January 14, 2018

Sunday School
The Whole Armor of God!
References: Bible.org; Matthew Henry; David Guzik - Blue Letter Bible; Bible Hub; Google
Ephesians 6:10-20

• We Christians are in a life's spiritual warfare with Satan. Our battle cannot be fought with metal, bullets, iron, or stones.
• In order to resist temptations and survive the many trials we face, God has provided a proper defense to stand firm in when Satan crosses our paths.
• For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
• The name Satan means adversary. Devil means accuser or slanderer. He is also called Adaddon which means destroyer.
• Satan is a spirit and so are his demons. He delights in bringing chaos into our lives.
• Satan and his demons are very powerful but God limits their power. They are not omnipresent or omniscient.
• We can't see Satan and since we cannot see him, temptations and trials seem to come out of nowhere.
• Satan uses deception to tempts us into sin. He portrays sin as so very attractive.
• But God provided the Whole Armor.
• We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. v10
• The belt is the first piece of equipment. it represents truth or sincerity to fight against lies and decept.
• The breastplate of righteousness. When we've repented and been forgiven of our sins and done right in the eyes of God (obeying God), our breastplate will protect us.
• Shod the feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  We should be ready and eager to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
• The shield of faith, above all, which enables us to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  Faith protects the Christian in many ways just like Daniel in the lion's den; like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
• The helmet of salvation. Salvation is free, provided by the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ. With salvation, we have the hope of eternal life.
• The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  In Hebrews 4:12 it says, "For the Word of God is living and powerful, and shaper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
• Jesus used the Word of God against Satan in the desert. Matthew 4:1-10
• We must remember to sharpen our swords by regularly studying the bible.
• Pray is last. We are to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.....
• Praying reminds us of the battles we face and strengthens our defenses against Satan. Prayer lets God know that we are fully committed to Him, praising Him in good times and bad times.

Sermon
Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Topic:  New Beginnings

• Everything has a beginning.
• In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
• We have a new beginning because of what Christ did on Calvary.
• In life, we need to have a process of the order of things, one step at a times, to appreciate our daily lives.
• To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
• We should forget about the past. But we tend to want to hold onto it because it seems easier.
• Stop being chained to the past. You can't go and fix it.
• Do not be conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:2 
• Jesus died so that we may be forgiven and have a new beginning.
• Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
• Focus on looking within yourself rather than on someone else.
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:18
• Restore right relationships.
• Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 

 

October 22, 2017

Sunday School
Heaven Is For Real!

·       Heaven: God’s Dwelling Place

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Deuteronomy 26:15 – Look down from your holy dwelling place in heaven and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us, just as you promised our ancestors – a land flowing with milk and honey.

1 Chronicles 16:31 – Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be happy! Let the nations say, “The Lord reigns!”

2 Chronicles 2:6 – Of course, who can really build a temple for Him, since the sky and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I that I should build Him a temple? It will really be only a place to offer sacrifices before Him.

Job 22:12 & 14 – “Is not God on high in heaven? And see the lofty stars, how high they are!  Thick clouds are a veil for Him, so He does not see us, as He goes back and forth in the vault of heaven.”

Psalms 11:4 – The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; His eyes examine all people.

Psalms 33:13 – The Lord watches from heaven; He see all people.

Psalms 123:1 – I look up toward You, the one enthroned in heaven.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 – Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth! Therefore, let your words be few.

Isaiah 66:1 – This is what the Lord says: “The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I will rest?

Daniel 4:35 – All the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He wishes with the army of heaven and with those who inhabit the earth. No one slaps His hand and says to Him, “What have you done?”

Matthew 5:44-45 – But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 11:25 – At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things for the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children.

Mark 16:19 – After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

Acts 7:49 – ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is the footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is my resting place?’

Romans 1:18 – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness.

Revelation 12:7-9 – Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  But the dragon was not strong enough to prevail, so there was no longer any place left in heaven for him and his angels. So that huge dragon – the ancient serpent, the one called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world – was thrown down to the earth, and his angels along with him.

Revelation 21:22-25 – Now I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God – the All-Powerful – and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light and the kings of the earth will bring their grandeur into it. Its gates will never be closed during the day (and there will be no night there).

·       Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous

John 14:2 – There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 – I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak. 

·       Heaven: Where the wicked are excluded from

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying murder, drunkenness, carousing and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

Ephesians 5:5 – For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Revelation 22:15 – Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral, and the murderers, and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood!

