February 10, 2013

Sunday School

Colossians 1:1-29

Colossians is a book of connections. Paul, while in prison in Rome wrote to combat false teachings, which had infiltrated the Colossian church.

• Mercy is an intervention that we should all avail ourselves.
• The fruit of the Spirit is full but we, in our humanly flesh, are still growing.
• God qualifies the chosen!
• By the will of God, means that He had attained His high office though "NO" human means whatsoever.
• Paul, was set apart by God and did not need to consult any man.
• Grace is God's spontaneous and unmerited favor in action. You cannot earn it or buy it.
• Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. (Phil. 4:6)
• Jesus is the Son by nature. We are children by adoption.
• Only Jesus has the right to call God "my father" and make the claim "The Father and I are one."
• The Colossians' faith was strong and the grace of God was evident in them. Paul thought this was a great and wonderful testimony.
• The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel...
• Faith, hope and love have their source in heaven.
• Prayer and asking God to fill you with knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, is always needed.
• Where we were, as unbelievers, being ruled by the powers of darkness, we were going about doing the will of the evil one. But now, by God's grace, we have been moved into the kingdom of light, into the kingdom of the Son.
• He preceded the whole Creation, and He is Sovereign over all Creation.
• Isaiah 44:24 - "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, "I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself, and spreading out the earth all along."
• Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
• But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you hold in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation

Sermon

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.
Matthew 4:18-19 - One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea o Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, also called Peter and Andrew, fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen.  Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for men."

Topic - "The Next Season"   Click on LINK to hear blurbs from sermon.

Ecclesiastes means preaching

• We need to follow God's will and our lives need to revolve around the "Son" Jesus Christ
• We need to look forward to the next season because with the new season comes "change"
• There are going to be trials and weeping but joy comes in the morning

January 27, 2013

Sunday School

Who We Are In Christ - Conclusion

• Matthew 5:13 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? If is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.  He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
• 1 John 3:1 - How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is  that it did not know Him.
• Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16 -  Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you!
• Romans 6:18 - You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
• 1 John 5:18 - We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; te one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.  And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.  God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
• 1 Peter 2:5 - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a hold priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
• Ephesians 2:6 - And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Notes: Who the Son sets free, we are free indeed (John 8:36); Therefore I am well content with weakness, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for then I am weak, then I am Strong (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Sermon

Psalm 1:1-6

Subject: This Is Your Season

1. How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers!
2. Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord's commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.
3. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off.  He succeeds in everything he attempts.
4. Not so with the wicked!  Instead they are like wind-driven chaff.
5. For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment, not can sinners join the assembly of the godly.
6. Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.

God created the seasons Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and metaphorically speaking, the seasons of your lives.
To every thing there is a season and a time for every thing under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Take delight in the Lord, and Hi will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)
Therefore, my brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

We cannot pray the seasons away
We cannot run from the seasons
We cannot force the season to change before its time

Good seasons come and go
The length of the season may be tied to the lesson that needs to be learned (a trial)
Our choices lead to the length of a season (think before you act)

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:31
 

December 23, 2012

Sunday School

Who We Are In Christ - continued

Colossians 3:3-4  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Our spirit man is new but our flesh is old
We have the favor of God
We are His righteous, His workmanship

Ephesians 2:19   Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.
Our citizenship is in heaven

1 Thessalonians 5:5   You are all sons of the light and sons of the day.  We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
As sons of the light, we should allow our light to so shine as Christ-like

Philippians 3:20   But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

Note: Romans 8:35-37  Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:  Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.


Colossians 2:9  For the entire fullness of God's nature dwells bodily in Christ!

Sermon

Luke 2:27-32

V27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, V28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:  V29 "Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised. V30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. V31 You have prepared {it} in the presence of all peoples - V32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.

Subject:  "Can You See"

• A carol is an expression of religious joy

Snippet from message...

 



• Simeon was promised that he would see the Messiah before he died.
• Simeon's faith became sight when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus into the temple.

