January 26, 2020

Sermon
Psalm 22:1-5 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? I groan in prayer, but help seems far away.  My God, I cry out during the day, but you do not answer, and during the night my prayers do not let up.  You are holy; You sit as King receiving the praises of Israel.  In You our anestors trusted; they trusted in You and you rescued them.  To You they cried our, and they were saved; in You they trusted and there were not disappointed.

Subject: How We Find Strength For The New Year

Where are we to find strength?

1. Past blessing should be reflected on. Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation,through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.  And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding with guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
2. Anticipate challenges to come your way. Ephesians 6:10-19 - The Whole Armor of God

We have two choices - Sweat and worry or be pro-active by pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus - Philippians 3:14

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
All of our help comes from God. Psalm 121:2
We can't avoid the storm but God will lift and guide us through it.

October 12, 2014 - Homecoming

Sunday School

James 4:1-17

Drawing Close To God

• We are to obey God
• We are to be humble to God, for God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
• Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
• Speak no evil to one another.
• Do not become boastful in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
• Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Morning Sermon

• John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in the Me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit: for apart from Me you can do nothing.
• We have God's approval when He have us salvation.
• Be sure that your anchor holds on a solid foundation. (Jesus)
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 - But He said to me, "My grace is enough for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. v10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. v11 I have become a fool. You yourselves forced me to do it, for I should have been commended by you. For I lack nothing in comparison to those "super-apostles," even though I am nothing.
• Isaiah 40:29-31 - He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, He gives renewed energy. v30 Even youths get tired and weary' even strong young men clumsily stumble. v31 But those who wait for the Lord's help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles' wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
• Surrender your life to Him.
• Depend on Him in all things because only God has the power to bring all things back to Him.
• God loves us.
• Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. v29 Take my yoke on you and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. v30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry." 

Homecoming Service

Welcome

Pulpit occupants, homercomers, visitors and Christian friends.

The Brown Chapel Church Family along with Pastor Baggett and his wife welcomes each and every one to our annual homecoming service. It brings great joy to see you once again as we celebrate this homecoming. 

Let us rejoice in our spirits, laugh and fellowship with one another, reflect with fond memories of our loved one who have passed away.

So let us lift our voices in praise to God! 

From Psalm 34:3, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

Rev. Clifford Estell McIlveen delivered the Word from 1 Samuel 17:45 & 47; John 14:12 

1 Samuel 17 v45 - Then said Davit to the Philistine, Thou come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin: but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. v47 and all assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves! For the battle is the Lord's and He will deliver you into our hand."

Subject: Facing Our Giant

Sub-text: Don't Forget To Remember

Deuteronomy 28:1 - "If you indeed obey the Lord your God and are careful to observe all His commandments I am giving you today, the Lord your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth.

Sermon Snippet

Family & Friends

A Wonderful Invitation

Brown Chapel members were invited to Grant Chapel's Friends and Family program by Sister Edna Wright where Rev. William Carlisle is Pastor of  with his lovely wife Sister Sequita Myers-Carlisle as the First Lady.
Sister Lawton was able to attend to hear fantastic praise singing, visit with relatives, friends and Pastors from the AME churches.
The theme of the day was "God Gave Our Family a Promise" which came from
 2 Samuel 7:25a - And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house.
The Spoken Word was delivered by Rev. Doctor Ella McDonald of St. Luke AME Church, Garland, Texas. Here is a snippet from her message taken from Luke 15:

Rev. Doctor McDonald is an amazing speaker and this AME sister had a great time.

April 13, 2014 - Palm Sunday

Sunday School

Hebrews 4 and 5
Hebrews reveals Jesus' true identity as God. Jesus is the ultimate authority. He is greater than any religion or any angel.

• We are to only believe and obey God to gain our resting place.
• God's words converts, convicts and comforts.
• Draw near to God in your heart with reverence.
• Melchizedek was the first high priest but Jesus is the most High Priest. Our sacrifice to sin which set us free.
• Christ was always morally perfect. By obeying, He demonstrated His perfection to us, not to God or to Himself.
• As Christians, we must learn discernment.
• As mature Christians, we are to teach others in the Word of God.
• Do not become a "dull" Christian.