·       Heaven: New Heavens

 Isaiah 66:22 – “For just as the new heavens and he new earth I am about to make will remain standing before me,” says the Lord, “so your descendants and your name will remain.”

2 Peter 3:13 –But, according to His promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness truly resides.

Revelation 21:1-4 - Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. And I saw the holy city – the new Jerusalem – descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist anymore – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”

Sermon
James 4:7-10 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will life you up.
Subject: Submitting Yourselves To God!

• Put on the whole armor of God.

Six Steps to True Repentance
1. Submit to God: be subject to God; be ready and willing to listen to God; obey God. Be teachable, coachable and humble.
2. Resist the devil: closing ears and hearts to Satan's suggestions; don't be disrespectful; resist the devil and he will flee from you. Use the Word of God (Sword of Armor).
3. Draw near to God. Stay close to the consuming fire; Pray to God because He is well able to take of you; draw near to God and He will draw near to you; He promised never to leave us along. God will restore us.
4. Cleanse your hands and purify your double mindedness.  Confession should be followed by deep sorrow, however, to not dwell in sorrow.
5. Lament and mourn and weep when we have fallen short of the God's Word. We should prostrate ourselves in earnest prayer.
6. Humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord.
 

October 8, 2017

Sunday School
The Trinity
The word Trinity isn't mentioned in the bible, however this doesn't mean it isn't biblical.
The following are just a few examples where two or the three Deities are mentioned.

·        Genesis 1:26 – And God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

 

·        Matthew 28:19 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

 

·        John 10:30 – I and the Father are one.

 

·        2 Corinthians 13:14 – The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

·        Matthew 3:16-17 – And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

 

·        1 Peter 1:2 – According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

 

·        John 14:16-17 – And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

 

·        John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

 

·        John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.

 

·        1 John 5:7-8 – For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.

 

·        Philippians 2:5-8 – Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

 

·        Colossians 1:15-17 – He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

 

·        Luke 3:21-22 – Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

 

·        Genesis 3:22 – Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also the tree of life and eat, and live forever.

 

·        Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall His name Immanuel” which means, God with us.

 

·        2 Corinthians 1-21-22 – And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

 

·        Genesis 11:7 – Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.

 

·        1 John 5:7 – For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

 

·        1 Corinthians 2:10-11 – These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thought of God except the Spirit of God.

 

·        Titus 3:4-7 – But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

·        1 Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

 

·        Revelation 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Sermon
Acts 11:26 - It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.
Subject: What It Means To Be A Christian

Four things to think about to be a Christian:

1. You must receive Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away.  2 Corinthians 5:17
2. You must resemble Christ. We should emulate Jesus; have the mind of Christ in kindness, caring, loving, etc.
3. You must represent Christ in all things, everywhere you go; in deeds, witnessing to the unsaved.
4. From all this we will rein with Christ forever! When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will appear with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:5

Homecoming Service
 
Welcome to our 61^st Annual Homecoming Service and our 130^th Church Anniversary. We are so pleased and happy to see all the familiar faces and can’t wait to start the celebration.   So again, we say welcome to you all!!!

 

The Occasion – On this Homecoming occasion with all the nation’s and world’s problems, we as Christians know that we have the promise of God of an eternal life. We have the Holy Spirit who has provided us His fruits which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

So as we journey through this life awaiting our home-going, let our souls be well, our relationships with others be strong in love and our Christian beliefs always in accord with God.
 
Rev. Clifford E. McIlveen - The Speak of the Hour

1 Kings 17:1 and 18:38-39 - And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!"

Subject: Surely God Is Able!

• God has said that all this would happen but God is still God!
• Elijah means my God is Yewah.
• Yewah means self existence
• Ahab was the Kind who Elijah spoke to about there would be no rain.
• It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.  John 6:63
• Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7
• We can come back to God through the Word.
• Elijah was obedient to God.
• God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24
• Here I am sending you out like sheep with wolves all round you; so be as wise as serpents and yet as harmless as doves. But be on your guard against men. Matthew 10:16
• God is all. We must bow down to Him because He is surely able.

September 10, 2017

Sunday School
Grace - The Sixth Dispensation - also known as the Church Age

• Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is the loving disposition of God from which all of His kindness toward us, flows.
• By grace we are saved.  Ephesians 2:8
• Grace began at Pentecost (Acts 2) and it will end when all who are born again by the baptism of the Holy Ghost and those who will be caught up (raptured) out of this world to be with Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
• In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us.  Ephesians 1:7-8
• And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 2:6-7
• God's grace allows allows one to repent and come to God through Jesus. We cannot turn to God without turning from what God is against.....sin.

