2011 Annual Conference - Sept. 14th-15th

 Annual Conference Choir

Scripture Reading - Psalm 100

Sermon from Rev. Ella McDonald of St. Luke AME Church

Garland, TX

Genesis 42:7-9

Topic

"I don't look like what I've been through."

• Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
• Jacob had his father's favor.
• Jacob's brothers were jealous of him.
• We don't don't, all, have the same gifts.

Dr. Rev. Jessica

"Is God Manifested In Our Worship?"

True worship of God is not an option for those of us who have been washed in the blood of Jesus.  Our worship is a divine command/demand from God. The bible is replete with scriptures which direct us to being a worshipper of this mighty God we serve.

Psalm 95:6   

1 Chronicles 16:29

Psalm 99:9

Exodus 34:12

2 Chronicles 29:29

Hebrews 12:28

John 4:23

We are guilty of having many worship blockers:

• Lack of spiritual preparation prior to coming to worship
• More caught up in focusing on our needs rather than focusing on God
• Come to church to do more socializing than worshipping
• Too many distractions during the worship experience
• Too much flesh-ego, power struggles, selfish demands
• No preparation of the sanctuary
• Music that doesn't edify God
• The wrong music for the liturgical season
• Sermons preached without spiritual preparation and study
• Lack of respect for the sanctuary
• Cafeteria mentality-picking and choosing what you will listen to
• People who will not tithe interfere with the church receiving their storehouse of blessings
• Members who just want to get in and out as quickly as possible

Moving into the Manifestation of God's Presence in Our Worship 

• "Authentic worship always produces the experienced presence of God. People's lives are changed in His presence."
• Worship anticipates not only an encounter with God but also a clear next-word from God.
• Worship much be totally God-centered.  It should be Theo(God)-centric instead of 
• "me-centric" or "u-centric."
• Out of worship should come a clear and more focused relationship of faith and obedience with God.

 Presiding Elder Darrell Caldwell, Sr. speaking to the congregation.

Rev. Michael Waters of Joy Tabernacle AME Church of Dallas.

Psalm 8:1-9 - Scripture Reading

Hebrews 4:14-16  

"Watch the Throne"

• God is too great to be contained.
• Come as you are to the throne of God.
• Everything is exposed to God.
• We must open up to God to get that "Blood transfusion."
• We can come boldly to the throne of God because of Jesus who is our interceder.
• Power, mercy and deliverance are at the throne.