Messages from the Word of God

October 1, 2023Psalm 40.6-8 and Hebrews 10.1-10He Did It for YouHas someone ever done a major favor for you, given you a great gift, or just blessed you in some way without your asking? It may have been an unexpected blessing. When you needed them, they showed up. The actions they took, they did it for you. And rightfully so, you want to bless them in return. And as good as their actions were, there is someone greater who has done something a million times greater than they. His name is Jesus and He did it for you.The Old Covenant said make animal sacrifices to cover the sins of the people. The New Covenant said God would enter the world to become the atoning sacrifice for the people. Through Jesus, we do not have the pay the penalty of sin. Jesus is our scapegoat. Through Jesus, we do not have to yield to the power of sin. 1Cor 10:13 Through Jesus, when He returns, we will be removed from the presence of sin. John 14:2-3 Remember what Jesus did for you. Yes. He did it for you! He did it for me! He did it for us! How can you and I repay the LORD? There is no even exchange. So the best we can do is what He asked us to do. And that is to commit to following Jesus. Receive Him as your LORD and Savior today. Amen.

September 24, 2023Deuteronomy 32.35 and John 16.33Stuff HappensThe Bible says that in this world we would have trouble. "Stuff Happens." But what do we do? God, here is the STUFF that is HAPPENING, but we THANK YOU, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for BEARING this BURDEN for US! We recognize vengeance is YOURS and YOU will repay."STUFF HAPPENS!" How do we respond?1. RECOGNIZE stuff happens! (In this world you will have trouble.)2. CONNECT with JESUS for your PEACE! (In Me you may have peace. Take heart.)3. EMBRACE YOUR VICTORY in JESUS! (Take heart. I have overcome the world.)BUT we must not TEMPT the LORD! Don't GO where GOD has not sent you! Don't WALK or AGREE with those who we know are WALKING WRONG! So at all times let us OBEY the VOICE of GOD! Do what is RIGHT! STUFF will STILL happen, but GOD will KEEP you and PROTECT YOU. GOD will provide VICTORY for YOU, TRUST and BELIEVE! COMMIT your HEART to JESUS today, right NOW!Amen.

September 17, 2023Psalm 127:1-2and Luke 6:1-11 "Try Higher"Jesus is sharing the Word of God with a crowd. When he finished, he asked the fishermen to launch into the deep waters to let down their nets for a catch. They had caught nothing all night. Peter was the expert fisherman. He did not believe it would work. Nevertheless, Simon Peter answered Jesus and said, “Because YOU say so, I will let down the nets.Peter TRIED HIGHER and was BLESSED! Simon Peter OBEYED God and was BLESSED so much that the blessing was OVERFLOWING! We too must TRY HIGHER in this life! When we TRUST GOD and PUT GOD FIRST (TRY HIGHER) we WILL see things change for the good in our lives!TRY HIGHER by tapping into the LORD about ALL things! We must still do the work. But we must ALWAYS have Christ in our lives in FIRST PLACE. Let us all TRY HIGHER by putting Jesus Christ First in ALL things at ALL times. Let us follow Simon Peter's example… Trust God and follow Him.Amen.

September 10, 2023Hosea 10:9-12 and Galatians 6:7-8"We Reap What We Sow"Hosea reminds Israel that they have been sinning since the days of Gibeah. They had not repented but persisted in their sins, because of hardened hearts and depraved minds. They were depending on themselves. God tells them that he would punish them. But in Hosea 10:12, there was a hope offered to them. They wanted to reap the fruit but did not want to do the work (sow). They only wanted the benefits.Ephraim, of the 12 tribes of Israel, was taught to obey God and do good works. But they set up their own kingdom and lived according to their own will. We reap what we sow! This is where the Israelites then and many of us miss it today. Listen to the message to discover how to reap bountifulness with the LORD.Amen.

September 3, 2023Isaiah 55.6-11 and Revelation 3.20-22Open the DoorWe find seven churches in the book of Revelation chapters 2 & 3 that Jesus addresses. As you hear about each of them, think about if any of them represents where you are today as it relates to your personal relationship with the LORD. Church in Ephesus – the loveless church.Church in Smyrna - the suffering church.Church in Pergamum – the compromising church.Church in Thyatira – the corrupt church.Church in Sardis – the dead church.Church in Philadelphia – the faithful church.Church in Laodicea - the lukewarm church.For the person who does not currently have Christ in their life, for the person who may just need a revival, and for the person who needs to repent and return to the LORD, Rev 3.20 is for you. It’s for me. It’s for us!Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.Open the door of your heart to Jesus while He is still knocking. We are forever lost if we do not let Him in and He stops knocking. Please, do not try to live this life on your own. Look around you. You see the events happening in the world. We need the LORD and He is available to us. Just like I need an expert for my oven, I need the expert Creator of life to order my steps in His Word. Won’t you open the door! Amen.

August 27, 2023Daniel 1.8-21 and 1Peter 3.8-16Courage to Communicate Your FaithPeter is writing to the Jews who were being severely persecuted and run out of Jerusalem. They were all over and dispersed throughout the Middle East. Peter encouraged them to conduct themselves like the followers of Christ that they were. He also told them to have the courage to communicate their faith, their reason for their hope.Daniel along with Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were teenagers who courageously communicated their faith. Even when threatened with the fiery furnace, the three Hebrews held to their faith. You can read their story in Daniel chapter 3.Many of us will not be faced with the threat of a literal lions’ den or fiery furnace. We may be faced with extreme peer pressure to follow the crowd. Paul was pressured to follow the crowd in Athens, Greece.Paul’s defense in Acts 17:1. Common ground connection – v22 (very religious)2. Combine other connection points (unknown God v23; own poet v28)3. Close with major point (vv30-32 repent & accept the resurrected Christ)Paul’s defense in Acts 26:1. Common ground connection – vv2&3 (Agrippa expert in Jewish beliefs)2. Combine other connection points – vv25&26 (Agrippa knows OT Scripture & heard about the many witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection)3. Close with major point – v27 (I know you believe) v28 almost persuadedJesus used parables (Matthew 13):1. A farmer went out to sow (common ground connection)2. Seeds fell by wayside, stony places, among thorns, and good soil (connection points)3. Hear, understand, and apply the word of God (major point)Daniel and the three Hebrews boys were brought up believing in God. They knew why they believed. Know why you believe. I believe somebody is ready to accept Jesus after you courageously communicate your faith with them. Amen. Invitation to follow Jesus.

August 20, 2023Isaiah 53.6-12 and Mark 15.42-47Courage to Take a StandIsaiah was prophesying about how Jesus would take on the sins of the world so that we would be forgiven. He was innocent. Yet He did not speak up for Himself. The Romans were planning to bury Him with the other two they crucified. But He was buried in a rich man’s tomb, Joseph of Arimathea. Isaiah 53.8 stands out to me because it asks the question, “Who of His generation protested?” In other words, “Who took a stand for Jesus?” Did anyone have the courage to take a stand?I wonder what would have happened if Joseph and Nicodemus had the courage to take a stand during the mock trial of Jesus before the crucifixion. They found their courage after the fact!I wonder how many of us are facing circumstances where we need the courage to take a stand before it’s too late. When that mob descended on the US Capitol on that fateful day of January 6th, who had the courage to take a stand to say this is not right?When you are with your friends and someone suggests doing something that you know isn’t right or would get you in trouble, do you have the courage to take a stand and say no?By the grace of God, we all have the power to make a positive impact in the world. And our youth, teens, and young adults can positively transform this world by finding their voice. God has so much in store for you. Pray for the courage to take a stand and let Him use you to do your part. What’s the point? When you have the courage to take a stand, you can impact your life and the lives of others in such a way that it blesses them, and it blesses you. It’s okay to start small. Pray for the courage to take a stand and become the leader God has called you to be.Amen. Invitation to follow Jesus.