Where there is no vision, the people will perish.
God's ways and thoughts are not ours. 
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. (Ephesians 3:20)

Goodbyes for the end of the year, 2012

 

September 23, 2012

Sunday School

Who We Are In Christ (continued)

• We Are God's masterpiece
• Colossians 2:13-14 - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away.  Then God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave all our sins.  He canceled the record that contained the charges against us.  He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to  Christ's cross.
• We are under God's grace
• We Re righteous - right standing
• We have the Holy Spirit within us
• God is our Abba father
• It's so sweet to trust in Jesus

Sermon 

Exodus 16:1-4

Subject: I Won't Complain!

• The people had gone without food for days but god would provide manna.
• Sin Desert was a forbidding place and a perfect place to test the Israelites
• When times get tough, grumbling begins = an issue with gratitude
• We need to remember that God has brought us from a mighty long way.  Are we praising God? Praying and praising Him? Counting our blessings, as well?
• Do you/we have a perception problem? As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
• Obedience is the key.  stop complaining and grumbling.
• Stop and count your blessings
• Complaining and grumbling are issues that are within the heart so have a change of heart.  We have that option - to change.
• 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 -But this precious treasure - this light and power that now shine within us - is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies.  So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.  We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken.  We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.  We are hunted down, but God never abandons us.  We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.  through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
• Rejoice in the Lord always! Again, I say rejoice!

September 9, 2012

Sunday School

Who We Are in Christ (Continued)

1 Peter 2:9 - But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.  You are a kingdom of priests, God's hold nation, His very own possession.  This is so you can show others the goodness of god, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.

We are His chosen people.
Jeremiah said, "He's like fire shut up in my bones."

Jesus died for the "sin" of the world and rose so that we could have everlasting (eternal) life.
Romans 10:10-13 - For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.  As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who believes in Him will not be disappointed."  Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect.  They all have the same Lord, who generously gives His riches to all who ask for them.  For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Repent! Once that is achieved, confess your sins daily.
We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:2)

Sermon

1 Samuel 16:13

2 Samuel 11:2

Subject: Saved But Not Satisfied

God's power in David was amazing yet he was not satisfied
David conquered nations through God yet he was not satisfied
God spoke to David through Samuel
God chastises but we resist

We have guilt
We fear being caught
Our failures are realized

Sin is a willful act against God
Resist the devil and he will flee
Sinning lessens our witnessing to God

We need to ask for restoration of "joy" in our salvation.

August 26, 2012

Sunday School

Who We Are In Christ

Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my innermost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Isaiah 1:19
Be obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Matthew 22:14
Many are called but few are chosen (the faithful come, the ones who obeyed)

Acts 2:17
In the last days, God said, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prosper, young men will see visions, and you old men will dreams dreams. ( These last days denotes the days between Christ's first and second coming. In other words, the whole Christian age)

Sermon

Hebrews 11:1 & 12:1-2

Subject: Faith - Running Your face

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope is going to happen. It is the evidence of things not seen.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.
He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterward.  Now He is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.
We must believe God. That what He says, He will do/has already done.

July 22, 2012

Sunday School

Philippians 3:1-21

Joy of Believing

• Christians worship God in Spirit
• We have the circumcision of the heart
• Verse 8: Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord
• We have the righteousness which is of God by faith
• No amount of law keeping, self-improvement, discipline or religious effort can make us right with God. righteousness comes only from god.  We receive right standing with Him by trusting in Christ.  He exchanged our sin and shortcomings for His complete righteousness. (Also see II Corinthians 5:21 for the gift of righteousness of Christ.
• Pattern your life after me, Paul said, after someone worthwhile
• Our citizenship is in heaven
• Verse 21: He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that He will sue to conquer everything, everywhere.

(Side-note: I Corinthians 10:13 Temptation)

Sermon

Matthew 10:24-26

Subject: "Fear Not"

Verse 31: Don't be afraid; you are more valuable to Him than a flock of sparrows.
Fear depends on our perception of a situation - but we must act appropriately
We must learn to control our emotions
We need to respond instead of react
Stand and fight fear by understanding it from a spiritual perspective
Change the way we look at our situation

Fear =  False   Evidence   Appearing   Real

God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-discipline (II Timothy 1:7)

July 8, 2012

Sunday School

Philippians 2:1-30

Joy In Serving

Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than  yourself.  Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.
Jesus was obediently humbled Himself while in the flesh, by dying a criminal's death on the cross.
Because of this God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

We must live in reverence and fear of God, being careful to keep His word. We must live in a way that our lives shine brightly before others. We are still working out our salvation as we live.