Sermon

Ephesians 3:14-17
v14 When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,  v15 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through Hid Holy Spirit.  v17 And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.

Subject: "The Dynamics of God's Love"

Sermon Snippet

From Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants and their customers.  He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the stalls of those selling doves.  He said, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a place of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"

God's Love is pure and holy.
God is the source of His Word
In the beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1

 

Three Dynamics of God's Love

1. The source is God's love - All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
2. The power is God's love - But the fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
3. The course of God's love - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16;  Greater love has no man that this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13

 

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

 

 

 

 

March 23, 2014

Sunday School

Hebrews 2:1-18 and Hebrews 3:1-19

 

A Warning Against Drifting Away and Christ Is Greater Than Moses

• Spoken through angels is a way of describing the Mosaic Law which was received by direction of angels. Acts 7:53
• Angels mediated the Law references: Deuteronomy 33:2; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19
• A greater word, brought by a greater Person, having greater promises, will bring a greater condemnation if neglected.
• Neglect = They made light of the invitation to the marriage supper. Matthew 22:5
• Neglect means to have the opportunity but to ignore or disregard it.
• Jesus was human because God had put the world in subjection to man not angels. Psalm 8:4-6
• We do not see all the things put under Him but we see Jesus. He fulfilled the promise. Revelation 1:6; 5:10 & Matthew 25:21
• Adam introduced  death into the world by sinning.
• The promise of dominion is only fulfilled through humility of Jesus. Romans 5:12
• The ultimate illustration of the fact that real love, real giving, involves sacrifice. As David said, "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
• Jesus made us perfect through His suffering.

• God is everything.
• Have confidence in Christ Jesus.
• Evil heart is an unbelieving heart.
• In the season of Grace, we are to believe and obey!
• Lack of trust in God always prevents us from receiving His best.

Sermon

1 Samuel 17:32-37

Subject: "Facing Your Giants"

How did David stand against Goliath when no others could or would?

We have problem giants in our lives.

1. Health
2. Government
3. Money
4. Illness
5. Drugs Addictions
6. Running from the Law
7. Martial Problems
8. Work Related Problems
9. Etc.

• We feel ill-equipped
• God said, "Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 1 Chronicles 16:22
• Victory is already ours even in the valley of the shadow of death.
• v35 - I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. (Fear not, for God is with us. He strengthens us in our time of need.)
• David's brothers tried to discourage him.
• People close to you discourage you but stand firm in the Word.
• I can do all things who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
• Spiritually, we sometimes don't fight the good fight of faith.
• If God be for you, who can ever be against us? So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  Romans 8:31
• Remembrance = remember what God has done for us.
• The devil is like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us. 1 Peter 5:8
• David recalled how God delivered him from the lion who roared loudly.
• A bear is grumpy, hungry and complaining. Nothing seams to please it. Some Christians are like that. They attack our dreams and hopes. But David's testimony was that God delivered him each time because he believed in God.
• Every test makes us stronger.

 

How did David stand against Goliath when no one else would or could?

He.......

1. Remembered the Lord is the days of his youth.
2. Represented God who is the living God.
3. Replied or responded instead of hiding or running away. 

 

February 9, 2014

Sunday School

Titus 2:1-15

Right Living in the Church

Integrity - firm adherence to a code of especially moral values; unimpaired; quality of completeness.

Dignity - the quality or state of being worthy, honored or esteemed; reserve or seriousness of manner, appearance or language.

• Titus was to set a firm foundation for the Church.
• For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present would; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works.
• Elders to teach the young folks.
• Older men who are temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love and patient. Be teachers to the young men, that which is good.
• Older women who are reverent in demeanor, not slanderers or enslaved to much wine, teach and train the young wives.
• These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
• We need to hear and obey the Word of God!

Note: Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vineyard; for our vineyards are in blossom. See John Gill's Exposition at http://biblestudytools.com
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

Sermon

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

v1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
v2 And if I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
v3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Subject - A More Excellent Way (1 Corinthians 12:31)

We should exercise ourselves in love.
Love is the foundation.
Love builds us up.

