. Following Jesus shows us that life is now. Following Jesus shows us that death is not the end. Following Jesus shows that the grave is not final.

 

The key evidence is that He was seen. He died. He was raised. He was seen.

He died for our sins. He was buried for our stay in the grave. He was raised so that we might have eternal life.

 

Don’t worry about dying!

Have faith in a risen Savior!

Have wrap around Resurrection Faith!

********

April 5, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “What If, There Is No Salvation For All”

Text: I Corinthians 15: 16 – 19

V 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

V 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

V 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

V19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

 

Read Verses 1– 4 so that you may get an understanding of this message. The principal verse on this Palm Sunday is Verse 17.

 

This Gospel is good new for men, women, boys, and girls. This Gospel is to be preached by the Churches of Jesus Christ. God’s love is shown in the Gospel. God’s love crafted the Gospel. God has drafted and crafted the Gospel through Jesus Christ and it ought to be preached. The Gospel to be preached is wrapped up and tied up in who was crucified, who died, who was buried, who was raised, and who was seen. The Gospel is Jesus. The Gospel is Who and the Who is Jesus Christ.

 

The Gospel is not a bunch of rules. The Gospel is a person we all should know. We should understand why Jesus came to earth. The Gospel is full of Good News for all mankind. Jesus, the Christ came for all. He died. He was buried. He was raised on the Third Day.

 

Sadly and shamefully the Gospel is intentionally preached for some and not for all. We should not tamper with the Gospel. The Gospel is for all and it is precious, transforming, healing, and priceless. Consider: What If, There Is No Salvation For All!  

 

There are three unsolved global problems left by the Cross: The Cross, The Life of Christ on the Cross, and The Lives of Those Left Off The Cross.

 

The Unsolved Problem Left By The Cross

The Cross was not an instrument of death. The Cross was solely an instrument crated by humans to inflict justice upon man by others. The Cross symbolized the method by which human hands put others to death. The Cross became the symbol of the hand of man to perpetrate justice.

Or

Was the Cross hijacked by God and used? Was it the hand of God to cleanse man? Was the Cross used as the altar of eternal salvation? Was the Cross used for the sins of the world? Your faith is vain and ye are yet in your sin. It’s an unsolved problem left by the Cross if there is no salvation for all.

 

The Unsolved Problem Left By Christ On The Cross

Christ is on the Cross. There were three crosses hewn by human hands. Two of the men were guilty by their own admission and were willing to die. One was not guilty. The charge against Jesus was His claim to be King. This was the civil count against Jesus. Caesar declared there was no king but Caesar. The religious count was that He falsified that He was Christ, the Son of God. A religious charge against Him was that He claimed to be the Messiah. Human hands are meting out justice.

 

The Cross was a symbol of sin for the sinless and a symbol of a substitute for sins of mankind.

 

The Unsolved Problem Left By Those Left Off The Cross

What If, There Is no Salvation For All?

The Cross left a problem Christ was left on the Cross. The circumstances of human conditions were left off the Cross. Humans have some serious circumstances such as sinfulness, anger, sexual improprieties, etc. Humans everywhere have the same feelings. Humans all over the world are in the same circumstances of humankind. We live in a global community.

 

We chose to change the story. We chose to live with God and the devil. We chose not to live in bliss in the Garden of Eden.

Human circumstances were left off the Cross.

 

But- He made a promise to us. He told us over two thousand years ago what would happen to us.

 

We need to value the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God will forgive our sins. God will live inside of us.

If there is no Gospel we are most miserable and we are yet in sin.

We need to value the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

If Christ be not raised, our faith is in vain.

Thank God for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thank God that Jesus lives today.

 

We Thank You God For The Cross.

********

March 22, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church 

Topic: “Giving God Our Reasonable Service”

Text: Romans 12: 1& 2

V 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

V 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

 

Because of the cross of Jesus Christ, we can constantly thank God for blessing me. You and I can give God Reasonable Service. We get our standards from the Word of God. God wants Reasonable Service from all of us who say we are “a child of God”. All of us have received enough mercies from God to know what mercy is. We receive mercy drops from God in our lives everyday. If we have thanked God for His mercy, we should want to do more for Him. Is there a measure of service we ought to give God? We should want to do more for God. We should want to do Reasonable Service for God. There is a bar for Reasonable Service. Do what is more pleasing to God. We have really been holding back. We are not giving God what is due.