Reference: Cheating God - Malachi 3:8-12

Sermon

Matthew 11:28-30

Subject: "How To Handle What's Trying To Handle You"

• Jesus says, "Come to Me"
• But we fret or get distracted with other things - Reference: Luke 10:38-42 - Martha and Mary
• We take our burdens to friends - Reference: Job
• We run from our problems. But in the end, we must come to Jesus.
• We don't want God to turn us over to our reprobates minds.
• Jesus is the object of our faith.
• We must admit and commit to Jesus
• Repent! Be humble!
• Remember, Jesus paid it all, all to Him we own!
• We must submit to the will of God.
• Jesus was meek and lowly and those who take His yoke will learn His ways.
• Rest meaning rest of the heart, to love and heal in the peace of God that we may be more spiritual productive and purposeful.

April 8, 2012 - Easter Sunday

Sunday School

"After Salvation, Then What?"

• Job asked, "Will man live again?"
• Jesus said, "I am the Resurrection the truth and the life."
• So we do have hope.
• Everyone has to work our their own salvation.

Philippians 2:12-13 - Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.

Romans 1:16-17 - I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

• God does not test us but proves us.

Ephesisans 2:5-10 -  God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in 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.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no-one can boast.  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

• By My stripes you are healed.

Titus 3:1-8 - Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no-one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility towards all men.  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  This is a trustworthy saying.  And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.  These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Sermon

John 20:1, 19-20

Subject: "This, Too, Is The Say That The Lord Has Made!"

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"  After He said this, He showed them His hands and side.  The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Short clip from sermon.

• Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
• Jesus paid it all
• Jesus had told the disciples that He would lay down His life
• We have joy unspeakable because of Jesus' sacrifice
• God gave His Son
• God has a plan for us
• God has a purpose for us
• God holds a future unimaginable
• Because of that day of Jesus' Resurrection, when Jesus gave up His life that we may be cleaned of sin and have life everlasting, we are free of the old laws.
• That was also a day the Lord made.

Happy Easter to all from Brown Chapel Church Family!!

Something To Think About

There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118 and 594 chapters after Psalm 118.  When you add these numbers up you get 1188.

The centre verse in the Bible is Psalm 118:8

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

The next time someone says that they want to find God's perfect will for their lives and be in the centre of His will, Psalm 118:8 will be a comfort and guide to the seeker.

February 26, 2012

Sunday School

Ephesians 4:1-32

We are "prisoners" committed to serving the Lord, walking worthy of the vocation where we are called, with lowliness and meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in  us all.

To be continued........

Sermon

1 John 4:1-4

Subject: Just Be Yourself For God

Strive for what God wants.

• Have positive thoughts
• Faith is a positive expectation
• Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
• Think about the holiness of God.

See what God wants us to see.

• See the good.
• Look for ways to assist others
• Look for an opportunity to serve.
• Enter to worship, depart to serve.

Hear what God wants you to hear.

• Have a personal relationship with God at all times.

Say what God wants you to say.

• Speak the truth in love
• Allow Christ to speak through you.

Do what God want you to do.

Go where God wants you to go.

• God is always with us!

February 12, 2012

Sunday School

Ephesians 3:1-21

God's Secret Plan Revealed

The "good news" is that Gentiles are equal to the Jews.
Gentiles have endless treasures available to them in Christ.
Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of His glad welcome.
Be rooted in love because God is love.
God is more than enough!
Glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

Sermon - Brief

Luke 23:39-43

Subject: "How Do You Want To Be Remembered?"

(39) One of the criminals hanging beside Him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself - and us, too, while you're at it!"
(40)  But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you are dying?
(41) We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done anything wrong."
(42) Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
(43)  And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Snippet from sermon.

Founder's Day - Friday - Summary

February 10, 2012
Rev. Raymond Bryant spoke from Philippians 2:1-4

& Matthew 6:14-15

Subject - How Do You Stay In Love? By Learning to Forgive

Philippians 2   (1) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Matthew 6  (14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to hem that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and our...