Sermon
Mark 4:35-41 - And the same day, when the even was come, he said unto them, "Let us pass over unto the other side." And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship.  And there were also with him other little ships.  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was not full.  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they away him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto the, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?"  And they feared exceedingly, and said on to another, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Subject: When The Storms of Life Are Raging

• Jesus is an ever present help.
• Jesus had already assured them in verse 35 that they would make it to the other side when he said, "Let us pass over unto the other side."
• There was a crisis but there was also a crisis manager - Jesus.
• We, as Christians, when a crisis arises, tend to cry or whine.
• We need to cry out in prayer.
• No matter the situation, God is there to hear our cries.
• The command - calm
• What God commands, it is done.

 

June 11, 2017

Sunday School
References: Bible.org; Google

Three Characteristics of God

• God is Omnipresent meaning He is everywhere.

1. Psalm 139:7-10 - Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou are there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
2. James 5:9 - Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door.
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
4. Philippians 4:5 - Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
5. Colossians 1:17 - And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
6. Amos 9:1-4 - I saw the Lord standing upon the alter: and He said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts my shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that flees of them shall not flee away, and he that escapes of them shall not be delivered. Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them: And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

• God is Omnipotent meaning He is all powerful.

1. Romans 4:17 - As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations. He is our father in the sight o God, in whom he believed - the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
2. Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
3. Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.
4. Jeremiah 32:17 - "Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

• God is Omniscient meaning all knowing.

1. Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2. Genesis 1:14 - And God said, "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years.
3. Exodus 3:13-14 - Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them,' The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
4. John 8:57-58 - "You are not yet fifty years old," they said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"  "Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
5. Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
6. Revelation 1:8 - I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

• God's Timing.

1. 2 Peter 3:8 - But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
2. Isaiah 46:10 - I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

• God and Man.

1. Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
2. Romans 8:29-30 - For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And hose He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
3. Isaiah 9:6 - For to use a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Sermon
Mark 6:30-34 - The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."  So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.  When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things.

Subject: Our God Who Cares

• Many have a faulty impression of God.
• Our God is a holy God.
• He is untouched by our wickedness.
• God is in control of everything.
• God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient.
• God became flesh through Jesus to allow Himself to understand what the fleshly man suffered.
• God cares for His laboring servants - Mark 6:30
• God expects us to rest.
• God cares about the lost sheep.
• God is compassionate towards us.

March 26, 2017

Sunday School
A Study of Prayer

To understand prayer we must first understand the Will Of God!
References: Bible-Gateway; Google; Kay Arthur; Priscilla Shirer; Angela Thomas; Beth Moore
References of the Will of God:

• Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.
• James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your path.
• Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from eh Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
• Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
• Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Prayer is a intimate connection with God.
We, as Christians sometimes tend to sink into turmoil, rejoice in our woos, live in confusion, have doubt about nearly everything, anger to easily, get frustrated by the tiniest thing, linger in heartache, stress over day to day living, etc.
There is always an answer in prayer.
We should always praise God when we pray.

Examples:

•  Nehemiah 9:5-6 You alone are God; 
• Psalm 31:7-8 You have set me in a safe place;
• 1 Kings 8: 23 You keep your promises with unfailing love;
•  Jeremiah 32:18-19 Nothing is too hard for you;
• Revelation 15:3-4 You are great, marvelous, just and true!;
•  Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord;
•  2 Corinthians 1:3 You are the source of all comfort.

Sermon
Psalm 37:1-4  v1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. v2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. v3 Trust in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed. v4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
Subject: "Don't Worry About A Thing. Every Little Will Be Alright!"

• Why do the wicked seem to prosper?
• We as Christians need fret not!!
• Be conscience of our walk with the Lord.
• Be pleasing to God.
• We walk by faith not by sight.
• Do good.
• And we know that all things work together for good to those who love  God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.  Proverbs 3:5
• For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.  Isaish 55:8
• The just shall live by faith.  Romans 1:17
• Position yourself to be blessed by God.
• We are the light and salt of the earth.
• But seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33
• Delight in the Lord.
• His will be done.