August 13, 20232Chronicles 32.1-8 and Acts 4.23-31Courage under PressureThe nation’s highest military award for courage is the Medal of Honor, presented by the President in Congress’ name. The recipients put the mission above their personal risks. Their mission was to serve this country even though it could cost them everything. In our day, perhaps King Hezekiah would have received the Medal of Honor for his heroics. In Moses’ day, the Egyptians were the most powerful nation on the planet. In Hezekiah’s day, the Assyrians were arguably the most efficient military force in the ancient world.The people of Judah were encouraged because they realized with God, they were in the majority. With God they had power. With God they had victory! With God they had courage!Just like with Judah, there are some battles we must fight. They did not pray that God would take away the problem. They prayed for courage to overcome the problem with help from the LORD. In other words, they prayed for courage under pressure.At times you and I will be faced with pressure. It may be peer pressure to do wrong. It may be pressure from bad leadership to follow a bad example. It may be pressure from others to just keep quiet about issues that need to be addressed. There are times that we do not need to pray that God would remove the pressure. We need to pray that the LORD will strengthen us to overcome the pressure. Jesus wants us to know that you and I are overcomers in His strength. When we know right, let us do right! Even when we are pressured to do wrong. Even when we don’t fully know the outcome of the situation. And especially when we are afraid, pray for courage under pressure! Amen.Invitation to follow Jesus.

August 6, 2023Exodus 12.21-28 and Luke 22.14-20Why We Commemorate CommunionJesus, born into a Jewish family, remembered the Passover every year. Jesus tells His disciples this is His final Passover meal with them until Passover is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. What is the meaning of this? We must journey back several thousand years to Egypt to know. When Joseph was alive, the Pharaoh trusted him, and the Israelites prospered in the land. When a new Pharaoh arose after Joseph’s death, he became concerned about the number of Israelites living in Egypt. To keep them in the place, he made slaves of them. They suffered as slaves for 400 years.God raised up a deliverer, named Moses, to tell Pharaoh to let His people go. Pharaoh said no!God sent plague after plague after plague. But Pharaoh still would not free the Israelites. So God tells Moses He would send the 10th and final plague that would make Pharaoh let His people go. He sends the angel of death that would take the life of the firstborn of every human and animal in the land. Exo 12:13 NKJV Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.The Israelites sacrificed lambs to the LORD. They took the blood and covered the doorposts that night. The angel of death went throughout all of Egypt. There was weeping and crying because of the lost of so many lives. The Israelites were covered by the blood of the Lamb.Whereas Passover was God’s supernatural deliverance of physical bondage, Communion is Jesus’ supernatural deliverance of spiritual bondage.Jesus was telling them then and us today, that He has become the Passover Lamb. His blood would be shed so that He would cover us. So when Satan tries to snatch us into his kingdom of bondage, he must pass over us (those who have accepted Jesus as LORD and Savior) because we are covered by the blood.We remember, honor, and respect Communion because of the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and anticipated return of Jesus for His followers. Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb. He is our salvation. He is our gift of eternal life.Amen. Invitation to follow Jesus.

July 30, 2023Genesis 18.22-33 and Acts 12.1-5The Power of Intercessory PrayerHave you ever prayed specifically for another person? I don't mean just praying, "LORD, please bless my family and friends." Now that's a good thing to pray. But sometimes, you know someone is going through or facing something that is hard. Do you pray to God for that person in that situation? This is called intercessory prayer.In our texts today, we will find two examples of intercessory prayer that should encourage us to pray for others. The Scripture read in your hearing were Genesis 18.22-33 and Acts 12.1-5. Today's subject is The Power of Intercessory Prayer. Gen 19:29 NIV So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.Act 12:5 NIV So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.God miraculously rescued Lot and delivered Peter. I want to challenge you today. Look for three opportunities to pray specifically for others. We need more empathy and compassion in this country. Intercessory prayer can help us get there. Amen.

July 23, 2023 1Kings 19.9-13 and Acts 19.28-41Pray and ListenLast week the message was "Pray and Do!"Elijah was a man of action. A doer. One who by the grace of God just defeated the prophets of Baal! He proved to the people that the LORD is God! He went from the highest of high to the lowest of low. Jezebel sent word that she was out to get him. Paul was a man of action. A doer. He preached to the poor and unknown and the rich and famous. It did not matter to Paul because he was not easily intimidated. He had been beaten, stoned, and locked up. But he kept preaching. Wouldn't it be great if we could call time out, go to our private room or space, fall on our knees, and pray to the LORD for help, for guidance, for deliverance? Well, when we physically cannot go there, we must spiritually find that quiet space.The more time we spend praying and listening to the LORD during our quiet moments, the better we will be able to hear His voice during the hurricane winds of temptation, the earthquake trembling of peer pressure, the great burning fire of fear, and other troubling situations.When they arise, we will know to block out the noise, quiet ourselves, pray, and listen for God's voice that will guide us and lead us to do the right thing.Amen. Invitation.

July 16, 20232Sam 5.22-25 and Acts 4.29-31 Pray and DoCertain things only God can do. Other things God uses us to accomplish them. David had a burden on his heart to protect the Israelites. He could not control the Philistines (their Israel's enemy) and what they decided to do. That's in God's hands. But he did his part by praying and then doing what God told him to do. He got the victory!The Apostles had a burden on their hearts to preach the Gospel as Jesus commanded them. They could not control the Jewish Council who tried to stop them from preaching by threatening them. That was in God's hands. But they did their part by praying and then doing what God told them to do. They got the victory and the Word of God spread!Pray and do! We need more prayers and more doers! Be both! Amen

July 9, 2023Daniel 6.10 and Matthew 6.5-13Pray Like ThisLearn what the model prayer is and how we are to use it in our daily prayers. Amen.

July 2, 2023Exodus 12.11-14 and Luke 22.14-20God CenteredHoly Communion is a very sacred event. We must beware of the enemy’s schemes before, during, or after Christian rituals. Satan wants to profane (make irreverent or treat with contempt) our relationship with the LORD.Let me share just three examples found in the Bible. Perhaps this will help you and me to become more God centered.Passover – Judas’ betrayal of Jesus1. Seek God’s covering before. Luke 22.3-62. Seek God’s covering during. Luke 22.21, John 13.26-273. Seek God’s covering after. Luke 22.47Judas had many opportunities to repent before, during, and even after the Passover. But He did not. He did not seek the LORD’s covering to keep Him God centered.Good Friday – Peter’s denial of Jesus1. Seek God’s covering before. Luke 22.31-34, 39-402. Seek God’s covering during. Luke 22.60-623. Seek God’s covering after. Mark 16.7; John 21.2-3 (back to the familiar)Peter had many opportunities to seek the LORD’s covering before, during, and even after the crucifixion of Jesus.Holy Communion – The Apostles’ (and perhaps our) carnality before JesusCarnality is about being self-centered rather than God-centered.1. Seek God’s covering before. John 13.13-15 (physical & spiritual cleansing before Supper)2. Seek God’s covering during. Luke 22.22-23; Matt 26.21-22 (examine your heart)3. Seek God’s covering after. Luke 22.24 (which one is greatest?)The Apostles had and you and I have many opportunities to seek the LORD’s covering before, during, and after sacred observances. If these things could happen to the Apostles who walked with Jesus, these things can happen to us. Satan uses many weapons of mass distractions.To stay God centered we must seek the LORD’s covering always. In other words, pray always. Pray continually. Pray for yourself and pray for others. Amen. Invitation to discipleship.

June 25, 2023Proverbs 3.1-6 and Matthew 6.31-33Should I Stay or Should I Go?Well, some decisions are very clear. It’s an easy yes or no. But what about the gray areas? What about those hard decisions where the clear answer is beyond our grasp?Clear Answer Examples:Gen 12.1-3 (Abram); Exo 3.9-10 (Moses); Josh 1.1-3 (Joshua)Acts 16.6-10 Paul & company (no to Asia; yes to Macedonia) – stay and then go.Fuzzy/Gray Answer Examples:1Sam 20.25-34 (David, Jonathan, Saul); Neh 2.4-5 (Nehemiah, King Artaxerxes)Acts 13.13-14 (John Mark, Paul, Barnabas); Acts 15.36-41 (Paul, Barnabas, John Mark)2Tim 4.9-11 (John Mark, Paul) During these gray momentsYou will receive new invitations. You may be considering what to do about where you are right now. Stay or go? Remember these verses.Heb 13.5 I will never leave you nor forsake youMatt 6.33 Seek first the Kingdom...Prov 3.5-6 In all your ways...Should I Stay? Should I Go? Well, what is the LORD saying? That takes us spending more time with Him so we can hear clearly from Him. Amen. Invitation to Christ.

