I Have Stood My Watch, But Christ Still Stands
Habakkuk 2: 1-4
Matthew 16: 18
Pastor H. Bernard Branch
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Sunday, October 29, 2000
Final Sermon as pastor of Bethlehem
(will begin new pastoral duties at New Central BC, Norfolk, VA this
week)

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch
to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am
reproved.
2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it
plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it
shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it
will surely come, it will not tarry.
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the
just shall live by his faith.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not  prevail
against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in  heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

      When one enters the military you begin to learn all of the
things a soldier or sailor is supposed to do.  You learn how to
march, how to face, how to shoot, move, and communicate and how to
salute. One of the main things they teach you is your general orders.
Across all of these 33 years I still remember my General Orders.
These orders apply to each and everyone.  And the First General Order
that you learn is this:  "I will guard my post until I am
properly
relieved."  That is the first General Order.  No matter what
happens…
while you are on the post….on that watch…on that place of
duty….you
cannot leave until you are properly relieved.  Enemies foreign and
domestic may come and fire bullets at you but until you are properly
relieved you must maintain your post. When you are relieved, you
salute your Sergeant of the Guard your replacement comes and then are
relieved.   When you are relieved… you are free to go to perform
other duties or to another post.
      As I come down to this final Sunday of six years here at the
Bethlehem Guard Post….the Lord has said to me, "I have Stood
my
watch" and now it is time to be relieved.  Bernard you have done
your
job, you have kept the faith, you have endured, you fought the good
fight of faith, you have held fast to that which is of the Lord, you
have given the vision, You have stood on the watchtower.   So now it
is time to be relieved to go to other duties.
     Bethlehem, as I reflect back to that first Sunday here, December
4, 1994, I preached the sermon "Too Long At the Mountain",
the
challenge of that message from Deuteronomy 2: 1-7 was to move from
the security and the safety of the mountains to the new heights and
vision that God had placed before you.  In that message I preached
that stagnation and complacency can be your own worst enemy.  For you
see, it is so easy to stay close to the mountain.  But God is still
saying today, there are still lands to be visited, hills to overcome,
changes to be made, and challenges to be met. To move from the
security of the mountain.  Endeavor to go into uncharted country for
by faith you can and will make it.
      Today I have come to let you know that the Lord has said,
"I…
have stood my watch". Though my time is up here…..there is
still a
great work to be done for me and for you.  It is now my time to be
relieved, it is PCS time (Permanent Change of Station) it is moving
time… to go and move to another level of kingdom building.  There
are
still souls to be won at another duty station, there is still a Devil
that is trying to tear down God kingdom.  Satan still needs to be put
on the run…and I hear God saying, "You have Stood your
Watch".
   As I look around here at Bethlehem and see many of the changes that
have been made in some form or another God has blessed us to
accomplish a whole lot…and I say along with you that all the
praise
and honor belongs to God and to Him be the glory.  We have made much
progress since that first day.  I need not elaborate on what has been
done but when I look back.  We have made tremendous strides with the
help of the Lord.  We have endured together.  We have grown together,
we have shared together, laughed together and cried together but it
must not stop.  God is yet going to bless you.
     But think I need to remind you today that even though I have
stood my watch, even though some hearts have mixed emotions….it
still
isn't about me and for that matter it is not even about you.  For
though Branch has stood his watch and has met some tests, trials and
challenges, it is "Christ that still stands" and will
stand….right
here in this church.  You see, Everything you do… ought to be not
for
your glory but it ought to be for His glory.  For Jesus Christ is the
same yesterday, today and forever.  He is the center of all that we
hope for and do.  Preachers' will come and Preachers will
go..…some
of you will come and some will go and not everyone will get on the
bus…. but the hymnologist says "my hope is built on nothing
less…than
Jesus blood and righteousness….I dare not trust the sweet name
but
wholly lean on Jesus name…..on Christ the solid rock I
stand….all
other ground is sinking sand….".  I have stood my
watch…but I need to
let you know that "Christ….Still Stands…. And because
Christ still
stands it is important to know why he still stands.  He has stood
through all of time.
       And here in this text in Habbakuk it provides for us some help
today.  I must leave you with some thoughts from this pericope here
in Habakkuk.  Here in the text Habakkuk stands out on the watchtower
as a Sentinel for the Lord…and the Lord tells him, Habakkuk:
"Write
the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that
readeth it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it
shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it
will surely come, it will not tarry.
         This text focuses on the prophet Habakkuk as he sees
God's
promises slow coming.  Habakkuk the Look Out Man for God, Habakkuk
the Watchman, Habakkuk the Sentinel…..saw some terrible things
happening around him.  He saw violence, strife, contention,
lawlessness and the success of the wicked over the righteous.  He saw
wrong judgments being made everywhere.  The people were confident in
their own security. They had made alliances with other folk (that
sort of sounds like they had a clique to me).  He saw Judah aligned
with Egypt (some of you do remember from Bible study that Israel was
divided into two nations: Israel in the North and Judah in the
South); and the people were sure that their strength aligned with
Egypt's strength could ward off any enemies that threatened them.
  In
Judah's merriment in their complacency….they abandoned the
word of
God depending heavily on the instruments of men.  What Habakkuk saw
disturbed him to his heart.
   And God's response to Habakkuk was for him to "work a
work".  God
told him that a change would occur.  He told Habakkuk to just write
the vision. Do my will.  Just your write the vision.  They may not
understand it now…but you just write the vision.  Don't use
any high
level, educated words, just write the vision….  Don't present
them
with any new high tech ideas for their situation…just make it
plain.   Make it plain, Habakkuk….tell the people what thus saith
the
Lord….and when God gives the vision Bethlehem, His will shall be
done.
      Habakkuk describes the terror of the Babylonians and he
questions why God would use a nation that is worse than Judah to
teach God's people a lesson.  You see sometimes God has to let
you
see yourself as you are…. before he begins to send His blessings
again.  Sometimes God has to strip you of your pride and puffed up
attitudes in order for the focus to be on Him.  Sometimes God will
have you to go down and wallow in the valley of despair before He
will exalt you on top of the mountain of jubilation.
      In this text the Babylonians would be used by the Hand of
Heaven….but their own treachery would destroy them after
God's
purpose has been accomplished.   God can use anything and anybody to
do His will.
   As Habakkuk looks out God tells him "Write the vision… as
bad as it
appears, write it and make it plain.  Understand now Bethlehem,
God's
plan was not an immediate plan.  It was a long ranged plan. It
wasn't
a three year plan, or a five year plan or even a twenty year
plan….it
was a God prepared plan and it took as long as it took.  However, it
did happen in Habakkuk's lifetime.  All too often in the church,
we
want microwave results and immediate changes in the church.  We want
immediate results without the benefits of labor and putting our foot
to the Gospel plow.  But the old folks use to say "you can't
hurry
God…you just got to wait…you have to trust Him and give Him
time…for
He's a God you can't hurry, but He'll be there don't
you worry…just
hold on to His unchanging hand."
God's vision for us, for His church is that we would serve Him in
spirit and in truth and just be patient for a change it going to
come.  For God's plan and will shall be done. Some of you may not
see
it in your lifetime but it shall be done.
      The injustices, the wrong doing and the problems that Habakkuk
saw would be avenged as the vision came to fruition.  It would be a
slow, steady development until it was done.  When the vision is
finally realized… the results will speak for themselves "and
not
lie".  Though the vision appeared slow in coming "it will
surely
come."
      Judah was warned that as the will of God began to work itself
out, certain developments, counter attacks and slick moves by
slickers would serve to discourage those who are faithful…for the
just shall live by faith.
      Well in the aftermath of the vision, God raised a young
Babylonian king by the name of Nebuchadnezzar.  His mighty armies
moved toward Jerusalem and surrounded the city in a great siege.  His
armies seized Jerusalem and every facet of God's vision to
Habakkuk
was fulfilled.
And if you have read the Word you will remember Judah in captivity.
You will know that God will be true to His word….for even though
the
vision was written…down in captivity….God would be moving.
Down in
the captivity where in Psalm 137 Judah remembered the Lord: for they
said: By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when
we remembered Zion. 2  We hanged our harps upon the willows in the
midst thereof. 3  For there they that carried us away captive
required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth,
saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4  How shall we sing the
Lord's song in a strange land?
You see Bethlehem in the midst of their lowly state God still had a
concern for His people.  Though they were carried away God was still
on the throne…and don't you know that there in that Old
Testament
setting down in Babylonian captivity Jesus was still standing in the
midst of every situation.  Come on with me now……

    You do remember it was in Babylonian captivity that there were
three Hebrew boys….Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego….whom
Nebuchadnezzar put down in the fiery furnace…they looked and
there
was a fourth one and the Word says it Look like the Son of God…..
Jesus….still standing….watch…..and then there was
Daniel….and they
put him in the lions den…and I see Jesus still
standing….watch…..between the lions and their prey.  Oh come
on
now…..I have stood my watch…but Christ….still
stands…….Watch.
     And the message today Bethlehem is that the vision is
plain…the
vision has been written…."If my people who are called by my
name…will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face….then will I hear
from
heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal the land…."
God
wants a people who will serve Him in spirit and in truth….and God
will do just what He says….He'll bring you through the
valley, He'll
take you over the seemingly high mountains….He'll bring you
through
hard times, He'll bring you bad times… He brought through
good
times….because through it all His Son is still standing…"on
Christ
the solid rock I stand….all other ground is sinking sand."
     Write the vision make it plain…God will do just what He
said… I
have stood my watch….Bethlehem…. but Christ…. the
foundation of the
church is yet standing….Jesus Christ the Lily of the Valley,
Jesus….the Bright and Morning Star….Jesus the Rose of
Sharon… is
still standing…..in your midst…. He will never leave you nor
forsake
you…..for He is the foundation of the church…..  for I hear
Jesus
saying….. "and upon this rock I will build my church; and the
gates
of hell shall not  prevail against it."
       As I take my leave from you….let me say keep your hands in
God's hands hold on and hold out….God will see you through
and bring
you through.  For He is a God that is able to keep you from falling
and present you faultless before the presence of His glory.  And to
the faithful don't weary in well doing…don't
faint….but be of good
cheer……God is saying don't be discouraged… because you
walk by faith
not by sight. Faith is the substance of things hoped for……I hear
God
saying if you are just "faithful over a few things He will make
you
ruler over many."
I HAVE STOOD MY WATCH….
  BUT CHRIST……. STILL STANDS….IN YOUR MIDST!!!!!!
I'll see you another time, another station….another
channel…and one
more thing…"THANKS…. FOR THE COMPANY……"

BLESS YOUR SPIRIT!  We bless the Lord for His goodness as we enter
into the closing days of this month.  We've been trying to cut down
the amount of e-mail that we've been sending out, so that we don't
clutter your inbox.  And we have exciting news, so let's get to it...