Romans 12:18 - If it be possible, as much as in you lie, be at peace with all men.
Ephesians 4:2 - With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Hebrews 12:14 -Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without no man shall see the Lord.

Not everybody is easy to love but all things are possible if we believe in Jesus.
Paul is showing us a more excellent way by loving one another.

Love is more important than..............

1. Spiritual gifts
2. Knowledge
3. Faith
4. Our own accomplishments

Love is more important than anything we do.

Galatians 5:6 - For Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love.

 

November 10, 2013

Sunday School

1 Timothy 6:1-21

• Do not be disrespectful of your employers. Give them your full attention and work as you were employed to do.  This is the Christian way.
• Those who are most proud, tend to know the least. They don't even know themselves.
• Everything we need, God has already provided.
• Godliness with contentment is great gain.
• Be mindful at all times of personal gains. Do not make it your idol.
• For the love of money is "a" root of all kinds of evil.
• Like Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate, gave a good confession, we, too, should follow His example.
• Oh men of God flee from evil things.
• Fight the good fight of faith.
• Pursue a godly life; faith, love perseverance and gentleness.

Sermon

Genesis 2:1-3; Mark 6:31

Genesis 2 - v1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
v2  By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.
v3  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.
Mark 6
v31  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."

• Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest and worship.
• We have lost our regard for the Sabbath (Sunday)
• Sundays are set aside to worship and rest for the Christian.
• A restless heart usually leads to a reckless life.
• We should be more mature and rested instead of the young and the restless.
• Take time to meditate
• Even Jesus stepped away to rest
• God rested from all His work

Exodus 31:13-14
v13  "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths.  This will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.'"
 v14 "'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you.  Anyone who desecrates it is to be put to death; those who do any work on that day must be cut off from their people.'

The Sabbath is important to us......
To worship
To remember what God has done
To rest.

Matthew 11:28-30
v28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
v29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
v30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Isaiah 40:28-31
v28 Do you not know/ Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
v29  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
v30  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
v31  but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faith.
 

October 27, 2013

Sunday School

1 Timothy 5:1-25

• Treatment of elders should be with respect and view as your father or mother.
• Treat youthful adults as your brother or sister and with respect.
• To widows who have children, the children are to take care of her.
• If the widow has no one and is worth, give her work in the church so that she may impart her knowledge to others . (Reference: Luke 2:36-37 - There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was very old; she lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was widow until she was eight-four.  She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
• If she is a young widow, marriage is suggested and the raising of a family and home.
• Paul tells Timothy just what needs to be said and done so there are no problems to arise.

Note: Words have power.
Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Our belief in that verse is powerful therefore when we speak unkindly, with malice or hatred, those words cut, harm and can savage a person. And, God is not pleased.

Sermon

John 9:1-7

Subject:  And Jesus Passed By

v1 As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. v2 His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"  v3  "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the words of God might be displayed in him.  v4  As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.  v5  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  v6 After saying this, He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes.  v7 "Go," He told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

• John wanted everyone to know about the deity of Jesus.
• He did miracles where no man could have performed them. 
• Mark 6:34 - 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 many things.
• Manifestations of God's power are shown throughout the bible.....making the blind man to see, the man with leprosy, clean.
• Mark 1:40-42  - A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, "If You are willing  You can make me clean." Jesus was indignant. He reached out His hand and touch the man. "I am willing, He said.  "Be clean!"  Immediately the leprosy left Him and he was  cleansed.
• The power of God lies in His compassion. For He so loved the world that He gave His only Son...
• Jesus has the power to make helplessness into hopefulness.
• With God, all things are possible - Matthew 19:26 - But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
• We must obey as the blind man did when Jesus told him to go and wash....for obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the Lord; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice?  Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering  the fat of rams.

 

When life seemed unbearable:

to the blind man
to the woman at the well                              JESUS was passing by!
to the beggar

In our lives today when things are unclear, challenging, depressing, load bearing, mournful.......
                                                                     JESUS is passing by!

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.