June 18, 2023Job 1.1-5 and Ephesians 6.1-4Prioritizing FatherhoodHappy Father’s Day. Father’s Day should not just be a recognition of biological fathers, but a recognition and celebration of also father and father figures who stood in the gap. And of course, we should honor our heavenly Father.I. Godly fathers prioritize personal piety. (Job 1.1)a. Christian fathers demonstrate their faith by letting the Holy Spirit conform them into the image of Christ. Then it shows up in their actions… their fruit.b. A pious father understands they must be good followers of Christ if they want their family to follow their lead. Be the example!II. Godly fathers prioritize productive patterns. (Job1.2-4)a. I believe Job thought if his family could be in unity, they could more effectively get along with others outside of the family. They celebrated each other.b. Our offspring observe the way we handle difficult situations including how we treat their mother and how we treat them. Are we providing a productive pattern for them to follow?III. Godly fathers prioritize persistent parental prayer. (Job 1.5)a. Note that many, if not all, of Job’s sons are grown, with their own households. They are of age and can pray for themselves.b. But Job was the patriarch who served as priest of the family and continued to pray on behalf of the family.c. Jas 5:16b NLT The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.Conclusion: Fathers and father figures, let’s you and I commit to prioritizing personal piety (led by the Holy Spirit), prioritizing productive patterns of behavior (setting good examples), and prioritizing persistent parental prayers (keeping our families spiritually covered).So let’s thank God again for the good fathers and father figures. And let’s also thank Him for delivering us from ungodly fathers and father figures. Amen.

June 11, 2023Psalm 19.12-14 and Galatians 5.16-17. Winning the Battle Within1. To win the battle within, pray not to be led into temptation - Matt 6.13a. Temptation is a gateway to sin and a trap to be avoided.b. In life, avoid people, places, or things that may entice us to do wrong - James 1.14-152. To win the battle within, pray not to fall/slip into temptation - Matt 26.41-42a. Spiritual battle of good and evil; spirit and flesh.b. O wretched man that I am. I have a Deliverer. Jesus - Rom 7.22-25c. We may not go looking for temptation. We do the right things to avoid it. But we must be prepared for temptation looking for us. We pray we do not fall into temptation/traps.3. To win the battle within, pray that you don't miss the way out of temptation - 1Cor 10.12-13a. Even when the trap is set by the enemy, God provides a way out. We always have a choice.b. If you find yourself in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people, call the LORD and ask Him to deliver you from evil. God provides a way out!Conclusion - In the words of a great lady I know, Lady Toni Nwankwo, "Once you've been delivered, stay delivered." In other words, don't go back to where, or what, or who brought you down. The shackles are loosed, and the chains are broken. Leave them off. Walk in the newness of life!We always have a choice. The more time we spend with the LORD, the better decisions we will make, and we will become better at winning the battle within. Amen. Invitation to Christ.

June 4, 20231Samuel 7.1-6 and John 3.16-19Come HomeYou need saving. I need saving. The world needs saving. God’s plan was and is to make salvation available to all. Even though we deserve it, Jesus did not come to condemn us. He came to save us! Our home is with Jesus. And when we fall away, He wants us to return home. He wants us to come home.Gen 3:14-15; Gen 50:20; Exo 12:12-13; Jdg 7:7; 1Sa 7:3; Mar 1:14-15; Luk 15:17-19Satan is the father of lies and deception. He wanted Adam and Eve and prodigal son to believe they were missing out on something. He wanted them to forget all the good they had at home and focus on the things they did not have.The LORD wants to keep us from mess. Satan makes the mess alluring and attractive. It’s like putting bait on a hook. This fish sees the bait, falls for it, goes after it, and when the fish captures the bait by biting down on it, the fish is now captured.What’s the point? You and I have wronged God through our yielding to temptation and disobedience, we deserve condemnation. And although humankind has fallen over and over again, God loves us so much that He continues to extend His hand of mercy to us. This is good news! Joh 3:17 & Joh 10:10-11No matter what you and I have done in the past. Today is the day to fully return home. Home is where Jesus is. And remember, There’s no place like home.” Come home. If you have not accepted Christ, receive Him today. Heaven is waiting. Decide today. Come home. Amen.

May 23, 2023Remember & Honor2Samuel 1.17-19 and Romans 13.72Sa 1:17-19 AMP Then David sang this dirge (funeral song) over Saul and his son Jonathan, (18) and he told them to teach the sons of Judah, the song of the bow. Behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar: (19) "Your glory and splendor, O Israel, is slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen!David remembered and honored these fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Even though Saul was after David personally, David recognized Saul still loved his country and made the ultimate sacrifice. He wanted his people to commemorate these soldiers.Let us follow suit. On this Memorial Day weekend let us:I. Remember and honor fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty. II. Remember and honor first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. III. Remember and honor Jesus who gave His life in the line of duty. This Memorial Day weekend, remember and honor the fallen soldiers. Remember and honor the first responders who are no longer with us. But please, most of all, remember and honor Jesus the Christ who defeated death so you and I may live.The best way to remember and honor Jesus is to accept Him as your LORD and Savior today if you have yet to do so. If He already is your LORD and Savior, honor Him by being His ambassador.David honored the fallen soldiers. But he honored the LORD even more. Let us do likewise because all honor is always due to Jesus! Amen.

May 21, 2023Check Your Receptivity. Psalm 119.9-16 and Matthew 13.1-9. In the Parable of the Sower, please note that the only difference is the soil or the ground that the seeds fall on. The seed is the same. It is the Word of God. We are fortunate because it has been codified and organized in this Holy book, the Bible. Jesus used the parable to describe four conditions of receptivity to the Word. I. Receptivity condition 1 – the wayside ground represents a calloused heart. (v4)II. Receptivity condition 2 – the stony ground represents a casual heart. (vv5-6)III. Receptivity condition 3 – the thorny ground represents a crowded heart. (v7)IV. Receptivity condition 4 – the good ground represents a converted & convinced heart. (v8) Conclusion: Check your receptivity to the Word of God. The enemy comes in many forms. The enemy of the Word in the first condition is the devil, represented by birds who snatch away the seed. Their hearts are too calloused.The enemy in the second condition is the flesh that cannot handle the heat of the sun. Their hearts are too casual.The enemy in the third condition is this world and its system-the pleasures, riches, and cares of this life. Their hearts are too crowded.But the person with the converted and convinced heart fills themselves daily with the Word of God to keep the enemy at bay.Amen. Receive Jesus today!

The Scripture texts read in your hearing are 2 Kings 4.1-7 and Matthew 15.21-28. Our topic today is A Mother’s Priorities. I. Mothers who prioritize their children walk in humility. (v1)a. While her husband was alive, she probably had a comfortable life. Now, the creditors were at the door.b. Sanctioned slavery – indentured servantsc. She prioritized her boys and was humble enough to ask for help.d. She (we) must go to the right person or people. Not just anybody.e. A pagan woman went to Jesus for help even though she was not a part of the lost sheep of Israel. (Matt 15.21-25).f. Mothers who prioritize their children walk in humility.II. Mothers who prioritize their children are willing to be part of the solution. (vv2-4)a. Notice how the prophet of God asked her how could he help? Then he asked her what resources did she have?b. She only had a little. But God can multiply the little that we have. Remember the boy with the five loaves of bread and two fish? Jesus blessed what he had and fed over 5000.c. God may tell us to use what we have. The widow was told to ask her neighbors for plenty of empty jars, as many as she could get. She was to take her little oil and fill all the jars.d. Think about the absurdity in this. If she paused to ponder what her neighbors would think, she could not become a part of the solution. What you are doing makes no sense… in the natural. It makes perfect sense in the spiritual because the instructions came from the LORD.e. And like this widow, your miracle may come behinds shut doors (privately) because it is not meant to be a public spectacle. There are times when God calls us to pray in secret, to go into our prayer closets, and then become a part of His solution.f. Even the pagan mother in Matt 15 suggested that she gather the crumbs from the master’s table. She was willing to be part of the solution. Why? g. Because mothers who prioritize their children are willing to be part of the solution.III. Mothers who prioritize their children will reap the benefits of faith and obedience. (vv5-7).a. She gathered the jars. They had plenty. Her sons were part of the solution with her. They were inside obediently following the LORD’s directions with no outside interference.b. As long as there was a jar to be filled, the oil kept flowing.c. Notice this. The man of God did not gather the jars. He did not go into the house and pronounce a blessing. He conveyed God’s message. Now the mother had to act on it or not.d. She showed her faith and obedience. The oil only stopped flowing when the last jar was filled.e. She told the man of God she had obediently and faithfully followed the instructions. Now she had to continue the work by selling the jars of oil and pay off all her family’s debts.f. Because of her faith and obedience, God not only met her needs but blessed her with abundance. She and her children were able to live off the excess.g. The pagan woman in Matt 15 reaped the benefits of her faith in Jesus. Listen to how the LORD responded. Matt 15.28 NIV Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.h. Mothers who prioritize their children will reap the benefits of faith and obedience.Conclusion: Do you see how these mothers prioritize their children? They walked in humility and sought help from the right people. They both were willing to be part of the solution. They were willing to do whatever it took as the LORD instructed. And because of their faith and obedience, they reaped the benefits (the blessings) of a breakthrough. And so can you.