 

Because of His mercy to me, there is satisfaction in my soul. I should give God more without anyone asking me to give. Not just to be in the bounds of Christian giving, but more because Paul said there is a reasonable Bar to which every Christian ought to aspire.

 

We receive mercies for what they are. We have troubles, but God edits them so that we have no more than we can bear. God gave us a portion that we could handle. We need to be mercy conscious. Reasonable Service is expected from people who know about new mercies, who know that: His mercy endureth forever, His mercy is great, and His mercy is good. The angels helped us to put the troubles behind us.

 

Give God Reasonable Service based on the mercies He has given us. Giving is in His DNA. We give because of His mercies.

 

Only the cross of Jesus Christ makes us realize we owe Him Reasonable Service. We are motivated by God’s mercy. Mercy giving is giving Reasonable Service. We become mercy driven givers. Mercy driven givers give God His Reasonable Service.

 

Mercy Driven Givers, Give God Their Bodies

The body represents our physical presence. The body represents our nobility. The body represents our being seen. The body is important. It is our presence. Notice ability- if we aren’t seen then no one would notice us. The body gives us location: we are here. We want to be seen, so some do many things to enhance their appearance. We hear and see evidence of this on television. People have body alterations to make them look better. Others have body decorations so that they will be noticed. Nothing is wrong with this. Children of God have experienced this humantality. We don’t need this physical property. It is not forever. We need a transition.

 

The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is on its way out of here. Put the breaks on how we look! Put the breaks on deifying the body! No matter how you fix up your body, it goes to the lowly grave. God wants your body as it is. God will live in your body and use it. Give God your body. If you haven’t done this, you have not given God Reasonable Service. The body is Holy. The body belongs to God: present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.

 

Mercy Conscious – Give God Your Mind

Read Romans 12: 2

You and I will fall short if we don’t give God our bodies totally, and then fall short again if we don’t give Him our minds. We know the details of the working of the mind. The workings of the mind are in the Bible. The Bible will help us understand the workings of the mind. God does not want the mind as it is from an unsaved mind that is shaped by the world. God wants a changed mind that is transformed. He wants a mind not shaped by the world. God wants a new mind – a transformed mind. God wants a new mind with new thoughts that come from God. He wants new thoughts which would be more than what we see. This new mind is on God. He is wrapped around our troubles. He is a very present help in the time of trouble. He is with us to run this race. We should serve God.

 

God said, “I want reasonable service.”  

God will show us. God will come get me. My mind is made up.

There is a weakness in us.

The body is to be used for God. The mind is to be like you, God.

Here is my mind for His use and His glory.

 

Everyday we should give God the Reasonable Service gift of a Mercy Driven Body and Mind. Think heavenly thoughts! Thank God for His good and His mercy. Thank God for all He’s done for me. This is what God considers as Reasonable Service.

********

March 15, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Wise Counsel For Evil Days”

Text: Ephesians 5: 15 -21 

 

V 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

V 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

V 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

V 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.

V 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

V 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

V 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

 

Underline the following phrases in the scripture:

V 16 because the days are evil

V 17 the will of the Lord   

V 18 be filled with the Spirit 

V 21 submitting yourselves one to another

 

Listening to the news concerning the economic problems of the world, it seems as if there is no wise counsel from a wise counsel. There is lots of information out there, but it is the voice from the side lines. Those from the side lines talk as if they are the voice of those in the thicket who have been tested. We must know wise counsel. Know wise counsel! The Child of God has an ear to hear what the Spirit says. This “ear” was needed in the First Century Church and it is needed in these nine years of the Twenty-First Century.

 

The days are evil, even though we may not realize it. We may not want to believe the days are evil. We won’t hear this on CNN, WNBC, Fox News, or any NEWS station, but we need to know how to live in Evil Days. We need to know how to serve the Lord in Evil Days. We still need to know how to pray in Evil Days. We still need to keep on singing in Evil Days. In this letter to the Ephesians, Paul sent some words to those who lived in Evil Days.

 

Drinking gives you a low feeling. Drugging gives you a high or a low. You think it’s your way out, but its not. There is a High for the believer which comes from the Holy Spirit. God has given us that High. Be sure that our lives are filled with the Spirit. When God saved us He sent the Holy Spirit to In-dwell us. We need wise counsel for evil days.

We need to know what God wants of us. We must make it a habit. We ought not to be surprised that the world is experiencing evil days. We need wise counsel for evil days.