CHAPTER ONE - FREE BIBLE STUDY SOFTWARE

iExalt is offering a FREE full-service version (not a demo) of their
popular WORDsearch software for all NEW USERS (an update version is
available for existing users).  It contains a full King James Bible
and capacity to add more than 20 Bibles and 400 reference volume.
YOu can get this online at www.FREEwordsearch.com or by calling 1-800-
888-9898 to order the free CD (there is a shipping and handling
charge of $7.46).


CHAPTER TWO - HOMEGOING OF SEVERAL SAINTS

1.  Deacon E.B. Waltower of New Hope Friendship Baptist Church of San
Diego, CA, passed away in Long Beach, CA on Sunday, October 15th.
Services are scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2000 at 11 a.m.
(www.newhopefriendship.org).

2.  Mrs. Virgil Lockridge, widow of Dr. S.M. Lockridge, pastor
emeritus of Calvary Baptist Church and president emeritus of both the
National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and the California
Missionary Baptist State Convention, passed away on Saturday, October
14th.  Services are pending and information can be found on the CMBSC
website (www.cmbsc.com).

3.   Please be notified that Rev. Herman E. Floyd, Pastor of the 10th
Street Missionary Baptist Church, in Owensboro Kentucky, took flight
from this veil of sorrow to his eternal rest on Friday, October 13,
2000, while hospitalized for heart surgery. The funeral arrangements
are incomplete, at this time. He served as Statistician for the
General Association of Baptists, In Kentucky, for the past 3 years,
and as past Moderator of the West Ky/Green river Valley district
Association, and founding Charter member of the,newly formed, Jordan
District Association of Western Kentucky.

4.  The Rev.J.J. Evans, Pastor of 1st Baptist Church, (for over 20
years) in Lancaster, KY, left this veil of tears to meet with the
Master of time and eternity. Please be in with his surviving family,
and 1st Baptist Lancaster.  He passed away on October 8, 2000.


CHAPTER THREE - STAMPS.COM

Join the Postage Revolution with Stamps.com and get up to $40 in
FREE postage.

Imagine never having to wait in line at the post office.  Imagine
being able to print postage from your PC whenever you need it
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week) without having to buy or install
any additional hardware.

With Stamps.com you can print postage on envelopes or labels, so
you can send letters, postcards, packages, even Priority Mail(R)
or Express Mail(R).  It couldn't be easier!  In fact, we make it
so easy that it's risk free: up to $40 in FREE postage and a
no-risk FREE TRIAL - just for signing up.

Click on the link below and start using your FREE postage today!
During the registration process, remember to enter the promo
code listed below in order for your friend to receive credit.

http://www.stamps.com/freepostage

Use promo code C-3P6D-V8Q during registration.

If you can't click on the link above please cut and paste the
entire web address to your Internet browser.


CHAPTER FOUR - PAYPAL.COM

Did you know you can send money online with X.com's PayPal service?

X.com's PayPal lets users send and receive money online.
Use PayPal to split restaurant tabs, collect
club dues, pay friends for movie tickets, or buy an item at an online
auction. PayPal charges the money to your
credit card or bank account. It's faster, safer
and easier than mailing a check.

As soon as you sign up and verify your account, PayPal will
automatically add $5 to your balance!

We're confident you'll want to use PayPal, but if not, you can
transfer the money to your bank account at any time. No strings
attached. Click on this link to sign up and see for yourself:

https://secure.paypal.x.com/refer/pal=robt%40newhopefriendship.org
After signing up, you'll get an email like this to send to
your friends and family. PayPal will give you $5 for each
friend you refer. It's that easy!


CHAPTER FIVE - W.H.W. Expository Preaching and Teaching Conference

Approximately 1,000 persons attended the 11th WHW Conference in Los
Angeles, California last week.  The Conference featured Dr. R.A.
Williams, Dr. George Waddles, Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Dr. James W.E.
Dixon II, Dr. Robbie Dean, Dr. H. Wayne House, and other outstanding
ministers and musicians.  Tapes will be available online from the
Conference very soon, by the 1st of November.  Please go to the
W.H.W. site at www.whwministries.com


CHAPTER SIX - A.S.A.P.

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?
Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and
stress  in our lives.  Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a
different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those
rough days along the way.
"There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bare.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond
To all your needs
A.S.A.P.-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.


CHAPTER SEVEN - WHAT PASTORS WISH THEIR DEACONS KNEW

I thought you might find this article interesting.

Article URL:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/3444/40829

Title:
What Pastors Wish Deacons Knew

Description:
Thoughts pastors might like to share with their deacons, if they
could.  This article will be edited and revised from time to time.

(submitted by Pastor Jimmie Hardaway, Jr., San Francisco, CA)


CHAPTER EIGHT - UPCOMING EVENTS AT NEW HOPE FRIENDSHIP

All events held at New Hope Friendship Missionary Baptist Church,
2205 Harrison Avenue, San Diego, CA   92113, (619) 234-5506, unless
otherwise denoted:

Every Wednesday Evening - Special Bible Study at 6:45 p.m., the class
will be on "PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY" team taught by Pastor Robt.
E. Houston, Sr. and Rev. Edmond Perkins, Jr.  Subjects covered
include:  Bibliology, Theology Proper, Paterology, Christology,
Pneumatology, Angelology, Anthropology, Hamartiology, Soteriology,
Zoeology, Ecclesiology and Eschatology.

October 19-21 - Nueva Esperanza, Rev. Emilio Meza, pastor, will have
their Annual Revival at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at Saturday
at 5 p.m.

October 29 - Pastor Houston will be preaching at the New Hope Baptist
Church of Los Angeles, CA, Dr. James S. McKnight, pastor, at 3:30
p.m.  The Cathedral Mass Choir of New Hope Friendship will be singing.

October 31 - New Hope Friendship sponsors the annual HALLELUJAH
FESTIVAL, a Halloween alternative for children, on Tuesday, October
31st at 6:30 p.m.

November 5 - Baptism and Communion, 5 p.m.  Pastor Houston will be
preaching.

November 7 - New Hope Friendship will be the guests of Greater
Trinity Baptist Church, Dr. C.E. Gaines, pastor, for their annual
Revival, 7 p.m.  Speaker:  Dr. A. Louis Patterson, pastor of the
Mount Corinth Baptist Church, Houston, Texas.  Greater Trinity is
located at 3146 Oceanview Boulevard, San Diego.

November 12 - Military Appreciation Day, 8 & 11 a.m. services.

November 13-15 - California Southern Baptist Convention meets at the
Convention Center, Riverside, California.  C.A.S.B.A.A.N. (California
Southern Baptist African-American Network) will meet during the
session.  Dr. Joe Chaney is the President;  Dr. Robt. E. Houston, Sr.
is the 1st Vice President.

November 18 - Progressive District Scholarship Rubie Wilson Book Fund
Breakfast will be held in the Leo Waltower Fellowship Hall.
Donations are just $5.00 each.

November 19 - Quarterly Money Management Seminar at 5:00 p.m.,
conducted by Deacons Paul Gaywood, Kevin Wright and Bro. Carl Davis.

November 23 - City-Wide Thanksgiving Day Services at Calvary Baptist
Church, Dr. W. James Smith, pastor, 719 Crosby Street, 10:00 a.m.
Speaker:  Dr. S.L. Moton, Killeen, Texas.

November 26 - Pastor Houston preaching at Mount Zion Missionary
Baptist Church, 3045 Greely Avenue, Dr. J. Linzie Whitmill, pastor,
at 3:30 p.m.  The Sanctuary Choir will be singing.


CHAPTER NINE - TAPE MINISTRY

The tape ministry catalogue, of Robt. E. Houston, Sr. Ministries,
Inc., has recently been updated.  In the new few weeks, you'll be
able to order and pay for your tapes immediately via PayPal services,
allowing you to pay via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Check or Debit
Card.  Visit the site at www.newhopefriendship.org/tapes.htm


CHAPTER TEN - RADIO MINISTRY

Good news!  The Radio Ministry of Robt. E. Houston, Sr. Ministries,
Inc., has recently expanded in Portland, Oregon.  We are now on TWO
stations, KKSL AM 1290 and KPBC 1640 AM.  Our air times are Saturdays
at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.