Points:
Justification by faith through grace (Romans 5:1-16
We will run out of sins before God runs out of His Grace - meaning God will never stop caring and loving us.
God looks at us through Jesus.
We all are need of forgiveness.
When we are called by God, it is non-negotiable!

Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Weaver of Greater Mr. Nebo A.M.E. Church - Bowe, Maryland

The Call To Ministry

Blurb from a dynamic message:

• A Personal Call - 1 Timothy 1:12, 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11
• A sacrificial Call - Luke 14:26-27, 33
• A Discipleship Call - Matthew 10:38-39, 16:24-25; Mark 8:34; John 21:19
• A Serving Call - Matthew 23:25-28
• A Call Of Suffering - 2 Timothy 3:12
• A Call to Excellence - Malachi 1:6-10; Psalm 29:1-2
• A Call To Be An Example - 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
• Realized Through Human Instrumentality - Acts 13:1-3, 26:16-19
• Realized Through Reading & Meditating On God's Word - Psalm 1:1-3
• Realized Through A Crisis Experience - Isaiah 6:1-8
• Realized Through Living A Totally Committed Life - Romans 12:1-6

The Priorities of Discipleship

• Includes A Dynamic Study Life - 2 Timothy 2:15
• Includes a Dynamic Prayer Life - Colossians 4:12; Mark 6:46
• Includes A Dynamic Faith Life - Hebrews 11
• Includes A Dynamic Holy Life - 1 Timothy 3:1-14
• Impact Is To Be Felt In The Church's Outreach To The Body of Christ & The World For God - Ephesians 4:11-16

The Qualities of Discipleship

• Discipline - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
• Discernment - Acts 6:3
• Dedication 1 Corinthians 4:2
• Decision - Hebrews 11:24-27
• Dependence - 1 Kings 3:5-10
• Dignity 1 Timothy 3:1-13
• Dreams - Joel 2:28
• Must Consistently participate in three areas of church responsibility (growing, serving & giving)
• Must be passionate
• Must be available
• Must have a spirit of excellence
• Limitless possibilities: God is not as interested in our origins as He is in our obedience - Numbers 14:6-10
• God can use you despite your past - Acts 22:1-21
• God can use you despite others
• Have a willing spirit: God gives assignments to those who have the character to handle them - Exodus 24:12-13
• Be a good assistant - Numbers 11:24-28
• Focus on the Kingdom of God rather than on a career
• Be humble; find joy in serving
• Participate in prayer time at least 15 minutes prior to Sunday morning service
• Attend Weekly Bible Study
• Tithe

Noon Worship

Bishop Julius McAllister, Presiding Prelate, 20th District

Matthew 16:15-18

Subject: "The Church Still Lives"

Blurb from a dynamic message:

January 22, 2012

Sunday School

"The Favor of God"

• Favor is the special affection of God toward you that releases an influence on you, so that others are inclined to like you or to cooperate with you.
• God likes you. He loves you and He wants you to be successful in the plans that He has for you.
• Daniel 11:32  He will flatten those who have violated the covenant and win them over to his side.  But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him. 
• Mercy keeps us until we accept Christ.

Examples of God's favor:

Joseph, Ruth, Hannah, Nehemiah, Ester and King David all found favor with God.

Thought for the Day:

Romans 8:39 

Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Sermon

1 Samuel 17:20

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

Brief: 

"David's Other Giants"

1 Samuel 17:20 - Early in the morning David left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry.

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 - For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

 

We are called to serve and know that spiritual warfare is always going on.

Jesus overcame the world so that our going through would be easier.

3 Giants to overcome

1. Ourselves

We  wage wars within ourselves.

Try the spirit by the spirit.

Every good and perfect thing comes from God.

So you think in your heart, so you are.

2. Comfort Zone

We need to step out of our comfort zone and experience what God has in store for us.

Challenge our faith.

3. Fear 

 False  Evident Appearing Real

We need to remember that God is the author and finisher of our faith.

God has given us love, power and a sound mind.

Announcement:

Founder's Day

February 9-11, 2012

Addison, TX

January 8, 2012

Sunday School

Ephesians 2:1-22

Be always thankful for what God has done.