Verse 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.   We need wise counsel for evil days. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

 

In-dwell and fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we can do some Speaking.

God wants us to do some speaking in these evil days. We can’t speak unless we are filled with the Spirit. Speak to yourself! Talk naturally! Encourage one another! Be filled with the Spirit so that you might encourage one another! Engage in Spirit-filled talk! Leave all unkindness outside! Talk in song, hymn, and praise! Make melody with the Lord! We need to encourage one another. Fill me with the Spirit so that I may encourage another. We are to walk circumspectly filled with the Spirit in the business of the Lord. This is Wise Counsel for Evil Days. God wants us to speak words of encouragement to one another.

 

In-dwell and fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we can Give. Giving Thanks for All Things.

Being filled with the Spirit which In-dwells us, we can give thanks always. If we can’t Give Thanks Always, we’re not filled with the Spirit. We need help from the Holy Spirit which In-dwells us. “Father I stretch my hands to Thee. No other help I know; If thou withdraw Thyself from me, Ah! whither shall I go?” Thank God for all things always. Life is under pressure. Thank the Lord for this day He has given us. Evil Days should not get you down. God sent His Son to save us. We must stand our ground for God. Be filled with the Spirit as we Speak and Give. Leave no blanks as we talk to God! Be thankful for all things: the good and the bad, the joy and the sadness, and the ups and the downs. “I thank you Father for the darkness and the light. In the midst of evil days, I thank YOU.

 

In-dwell and fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we can Submit ourselves to each other.

We must submit to the power of the Holy Spirit. In our daily lives we must all do some submitting to one another. In life there is no big “I” or little “i”. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think  of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. We should think ourselves no higher than another! Submit to the power of the Holy Spirit! This is wise counsel for evil days.

 

God sent the Church in the world to heal the world.

God sent His Son that the world might be saved. His Son died that His blood might wash away all sin. God wants us to be the Church. God wants us to walk circumspectly in this world. This is wise counsel. Be filled with the Spirit! Evil days will not dampen our spirit. This is wise counsel for evil days. Act like a child of God! Live circumspectly!

 

Wise Counsel in Evil Days – Be filled with the Holy Spirit!

 

Speak encouragement to one another!

Give – Be thankful for all things always!

Submit – Submit to the Holy Spirit! Submit to one another!

Do God’s Will!

 

********

March 8, 2009

 

Presenter: Rev. Arthur R. White, Pastor, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “Praying On God’s Side”

Text: St. Matthew 6:10

 

V 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 

Vb    The best Spiritual Teacher we can have in our lives and on our side is the Holy Spirit. John 14:25 &26 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. V 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Learning the teachings of Jesus should be in consultation with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, The Anointed One. The best teacher we can have in learning how to pray is the Holy Spirit.

 

The problem with people is that we want God to be on our side. We want God to side with us. We should side with God. God is not always on our side when we bring “stuff” to Him. Often when God answers our prayers, it’s because we have slipped up and prayed on God’s side.

 

We need a transition: Pray to be on God’s side. Try to do God’s will on earth as it is in heaven! Troubles come, but it is a chance to give God the glory.

 

We need a transition from overly trusting in our human senses to overly trusting in God’s wisdom.

We must include in our prayer: Thy Kingdom come. There is a twosome: Kingdom of man and Kingdom of God. Man prays for God to see my side. Man should be praying to be on God’s side in dealing with the issues of life. Man needs the help of the Holy Spirit in moving to God’s side. The Holy Spirit helped us to get on God’s side when the answer comes to us.

 

We need a transition from overly trying to get God to do a job for us to overly trying to do jobs for God.

Remember: Thy will be done. God saved us so that we could live Godly ways. God saved our old souls. Nothing is about me. It’s about God and me. Stop trying to give God a job! Trust His wisdom! Pray on God’s side! God shows us how God has jobs for us. We must pray on God’s side. We get help from the Holy Spirit, The Anointed of God, Himself. We must move from overly trusting in our human senses to overly trusting in God’s wisdom. We need help to move to God’s side. Thy will be done. God wants people to pray on God’s side. We need a transition from overly trusting in our human senses to overly trusting in God’s wisdom.

 

We need a transition from overly taking on our troubles to overly trusting in God being glorified. We must take our troubles as a transparent opportunity to get God glorified.