CHAPTER ELEVEN - COPIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE

The syllabus, "The Use of Computers and Internet in Preaching and
Ministry" by Pastor Robt. E. Houston, Sr., which was presented to the
Progressive Baptist District Association of Southern California, the
Progressive Baptist State Convention of California and the General
Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, is available for just
$10.00 a copy.  To order a copy, please e-mail us at
robt@..., and we will process your order via PayPal.

Pastor Harold Miller, Jr.
New Hope Baptist Church &
A Word In Season Ministries
Covington / Stone Mountain, GA


"Mrs. Job"


"So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job
with
sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him
a
potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?
curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the
foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of
God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with
his lips."

Job 2:7-10 KJV

The story of Job is one that seeks to address the age old question:
Why do the righteous suffer if God is a God of love and mercy?
However, suffering itself is not the central theme of the story, but
rather the focus is on what Job learns from his suffering; namely the
sovereignty of God over all creation. The book of Job is divided into
three parts: The dilemma of Job (chaps 1-2), the debates of Job
(chaps
3-37) and the deliverance of Job (chaps 38-42). Our text for this
preaching moment, is taken from the section of the book which deals
with the dilemma of Job. Job was not a logical candidate for
disaster.
His moral integrity and his selfless service to God heightened the
dilemma. Behind the scenes, Satan ("the Accuser") charged that no one
loves God from pure motives, but only for material blessings. To
refute Satan's accusations, God allows him to strike Job with two
series of assaults. Our text deals with the most crucial point of the
second assault.

Now before we take a closer look at Mrs. Job, I think it would do
well
for us to note a few preliminary points about sickness and suffering.
First of all, note that the source of Job's sickness and suffering
was
not God! The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from
above! There are a whole lot of people who have been misinformed and
deceived into believing that God is the source of their sicknesses
and
troubles. The irrationality of their reasoning is further amplified
by
the fact that these same people will pray for healing to the same God
that they believed made them sick! My brothers and sisters, this is a
trick of the devil to keep you in bondage!

He knows full well that it is impossible for one to have a proper
faith to be heal directed toward one that they honestly believe to be
the source of their sickness! Beside that fact, Jesus said (when the
Jews had accused him of casting out demons by the power of Satan)
that
the devil does not work against himself! Well, the same is true for
God! God does not work against Himself! If He is the source of the
sickness, He would be working against Himself to bring about healing!

The second thing we need to note is that the devil, who is the
accuser
of the brethren, always work behind the scenes! The devil rarely
comes
out and declares himself openly; he always work behind the scenes and
he always uses somebody else to do his work! I have a saying that I
say quite often and it is this: "Most times, if it wasn't for your
best friend, your worst enemy wouldn't know where to find you!" The
meaning is: the devil will always seek to use those who are the
closest to you to get next to you!

If you will read your Bibles carefully, you will note that in the
Garden of Eden, that the devil did not assault Adam directly! The
devil knew that should he had tried to assault Adam directly, Adam
would have recognized him! So, he used Eve to get to Adam! He used
Eve
because Eve was the closest thing to Adam! After all, she was bone of
his bone and flesh of his flesh!

Yes! The devil will always seek to use those persons who are the
closest to you to get to you! He used Sari to get to Abram! It was
Sari who suggested to Abram that they "help God out" in fulfilling
the
promise of a son. As a result, Ishmael was born and hence we have the
Arab/Israeli conflict today because Abram hearkened to the voice of
his wife instead of obeying the voice of God! He used Delilah to get
to Samson to learn the source of his strength! He used the many wives
of Solomon to turn his heart away from God toward idols. He used
Jezebel to henpeck Ahab into leading Israel down the path of Baal
worshiping! He used Peter in an attempt to sway Jesus from fulfilling
the will of God in his suffering! Yes! My brothers and sisters,
that's
his MO; his "modus operandi." Satan will always seek to use those who
are the closest to you to get next to you!

Now notice that in all of the diabolical assaults waged against Job,
that Job lost almost everything that was of value and precious to
him!
He lost his wealth, which at that time was measured in livestock and
cattle. He lost his seed! All of his children perished in one day and
Job watched ten caskets lowered into a mass grave at one time! He
lost
his social standing; for at one time Job sat at the city gate (a
position of respect, authority and honor). But when we meet him in
our
text, he is sitting among the ashes!

He lost his health, for the Bible says that the devil smote him with
painful sores and ulcers, from the soles of his feet to the crown of
his head! But in all of this losing; Job did not lose his wife! He
did
not lose "Mrs. Job!" No! Satan did not take Job's wife, because he
knew that when all else failed, if anybody could cause Job to curse
God, it would be Mrs. Job!

Now, in all fairness to women, it should be noted that although we
are
given the names of Job's second three daughters in chapter 42, we are
never given the name of Job's wife! I believe that perhaps that might
be the Holy Spirit's way of saying that anybody can be a "Mrs. Job"
at
one time or another! Sometimes the "Mrs. Job" is a "Mr. Job
instead.!"
Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came
not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at
variance
against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the
daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be
they of his own household." (Matt. 10:34-36 KJV) Yes! When the devil
really wants to mess with you, he will come into your house and use
the person dearest to your heart!

Now, let's look and see exactly how Satan tried to use Mrs. Job to
get
to Job. Notice that by the time the girl (Mrs. Job) spoke, Job had
just about reached the bottom of the bottom! No doubt, she was
standing by his side when he lost his wealth and when they buried
their children. But now, Job had broken out with sores all over his
body and he was scraping himself with a potsherd, sitting among the
ashes! This was more than Mrs. Job could take!

Now, we don't know what her motivation for speaking was; all we know
is what she said! She might have spoken out of resentment toward God
and/or Job! Perhaps she was tired of waiting upon him; tired of the
stress it was causing in their relationship. Maybe she had been
thinking: "Job, I wish you would just quit trying to hold on to your
pride, acknowledge your sin and realize that the God in whom you
trusted has turned his back on you! Why don't you just renounce him
and end this useless suffering?" No! We don't know what was going on
in her mind. It could be that she spoke out of her love and concern
for Job! Maybe it was hurting her to her heart to see the man she
loved suffering so much! No! We don't know what she was thinking, but
we do know what she said! She said, (in the dialect of my
neighborhood) "Job! Why are still sitting there suffering, trying to
act like you so holy? Can't you see, what's happening here? Why don't
you just curse God and get it over with? Why don't you just curse God
and die?"

Now! There it is my brothers and sisters! That's the reason why the
devil did not take Mrs. Job away! For you see, she uttered from her
lips the very purpose that Satan intended for Job's affliction! For
the devil had suggested to God that if Job lost all that he had that
he would curse God to his face! However, after Job had lost
everything, the Bible says that, "Job arose, and rent his mantle, and
shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped, And
said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return
thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the
name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God
foolishly." (Job 1:20-22 KJV) After the Lord maintained Job's
integrity after the first assault, Satan countered by saying: "Skin
for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put
forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will
curse thee to thy face." (Job 2:4-5 KJV)

Now you see, if Job had cursed God, he would have died! To curse God
would have been a form of suicide because in the Hebrew, the phrase,
"curse God and die," means this: It means, "to blaspheme God and die
as the penalty" The connotation of the Hebrew word for "die" in the
text has the meaning, "to die prematurely by neglect of wise moral
conduct."

I think I'll get ready to close when I tell you that the devil has
always been jealous of the glory that belongs to God! He wants us to
curse God in our suffering, bringing dishonor to God and destruction
to ourselves! Well, although her words must have hurt him to his
heart; Job did not take it to heart! For I hear Job telling Mrs. Job:
"You don't sound like the girl I married: You sound like one of those
foolish women!" Notice if you please, that Job did not call her a
foolish woman, but stated that she sounded like one! I think the
message is that if we are not careful, Satan can use any of us at any
time! Don't you get so smug in your quasi-holiness that you think
that
the devil can't use you! You remember Peter's declaration of who Jesus
was at Caesarea-Philippi don't you? That's when he declared that
Jesus
was the Christ, the Son of the Living God! Jesus told him that he was
blessed because flesh and blood had not revealed that unto him! But
then Peter turned right around and became the devil's spokesman and
Jesus said to Peter: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block
to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of
men." (Matt. 16:23 NIV)

Yes! All of us, at one time or another, can be a Mrs. Job! But Bless
God today! Job held on to his integrity in spite of the words of Mrs.
Job! Let me close by saying that sometimes your "Mrs. Job" will not
understand what is happening with you, but don't let that bother you!
Don't let the "Mrs. Jobs" get next to you! You've got to learn how to
look beyond the physical "Mrs. Job" and recognize the spiritual force
that is at work! Paul said, "For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Eph. 6:12 KJV)
Yes! You just hold on to your integrity even in the midst of your
trials! You might not now understand why! But you will understand it
better by and by! And by and by, the Lord will vindicate you!

He will lift you up! He will bring you out!


A Word In Season Ministries
Email: a_word_in_season@...
Visit us online at http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/SpiritSt/hmjr05
Join the "A Word In Season Ministries" Community at
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"Take It Off? Take It All Off?"
Colossians 3:1-11

Sermon by Reverend Dr. George L. Booker
Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church, Jacksonville, AL
FOR COMMENTS E-MAIL REVBOOKER@...

From the subject, some may think that the minister is going to
present a sermon on how to seduce someone. However, this is not a
salacious sermon. Rather, it is a sermon to convince to Take It Off,
Take It All Off and how to make Christ the center of your life.