May 7, 2023The Scripture texts read in your hearing are Genesis 50.15-21 and John 11.45-53. Our topic today is God’s Plan for His People. Let me begin with the end in mind. God’s Plan for His People is for us to accept the atoning sacrificial death of His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus is the substitution in our place, provides redemption, brings reconciliation, makes propitiation, offers forgiveness, delivers justification, and is the perfect sacrifice.Through this teaching message today, I just want to make sure we understand these seven terms associated with Jesus’ atonement on our behalf as we embrace God’s plan for His people.I. Substitution. In the place of another. Jesus died in our place. • 2Co 5:21 • Mar 10:45 II. Redemption. Purchase from slavery (sin) to freedom. The debt is too high for us. Jesus paid the price in full. • 1Co 6:20 • Gal 3:13• Tit 2:14III. Reconciliation. Making peace with God by removing the sin barrier. Sin keeps mankind separated from God. We can only approach Him through reconciliation.• 2Co 5:18-20IV. Propitiation. Satisfaction of the demand of God towards sinners. Justice is required by Holy God.• Heb 2:17 • Rom 3:23-26V. Forgiveness. Removing charges because of proper satisfaction. God forgives us because of the atonement of Jesus. • Col 2:13-14VI. Justification. Declared righteous. God’s people are righteous not because of ourselves, but because of the shed blood of Jesus that washed away our sins.• Rom 4:23-25 VII. Sacrifice. Give up or suffer loss for another or others. Lambs were offered as sacrifices on behalf of mankind. Jesus is our Sacrificial Lamb. But get this. Others plotted to have Him sacrificed. But it was in God’s plan for His people all along.• Joh 11:48-53 It reminds me of Joseph’s brothers who were plotting against him. They were terrified after their father died. Look at Joseph responded.• Gen 50:15-21 The Sadducees and Pharisees were terrified that Jesus would replace them and/or the Romans would get rid of them. They plotted against Jesus. That was their plan. Hear Jesus’ response to man’s plans.• Joh 10:14-18 Jesus being sacrificed. They meant it for evil. God meant it for good. And even after all the plotting and scheming, Jesus died for them too. All they had to do was accept Jesus as LORD and Savior.If you have not accepted Christ, know that He made this sacrifice for you too. Why? Because this is God’s plan for His people. Become a part of His people today by accepting Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. Amen.

I. God may answer “no” even when we have good intentions but it’s not our assignment. 1Ch 17:1-4II. God may answer “no” when we want to give up. 1Ki 19:3-5 III. God may answer “no” when we ask amiss. Luk 9:51-56 and Jas 4:1-3 IV. God may answer “no” to keep us humble. 2Co 12:7-10 V. God may answer “no” because He has a different assignment for us. Act 16:6-10 VI. God may answer “no” when we ask Him to choose another. This is when we try to reject God’s calling on our life. Exo 4:12-15 and 1Co 9:16 VII. God will answer “no” when it’s the only way. Luk 22:39-42 Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice. He paid the full price for the pardoning of our sins. It was the only way. It took someone who was fully human and fully God to do what no other could do. You and I are blessed because God said no, there is no other way.So the next time you or I hear a “no” from God, I pray we have a “nevertheless” moment and realize that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose according to Romans 8.28. So the next time you or I hear a “no” from God, I pray we have a “nevertheless” moment and recall what God said. Isa 55:8-9 ESV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.I pray when you and I hear a “no” from God, we will have a “nevertheless” moment and say, “LORD, I trust You. Here is my request. Nevertheless, not my will but you will be done.” You know what is best for me.Amen.

The Scripture texts read in your hearing are Deuteronomy 1.24-33 and Mark 6.1-6. Our topic today is Get Unstuck. CHRONOLOGY. 1. This visit to Nazareth in Mark 6 is the same as that mentioned by Matthew (Mat 13:54-58). This was his second time coming back to Nazareth.2. But different from that recorded by Luke (Luk 4:14-30). They tried to take his life the first time he taught in the synagogue in Nazareth. This was the beginning of His ministry after His temptation in the wilderness. 3. Some other miracles intervened between the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mar 5.21-43) and this rejection (Mat 9:27-34).The 1st time Jesus went to the synagogue alone. The 2nd time His disciples were with Him. Perhaps He was further preparing His disciples for ministry and rejection.His hometown marveled at His teaching. Still rejected Him. Mark 1.21-23His hometown marveled at His wisdom. Still rejected Him. James 3.13-17His hometown marveled at His miracles. Still rejected Him. John 10.37-38; 11.45-48They had living proof in their presence and they still rejected Him. They were too familiar with His background. Dare I say they were stuck.Allow me to conclude this way. Look at Mark 6.1-6 from 3 viewpoints.I. Will you see it from Jesus’ perspective and walk in your assignment regardless of what others think? II. Will you see it from the perspective of His relatives and hold others back. Please, do not be a discourager. There are some who have assignments from the LORD that we need to support. Encourage them and respect their growth.III. Will you see it from the perspective of those in His hometown synagogue who was too familiar with Jesus to believe Him to be the Messiah? I pray none of us has gotten too familiar with Jesus or the church that we miss out on a fresh anointing from the Holy Spirit. Don’t get stuck where you are.Gathering together for worship can be like a family reunion or class reunion. Let’s us appreciate the growth of others. And may we all continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.Amen.

The Scripture texts read in your hearing are Exodus 18.13-17 and Galatians 2.11-16. Our topic today is Humility for Christian Consistency. Let us pray.In the Galatians text we find Paul opposing Peter because of Peter’s inconsistency. The Gentile controversy had already been addressed and answered.I. Christian Consistency should be defended with courageous humility. v11a. Paul was not perfect, but he served a perfect God.b. The Holy Spirit led him to address Peter directly.II. Christian Consistency can be damaging by yielding to fear. v12a. Perfect love casts out fear.b. All things work together for good.III. Christian Consistency should be maintained for the sake of others. v13a. Some are attracted to us because of the Light of Jesus.b. What we say and do can lead others to Christ or push them away.We just celebrated Easter. Many were on their best behavior. I pray we will all be a consistent Christian every day and not just on the big day. We may need someone to remind us when we get off track. So may we all have humility for Christian consistency.Amen.

Welcome to the 2nd Sunday in April 2023, Resurrection Sunday, aka Easter.Hosanna the previous Sunday. Passover celebration converted to the Last Supper the following Thursday. On Friday - Crucify Him - day 1.On Saturday - dead & buried in a borrowed tomb - day 2.On Sunday - resurrected from the dead with all power in His hands - day 3.The case for the resurrection of Jesus. 1. Empty grave2. Witnessed by many women3. Variations from the 4 Gospels - different perspectives of the same event4. Initial unbelief of the disciples5. Witness of over 500 people6. Transformation of the disciples from cowards to conquerors (resurrection power)7. Miracles in my life – I know my Savior livesResurrection power is the spirit of the LORD, the Holy Spirit.OT Examples – Isaiah, David, Samson, Elijah, & GideonWhatever you are going through pray from a position of victory. Joh 16:33 NASB "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."How did He overcome the world? By resurrection power!How will you and I overcome our circumstances? By resurrection power!How will we live our lives from this day forward? With resurrection power!There is resurrection power in the hands of a Christian. Know the power you have in your hands... because of who you have in your heart, Jesus Christ who has given us the spirit of the living God, the Holy Spirit.

