This is a journal of the pastors, members, families & friends of Brown Chapel. It reflects the goings-on of our church, the Historical Sketch, the Cemetery Directory, monthly activities,
photos/videos and the remodeling efforts from year to year.
Also included is a collection of funeral programs.
Welcome from Brown Chapel/Avant, Mt. Pleasant & Shiloh
Prayer: Pastor Baggett
Scripture:Amos 2:6-8 - These are the words of the Lord: For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not let its fate be changed; because they have given the upright man for silver, and the poor for the price of two shoes; Crushing the head of the poor, and turning the steps of the gentle out of the way: and a man and his father go in to the same young woman, putting shame on my holy name: By every altar they are stretched on clothing taken from those who are in debt, drinking in the house of their god the wine of those who have made payment for wrongdoing.
Subject: Does God Care About Social Justice?
Justice means giving every person what they are due.
Social justice is everyone has a fair chance no matter their color, social standing, etc.
We might have come over on different ships, but we are all in the same boat now.
God is just and impartial.
A social ordering was established for Israel.
We must realize that we cannot do whatever we like just as the Israelite came to understand.
Amos 5:21-22 - Your feasts are disgusting to me, I will have nothing to do with them; I will take no delight in your holy meetings. Even if you give me your burned offerings and your meal offerings, I will not take pleasure in them: I will have nothing to do with the peace-offerings of your fat beasts.
We must turn back to God.
We must worship God in spirit and in truth.
God will punish the wicked and reward the righteous.
Welcome from Brown Chapel/Avant, Mt. Pleasant & Shiloh
Inspirational thought for this last Sunday of August comes from
Romans 8:18-39
Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose.29 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.30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
Scripture:Genesis 37:2-5 - This is the account of Jacob. Joseph, his seventeen year old son, was taking care of the flocks with his brothers. Now he was a youngster working with the sons of Bihah and Zilpah his father's wives. Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons because he was a son born to him late in life, and he made a special tunic for him. When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated Joseph and were not able to speak to him kindly. Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him even more.
Scripture:2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.
Subject: Our God is Able
Our God is able to lift us up no matter what challenges come our way.
When we understand this truth, we will better embrace God's plan for us.
God is able to keep us. He is a keeper. Jude 1:24 - Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence.
God is able because he is faithful. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - No trial have overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.
God is an unchanging God. Malachi 3:6 - For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
God is able to deliver us. Daniel 3:1-30
If God be for us, His is more than the world against us. Romans 8:31
Be not dismayed because God will take care of us. Isaiah 41:10
Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7 - But when the appropriate time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through God.
Subject: The Meaning of Christmas
So people still do not realize the true meaning of Christmas.
Jesus was born, sent to us by God. We don't know the exact date so we celebrate December 25th.
The Advent = the coming of Christ
Some try to denounce the birth of Jesus.
Galatians were trying to turn away from God, so Paul wrote to them about the greatness of God.
God sent forth His Son through a woman.
Under the law was Jesus born to redeem us.
Jesus has divine origin. In Galatians 4:4 - But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son.
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (so we see Jesus was with God in the first place)
John 17:5 - And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Matthew 5:17 - Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or he prophet: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Romans 2:14-15 - For whenever the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things required by the law, these who do not have the law are a law to themselves. They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse of else defend them.
So the Christ was sent to fulfil the law and to save those who would come to Him.
We need something more than a moral code....we need a change
Ephesians 2:1 - And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins.........
Isaiah 53:4-5 - But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed.
Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall all be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Welcome from Brown Chapel/Avant, Shiloh & Mt. Pleasant
Prayer: Rev. Pelton
Scripture: Mark 1:21-25 - Then they went to Capernaum. When the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people there were amazed by his teaching, because he taught them like one who had authority, not like the experts in the law. Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "Leave us alone, Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? K know who you are - the Holy One of God!" But Jesus rebuked him: "Silence! Come out of him!"
Subject: Be Quiet, Be Still
There is great turmoil in the world today but God sits high and looks low & is well able to handle all things.
In the text a man with an unclean spirit & in the synagogue......but Jesus came in to teach.
Had this man heard about Jesus? Had he hoped to be free of the evil spirit? We just don't know but we know that Jesus was there to teach the word of God.
Jesus was not teaching like the scribes were, from the law. Jesus was there to teach about God's word.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2
Jesus is the Word become flesh.
The evil spirit knew exactly who Jesus was and cried out in fear.
Two mistakes: 1. we have a healthy interest in Satan 2. or we deny Satan exists. (In any case, Satan is happy because we are focusing on him and not God)
Satan loves to take away from God. Anything that allows us to turn our attention away from God, is Satan.
Do we recognize the enemy which is Satan?
Satan uses fear & dissension against us.
He loves to distort the truth!
But Jesus says, "Be quiet!"