EXPLANATION OF THE TEXT

The Scripture lesson for this Sunday is taken from the Apostle Paul's
letter to the Colossians. These brothers and sisters are sparring
with theological questions and philosophical debates around the
centrality of Jesus. Is he a wonderful human teacher, Divine Son of
God or some combination of the two? False teachers are trying to
combine human intellect, Greek scholarship, and strains of Judaism
with Christian truth, have the Christian Church chaotic, in argument.
So, Paul writes to deal with the divinity, to deal with the death and
resurrection of Jesus. Paul tells them the world's teachings are
empty when compared with God's plan of redemption for those in Jesus
Christ. Then, he moves into describing how Christians ought to think
and behave because of our relationship with God. Listen to the
Peterson translation, called The Message, as I read Chapter 3, verses
1-11:

Sisters and brothers, if we are serious about living this new
resurrection life with Christ, act like it. We must chase the things
over which Christ presides. We must not shuffle along with eyes to
the ground, imbibed with things right in front of us.  Look up, look
up and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's
where the
action is. See things from his perspective. Our old life is dead. Our
new life, which is your real life - even though invisible to
spectators-- is with Christ in God. Christ is our real life. When
Christ shows up again on this earth, we'll show up too--the real
you,
the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
That means killing off everything connected with the way of death,
sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever we feel like
whenever we feel like it and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy.
That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's
because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger.
It wasn't long ago that we were doing all that stuff and not knowing
any better.
But, we know better now. So make sure it's all gone for good, bad
temper, irritability, meanness, profanity and dirty talk. Don't lie
to one another. You are done with that old life. It's like a filthy
set of ill-fitting clothes we've stripped off and put in the fire.
Now we're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of our new way of
life is custom made by the Creator. It has a Designer label on it.
All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-
Jewish, religious and irreligious, inside and outsider, civilized and
uncouth, slave and free mean nothing. From now on Christ defines
everyone. Everyone is included in Christ. So, dressed by God for this
new life of love, put on the wardrobe God picked out for you." This
is the Word of the Lord!

I hear the people ask, "Take it off? Take it all off?" and Paul
responds, "Take off all the old, put on the new." It's about taking
off the politically correct coat, it's about taking off the
socially
right coat, the morally expedient coat and standing naked before
Christ in order to be fitted with the appropriate Christian garb.
This passage says that deceiving ourselves and trying to fool others
is not sufficient for eternal life. This passage comes and declares
that there are some things we can no longer do for us to call
ourselves Christ-like. We have to take off that quick anger and that
filthy temper. We have to take off that meanness which allows us to
do three snaps and a flip of the third finger, when someone cuts us
off on the highway. We have to take off that vituperative or
expletive language that just slips out. We have to take off telling
those nasty jokes that make fun of God's people who don't look like
us. We have to take off lying, which we claim "everybody does." Have
you noticed that children don't enroll in "Lying 101?"
Have you
noticed that children don't enroll in "Stealing 101?" Yet
they know
how to lie and steal. All of those things belong to the outdate,
outmoded wardrobe of Before Christ!

PERSPECTIVE:

The text has an interesting idea about perspective.  It says as
Christians we are raised up with Christ.  We are so to identify with
our Lord that we can find and accept HIS way of looking at life.   In
every encounter in life we should ask the profound. What would Jesus
do?  We know that he died for us, and we die with him in baptism. We
know he rose again from the dead, and we are alive in him to God and
the things of the Spirit.  But that is not all that this means:

      "If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the
      things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

We are raised to God with Christ!  God's own way of seeing things!
What is important to God becomes important to God's people! In
Ephesians 2 it is even clearer; there we read: "Even when we were
dead in our transgressions (God) made us alive together with Christ
(by grace you have been saved) and raised us up with Him, and seated
us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."

Life in Christ is really all about finding the proper perspective.

In Col. 3, he explains true Christian behavior—putting on the new
self by accepting Christ and regarding the earthly nature as dead. We
change our moral and ethical behavior by letting Christ live within
us, so that he can shape us into what we should be.

3:1-2 Setting our hearts on things above means striving to put
heaven's priorities into daily practice. Setting our minds on
things
above means concentrating on the eternal rather than the temporal.
See Phil. 4:9 and Col. 3:15 for more on Christ's rule in our
hearts
and minds.
Philipians: 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-
-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Col. 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

3:2-3 "For you died" means that we should have as little
desire for
this world as a dead person would have. The Christian's real home
is
where Christ lives (John 14:2-3). This truth gives us a different
perspective on our lives here on earth. To "set your minds on
things
above" means to look at life from God's perspective and to
seek what
he desires. This is the antidote to materialism; we gain the proper
perspective on material goods when we take God's view of them.
The
more we regard the world around us as God does, the more we will live
in harmony with him. We must not become too attached to what is only
temporary.





SELF-CENTERED LIVING

Some ways of looking at life will corrode and destroy instead of
strengthen.  Self-centered living at any level is corrosive.  There
are attitudes that will destroy us spiritually.  Even when we are in
the right as far as the dispute is concerned.  It goes without saying
there are some attitudes that are always sinful, some actions that
are simply wrong. It isn't easy or natural to have God's perspective
on life. God loves.

God loves you. God loves your sister, your brother. God loves your
enemy.  When we identify with Jesus Christ we have been chosen
to "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience." Instead of a life-view that will destroy us spiritually,
we have the view from the Throne! It sounds impossible.  It is
impossible, apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit! Have you any river
you think not crossable? Have you any mountain that you can not
tunnel through? God specializes in things impossible.

It isn't easy or natural to have God's perspective on life.  We are
born into earth-bound circles, and have earth-sensitive sense
receptors.  We see and hear things from where we happen to be.

SELF WORSHIP

When all the world around us is celebrating self-worship, Jesus' call
to follow Him and take up a cross sounds stupid.  When money and
youth and power is what counts, and people are valued because they
can make their own rules it seems backwards to value the poor, and
care about the helpless.

Fools act as if there is no God.  They build and tear down on their
own advice.  They make plans that don't take God into the equation at
all. Self is the center and circumference of living.

God's life within and His love come with God's enabling gifts: the
peace of God, the Word of God, and the name of Jesus.  It goes beyond
both the time restraints and the parameters of the epistle lesson.




PEACE:

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. When we come to God humbly
to receive life in him our sins are forgiven, and we have peace with
God.  As we walk with Him increasingly we know the peace of God.
Whatever disturbs that peace we need to take seriously.  Check out
everything that disturbs your conscience. Don't let me or anyone else
condemn you but let the peace of God rule.

Let the Word of God dwell in your richly as you worship privately and
together with fellow Christians. The Word of God is our living guide
for living. No one becomes a strong mature Christian who does not
spend time with the Word until the Word becomes at home in every part
of living.

The story of Bobby, who was born, into the land of coats! His momma
loved the color blue and made Bobby's first cost a lovely shade of
blue. Every time she noticed her son in his lovely blue coat, she
cheered, "Lookin Good Bobby!" He felt good in his blue coat, but Bob
had to grow up and go to work. So he put on his best blue coat and
slipped out of the house, going to his new job. The people on the
street saw him and began to yell, "Sloppy, Sloppy!" Their coats were
yellow and they hated blue.

Into a store ducked Bobby and bought a yellow coat, put it over his
blue coat and continued on his way to work. The people cheered, "Yea!
Bobby, Yea Bobby!" Bobby felt good in his yellow coat over his blue
coat. He stepped into his boss's office to get his assignment for
that first day. He sat waiting for this boss, who came in, looked at
him and yelled, "Yuck!" Bobby jumped up, took off the yellow coat and
stood waiting for approval in his blue coat. The boss yelled, "Double
Yuck! Bobby. Here at work we wear green coats!" With that, Bobby
slipped back on the yellow coat, over the blue coat and put the green
coat on top. "Yea! Bobby, way to go Bobby!" said the boss. As he left
for work, Bobby felt good.

After work, Bobby slipped off the green coat, put it under the yellow
coat and walked proudly home. He opened the door, went inside, as his
mother looked at him with a "Yuck" on her lips. Bobby quickly changed
coats, putting the lovely blue one on top. Momma whispered, "Yea!
Bobby!"


Bobby got so good at changing coats until he became a popular man
around town. He changed coats so swiftly until he had folks fooled
into believing that whatever coat they had on, he had it on too.
Bobby loved hearing the crowd say, "Yea! Bobby!" He couldn't stand
hearing "Yucky" Bobby was elected mayor of the Town of Coats and had
a faithful constituency. One day he heard a noise outside of his
window and then heard a pounding on his door. The Yellow Coats
brought in a man wearing no coat. "Kill him!" they cried, "he doesn't
fit in!" In his yellow coat, Bobby said, "Leave him to me."

"Man, where is your coat?" he asked. The man said, "I wear no coat."
Bobby replied, "everybody wears a coat. What color do you choose?"
The man responded the second time, "I wear no coat." By then the
Green Coats had gathered under Bobby's window. Running to the window,
his green coat on top, Bobby yelled down to them, "I have it under
control." The Green Coats shouted, "Kill him!" At this time his
mother entered into the room, and Bobby slipped his blue coat on
top. "Bobby, where is his blue coat?" Mother asked, The Man
replied, "I don't wear a coat." "Kill him," said Mother as she left
Bobby and the man alone.

"Man, said Bobby, you have to wear a coat or they are going to kill
you." "Bobby," said the man, "you need to decide to stop wearing your
different coats. Take them off, take them all off and let the world
see who you truly are." "Take them off? Take them all off?" asked an
incredulous Bobby. The man said again, "Bobby, you have to make a
choice." As the crowd kept crying, "Kill him!" Bobby washed his
hands, opened the door and marched the man toward sure death. The man
looked at Bobby, with one final word, "Choose." Bobby was left alone
with his three coats and the questions ringing in his mind, "Take
them off? Take them all off?"