 

Homecoming 2016

The Doxology - Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Congregational Hymn - Blessed Assurance

The Written Word - Psalm 34:1-8 - v1 I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise Him. v2 I will boast in the Lord; let the oppressed hear and rejoice! v3 Magnify the Lord with me! Let us praise His name together! v4 I sought the Lord's help and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. v5 Those who look to Him for help are happy; their faces are not ashamed. v6 This oppressed man cried out and the Lord heard; He saved him from all his troubles. v7 The Lord's angel camps around the Lord's loyal followers and delivers them. v8 Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in Him!

Congregational Hymn - O How I Love Jesus

The Salutation/Occasion
Pastor Baggett, Rev. McIlveen, Homecomers, family and friends.
Welcome is a word of kind greeting, as to one whose arrival gives warm pleasure and happiness.
That is what the Brown Chapel Family feels for you all on this 60th Homecoming celebration.
So, Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Family would like to welcome you all with open arms and warm pleasure and happiness!

The Occasion - On this Homecoming occasion which reminds us that we are all on a journey to that great homegoing, I'd like to take is time to reflect on how God's plan for us has also provided, if we allow it, His glorious protection, as we walk this daily journey.
As our spiritual conflicts with Satan continues, our weapon are mighty and numerous!
For instance, we have the Whole Armor of God which allows us to stand against the wiles of the devil.
From Ephesians 6:10-18, each morning we should praise God in all things and be strong in His might power. Then clothe ourselves with the Belt of truth, put on a Breastplate of righteousness, followed by the Gospel of peace fitted firmly on your feet, hold up the Shield of faith, place the Helmet of salvation atop the heads and arm ourselves with the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And finally, pray in the Spirit on all occasions.
Now we are prepared to face another day. But as we go through the rituals of daily life, Satan will attempt to derail us in sneaky ways, such as watching the daily news, that could raise one's blood pressure or listening to gossip. You get the picture. But God had provided another weapon against this tactic. God said in Philippians 4:8, Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and whatever is praiseworthy, think on these things.
There are many other tools that I could mention but I leave you with this thought from 1 Corinthian 15:57, Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!!

Congregational Hymn - Blessed Quietness

Hymn Of Preparation - Father I Raise My Hands To Thee

The Spoken Word - Rev. Clifford Estell McIlveen
Mark 5:25-29 - And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was noting bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind and touched His garment. For she said, "If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole." And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
Mark 9:23 - Jesus said unto him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.
1 John 3:10 - By this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed: Everyone who does not practice righteousness - the one who does not love his fellow Christian - is not of God.

• When we believe, it is of the supernatural
• Our faith in Jesus heals us.
• If we pray and believe, God will answer us
• The mind is like fertile ground
• Believe and allow it to happen
• Remember, there are two kingdoms
• The kingdom of God is now at hand
• There is no lack in the kingdom of heaven

March 27, 2016

Sunday School
Acts 12-14

Chapter 12 

• King Herod Agrippa began persecuting believers in the church. He had James (John's brother) killed and had Peter arrested and thrown into prison with guards around and about him.
• During the night an angel appeared to Peter as if in a dream and told Peter to get up, cloak himself and follow him (the angel).
• When Peter was discovered missing, the guards were put to death and King Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.
• Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon so they sent a delegation to make peace. They made friends with Blastus, Herod's personal assistant and an appointment with Herod was granted.
• On the day they were to meet with Herod, the King put on his royal robes, sat on his throne and made a speech.
• The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It is the voice of a god, not of a man!"
• Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God.
• Herod was consumed with worms and died.  But God's Good News was spreading rapidly and there were many new believers.

Chapter 13

• Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul were, one day, worshiping the Lord and fasting, when the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them." So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
• Saul and Barnabas preached in the Jewish synagogues. They were invited to speak to the governor.
• They encountered Bar-Jesus, a false prophet. He had attached himself to Sergius Paulus, the governor, who had considerable insight and understanding.
• Elymas, the sorcerer, interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Saul said.
• Elymas was trying to turn the governor away from Christian faith.
• But Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked the sorcerer in the eye and said, "You son of the Devil, full of every sort of trickery and villainy, enemy of all that is good, will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? And now the Lord has laid His hand of punishment upon you and you will be stricken awhile with blindness.
• Instantly mist and darkness fell upon him.
• Paul delivered a message to the people of Israel and to the devout Gentiles.
• God's promise to our ancestors has come true in our own time, in that God raised Jesus. This is what the second psalm is talking about when it says concerning Jesus, 'You are my Son. Today I have become your Father."