When was the last time you got your praise on? Let me give you three reasons to praise.1. Praise the LORD for His coming (the first advent).A. The people were excited about the coming King! Hosanna!B. They assumed Him to be their political king and conquering king. They had erroneous expectations. C. You and I know Jesus to be our spiritual King and our conquering King.2. Praise the LORD for His death, burial, and resurrection (substitutionary atonement).A. Right after all that praise, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Luk 19:41 NKJV Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it. Hosanna on Sunday, Crucify Him on Friday.B. Don't make Jesus cry over you because you missed the day of His visitation by not accepting His finished work on the cross!C. Jesus came to die so you and I might live. Praise the LORD for the right to the tree of eternal life!D. We cannot earn salvation. It must be received. God pours His grace upon whomever will receive salvation by the way, the truth, and the life. His name is Jesus. Won't you praise Him?3. Praise the LORD for His return for His followers (the second advent).A. Joh 14:2-3 NKJV In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.B. Rom 8:33-34 NKJV Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.C. 1Th 4:16-17 NKJV For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.D. Because we know who holds our future, what should we be doing now? 1Co 15:57-58 NKJV But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.E. Keep doing the will of God and praise Him for His coming again!

Like me, perhaps you have see the trailers for Wakanda Forever. This is the sequel to the Black Panther movie. Wakanda is the home of the Black Panther and several tribes. It is a fictitious technologically advanced African country covered by an ark of safety. This ark protects the country from prying eyes and enemy threats. The concept is from Marvel Studios.Black Panther is a made-up hero. Wakanda is a made-up location with an ark of safety. Being entertained by this fictional character and place can be fun as we find enjoyment in the unreal. However, I believe that preparation for reality is much better. You see, we have a real hero in Jesus! We have a real ark of safety in salvation. Let’s go deeper. I.God wants everyone saved. (vv4-9)A.Back in Noah’s day, God saw the evil of humankind. He gave the people time to repent. Noah preached the same message, “It’s gonna rain” for 120 years. He used water then.B.The people continued to reject God’s message.C.What about Sodom and Gomorrah. They were living in wickedness. God decided to destroy the cities. But God rescues Lot and his family. But some rejected safety.D.God wants everyone saved. But He gives us free will to choose either eternal life with Him or eternal damnation separate from Him. It’s choice and He wants us to choose life. He wants us to get in the ark! II.Expect the unexpected by living righteously. (vv10-13)A.God said there will be a new heaven and a new earth. He will use fire next time.B.Daniel 3.8-30C.The three Hebrew boys could expect the unexpected because they lived righteously. In other words, they were in the ark.D.Being in the ark simply means we have a personal relationship with the LORD. Get in the ark!Conclusion: God wants us saved. We can only be saved by getting in the ark of safety, the ark of salvation that comes only by Jesus the Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. When we are connected to Him, we can expect the unexpected and live righteously. Enjoy the fiction of Wakanda forever if you like. Just be sure you the embrace the reality of Jesus forever. I pray you get in the ark, or you are already in the ark of safety, the ark of salvation, the ark of eternal life. Amen. The door of salvation is open.

Listen as Rev. Copeland compare the trends of today with the happenings of Noah's time. Recorded 10-30-22.

Scripture Texts – Psalm 23.6 and John 14.1-6 Subject – God’s Got YouWelcome to the 3rd Sunday in October as we conclude our series, The Good Shepherd. As I’ve shared before, Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust, of peace, of provisions, and devotion. Today, we will cover verse 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. I. God’s got you in the here!- David says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”- At this juncture in life, David is very confident. He considers his past. God has been leading, guiding, and directing him. Even in the darkest valleys and bitter storms, God has been protecting him. And when he was in need, God has been providing for him, blessings overflowing.- He sees God out front with a rod of protection and a staff of direction and rescue.- Then he notices that all along God sent spiritual twins to cover his six, to cover his back. Those twins are called goodness and mercy. These are the same twins the LORD sends to cover our backs. When the Lord is our Shepherd, instead of being stalked by wild beasts we are pursued by the loving care of the Lord.II. God’s got you in the hereafter!- David says, “And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”- David realizes no matter what happens on this side of glory, he will be with the LORD forever because he has accepted the Good Shepherd as his LORD and Savior. - Job 13:15 KJV Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.- David understands the ups and downs of life. He knows he will not always get it right.- Psa 27:4 NKJV One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.- Like David, the one thing we should desire is to be with the LORD forever. Jesus has prepared the place.Conclusion: I pray today that we all know or will come to know the Good Shepherd for ourselves. God’s got us in the here and the hereafter if you have Jesus. Amen. The door of salvation is open.

Scripture Texts – Psalm 23.5 and John 10.1-10Subject – Protection and Provisions in Daddy’s HouseWelcome to the 2nd Sunday in October as we continue in our series, The Good Shepherd. As I’ve shared before, Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust, of peace, of provisions, and devotion. Today, we will cover verse 5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.I.The enemy cannot snatch us from Daddy’s house.-David says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”-Joh 10:27-29 ESV My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (28) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.-There is protection Daddy's house. The enemy cannot touch us in Daddy's house. But too many of us leave the house and now must contend with the enemy because we slipped out and left His presence. II.I am reminded of who I truly am… in Daddy’s house.-David says, “You anoint my head with oil.”-God is showing his love and care for psalmist by honoring him, anointing him with oil. -Out in the wilderness dealing with the valleys of life, the psalmist was going through a lot. But once he entered Daddy’s house, he was reminded of who he truly was and how God wanted the best for him.-Please realize that our best life is in the LORD. He anoints us with His favor and blessings if we let Him. Don’t miss out on your blessings by turning from Him.III.I realize I have more than enough… in Daddy’s house.-David says, “My cup overflows.”-This overflowing cup represents abundance. It represents more than enough.-God has so much He wants to provide for us… when we align ourselves with Him and do things His way. He is the God of more than enough.Conclusion: Please understand that being in Daddy’s house is really an analogy of being covered by the ark of salvation. It means that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior, and the presence of the LORD is with us everywhere we go. Remember, the enemy is very crafty. He will try to entice you. He wants you to think that you are missing out on something if you don’t go to certain places and do certain things. Let’s align ourselves with the LORD, realizing there are protection and provisions in Daddy’s house. Your blessings are on the way when you get and stay connected to Jesus! Amen. The door of salvation is open.

Scripture Texts – Psalm 23 and Mark 4.35-41Subject – Finding Comfort in DiscomfortWelcome to the 2nd Sunday in October as we continue in our series, The Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust, of peace, of provisions, and devotion. Today we will cover verse 4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. So how do we deal with the valleys, the storms, the dark shadows of life and find comfort in discomfort?I.Realize that we all will face our own seasons of dark shadows.-Sometimes the shepherd must guide the sheep through dark valleys to get to the other side.-Sheep fear darkness. They fear unfamiliar situations. They fear change. Predators may lurk.-Even though it’s a valley, a storm, an eclipse… it’s only a shadow of death.-The Apostles were terrified. But the storm was only a shadow of death. Jesus said, “Let us go to the other side.”II.Know that the LORD is with His children especially during the darkest storm.-The sheep safely reach their destinations by staying with the shepherd. Fear not.-During the darkest moments is definitely not the time to stray from the shepherd.-That dark storm the Apostles faced was like an eclipse, raging sea, severe turbulence, out of control… but the LORD was with them… purposefully asleep (Mark 4.38).-Remember, just like in school, the teacher is often quiet during the test. But he’s still there!-Mark 4.40; Deut 31.8; Josh 1.5; 1Sam 12.22; Heb 13.5-6.III.Understand that the LORD will protect and rescue us from any danger within the valley.-The shepherd carries a rod of protection and a staff of rescue with him. He fights away predators and use the crook of the staff to pull sheep from trouble.-Jesus had a rod and staff within Him as He rebuked the storm. Peace! Be still!-You and I can take comfort in the storm, in the valley, in the eclipses of life because the LORD is our protector and rescuer! Footprints in the sand.Conclusion: We all will face seasonal valleys, storms, and dark shadows of life. Don’t be surprised. Just know, if you are a believer, Jesus is with you especially during your darkest moment. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And if it gets too treacherous in the darkness, Jesus is there with His rod and staff to bring us His comfort. And if you have fallen and can’t get up, He is there to carry you. So, ride out the storm, walk through the valley, deal with the dark shadows with Jesus. Thank God! He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Amen. The door of salvation is open.