NO MORE SOCIALLY CORRECT COAT:

When Christ comes there is a difference. When Christ comes there is
newness. When Christ comes, we change. We can stand naked before the
one who knows us intimately and loves us just the same. Tell me, what
color coat are you wearing right now? Most of us keep changing coats,
which are dependent upon where we happen to be. Many of us went to
worship this morning and had on our socially correct coat. All the
neighbors in the pews, smiled and said, "Yea!" But if you wear that
church coat to dinner, or to the show, or keep it on at home, what
would the people around you say? We can't stand to hear the people
say, "Yucky!"

Jesus stands with one word for all of us today--choose! Choose by
making the decision for him today. No more coat changing for me. I
choose to stand naked before Christ and to allow him to dress me with
his wardrobe of love. All that I have comes from God. While I was yet
lost in my sins, wearing all the nasty coats, trying to cover myself,
God loved the world so much, until Jesus came to die for my sin and
to rise that I might have eternal life. How can I dare to continue
slipping off one coat into another coat, while every coat I have
belongs to God!

NO MORE POLITICALLY CORRECT COATS:

The call is clear. No more blue politically correct coats. "Yuck!" No
more yellow socially acceptable coats. "Yucky!" No more green morally
expedient coats. "Double yuck!" When we give our lives to Jesus, we
can stand naked, knowing that we are loved and accepted. We recognize
that Jesus, our Savior, came and stood naked before the entire world.
He lived a transparent life and allowed the disciples to see him at
his best and even at his worst. He allowed himself to be vulnerable
and let the world watch him die a victim's death. He rose, clothed in
majesty and victory. He rose with a new wardrobe in his hands. He
rose to dress us with right living, compassion and power to live in
victory over the dominion of sin.

Some folks rather have houses and land. Some folks choose silver and
gold. These things they treasure and forget about their souls, but I
have decided to make Jesus my choice. I'm taking it off. I'm taking
it all off. I want to be dressed by the One who has a divine design
for me. Today, dear ones, I invite you to choose!

"All to Jesus, I surrender. All to him, I freely give. I will ever
love and trust him, in his presence daily live. I surrender all. I
surrender all. All to thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all."
Glorious God, when they wrote this song in 1896, maybe life was not
so complicated. Help me to take off all my political, social, moral
and even church coats and surrender my total self unto your loving
care. I surrender all!





CONCLUSION:

(Finally) Let the name of Jesus dominate everything you do!  If you
can't do it in the company of Jesus, don't do it!  "It is better
to
have a shallow understanding of profound issues than to have profound
understanding of shallow issues" – Thomas Aquinus.  Jesus'
name is
more than just an ending for our prayers – Yeah!  It is the
signature
at the bottom of God's checking account for all you need to do His
Holy will.  But it is also our family name,' that we uphold with
honor everywhere we go.

What would happen if every time we had a disagreement in our families
we brought our grievances to Jesus?  As a matter of fact that is
exactly what we need to do!

Tell Jesus how angry we are!
Tell Him exactly how we feel!
Tell Him you need to be healed!
Tell Jesus I need to be delivered!
Tell Jesus I need you to intervene in my marriage!


Anything that is not aiding and assisting your anointing and
assignment,
Take It Off, Take It All Off.

Anything that cannot go where you are going must be Taken Off.

You are going to be powerful in the area that you have been attacked
if you will just take it off now. If you don't take it off you may
not live to see the next period of God's anointing on your life.

But then, let's wait and listen as Jesus talks to us about US!  We
can pray until we have rolled the burden over on Jesus but Jesus
won't let us get away just feeling sorry for ourselves . . .
Let's remember his gifts:
His peace is Everlasting.
His Word is insuperable.
His Name is Jesus, Jesus, and Jesus!  And by God's help let's
remember where we really are: Seated with Jesus in  heaven!  "Keep
looking down!"




C in Christ equals CENTER – Jesus  is the center of my joy. All
that's good and perfect comes from you. You are the source of my
salvation and in all I do. Jesus you are the center of my joy. Take
it Off – Put on Christ

H stands for HOPE – My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus
blood
and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly
leaning on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid rock I stand all
other
ground is  sinking sand.

R stands for Redeem – I am redeemed. I am bought with a price. I
am
redeem. Job says, I know that my  lives and I shall see him face to
face.

I stands for Instructor – The  Lord  is an excellent instructor.
He
is alpha and omega.

S stands for Salvation – He has salvation in  hands and 10
thousand
blessings in his bossom.

T stands for Trust – I will trust in the Lord. Oh, I will trust
in
the Lord until I die.

Preached By Dr. L. Ronald Durham
At The Annual Session Of The
North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association
Dr. L. Ronald Durham, Moderator
Pastor First Mount Zion Baptist Church
Newark, N.J.
For comments write to:  ron.moe@...

FOLLOW THE LEADER
Biblical Text: Joshua 3:17 – 4:9

"And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord,
stood
firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all the Israelites
passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean
over Jordan."

"And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in
the
place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the
covenant stood; and they are there unto this day."

Just who is the Church of Christ? We have been gathering in worship
for almost two millenniums, pooling the resources of our time, our
talent and our financial blessings toward many common goals. In our
modern culture, we give to state and national mission efforts, we
distribute bibles at schools, we solicit money for scholarships, we
actively participate in matters of Civil Rights, we feed the hungry
and clothe the naked, and we FELLOWSHIP! And oh what a fellowship it
is! We are millions of Saints strong and growing. In the last decade,
our financial strength worldwide has improved enormously as new
churches are planted and catch the vision for growth in this new
millennium.

But where does the Church go from here? What cornerstones have we
laid to mark the journey of this huge body of Christians as we press
forward in our vision to prepare the Church for the new
millennium"?
Where have we charted our new direction? It's written on our
programs, in our numerous by-laws, in the minutes of our State and
National Conventions, and in our church charters…..but is it
written
in our hearts? Will we follow where God leads, or will we be content
to spend our future treading in an emotional river of fellowship,
void of foundational walls on which to build our children's
future?
What stories will our "stones" tell to our children and our
children's children?

Joshua, son of Nun becomes the leader of Israel following God's
burial of Moses on the
craggy lofts of Mount Pisgah in the land of Moab. Joshua had listened
and followed the Lord's specific instructions as did his
predecessor,
Moses. The land called Promise is within view of this rag-tag forty-
year wilderness people. The journey has been arduous and long, the
travel tedious, the minds strained, and happenings mysterious.
Nothing now separates Israel from the Promised Land, but the Jordan
River.

Joshua has no apprehensions, nor fears concerning enemies that are up
ahead because the Lord is the Commander–In-Chief of his armed
forces.
He does not question God about what methods He will use. That is of
no concern to Joshua. Standing on the opposite side of Canaan there
is joy in his heart because he remembers what the Lord said to him at
the wake for Moses, "As I was with Moses, so will I be with
thee."
Jordan's banks are swollen at this time, for it is the harvest
season. Although the Jordan River was only about a hundred feet wide
most of the year, during the spring harvest it overflowed it's
banks
and became up to a mile wide. Thus, as James Cleveland has so
eloquently stated, "the Jordan was raging". It was impossible
to
cross this tempest without divine intervention. When God wants to
demonstrate His omnipotent power, He takes His people to the
precipice of impossibility. This crowd had heard about the Red Sea
but none, save Joshua and Caleb, were actual eyewitnesses to how God
had parted the waters of the Red Sea. They must have been baffled and
dumbfounded to hear the announcement from Joshua that, "We are
going
to go over by following the priests, for you have never been this way
before."  When God wants to test the faith of His followers, He
takes
them in a direction they have never gone before.

Joshua's orders from God were to have the priests carry the Ark
of
the Covenant ahead of the procession, and the people were to follow.
The first thing they were to do was consecrate themselves before
crossing over Jordan. The orders were given to the people as God had
given them to him. He assured them that as soon as the feet of the
priests stepped into the waters, the river would open for their
passage. The waters downstream would stop flowing and the waters up
stream would stand up in heaps. The people would cross over Jordan on
dry ground.

Twelve leaders of great faith were chosen from the 12 tribes of
Israel; one representing each tribe: Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,
Issachar, Zebulum, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
They were ordered by God through Joshua, to go into the middle of the
Jordan River ahead of the priest and each man take up a stone. It
never crossed their minds that it would be impossible to swim in the
raging current of the Jordan River, saddled with a heavy stone. These
stones were to be a memorial to what the Lord had done for Israel.
Generations following would ask, "What do these stones mean?"
  Joshua
said, "Tell them the Lord opened up Jordan, and these stones from
the
bottom of the river are witnesses of what God has done for
Israel."
Tell your posterity first, "and when they see these stones, they
will
witness to the goodness of the Lord to Israel and all nations; Israel
needs to know that it was the Lord who delivered them."

What lessons are there to be learned from this great "CROSSING
OVER"
the River Jordan? As I brooded over verses 7-13, I was struck that
God gave Joshua, the priests, and the people only as much information
as they needed to know to accomplish what He wanted them to do. God
always gives us just enough information to permit faith to fill the
gap. Whenever God asks us to cross over into new areas of conquest,
adventure and discovery, you can be assured HE will fulfill in us
what He requires of us. "He who began a good work in you, will be
faithful to complete it".