Our relief which is God through Jesus the Christ.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.....Unto him be glory Ephesians 3:20
Welcome from Brown Chapel/Avant, Shiloh & Mt. Pleasant
Prayer: Rev. Pelton
Scripture: Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Subject: The Prerequisite of Waiting
God's ways are not our ways
Four precepts of waiting: (1) We must have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6(2) Our faith cannot function without a spirit of humility. (3) Be patient. It is a learned ability. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10(4) We should have courage. We must be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.
We need to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18
Greetings from Brown Chapel/Avant, Shiloh and Mt. Pleasant.
We greet you with joy!
We are very happy to have our pastor returning to Brown Chapel/Avant! To see the assignments for the Tyler District, click on the Welcome Back!!link or scroll down to the previous post.
Prayer: Annie C.
Song: I Know The Lord Will Make A Way....Yes He Will
Scripture:1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
Text: The Promise of Humility
God will do the lifting up!
We want things quick, fast and in a hurry in these time.
Seven things that might keep us from being humble: Impatience; Insecurity; Identity Crisis; Ignorant of the ways and will of God; Impulsive;Motives are not pure; & Pride.
Pride go before destruction , and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Small minds talk about people; Average minds discuss events but Great minds discuss ideas
To Pastor Baggett, Rev.
Muse, (other ministers) pulpit guest, Homecomers, family and friends.
vAgain this year, I’m wearing many hats. But that’s ok,
I know that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I can do this.
vBrown Chapel would like to “Welcome” you to another homecoming. Each year we look forward to
this gathering, to see family, old friends and to look back on previous
homecoming memories. The occasion of homecoming is wrapped up in this welcome,
as well.
vLet’s go back for a bit. Picture, as this is me in the
1960’s, sitting in our old wooden benches, it’s summer, the windows are open,
Cousin Chuck and Elizabeth are sitting in the women’s amen corner and Cousin
Joe, Lester and Arsby are in the men’s amen corner. It’s hot, we’re all fanning
with those funeral home fans, swatting the occasional wasp or fly that has
buzzed in thru the open windows. At this time, we don’t have a musician and
every adult is tapping his/her foot on the wooden floors to lend sound to an
old hymn like Blessed Assurance or At The Cross. The young ones like me, well
our feet can’t reach the floor yet. Remember that anyone?
vMy next memory is of the choir marching in from that
tiny choir room in their white robes, pausing around the Altar as Rev. Malone
said a prayer or some other tradition, before they marched in to the choir
stands.We kids only sang at Easter
mostly as our parents gave us the evil eye to keep us straight.
vRemember those homecomings, when the different
families would bring food from each home and serve from the trunks of their
cars? Then we had the tiny kitchenette with 6 long tables for folks to eat
around and visit.
vNext, with the encouragement of our homecomers, family
and friends, some who live far off, others….close (I’m talking about Cousin Creolia, The
Johnsons, Cousin Virginia family members, Fedalma & Buck Malone ,…. we
moved onto adding an awning , got some window units, new Altar (built by Uncle
Kenchion Jones) and thought, wow have we come a long way!
vWith God’s guidance and our obedience, we expanded
with a vestibule, restrooms, larger fellowship hall and better parking.
vOf course, we are not forgetting what our four-fathers
accomplished. We are thankful for the many sacrifices they endured that now
propel us forward.
vMy mom has mentioned several times, that there was a
church back over near Cousin Alvin Johnson’s way but it wasn’t, at that time,
named Brown Chapel. Only when the church was moved closer to where it is now,
was it named Brown Chapel.Wow, I
thought, what a legacy our fore-fathers and mothers built!
vWith all of these improvements, it reminds me that we,
as Christians, are in the mode of improving ourselves as we journey thru our
lives awaiting our eternal rewards.
vSo, to close out this Welcome/Occasion….we here at
Brown Chapel are so happy to see you and welcome you with open arms and love in
our hearts.
Sermon by Rev. Mittie Muse, Sr.
Jeremiah 29:10-11 - This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you." declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Subject: I'm Thinking About You
Be careful who you listen to.
Finding hope in a lie rather than standing in the truth is what most would do.
Don't give up because of uncertainty.
God already knows everything about us.
Three points of interest
1. What you did in your past will cause you to deal with things in your present.
2. Just because your past looks bleak, God hasn't forgotten about you.
3. Because God was thinking about your past and present, He will prepare us for the future.
God has been thinking about us down through the years.
We are called the children of God. That's how much He loves us.
Loves hides a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
There is a difference between committing a sin and continuing to sin. Even the most faithful believers commit sin but they do not cherish a particular sin and choose to commit it. A believer who commits a sin confesses and is forgiven.
We are to believe in God and obey in this age of "grace."
Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins. There will be nothing to look forward to but the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume His enemies. Hebrews 10:26-27
God's nature abides in us.
Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Jesus took away sin's hold over us.
A person who has no love is still dead. 1 John 3:14
Anyone who hates another Christian is really a murderer at heart. 1 John 3:15
Our tongues can be deadly.