Scripture Texts are Psalm 23.3 and Matthew 7.12-14. Subject is “Order My Steps.”Welcome to Communion Sunday as we continue in our series, The Good Shepherd. In Psalm 23, according to multiple translations, we are led to the water but guided in the path. The Good Shepherd knows the right path to our destination, and He wants to guide us along the way. I.When we honor His name, by our obedience, God gets the glory.-The shepherd is respected when the sheep follow him.-Exo 9.16 Pharaoh had to learn about the power of God’s name. God gets the glory!-Php 2.9-11 At the name of Jesus… God gets the glory!-(cf. Psa_25:11; Psa_31:3; Psa_106:8; Isa_43:25; Isa_48:9).II.When we honor His name, by our obedience, we are blessed.-The sheep safely reach their destinations by staying in the path.-Joshua 1.6-9. Prosperity and success are in our obedience.III.When we honor His name, by our obedience, others can benefit.-Sheep are herd animals. They follow the sheep in front of them usually. The lead sheep can be a blessing or a curse by following the shepherd or going astray.-Blessed to be a blessing.-We know the Way. We can help others discover the Way!-Matt 7.12-14Conclusion: Mat 5:16 NIV “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 1Pe 2:12 NLT “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” How do we do this? By letting the Good Shepherd guide us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Then God will get the glory, we will be blessed, and others can benefit. Amen. The door of salvation is open.

Scripture Texts are Psalm 23.2 and Matthew 11.25-30. Subject is “Pause on Purpose.”How many of you have heard someone tell you, “You’re doing too much.” Or perhaps you have said that to someone you know. I have seen people in ministry who love the LORD so much that they wore about seven different hats doing this and doing that and wearing themselves out. They were doing too much. They needed a break. They needed to pause on purpose.I.If we won’t pause on purpose ourselves, God may pause us on purpose Himself.A.David says, “He MAKES me lie down in green pastures.”B.God wants you and me to recognize we need rest. He wants us to come to Him.C.In this environment in which we live, there is so much emotional and mental strain upon us. God is telling us not to make Him have to make us lie down. He wants you and me to pause on purpose to get the physical rest we need, the emotional break we want, and the mental relaxation we require.D.If we won’t pause on purpose ourselves, God may pause us on purpose Himself.II.Oft times a physical break precedes a mental break.A.David says, “He leads me besides the still waters.”B.David rested in the green pastures. Then he was led to still waters… water given by the LORD that is a spring of water welling up to eternal life.C.Sometimes God will make us move our feet physically to leave the environment we are in to discover a place of peace where He can speak to us and we can hear from Him. D.Oft times a physical break precedes a mental break. Allow the LORD to lead you to a quiet place to be alone with Him, a place where you can pause on purpose.III.We can give our best after a divine reset.A.David says, “He restores my soul.”B.Those familiar with technology know every so often you must reboot.C.If you and I are going to be effective in ministry, in school, in sports, or on the job, we must pause on purpose so that God can bless us with a divine reset. Then we will perform better and be more effective in what we are doing. D.He restores my soul! He is the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd wants what is best for us!” We can have the best and give our best after a divine reset… on a regular basis. Be sure to pause on purpose.Conclusion: Remember, if we won’t pause on purpose ourselves, God may pause us on purpose Himself. Oft times a physical break precedes a mental break. We all need a mental break sometimes. And we can give our best after a divine reset. So, pause on purpose for the LORD and for yourself.It is my prayer that today, this day, that we all have Jesus Christ as our Shepherd. We invite you to accept Him today. Amen.

Scripture Texts are Psalm 107.1-2 and 2Cor 5.17-21.Subject is “Count Your Blessings.”Guest Preacher - Rev. Anthony CopelandWe invite you to accept Jesus today. Amen.

Scripture Texts are Psalm 23 and Matthew 6.25-34. Subject is “Who Is He?”Thank God there are many men and women who have a special calling. They are called to protect and serve. They are called to respond to danger. They are called to put their lives on the line to save others. And sometimes they are like shepherds watching over sheep.But they are human shepherds. There exists an eternal shepherd. One who can shepherd the entire world from eternity past to eternity future and everyone in between. Who is He, you ask.I.He is the self-existent One (the LORD).A.David is not referring to a man he could touch and feel as his shepherd. He is referring to divinity, to deity, to the Almighty God.B.Exo 3:14 ESV God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"C.The God who appeared to Moses is the same God who David is referencing in the Psalm. And He is the same God who can live in us today.D.He is the Omniscient, Omnipresence, Omnipotent God! All knowing, ever present, Almighty God! He is the LORD!II.He is a very present help (Is).A.David did not say God was or will be my shepherd. He says God is my shepherd.B.God is a right now God. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not promised. So let’s live in today with our very present help.C.Jesus tells us not to borrow trouble from tomorrow. Mat 6:34 ESV "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.D.Plan for tomorrow but live in the present. Give us this day our daily bread!III.He is a personal and intimate LORD and Savior (my shepherd).A.Notice David did not say the LORD is a shepherd or the shepherd. He said the LORD is my shepherd.B.He knew the LORD for himself. He had a relationship with God. He did not just know of the LORD. He knew Him. And he knew Him experientially. He knew Him as his Savior.C.But do we accept Him as our Shepherd. If He is our shepherd this means we are His sheep. Too many of us are too prideful to be sheep. So, we want Him as Savior but not Shepherd.D.Jesus wants to be our Savior and LORD. He is the Good Shepherd. The question is, “Is He your Shepherd?”Conclusion: The LORD is the self-existent One, a very present help, and a personal and intimate LORD and Savior. Continue to pray for those who lost loved ones during 911. And continue to pray for the first responders who act as shepherds at times. And pray for those who are lost and are in need of the Good Shepherd.If He is not your Savior today, I invite you to accept Him today. If He is your Savior only, I invite you to accept Him as your LORD today. Amen.

Scripture Texts are Jeremiah 33.14-22 and Matthew 26.21-35. Subject is “A Commemoration of Salvation.”We may be tempted to turn our backs on those who have offended us. Betrayal is painful and ugly. Who wants to embrace those who have betrayed? Similarly, being abandoned is not much better. Think about having two close friends who perhaps grew up with you or you went to school together or played on the same sports team, or worked together, or worshiped together. These two people were close friends. And you trusted them.On the same day, one betrays you and the other one forsakes you. One sets you up to be seriously hurt. And the other one abandons you when you them the most. Two people you should be able to depend on when times are hard have turned against and from you. After that, how could you care for either of them?In our text, Jesus institutes Holy Communion as He prepares to become our Passover Lamb. Sandwiched between this act is betrayal by Judas and being forsaken by Peter. Even today, we have Christians behaving like Judas and Peter. Yet, Christ still died for each and every one of us. Today we commemorate His sacrifice. We commemorate His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and future return for us, the body of Christ who has accepted Jesus the Christ as LORD and Savior.Conclusion: Jesus loves us so much, that no matter what we have done in the past, forgiveness is available to us. Salvation is available to whomever would accept Jesus as LORD and Savior. If you do not reject Jesus, He will not reject you. Amen.

Scripture Texts are 1Samuel 16.14-23 and Romans 12.9-21 for the topic of “Pursuing Peace by Living Righteously.” In the Roman text, Paul teaches about the marks of a true Christian. He talks about personal conduct. Dr. MacArthur says, “Paul presents these characteristics under four categories: (1) personal duties; (2) family duties; (3) duties to others; and (4) duties to those who consider us enemies. Our focus verse is Rom 12.18.I.Realize peace is not always possible with all people at all times. A.Russia & Ukraine; China & Taiwan; India & Pakistan; Hatfields & McCoysB.A beautiful relationship can take a bad turn - Saul developed a jealousy and hatred of DavidC.David was faithful to God, to Israel, and to his king (King Saul). He lived righteously.D.Saul had an internal problem, but he was seeking an external solution – David’s lifeE.There are some people who refuse peace. Peace is not always possible with all people at all times.II.No matter what others do, be sure you purpose peace in your heart. Do your part.A.One mark of a true Christian is not how they carry themselves during good times, but how they respond to the storms of life.B.Some say, “Revenge is sweet.” But it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD.”C.David had opportunities to take Saul’s life. Let’s look at one. D.In chap 26, we find Saul with 3k men seeking David’s life again. And again, David spares Saul.E.No matter what Saul did, David purposed peace in his heart & did his part & was righteous before God.F.No matter what others do, be sure to purpose peace in your heart. Do you part as the Holy Spirit leads.Conclusion: Let’s pray for peace… And if possible, so far as it depends on us, let us live peaceably with all in the world, in our nation, in our churches, in our communities, and in our families by pursuing peace by living righteously. Amen.