The counsel of King Jehoshaphat, who was one of the godly kings of
Judah many years later, echoes down the corridors of antiquity
tonight, as I hear him saying, "Listen to me O Judah and
inhabitants
of Jerusalem; Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will be
established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed" (2
Chronicles 20:20).  When God wants to accomplish a mighty work, He
gathers together fearless leaders, unafraid of "raging"
waters, to
lead His people.

The Priests were called to put down their feet, one in front of the
other, into the untamed Jordan River, and trust the Lord. You
remember in Joshua 1:3 God had promised, "Every place that the
sole
of your feet will tread upon, I have given to you, as I promised to
Moses." He was saying in essence, "it is already yours, now
just walk
in and claim it."

Oh, Saints!…..If we would allow God to take US to the precipice
of
impossibility, and take US in a direction never traveled
before,……if
we would but step out on faith, He WILL deliver on His promises. We
need not fear getting our feet wet!…. The Vision is
clear….God has
promised that you will CROSS OVER on DRY GROUND.

So, as the priests followed in obedience to their leader's
command,
step by step, the raging river waters disappeared, and the people of
Israel marched once again across dry ground.

The word "nation" in verse 17 holds special significance for
the
Church of Jesus Christ today, for it describes the unity of the
twelve tribes. It speaks of a cohesive community that did not cross
over as a gathering of isolated individuals. They were ONE
NATION……
No separate agendas, no personal quests, no divided loyalties to one
leader or the other. They simply trusted the Lord as they marched
behind the Ark of the Covenant.

Exodus chapter 14 and 15 made it clear that when God opened the Red
Sea, he used a strong wind that blew all night long. This was not
some accidental wind whose jet stream happened to kiss the atmosphere
at the moment the Israelites reached the precipice of impossibility.
No! It was a blast from the nostril's of God! On that day of the
great crossing over of the Red Sea, Moses, God's chosen leader,
lifted up his staff and the wind began to blow. And when he lowered
his staff, the waters flowed back and drowned the Egyptian army.

And now, on THIS MIRACULOUS DAY of our text, once again Israel is
faced with the fear of getting their feet wet. And once again, the
obedient feet of God's chosen leaders part the raging waters.

At the Red Sea, the Israelites CROSSED OVER from the bondage of sin.

At the Jordan River, the Israelites CROSSED OVER to their inheritance
in Jesus Christ.

Theologians agree that Joshua was a "type" of
Christ…..and the
stories of Joshua's leadership are an Old Testament parallel of
Christ's leadership to come. The Israelites had Joshua for their
journey…., but we have JESUS! Psalm 47, that Psalm of Messianic
enthronement, exults in Christ our King, declaring, "He chooses
our
inheritance for us…" And we hear the Apostle Paul rejoicing in
this
same revelation of God's divine plan:

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have
entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for
them that love Him."

Saints, we profess our belief in this great theology of God's
sovereignty, His power, His presence, and His miracle-working
abilities through Christ. But God is calling for a people who will
DEMONSTRATE their faith and CROSS OVER on His already prepared dry
ground.

The verbal phrase "cross over" was a significant part of this
historical moment in the lives of the Israelites. It was used twenty-
one different times to tell the story of crossing the famous Jordan
River. The Old Testament narratives are full of significant
repetitions, but tonight this one is especially important.
"Crossing
over" emphasizes the decisive nature of the Hebrew People at
their
moment of challenge. This "crossing over" moment
distinguishes THIS
great step of faith from every plunge heretofore taken.

This land called Canaan, into which they were headed, was a haven for
their faith, a holy battleground to fight in spiritual warfare
against Satan and his imps, and the fulfillment of God's promise
to
give them the victory. It wasn't heaven on earth. It was a home
for
the faithful, a nurturing ground, their PROMISED LAND!

As we, the ministers and lay leaders of the church of Jesus Christ,
go before you into the "Jordan waters" of uncertainty,
we're
confronted and challenged by the opportunities that God has placed
before us. We know that the Lord is leading us…..we can feel the
pull
of His Almighty and unchanging hand….and we're ready to enter
our
PROMISED LAND. Our "cross-over" times are fraught with
tremendous
potential in spite of overwhelming odds. God challenges us to have a
little Israelite faith…..wade into the waters with us! The ground
will be dry…HE PROMISED! The raging waters of financial doubt
will
recede….HE PROMISED! Just stand and see the glory of the Lord and
the
demonstration of His awesome power in the life of our local churches.
We're ready to heed His bidding and step into the
JORDAN….Will you
follow?

The confident Apostle Paul, in Philippians 1: 12-26, chained in
prison and unable to enjoy the liberties we take for granted, was
able to see beyond his circumstance. Can't we? The disciple
Peter,
bound in chains in the inner prison, with only the Lord as his
helper, was able to lift a prayer unto God that caused the world to
tremble and shake. Why can't we? Martin Luther, in his hymn A
Mighty
Fortress is Our God, struggled against "the flood of mortal ills,
against this world, with devils filled," but he was still
confident
that Jesus Christ would prevail. Aren't we?

This is our "cross-over" experience as the chosen people of
God for
this hour. We follow a "living" and a "giving"
Master. It's time to
take the plunge of FAITH and follow willing Pastors and Lay Leaders
into the uncharted waters of a new day. It's time to step out on
faith and follow the vision. Why do we stand on the shores of
opportunity, gazing at life's possibilities on the "other
side"?
Follow the leader. Put one step in front of the other, and TRUST GOD
as I TRUST GOD. And we shall reach our new shore!

I was struck by the words of a lay leader at a recent conference one
Tuesday night.  I admit that I had wondered why the Israelites had to
wait three days before they could pass over Jordan. And then this lay
leader brought me to the place of understanding.

God seems to have a Love Affair with the number three. That's why
it
takes three lines to close any space. Three dimensions are necessary
to form a solid…height, breadth, and length. There are three
great
divisions in time….past, present, and future. Three is the sum
total
of our human capacity….thought, word, and deed. Three
propositions
are necessary to complete the simplest argument….the major
premise,
the minor premise, and the conclusion. Three kingdoms embrace our
scientific matter….animal, vegetable, and mineral. There are
three
areas in earth's construction…air, land and sea. There are
three
things that come forth from the bowels of the earth….solids,
liquids
and gases.

There were three patriarchs…Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jonah spent
three days in the belly of a great fish. Daniel prayed three times a
day with his face turned toward Jerusalem. Man has a three-fold
nature….body, soul, and spirit. The temptations of life are three-
fold….the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride
of
life. There are three words to distinguish God's knowledge, power
and
presence… Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresent. There are three
parts to the Trinity….Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Jesus lived for
33
years…ministered for three years…and died on a cross that
bore His
name in three languages. Then he got up on the THIRD DAY!

So why did the Hebrew nation have to wait three days to cross the
Jordan? Because, on the THIRD day, God's power is unleashed in
all
it's perfection….THREE stands for SOLID, COMPLETE,
SUBSTANTIAL,
ENTIRE, UNIFIED and PERFECT.

God is speaking to all of us this day. We have waited for the
troubling of the waters as we wandered on our wilderness journey. And
we have come to this place and this time for a purpose. God has laid
out His plan. We have constructed a vessel fit for sailing… we
have
filled our "ark" with new Saints willing to go with us on our
journey. Now God is telling us to take the plunge and Follow the
Leader into the muddy, raging waters of our Jordan. Don't look
with
your eyes….or Satan will deceive you! Look with your
hearts….and see
the dry ground prepared for an obedient people. Will you follow the
leader? Will you trust in the Eternal, Infallible, Everlasting,
Immutable, Unfaltering Christ? Will you go where He directs and take
Him at His Word?

Follow the leader….at His word, seas and rivers become dry
highways.

Follow the leader….at His word, the earth quakes and trembles.

Follow the leader….at His word, our storms cease to wage war
against
us.

Follow the leader… at His word, our wilderness will blossom like
a
rose!

Follow the leader….at His word, the self-exalted are abased and
the
humble abound.

If we follow…. His Word will make saints out of sinners,

Believers out of doubters,

Spiritual giants out of midgets,

Brave men out of fearful men,

He will turn the High-minded toward humility, and make the best of us
out of the worst of us.

Follow the Leader!

copyright 2000 all rights reserved

BLESS YOUR SPIRIT!  Oh, that men would praise the Lord for HIs
goodness!  The Lord has been so kind and gracious toward our ministry
this past month and as we close out our fiscal year, we are grateful
for the opportunity that Internet Ministry has given us.  Our borders
keep expanding and we're grateful!

By the way, if you want to view previous messages, sermons, death notices, etc.,
go to our special site:  www.egroups.com/group/newhopefriendship

CHAPTER ONE - NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA, INC. IN CALIFORNIA

The 120th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA,
Inc. will be convening this week in Los Angeles, California.  Dr.
William J. Shaw will be leading the convention for his first session
as President.  Over 25,000 delegates are expected for this
gathering.  Many special events are planned throughout the region.

The Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern
California, Pastor L. Daniel Williams, President, is sponsoring a
LABOR DAY GOSPEL BOWL at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 4269 So.
Figueroa, L.A., Dr. Melvin V. Wade, Sr., Pastor.  Services begin at
10:00 a.m.  Speakers include:  Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., First
Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ;  Dr. Arthur Lewter, Star
of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ossining, NY;  Dr. John Reed, Jr.,
Fairview Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK;  Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr.,
Salem Baptist Church, Memphis, TN;  Dr. Harry Fort, Mt. Calvary
Baptist Church, Oakland, CA;  Dr. Leroy Elliott, Greater New St. John
Baptist Church, Chicago, IL;  and Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., New Bethel
Baptist Church, Detroit, MI.