Those who obey God's commandments live in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. 1 John 3:24
Sermon Luke 24:1-5
v1 But very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. v2 They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. v3 So they went in, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord, Jesus. v4 They were puzzled, trying to think what could have happened to it. Suddenly, two men appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. v5 The women were terrified and bowed low before them. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive?
"Why Seek the Living Among the Dead"
Subject: "His Truth Is Moving On"
Snippet from sermon
Jesus told them (His disciples) that He would arise in three days but they didn't understand this.
Everything God made was good until the serpent.
God had a plan for us even before Adam and Eve sinned.
God's truth is marching on. His truth will set us free.
Jesus is the truth, the way and the life. John 14:6
We must transition because change is going to come.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Speak the word of God.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them; "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:22-27
Call those things which are not as though they were. Romans 4:17
God is faithful to and just. 1 John 1:19
David shouted in reply, "You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty-the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45
Speak God's word.
Trust that God is able.
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 paths. Proverbs 3:5
But Samuel replied, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22
Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the kind, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with them and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the firwe killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, Your Majesty." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" Daniel 3:13-26
Go - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
Saturday, the A.M.E. North Texas Conference closed out at North Star Missionary Baptist Church in Tyler, with an inspiring Sunday School lesson taught by Rev. Houston. Jeremiah 33:2-6 was the lesson with a reference in Habakkuk 1:5-6.
After the procession of ministers, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKinzie brought the "Word" from Jonah 1:1-2 & 3:1-2.
The Subject:
Whatever, Wherever, Whenever!
The message was spirited, stupendous and stirring.
Pay no attention to people who dress well or to those who dress shabbily. The clothing does not matter.
Do not be partial to anyone.
We have been given the liberty of freedom to "love."
Faith without good deeds is dead.
Our righteousness comes through Jesus.
v26 - For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
Sermon 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 - We speak wisdom, however, among them that are full-grown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory: which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory: but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And which entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them tat love Him. But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Subject: Spiritual Illumination
Kids have knowledge all around them these days but not the wisdom to understand or discern right from wrong.
The Holy Spirit can only illuminate us if we allow.
Only "man" has a spirit.
Our spirits connect with and communicate with God.
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
God's wisdom is contrary to that of the world's.
Our lives with God will forever be changed.
We still must study the Word, to continue our spiritual illumination.
1 John 4:1 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psalm 37:25 - I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (This is confirmation that if we believe in God, He will not forsake us)
When trouble comes learn to endure and grow from it. Trials will make you stronger in character.
A doubtful mind is unsettled and will receive nothing from God.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing for they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
v13-14 - When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
v17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Wisdom means practical discernment. It begins with respect for God.
Sermon
John 12:1-3
v1 - Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
v2 - Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
v3 - Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Subject: "Enter to Worship, Then What?"
Enter to worship Him, depart to serve Him!
God created us to worship Him.
Worship means to give honor and reverence to.
Not everyone was happy with Jesus and wanted to disrupt things.
The priests were upset with Jesus for raising Lazarus. Because of Jesus, many deserted the priests' teachings to follow Jesus.
Matthew 26:6-13 - v6 - While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, v7 - a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table. v8 - When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. v9 - "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." v10 - Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. v11- The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. v12- When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. v13- Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Mark 14:3-11
Why Judas as the betrayer? He knew the people. He was always in their mix. John 18:1-2 When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it. v2- Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.
John 6:66-70 - From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. v67- "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. v68- Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. v69- We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." v70- Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"
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.
We, as Christians need to stay focused on the "prize" at the end of our journey.
Romans 5:1-4 -There, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run int problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.
Jesus' struggles and endurance are an example to us all.
We are to endeavor to persevere.
We must be circumspect.
Discipline is to be endured for God loves us enough to rebuke us.
Hebrews 12:12 - Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
Hebrews 12:13 - "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
The enemy (Satan) creates chaos but we are to resist and remain calm.
Sermon John 9:1-5 and Acts 9:1-4 & 8
John 9 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 works 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." Acts 9 v1- Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest v2- and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. v3- As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. v4- He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" v8- Saul go up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
Subject: "When You Are Blink, You Just Can't See!"
Blind spot - an area that cannot be seen under certain circumstances or difficulties or where no light can penetrate.
The disciples immediately jumped to the conclusion that the blind man had sinned or his parents had in order for him to be born blind.
Jesus corrected them and stated that the man's blindness was to show the works of God when Jesus healed the man.
The Pharisees were blinded and mistrustful of the healing power of Jesus.
Some blind spots are by choice such as the Pharisees who refused to see Jesus for who He really was. They wanted to hold onto their power and position.
Blind spots are created from fear or prejudgies or hatred.
Blind spots develop over time and are hard, if not impossible to overcome if one is unwilling.
True encounters with Christ makes one humble, where the evil spirit in you is broken so that God can lift you up.
Psalm 51:10-12 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
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
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
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
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
Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church & Cemetery
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