It is only by God's special favor that we have been saved.
God is so rich in mercy, and He loves us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.
It is only by God's special favor that we have been save.

Jews and Gentiles have been united, joined has one.
We are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets.  And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself!

Sermon - Brief

Presiding Elder Darrell G. Caldwell, Sr. presented the sermon.

Isaiah 9:6

Subject: "He Shall Be Called Wonderful"

The base word wonder has some very specific meanings. One is that wonderful is something that is astonishing or marvelous or a sight to behold. It also means something admirable or unusually good.

The royal titles of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Gather, Prince of Peace.

Jesus taught.

Jesus gives us hope.
Jesus gives us His love.

3 types of Peace

Peace with God

Peace of God

Peace from God

 Presiding Elder Darrell G. Caldwell

Seated: Presiding Elder Darrell G. Caldwell and First Lady Annette Caldwell

Back Row: L/R: Rhonda Lawton, Hertha Taylor, Doris Jones & Darren Huckaby 

God Can...

God can turn a mess into a message,
a test into a testimony,
a trial into a triumph,
a victim into a victory.
God is great and worthy to be praised!

Planning Meeting - Saturday, November 19, 2011

Each morning's events start off with praise worship by various ministers and congregation.

Presentations, discussions and questions were both stimulating and challenging.

Saturday was the end of an astounding Planning Meeting. Rev. Roderick Dawson lead the Call to Worship with The Litany for Empowerment.

Leader:  I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Ghost Power. The dye has been cast; I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ! I won't look back let up, slow down, back up or be still!

People:  My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I am finished and done with low-living, sight-walking, small-planning, colorless-dreaming, mundane-talking, cheap living, cloudy visions and dwarfed goals!

Leader:  I no longer need preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I do not have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on the Lord, run with patience, lift by prayer and labor by Holy Ghost power!

People:  My face is set. My focus is fixed. My goal is heaven. My road is narrow. My way is rough. My guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, lured, tempted, ignored, detoured, deluded or delayed.

This was just a taste of that powerful rendering.

Rev. Richard Tankerson read the scripture lesson from Psalm 27:1-14

1. The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger so why should I tremble?

2. When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.

4. The one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I seek most, is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His Temple.

5.  For He will conceal me there when trouble comes; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6. Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me. At His Tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.

7. Listen to my pleading, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!

8. My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk we me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

9. Do not hide Yourself from me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation!

10. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.

11. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the path of honesty, for my enemies are waiting for me to fall.

12. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done and breathe out violence against me.

13. Yet I am confident that I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

14. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

The closing sermon was presented by Rev. Remus E. Wright from The Fountain of Praise, Houston, Texas.

Taken from Matthew 11:28 - Then Jesus said, 

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Subject: Heaven's Antidote for Human Anxiety

After the services, Bishop Ingram presented Rev. James Ford, Presiding Elder of the Dallas district, the medallion of leadership as the new Council President for Presiding Elders (seen in video). Also, pastor placements and assignments were presented by Bishop Ingram.

Events of 2012

(Some dates subject to change)

1. Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram's birthday January 6, 2012