For those who are planning last minute trips to the NBCUSA, Inc., you
may want to consider using PRICELINE.COM for your lodging, airfare,
and hotel needs.  Several ministers were able this week to get
accomodations at the 3 and 4 star hotels in the LAX (airport) area
for as little as $40.00 per night.  www.priceline.com

We welcome all NBCUSA delegates to Southern California!  Pastor
Houston will be attending this session and we look forward to
fellowshipping with our friends from throughout the nation.

CHAPTER TWO - THE NBCA AND NMBCA ANNUAL SESSIONS

The National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., Dr. E. Edward
Jones, President, will be meeting in Kansas City, Missouri this
week.  Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, NBCA Vice President and President
of the Congress of National Black Churches, will be serving as the
Host Pastor.  The NBCA Banquet will feature Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.,
the first African-American pastor of the famed Riverside Church of
New York City.

The National Missionary Baptist Convention of America, Dr. W.T.
Snead, Sr., President, will be meeting in Dallas, Texas this week.
Dr. C.L. Rainey, NMBCA Corresponding Secretary, will be serving as
the Host Pastor.  The NMBCA Banquet will feature Dr. F.N. Williams,
Sr., Moderator of the Independent Missionary Baptist Association of
Houston, TX.

CHAPTER THREE - UPDATE ON TAPE MINISTRY

We are in the process of updating our Tape Catalog and by the end of the week we
will have tapes available from the past three years.  Tapes are just $7.00 each
(postage and handling included).  Look for the tapes on our website -
www.newhopefriendship.org

CHAPTER FOUR - ONLINE BIBLE COLLEGES

Two new Bible Colleges are worth looking into online - first is the Full Gospel
Bible College which can be accessed through their website: 
http:\\fullgospel.net and Jubilee Bible College at
http:\\www.jubileebiblecollege.com

CHAPTER FIVE - "I'M CLOSING NOW...."

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor once
again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief
introduction of his childhood friend.  With that, an elderly man stepped up
to the pulpit to speak.

"A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific
Coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get
back to shore.  The waves were so high, that even though the father was an
experienced sailor, he could not  keep the boat upright, and the three were
swept into the ocean."

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers
who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat
interested in his story.

He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most
excruciating decision of his life . .. . to which boy he would throw the
other end of the line.  He only had seconds to make the decision.

The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his
son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by
the torrent of waves.

"As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw the line to his
son's friend.  By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat,
his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night.
His body was never recovered."

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting
for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth.

"The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with
Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into
an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son.  How great is
the love of God that He should do the same for us."

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence
filled the room.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old
man's side. "That was a nice story," politely started one of the boys, "but
I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life
in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

"Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his
worn Bible.  A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again
looked up at the boys and said:

"It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell
you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for
God to give up His Son for me. You see . . . I was the son's friend."

CHAPTER SIX - UPCOMING EVENTS AT NEW HOPE FRIENDSHIP

Sunday, September 3 - Back to School Sunday;  Pastor Houston will be
preaching a special message to our youth as they prepare to return to
school at the 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.

Sunday, September 3 - Baptism and Communion Service at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 10 - New Hope Friendship in cooperation with
Concerned Parents in Education (CPIE) will have EDUCATION SUNDAY at
the 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.  We will have special prayer
for our educators  within our congregation and have special
presentations at both services.

Sunday, September 10 - Pastor Houston will be the guest of the Bethel
Baptist Church, Dr. John Ringgold, Pastor, for their Church
Anniversary Celebration.  He will preach at the 8:00 a.m. services at
the Euclid Avenue location.

Sunday, September 10 - Pastor Houston will be the guest of the
Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church, Dr. Joseph Foxworth, Sr., for
their Christian Education Sunday at 5:00 p.m.  The NHFMBC Super Choir
will be singing.

Sunday, September 17 - Deacons Ordination Service, 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 24 - The Cathedral Mass Choir will be in Concert at
5:00 p.m.  The Choir is under the direction of Sis. Susan Lilly
Perkins and Prof. A. James King is the Minister of Music.

Friday & Sunday, September 29 & October 1 - The Installation Services
for Pastor Darron L. Edwards, United Believers Church, Kansas City,
Missouri.  Speakers:  Dr. Ralph West, Brookhollow Baptist Church,
Houston, TX (Friday);  Dr. Robt. E. Houston, Sr., New Hope Friendship
Baptist Church, San Diego, CA (Sunday Morning);  Dr. Emanuel Cleaver,
St. James United Methodist Church and Former Mayor, Waxahachie, TX.
For more information:  www.unitedbelieverskc.org

Sunday, October 1 - Fellowship Service at New Hope Friendship Baptist
Church, 5 p.m.  Dr. C.E. Gaines, President of the California
Missionary Baptist State Convention, will be the speaker.

Sunday, October 8 - Pastor Houston will be the guest of the Emmanuel
Baptist Church of San Jose, CA, for their Church Anniversary
Celebration during their 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services.

Monday-Friday, October 9-13 - WHW Ministries Conference, Los Angeles,
CA.  For more information:  www.whwministries.com

Sunday, October 15 - Ushers and Nurses Annual Day at New Hope
Friendship Baptist Church.  Speakers:  Rev. Emmett Allen, Associate
Minister, 8:00 a.m.;  Dr. Clinton L. Yancy, New Hope Bible Baptist
Church, La Marque, TX, 11:00 a.m.;  Rev. Anthony C. Frazier, New
Paradise Baptist Church, San Diego, CA, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, October 19-21 - Nueva Esperanza Annual Revival,
Rev. Emilio Meza, pastor.  For more information:
www.newhopefriendship.org/hispanic.htm

Monday-Friday, October 23-27 - 78th Annual Session of the California
Missionary Baptist State Convention, Dr. C.E. Gaines, President in
Los Angeles, CA.  Dr. Joe L. Gates and the Southern Missionary
Baptist Church is the host pastor and church.  Dr. Lovely Haynes and
the Pacific Baptist District Association are the host Moderator and
District.  Guest Speakers:  Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Houston, TX and
Dr. Timothy McDonald, Atlanta, GA.  For more information:
www.cmbsc.com

Sunday, October 29 - Pastor Houston will be the guest of the New Hope
Baptist Church of Los Angeles, CA for their Annual Mission Day.  The
Cathedral Mass Choir will be singing.

CHAPTER SEVEN - SPECIAL PASTOR'S ANNIVERSARY NOTICE

Dear Pastor Houston,

We are in the process of planning for the 1st Observance
of the 6th Pastorial Anniversary for our Senior Pastor,
Overseer W. James Thomas, II.

Overseer Thomas makes reference to your ministry and
website often.  We, here in the Administrative Office,
are often blessed by information he shares with us from
your emails and website.

Our Pastor has refused to allow us to have an
anniversary over the past 5 years.  The only way we were
able to pull this off is by working with his wife,
getting everything set and paying deposits...AND THEN
telling him we're going to do this.

If you could make mention of our Pastor's Anniversary,
we would really appreciate it.  Although this
announcment is somewhat advanced, we want to begin
planning for it.  The following is information
concerning the celebration:

The 6th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration for
Overseer W. James Thomas, II & First Lady Antonia Thomas
September 15, 2000 - 7:00 PM
Radisson Inn - Airport
2411 Winchester Road
Memphis, Tennessee
RSVP - $35.00

For more information, please contact the Church Office
at (901) 358-5722

You may send love gifts and messages of encouragement to
Shiloh Baptist Church Ministries
Pastor's Anniversary Committee
3121 Range Line Road

Thank you and God bless you.
Sis. Girthy L. Jackson, Chairperson
Memphis, Tennessee  38127

It is with great sadness to report the homegoing of one of the
legends of the Baptist Church community across this nation.  THE
REVEREND DR. CARL J. ANDERSON, the pastor, organizer, and builder of
the historic ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH of Oakland,
California, was called home this morning, September 1, 2000.

DR. ANDERSON, who has pastored St. John since July 1946, for a total
of 54 years, was known throughout the nation for his dynamic
preaching style, great wisdom, strong Christian character and
leadership qualities.

DR. ANDERSON, the esteemed yet humble pastor, organized St. John
under a tent in a lot in Oakland, after borrowing 5 members from the
Star Bethel Baptist Church.  The membership exploded into the
thousands and a large radio broadcast audience well into the hundred
of thousands.  He pioneered a live Sunday evening broadcast from the
St. John church that became a mainstay in the area with his words
during prayer time, as he would read literally hundreds of names,
of "Hold on old soldier..." resonating throughout the airwaves.

DR. ANDERSON was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Rev. Willie Lee
and Lula Anderson, to a family of 15 children.  He married Rosabelle
Awbrey and had 6 children (Norma Jean, Samuel, Carl Jr. "Jerry",
Carlis, Robert, and James).  Rosabelle passed away and he then
married Brenda Taylor.  With this union came four more children
(Brenetta, Carletta, John, and Phillip).  He is preceded in death by
James and Jerry.

DR. ANDERSON was one of the pillars of the Oakland community, and
recently rebuilt the St. John church edifice after a fire engulfed
the facilities on a Good Friday several years ago.  With great
determination and the support of St. John and the citizens of
Oakland, St. John was rebuilt with improvements including a Youth
Center, Fellowship Hall, elevators, among other areas.

DR. ANDERSON was known across the nation and as he travelled, his
always carried the Echoes of St. John Choir, a massive 100 voice plus
choir, and they travelled with him in crusades across the nation.