Scripture Texts – Psalm 122.1-9 and John 16.25-33 – Tasha/CJSubject – Pursuing Peace through ObedienceThink about a time when you were told by your mom, or dad, or someone given charge over you. They told you to do something or don’t do this or that. Perhaps you disobeyed them. On the surface, it appears as though you got away with it. But on the inside, there was a conflict, an upheaval, a lack of peace because you knew you were wrong. Our subject today is Pursuing Peace through Obedience.I.Pursuing Peace through Obedience can bring a blessing for others (Jonah, Jon 1.7-10)A.Jonah’s disobedience caused inner and outer turmoilB.Jonah’s disobedience nearly cost others their livesC.People were saved because of his obedience (Nineveh)II.Pursuing Peace through Obedience will bring inner peace (Jeremiah, Jer 20.8-11)A.Known as the weeping prophet. Called to a ministry of preaching to a people who would not listen.B.He was threatened, tried for his life, put in stocks, forced to flee from King Jehoiakim, publicly humiliated by a false prophet, and thrown into a pit.C.As bad as his outer circumstances were, his inner conflict was greater. D.His inner peace came through his obedience. He had to follow his calling.III.Pursuing Peace through Obedience is not dependent upon others (Paul, 1 Cor 9.11-16)A.Paul had rights. Other were compensated for their ministry work. But not him currently.B.Other Apostles were ministering to the Jews. They knew to give to the ministry.C.Paul was sent to the gentiles. He was on a missionary journey. He did not want to burden the people nor make them think he was in it for personal material gain.D.Paul knew his calling, embrace his calling, and lived out his calling.E.Woe to me if I do not do what the LORD has commanded me to do!Conclusion: Let’s pray for peace… in the world, in our nation, in our churches, in our families, and in each of us as individuals. And as we are praying, let us do our part by pursuing peace for ourselves through obedience to the LORD. Amen.

Scripture Texts – 1Kings 19.1-16 and Philippians 4.4-9 Subject – Purposefully Pursuing PeaceReading the headlines in the news is enough to create fits of anxiety. The opposite of anxiety is peace. It’s all in your you look at it. Many of us don’t experience long-lasting peace because we rely on our soul to lead us instead of the Holy Spirit. Reaction vs Response vs Spirit Led. The Spirit will keep us aligned with the Word of God.I.Take everything (large and small, general and specific) to the LORD v6A.Everything = everything (large & small)B.Prayer & supplication = general & specific requests; pray God-centered not problem focusedC.Do your part (do what you can do) & Trust God to do His part (Isa 55.6-12, Matt 6.26-33)II.Keep an attitude of gratitude v6A.Thank God while calling those things that be not as though they wereB.Keep a spirit of thankfulness; Rejoice in joy (joy v happiness (e.g., v4))III.Trust the Peace of God to stand sentry over your peace v7A.Embrace the irony. Like a soldier ready for battle to protect your peace. Like a guardian angel.B.Negativity cannot get in unless we open the door.IV.Think about what you are thinking about and take every thought captive v8 A.Keep the door of negativity shut; filter your thoughts; who’s/what’s knocking?B.Elijah focused too much on what Jezebel would do instead of who God is & what God did & can doC.Expect peace and visualize it; focus on the problem or the Problem Solver?V.Practice what you have learned from the Word of God and the God of Peace will be with you v9A.God came to Elijah in a whisper (wind, quake, fire). Jesus retreated often to be alone with God. Rest!B.What are you doing with the messages you hear? Don’t be hearers onlyC.Who is your life model? I pray it is Jesus. I had great men & women who pointed me to JesusConclusion: Lasting peace requires us to purposefully pursue peace. The closer we get to God the less these minor infractions will bother us and the better we will be able to deal with the major challenges we face. Amen.

Prior to the fall, man had perfect communion with God. After the fall, the consequence of sin is man and woman now had a broken fellowship and a scarred relationship with the LORD God. God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, established redemption for humankind via the LORD and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We acknowledge and commemorate our right relationship with the Godhead via Communion. Jesus is the tie that binds us to God and one another. Communion reminds us of that.Scripture texts are Genesis 3.1-15 and 1Corinthians 11.17-29 with the subject, "Communion Reminds Us." 1. Communion reminds us of our relationship with each other in Christ. (vv17-22)a. Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22.39)b. What you have done to the least of these (Matt 25.34-40)c. Believers are family in Christ (Matt 12.50)2. Communion reminds us of our redemption in Christ. (vv23-26)a. Gen 3.15 – strike His heel (cross); bruise his head (resurrection)b. God required justice! But He provided mercy. The penalty was paid.c. Gone is the penalty, power, and soon the presence of sin when He comes back3. Communion reminds us of our righteousness in Christ. (vv27-29)a. Our outside reflects our inside (like a tube of toothpaste)b. Live a life that is pleasing to God by yielding to the Holy Spiritc. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in meConclusion: Communion is not about a ritual or religion. It’s about a right relationship. Amen.

Scripture Texts – Jonah 3.1-10 and Matthew 12.38-45 Jesus used the repentance of the Ninevites to rebuke the Pharisees, thereby illustrating the hardness of the Pharisees' hearts and their unwillingness to repent. The heathen city of Nineveh repented at the preaching of a reluctant prophet, but the Pharisees would not repent at the preaching of the greatest of all prophets, despite overwhelming evidence that He was their LORD and Messiah. The Ninevites got it right.I. They got it right because they humbled themselves from the least to the greatest. (vv5-6)In 2Ch 7:14 we read, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Notice how humility comes first. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were too prideful and too religious to have a relationship with the Savior. Is the sermon for me or always for someone else?II. They got it right because they fasted, prayed, and sought the LORD’s face. (vv7-8a)The Pharisees of Jesus day prayed to be seen and heard by others. Mat 6:1 ESV "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” As church people, why do we do what we do? Are pastors being sent or are some just going? What’s the motive? Do we truly seek the LORD’s will BEFORE deciding?III. They got it right because they turned from their evil ways. (vv8b-9)The Assyrians were a violent people. But according to v5, they believed God. And in v8b, they repented. In 1Sam 6, we find the Philistines repenting to God. But the religious elite of Jesus’ day saw no need for repentance. Does America see a need to repent? Does today’s church see a need? Does any of us?How sad is it when unbelievers have a greater chance of being saved than religious people who don’t recognize the need for repentance? This is what Jesus was dealing with then. And this issue is still with us today. Too many churches have become too religious without a primary focus on a relationship with Jesus. You want to be a person who gets it right? Humble yourself. Pray. Seek the LORD’s face. And turn from sin. Receive the LORD Jesus Christ today! Amen.

Scripture Texts today are Esther 4.1-17 and 1Peter 3.8-17. Today’s Subject is “A People Who Got It Right.”Last week we heard how the Israelite people were a people who got it wrong. Today, we will contrast the actions of the people of Samuel’s time with the actions of the Jewish people of Esther’s time. Although the actions took place under the Persian rule, it was really temporal battle against the Jewish people and the Amalekites and a spiritual battle against the LORD and Satan.I.They got it right because they acted on divine guidance instead of human impulse.Esther went from being timid to taking charge! Before she would make a move, she called for a national fast! For three days and three nights they would humble themselves, fast, pray, and seek the LORD’s face. She wanted to make sure it was the LORD’s will before she went to the king.II.They got it right because they did not substitute the symbolical for the spiritual.Being queen, Esther had a symbol of power. But she understood that she served at the pleasure of the king. He had banished Queen Vashti. He could easily banish her also. She had the crown on her head. But she did not trust in the symbolical. She understood that the real power was not in the symbol. The power is in the LORD. The symbols remind us of the Person, the LORD of Lords, and the King of kings. Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish people understood that to tap into real power, they had to address the spiritual. This is why Esther called for a national fast.III.They got it right because they realized that evil was the real reason for their predicament.The people of Esther’s time were trying to live a righteous life while under Persian rule. Yes, this was a battle between Mordecai and Haman; the Israelites and the Amalekites. But ultimately, it was a battle between good and evil; between God and Satan. The people understood that they could not win this battle flesh against flesh. They had to fight evil on God’s terms by addressing it at its source, in the spiritual.Seek divine guidance, prioritize the spiritual over the symbolical, and realize that evil/sin is the source of our problems. Stay connected to God through fasting and prayer. Amen.