2. WMS Executive Board Meeting January 25-28, 2012 Birmingham, AL

3. Annual Ministers Conference Prairie View A&M University February 7-8, 2012

4. Founder's Day 2012

February 9-11, 2012

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Addison, Texas

7:30 PM Friday night

Rev. Dr. Jasmin Sculark will deliver sermon

5. WMS Blue & White Luncheon

Noon Saturday, March 31, 2012

Brady's Landing

8505 Cypress Street, Houston, TX

Rev. Dr. Ceceilia Bryant will deliver sermon

Donation: $50.00

Good Friday Worship

6. Seven Last Words

April 6, 2012

Houston, Texas

7. Paul Quinn College Graduation

May 5, 2012

3837 Simpson Stuart Road

Dallas, Texas

8. May Day 2012

May 17-19, 2012

Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel

2001 Post Oak Blvd.

Houston, Texas

9. Power Sunday 2012 (Pentecost)

May 27, 2012

10.  49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference

June 27-July 4, 2012

Gaylord Opryland Resort

Nashville, TN

11. 2012 Northwest Texas Annual Conference

September 8-15, 2012

2012 North Texas Annual Conference

September 22-29, 2012

2012 Southwest Texas Annual Conference

October 6-13, 2012

2012 Texas Annual Conference

October 20-27, 2012

12. Planning Meeting 2012

November 14-17, 2012

Planning Meeting Friday, November 18, 2011

Dr. Gerald Cooper
The Year of Manifestation
Summary
1. Minister to the spirit of the church in order to conform the disrupters of the church.
2. Choose to live your life in "peace" which is what God wants, not in "pieces" as in going to pieces.
3. Faith is key to answer prayers. (James 1:5-8)
4. Focus on needs outside the church. (Luke 15:3-7)

Hour of Power
Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram
Daniel 1:17-20
Subject: Ten Times Better

The king sought out and favored Daniel and others because of their wisdom and understanding. The king found Daniel ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his realm.

We are ten times better because:
1. We have the FAVOR of God.
2. We have the anointing of God.
3. We are better now because we know we are different, peculiar.
4. We understand God's process is designed to cause us to progress so that we can receive from God what He has for us.
5. Where you are right now is in preparation for God's Word.
6. We know the more purpose we have the more problems we face.
7. God is preparing us for our final destination.
8. Do not compromise yourself. I am who God says I am.
9. We already know God!
10. God Is Able!

February 13, 2011

Sunday School Brief

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Paul talks about not bragging or boasting of ourselves but of God in us that causes us to triumph.
Our only power and success comes from God.

The Old Covenant verses the New Covenant

• A physical covenant based on physical promises - Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 28; Leviticus 26 (Old Covenant)
• A spiritual covenant based on spiritual promises and eternal life - John 3:16; Hebrews 8:6, 9:15; Romans 8; Luke 18:29-30 (New Covenant)
• Physical circumcision - Genesis 17:9; Exodus 12:48; John 7:22 (Old Covenant)
• Repentance circumcision of the heart through baptism - Acts 2:38; 3:19; Romans 2:25-29; Philippians 3:3; Jeremiah 4:4; Colossians 2:11-13 (New Covenant)
• At institution of Old Covenant and earthly tabernacle, blood of animals used for consecration - Hebrews 9:18-23; Exodus 24:3-8; 40:1-38 (Old Covenant)
• At institution of New Covenant and heavenly tabernacle, blood of Jesus used for consecration - Luke 22:19-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Hebrews 9:14-28; 10:5-14 (New Covenant)
• No direct access to God the Father - Hebrews 9:6-8; 10:19 (Old Covenant)
• Direct access to the Father through Jesus - Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 4:14-16; Ephesians 7:25-27; John 16; Galatians 4:6-7; Romans 8:15; Ephesians 2:18 (New Covenant)

The new covenant provides the motivation to obey God's laws, extends forgiveness when we don't, and results in an intimate relationship with God for all eternity through the blood of Jesus Christ.

54th Homecoming Pictures and Brief Video

October 10, 2010

Sunday School

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Love is the Greatest of all that will endure along with faith and hope.

We are to love everyone, even our enemies because God loves us, so much so that He sent His Son that we may have everlasting life.

Love is the key!

Morning Sermon

Herbrews 11:6-10

Subject: The Risk Taking Church

Where there is no vision everything dies.

3 types of Churches

1. The Undertaking Church = always looking back; what has worked in the past; poor vision ruins your blessings; does not adapt to situations.
2. The Care-taking Church = always looking at the pressing issues taking place now (the present); not really caring about the future only the business at hand.
3. The Risk-taking Church = looking toward the future; the days are yet to come; on the cutting edge and not afraid to fail. 

54th Annual Homecoming

&

123rd Church Anniversary

Service

2:30 PM

Guest Speaker - Rev. Kennon W. Jackson

Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church

Palestine, TX

Grant Chapel's Youth Choir brought severl stirring and uplifting songs of praise.

Sermon  Text - Luke 5:36-39

Subject: The Stretching Effect of Being Stretched

Then Jesus gave them this illustration: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be torn, and the patch wouldn't even match the old garment. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. The new wine would burst the old skins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be put into new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the fresh and the new.  'The old is better,' they say."

Homecomers, Family and Friends

A wonderful day was had by all!