Troubles will visit your home. Sometimes we think it’s a personal hit. We can’t figure out the reasons. Learn to pray on God’s Side!  Trouble is not a personal hit from God. Trouble comes sometimes because we’re in God’s way. Trouble also comes because of the inclination of human nature.

God raise us in a new spirit. We sometimes make ungodly choices. Trouble is in our way. We must take our troubles as a transparent opportunity to get God glorified. We must see things in God’s way.

 

Pray on God’s side. It’s easier. Pray overly trusting in God’s wisdom. Pray on doing jobs for God. Pray your troubles as a transparent opportunity to get God glorified. Experience that Blessed Assurance! Experience that Glory Devine!

 

Trust the wisdom of God!

Try doing a job for God!

Take troubles as a transparent opportunity to get God glorified.

 

Thy Will Be done.

Trust In The Wisdom Of God!

********

March 1, 2009

 

 

Presenter: Rev. Kevin Haynesworth, Sr.  Senior Associate Minister, Christ Community Baptist Church

Topic: “When Prayer Becomes A Habit”

Text: 2 Kings 19: 15, 16 & 19

 

V 14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

V 15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

V 16 LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

V 17 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands.

V 18 And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

V 19 Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.

 

Rev. Haynesworth read the above verses from 2^nd Kings Chapter 19 to give us fuller understanding of this sermon.

Rev. Haynesworth thanked Rev. White for the opportunity to preach. H e also thanked his ministerial colleagues for their prayers and support.

 

What do you do when trouble, rebuke, and blasphemy visit your house? Do you find yourself having a good cry? Do you lay awake at night worrying and can’t get to sleep? The enemy of our soul loves it when we don’t tell God our problems. When prayer becomes a habit, we go to God. We tell Him our troubles and we receive an answer from the LORD. Prayer is a powerful weapon.

What do you do when you are rebuked or blasphemed? Do you put on a new face, a new dress or go tell everyone about your problems? Come on! Let’s pray! Take it to the LORD!

Trouble is always with you. You’re either in it, or getting into it, or just coming out of it.

When Prayer Becomes A Habit, its God’s trouble, or God’s rebuke, or God’s blasphemy.

Take it to the LORD in prayer! Tell God all about It!

 

 

When Prayer Becomes A Habit, Communication with God is Spontaneous 

We impulsively seek to communicate with God. We don’t plan a time to talk with God. We put the people and cares of the world on hold, as we prepare to talk to God. We tell no one our troubles, we tell God. When we tell God, we have less to tell the people. Pour out your heart and soul to God!  Then you have joy.

 

When Prayer Becomes A Habit, Communication with God is Spectacular

Hezekiah knew that the gods of the king of Assyria were gods made of wood and stone by the hands of man. Hezekiah knew of God in heaven. He prayed to the living God to see and hear what was written. Hezekiah knew that his God would answer. This was a two way conversation. The living God has the answer to all our troubles. When prayer becomes a habit, God brings truth to our being.

 

When Prayer Becomes A Habit, Communication with God is Specific.

When prayer becomes a habit, you don’t fall asleep while you’re talking to God. You don’t forget what you’re telling God. We tell God our troubles. It does not need to be a long story because He already knows our sorrows. Jesus is on the main line. Tell Him what you want!

 

God saved us so that the entire world would know that He alone is God. God all by HIMSELF.

 

Make our troubles, our rebukes, our blasphemies, God’s problems. He will carry us through. Your enemies will back away from you because you have the weapon of prayer.

There is therapy in talking to God. Make prayer a habit in your life!

 

When we pray, we want to put a comma on that prayer. We may need to come back.

 

Stand still and let the LORD solve the problem.

 

Rev. Haynesworth concluded his sermon with singing an old song of the Church: God Is Standing By.

 

********

I  MET GOD IN THE MORNING

 

I MET God in the morning

When the day was at its best,

And his presence came like sunrise

Like a glory in my breast.

 

All day long his presence lingered,

All day long He stayed with me,

And we sailed in perfect calmness

On every troubled sea.

 

Other ships were blown and battered,

Other ships were sore distressed,

And the wind that seemed to blow them

Brought to us peace and rest.

 

Then I thought of other mornings,

With a deep remorse of mind,

When I, too, had loosed the moorings

With his presence left behind.

 

So I think I know the secret,

Learned by many a troubled way,

I must meet God in the morning,

If I want Him through the day

 

By: Bishop Ralph Cushman