Our subject today is "A People Who Got It Wrong." Our texts are 1Samuel 4:1-11, 22 and Luke 19:39-44.In Luke during the Triumphal Entry, Jesus was weeping for the people of Jerusalem, while they were celebrating Him. The people did not recognize the SAVIOR! Is Jesus weeping today for His people for the same reason? Are the people of God today doing our own thing, making our priorities more important than God's priorities? Things can go wrong quickly as in the case of the Israelites! But why? What did they get wrong? Didn't they call on the LORD? Why did they lose?1. They lost because they acted on human impulse instead of divine guidance.They made a hasty decision, they elevated Jesus as a king but...in their own image (human impulse). When a REACTION comes in our heart, we must WAIT for our mind to catch up to our heart. However, it is best to wait on the HOLY SPIRIT to tell us how to RESPOND. The Israelites did not do this.2. They lost because they substituted the symbolical for the spiritual.The POWER is not in the symbols, The POWER is in the person of GOD! Religiosity (appearing holy ONLY, doing the check off list instead of having an up close and personal relationship with Jesus) is not enough. Our victory is in our RELATIONSHIP with the LORD! The Israelites had lost their relationship with the LORD! They tried to appear holy by bringing the HOLY ark of the LORD onto the battlefield while living sinfully. They tried to manipulate God. This will never work!3. They lost because they failed to realize that sin was the real reason for their defeat.The people CHOSE to live in disobedience and Eli, the high priest, allowed their sin to go unchecked! In fact, his sons (both priests) were ring leaders in the national sin. They were living in the consequences of their actions. Is America living in the consequences of her actions today? We have allowed sin to invade our nation, our churches, and our homes. Until we realize sin is bringing us down, we may continue on a downward trajectory.But there is good news. According to 1 Jn 1.9, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Israelites were a people who got it wrong, they tried to manipulate God by acting on human impulse instead of divine guidance. They substituted the symbolical for the spiritual. And they failed to realize that sin was the real reason for their defeat. Join us next week to hear about a people who got it right. Amen.

Scripture Texts are 2Samuel 12.1-7a and James 1.12-15, 26-27. Today’s subject is “The Second Look.”The book of 2Samuel records David’s fall from grace. He went through five stages leading to sin. We shall examine those stages and provide five strategies to overcome temptation.Five Stages Leading to Sin- Desensitization: world of temptation for sex, money, power- Relaxation: not constantly guarding against temptation in areas of weakness- Fixation: well, maybe just once, entertaining other ideas, forgetting God- Rationalization: excuse making, justifying wrong- Degeneration: yielding to temptation, horrible & perhaps deadly consequencesKing David went through the stages & broke at least 6 of the 10 Commandments all because he took a 2nd look. Exo 20:12-17 NKJV. (1) "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife." (2) "You shall not steal. (3) "You shall not commit adultery. (4) "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (5) "You shall not murder. (6) "Honor your father and your mother.” If it happened to him, it could happen to us. Run like Joseph did in Gen 39. He did not take entertain temptation. He got away from it.Five Strategies to Overcome Temptation- Prayer; Submit & Resist (James 4.7)- Prayer; Accountability Partner(s) (2Sam 12.7a)- Prayer; Memorize and Pray God’s Word (Psa 119.9, 11) Jesus in wilderness.- Prayer; Discipline of the Mind (Mark 9.47; Php 4.😎- Prayer; Set Boundaries (Prov 6.27); NetFlix vs PureFlix. Run away from it!Amen.

Scripture Texts are Leviticus 19.1-4 and 1Peter 1.13-25 based on the subject, “Great Expectations.”You and I today are in the race of life. God has great expectations of us. He expects us to run our race well. In other words, He expects us to live our lives according to His plans. He expects us to live holy. Look at the text in 1Peter 1.13-25.1. To meet God’s expectations we get ready, we get set, and we go. (vv13-14)2. To meet God’s expectations we must know how to win. (vv15-16)3. To meet God’s expectations we must embrace our freedom. (vv17-21)4. To meet God’s expectations we run the race of life with purity and love. (vv22-25)God has great expectations of us. In this race of life, there will be many distractions, lies from the enemy, and temptations. When temptations come, let’s choose purity over perceived pleasure. Let’s choose God’s will over our will. Let’s choose yielding to the Holy Spirit over yielding to our flesh. Let’s run our race with excellence!Don’t miss this. The athletes in the race are competing against each other. You and I are in the race of life competing against our former selves. Let me remind of us v14. God expects us to be holy! Am I growing more like Jesus every day? The good news is we can meet God’s expectations because He placed His spirit in us! Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Great expectations? With God, yes, we can! Amen.

"Check Your Motives" - Psalm 51:1-19 and Matthew 6:1-8How many of us do things for recognition? Recognition in and of itself is not bad. It can tell others that they can do it also. It can serve as a way to encourage others. The Bible says, don't do charitable deeds or good deeds ONLY to be seen by others. We ALL must check our motives.The Pharisees were religious looking but their hearts were not right. Humans see the actions of man, but God sees the heart of man. Rather than a motive of caring for people, some only do things to gain POWER and PRESTIGE. Matt 6.2 says they already have their reward.Having the right motive brings God honor! When we do things to please God, with a humble spirit, we will receive our reward from God himself. The Lord sees our actions and know our motives! God wants us to come to Him with a humble and contrite heart, with PURE MOTIVES. Let's be sincere in our prayers, praying in God's will! God is moved by a PURE heart!Let us ALL check our motives with Jesus Christ, listen to what He reveals, and seek Him to help us to make the adjustments need to be in RIGHT standing with Him! Receive, renew in Jesus today, He is waiting, He loves you! Amen

Scripture texts are Joshua 24:14-27 and Matthew 1:18-25 from the subject, “Stepping Up by Stepping In." As men and/or fathers, we can learn a lot about godly responsibility from Joseph.1.Walk in integrity. (vv 18-19)Respect is EARNED! Men of INTEGRITY earn RESPECT! Joseph could be TRUSTED by Mary. Joseph the dreamer (Gen 39.2-4) also WALKED in INTEGRITY and found favor from the Lord! Nehemiah and Daniel were men who also walked in INTEGRITY! The commonality of these men is that they ALL followed the Lord! Follow the LORD and be WORTH following!2.Must listen to God (vv 20-23)Too many are listening to society! Work on our relationships with Jesus by tuning our ears to Him! The closer we are to Him, the clearer His voice will be.3.Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. (vv 24-25)Joseph was a great example to his household and the world! Can God depend on men today to be godly examples of the father figures He needs? It takes a village, a godly village, to raise our children! Men will you STEP UP and STEP IN?Today is a GREAT DAY to be that man of INTEGRITY according to the WORD of GOD! We honor the fathers and father figures who follow JESUS and are leading children to follow the LORD. Happy Father's Day!

Scripture Texts are Genesis 19.12-17 and Philippians 3.12-21 from the subject “Don’t Look Back.”Instantaneously you are saved when you accept Christ as LORD and Savior. But you do not become spiritually mature on the spot. This takes time, and study, and a commitment to grow spiritually in your Christianity. And it takes consistent obedience to the LORD. You want to be blessed? Follow Christ and do as the Holy Spirit leads you… on God’s timetable. I believe that full obedience to the LORD would have saved Lot’s whole family. They were to run for their lives. They were to run to the hills or the mountains. Don’t stop in the valley. And whatever you do, don’t look back!Whatever your vice is, whatever your weakness is, Satan wants to exploit it. God is delivering you and Satan just wants you to look back. He says that it’s hard being a Christian. Why don’t you just look back and go back to your old ways. God says no! Don’t look back!Satan wants us to look back because he knows his place. Jesus has put Satan behind us. As long as we keep our eyes on Christ, as long as we keep pressing towards the mark, as long as we continue to approach the throne of grace, as long as we are led by the Holy Spirit, we have victory!Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Start it off with Christ, commit to follow Him, and don’t look back.Amen.

Scripture Texts are 2Kings 6.8-19 and Revelation 5.1-14 from the subject, “Victory in Jesus.”“If all you see is what you see, you do not see all there is to be seen.” – Dr. Tony EvansLet’s examine the text in Revelation 5 to remind us about victory in Jesus.1.On earth, sometimes things will look hopeless. (vv1-4)2.Whatever the problem, our victory is in Jesus. (vv5-10)3.Anticipate the celebration, then rejoice. (vv11-14)There is victory in Jesus. He has all power and all authority. As a believer, you and I have authority and power in Jesus’ name. Satan still has power. But he does not have authority over believers. So, if we feel as though he has a stronghold over us and we have a sense of hopelessness, please remember our victory in Jesus. He broke the yoke of bondage at the cross. Even though we may sometimes experience an emotional rollercoaster, Jesus reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always with us.Our victory is assured in Jesus. He just needs us to see it. Amen.