Chapter 14

• Paul and Barnabas preached and did many miracles in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.
• They returned to Antioch where they called the church together and reported abut their trip, telling all that God had done and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles as well.

Sermon

Rev. Mittie Muse, Sr. and Mrs. Mavis Muse were in attendance. Rev. Mittie Muse, Sr. is our Tyler District Presiding Elder. Rev. Muse delivered the message.

Acts 7:51-60

v51 - "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit; as your ancestors did, so do you.  v52 - Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They even killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.  v53 - You received the law under the direction of angels and yet not kept it.  v54 - When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him.  v55 - But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God's glory, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said,  v56 - "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"  v57  - Then they screamed at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him.  v58  - They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  v59 - They were stoning Stephen as he called out: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"  v60 - Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin!" And saying this, he fell asleep.

Subject: What Are You Willing to Die For?

Snippets from sermon:

November 22, 2015

Sunday School

Revelation 21-22

Resources: Biblehub.org; Google; NIV; King James Bible

Chapter 21 - The "new" Jerusalem is prepared as a bride for her husband, Christ.

• A new heaven and a new earth.
• The new Jerusalem where God dwells has come down from heaven to be amongst His people and they with Him.
• The church is triumphant.
• All sorrow has been banished.
• The presence of God and the Lamb are on new earth.
• No need for the sun or moon for the glory of God gives it (new kingdom) light and the Lamb is it lamp.
• Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Chapter 22 - Here is the description of all the prophetic visions. The water and tree of life, the throne of God and the Lamb, the Holy Spirit, the bride, the church and the closing blessing.

• Satan has no power here as he did before he was conquered.
• The Lord God is faithful and true.
• Christ will come quickly.
• v12 - "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. v13 - I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
• Those alone are blessed who do His commandments.
• v20 - He who testifies to these things say, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
• v21 - The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
• Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take of the water of life freely.

Giving thanks:

From Rhonda's Kitchen: Stew to Warm the Heart

Each member's household received a gallon mason jar of stew for our first "blue norther" and Thanksgiving celebration.

Recipe as follows:

• Brown 2 lbs. ground meat while in a very large pot bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
• Drain and add browned ground meat and a couple of bay leaves. Reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes.
• Dice 4 large Idaho potatoes, lightly salt and add to pot.
• Chop 2 large onions of your choice and add to pot. Allow to cook for 20 minutes before next step.
• Next, in a large colander, drain 2 cans whole kernel corn; 2 cans cut green beans; 2 cans English peas; and 2 cans carrots. Toss gently, lightly salt then add to pot.
• Finally, add 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 2 large cans of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
• Simmer for 1 1/2 hours stirring occasionally.
• This can be served immediately with wedges of cornbread or garlic bread or crackers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week but it probably won't last that long. It also, freezes well.

Happy Thanksgiving Holidays everyone!!

Quarterly Conference - January 2015

Brown Chapel hosted the first Quarterly Conference of 2015 

with Rev. Darrell Caldwell, Sr., Presiding Elder.

Refreshments were served in the Fellowship Hall before the Presiding Elder traveled to his next appointment. 

January 11, 2015 - A Wedding

Sunday School

1 Peter 5 1-14
Encouraging and Shepherding God's People in the Midst of Suffering

• If we believe, we will receive eternal life.
• Pray unceasingly wherever you are.
• Elders are to tend to their flock honorably not grudgingly.
• God sets Himself against the proud but He shows favor to the humble.
• v10 - Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.
• Amen means "So Be It"

Sermon
Philippians 3:13-14 - Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Subject: Pressing Toward The Mark

• We want to be like Jesus.
• We have a goal toward the prize.
• Goals prepare us for the prize that God has for us.
• Meditate day and night.
• Go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you. Matthew 20:4
• We should have goals throughout our lives.

S = see your goal
U = understand that there are going to be obstacles.
C = create a positive mental picture.
C = crease our minds of self doubt.
E = embrace the challenge.
S = stay on track.
S = show the world that you can do it.

• Set specific goals, have a time frame.

Benefits of Goal-setting.........

1. keeps us from wasting time and energy
2. produces focus and keeps us from distractions
3. simplifies decision making processes
4. delivers us from living in the past
5. produces persistence and determination

• Prayer can change a situation
• Luke 18:1 - And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
• Isiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

"Snippets from a Wedding"

Pastor Baggett performing the marriage vows.

Mr. & Mrs. Darvin Jones