DR. ANDERSON was a giant in the denomination.  He was one of the
sages of the St. John Missionary Baptist Association where he served
as a leader holding several offices.  He served for many, many years
as the President of the California Missionary Baptist State
Convention Congress on Christian Education, and was recently honored
as President Emeritus and a special evening of Tribute was held for
him during the 2000 Annual Session led by the President, Dr. Walter
G. Wells.  He spoke several times for the National Missionary Baptist
Convention of America and the National Baptist Sunday Church School,
Baptist Training Union and Ushers Congress.

DR. ANDERSON counted over 15 sons in the ministry as current pastors
of congregations in their own right.

His homegoing information will be posted on the Internet as soon as
it becomes available on the New Hope Friendship Missionary Baptist
Church site at www.newhopefriendship.org and the California
Missionary Baptist State Convention site at www.cmbsc.com.

Condolences can be sent to Sis. Brenda Anderson and the Family at:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1909 Market Street, Oakland,
California.  Condolences can be FAXed to:  510-834-2096 or e-mailed
to Pastor Robt. E. Houston, Sr., who will make sure that they are
delivered to the Anderson Family at:  robt@....

JUST A TOUCH FROM THE
MASTER'S HAND
Luke 13-10-17
PREACHED BY
PASTOR MICHAEL TRUSS
Rocky Mount Baptist Church, Oxford, AL
For comments write Pastor Truss at DALLASTRUSS@...

Our text picks up Jesus teaching in one of the synagogue on the
Sabbath. While he was in the synagogue teaching and answering
questions, his eyes fell on a certain woman as she tried to make her
way to a certain section of the place of worship. She didn't notice
Jesus, but I don't think she could have seen him anyway. For the
bible said that she had been bent over for 18 years.

Her shoulders hunched and her neck bent downward, she was always
looking down to the ground. Dr. Luck wrote that she was bent over and
could not fully straighten herself up. In other words she was not
really standing up, nor was she helplessly lying down. She could not
move about freely, yet she was not totally immobilized.
She was twisted like a human pretzel, for she had learned after
eighteen years not to look up for anything. My brothers and sisters
don't you know that you can look down so long that we grow accustom
to looking down. But while she was in the midst, suddenly she thought
that she heard someone speaking to her.

But after 18 years of being ignored, and being called a deformed
freak, this woman did not expect anyone to even speak to her with any
warmth of interest.

After 18 years of being laughed at, and being ignored by self-
righteous people and leaders in the synagogue, her first thought was
that Jesus was talking to someone else. But to her surprise Jesus was
talking directly to her. Jesus called her to him and he placed his
hands on her; now I want you to understand that this was unheard of
for a Jewish man, and especially a rabbi.
But you must understand that Jesus our prince of place was not like
anyone else, he didn't do things like anyone else.

You remember him at the well, when the woman of samaria came to fill
her water pots in the heat of the day and Jesus talked to her. And
the woman was surprised that Jesus was holding a conversation with
her, especially because he was a Jew and she was a Samaritan. But now
no one else in the neighborhood would talk to her. But Jesus said to
her; I am the living water. If you believe in me, as the scripture
has said out of your belly will flow rivers of living water.
You remember when he was at a dinner party given by Simon the
Pharisee. What we would call a street- walker came in and cried over
Jesus feet and wiped them dry with her hair. And Simon failed to
realize was this woman was in a need of a savior, and that Jesus was
a supplier of ever need. I want to tell somebody that just one touch
from the master will change any situation.

You remember on another occasion there was a little boy that had two
fish and five small biscuits. Now in the boy's hands all he had was
two fish and five biscuits. In the disciples hands it was two fish
and five biscuits. But when he put it in the master's hands it fed
five thousand Men not counting the women and children.

I don't know about you, but I found out that just one touch from the
master, our little bit becomes a lot.
Our sorrow turns to joy, and our frowns turns to smiles. Somebody
ought to be a witness here.

I don't know who I am talking to today, but the lord told me to tell
you that he is in charge of your situation. No matter how dark it may
seem, he told me to tell you that he didn't bring you this far to
leave you now. He told me to tell you to take it out of your hands
and put it in his hands and he will make it all right.

Now let me move on here, so Jesus called this woman, he reached down
and placed his strong sure hands on her shoulders. I can just imagine
that Jesus had to bend sown so he could look her in the eyes. Then he
told her that she was loosed from her infirmities and placed his
hands on her, and immediately she was made straight.

I can see her in my mind as she began to stretch. When she began to
stretch she found out that she had been straighten, she was able to
stand tall, no longer bent and twisted, and all of a sudden she felt
alive.

For the first time in 18 years she finally felt like she was
somebody. Can you imagine how she must have felt to be able to stand
up and look people in the face for the first time in 18 years, all of
a sudden she wanted to express her sense of freedom and joy; she
began to praise God for her miracle.

This must have been a sight for her to see, right before her very
eyes was the man that turned water into wine, right before her eyes
was the man that walked on the water. Right before her eyes was the
man who healed the sick and raised the dead.

Now she realized that she was now able to stand in upright position.
She looked around at the faces of the people that she had not been
able to see. She saw joy on some of their faces. She lifted her hands
and began to sing praises unto God.

But now make know mistake about it, when we are praising God and
having a good time in the lord the devil gets mad, he gets jealous
and tries to mess things up. The devil doesn't want you blessed.

All he want is for you to stay broke busted and disgusted.
He don't want you to rise up above your circumstances.
All he want is for you to stay in the valley of hard-times.
He wants to keep you in the valley of disappointment.
But can I tell you something in here? What ever God has blessed no
demon in hell can curse.
Notice something here, the woman's healing did not touch the ruler of
the synagogue. He was upset and angry. He didn't like what was
happening in the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

And there are some folks in the house of the lord that are missing
out on their blessings because they are upset about something. They
get so upset that they allow the devil to steal their joy.
This man in the synagogue could not understand all of this clapping
and all of this jumping around. But I stopped by to let you know that
when you have been touched by the master's hand it will make you
jump. A touch from the master will give you joy.

Now the man was angry because this woman was healed on the Sabbath
day. Can you here him saying in your mind there is six days in the
week for you to do all your work and heal and be healed, so don't
come in her to day and be healed.

But Jesus said its all right for you to take care of your animals, if
it's all right for you to water and feed your sheep and goats on the
Sabbath, then I know that It's all right to do the work of the lord.

You see we got too many folk who are more interested in keeping the
rule rather than helping people get free.
There are many folks who are more concerned with the method of church
government than with meeting the needs of the people. Sometimes we
get to traditionalize and lose the real reason of why we come to the
lord's house in the first place.
But Jesus here puts the person in head of the procedures. In our text
this woman was described as having a spirit of infirmity. She was
bowed down and could not lift her self.

And as I begin to think about the condition of this woman, I couldn't
help but to think about mans spiritual condition.

All men are bowed down in sin unable to look up into the face of God.
For I heard Paul say that all have sinned and come short of the glory
of God.

Well this woman was in the church, bowed down because of her
infirmity. But when she heard the voice of Jesus calling her, she
straightens up and began to minister unto those around her. I want to
tell somebody that when you open up your ears and your heart and hear
the voice of Jesus, you will get up form where you are and began to
worship God.

But the problem is that we are still barked down with our
infirmities. And they are crippling us, and we can't walk, we can't
look up.

Troubles got us bent over
Pain got us bent over
Heart aces got us bent over
Disappoint got us bent over
Fear got us bent over
Worry got us bent over
Traditions got us bent over.
But I came to tell you today that if you hear the voice of Jesus, and
allow Jesus to touch you, you would be released from your
infirmities.

God told me to tell you that you are loose from your infirmities, you
don't have to spend another day bent over with problems.
You don't have to spend another day bent over with sickness.
You don't have to spend another day bent over with circumstances. One
touch from his hand will make it all right.
Have anybody here been touched by the hand of Jesus.

If you have been touched by the hand of Jesus you ought to tell
somebody that he touched me and made me hold. When I was bent over in
sin and couldn't straighten my self up Jesus touched me with his
mighty hand and made me hold.

Have any body here tried him.
Jesus my mountain mover.
Jesus my company keeper.
Jesus my way out of know way.

Can I get somebody in the building that know with out a shadow of a
doubt that you have been touched by the hand of God say yea! Say yea!
Say yea! He is my king of kings.
He is my Lord of Lords. He is a ever present help in the time of
trouble. Yes he touched me! And when he touched me he made me hold.

Heaven has extended its borders again with the homegoing of one of
the servants of the Lord.  The Reverend Perry J. Ruckes, pastor of
the New Prosperity Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan, was called
home on Saturday, August 19, 2000.   Pastor Ruckes had just
celebrated his 42nd Pastoral Anniversary in July.  Services are
scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2000 at the New Prosperity Baptist
Church, 8450 Second at Pingree in Detroit.  The Reverend Robert
Robinson will preach the eulogy.


(To view prior notices, sermons, newsletters, visit our special
bulletin board site at www.egroups.com/groups/newhopefriendship)

"THE DAY THE DEVIL TOOK JESUS TO CHURCH"
Matthew 4: 5-11

Sermon submitted by:
Pastor C.L. McDaniel
Jackson Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Muskegon, MI

For comments write to Pastor McDaniel at calvinm3@...

Matthews vivid and graphic depiction, of the spiritual confrontation
between Jesus and the devil, has become the center of theological
controversy. The controversy revolves around the question, of whether
the temptation of Jesus was a one time event, or an on going
experience. On one side it is argued that the singular noun
temptation , preceded by the definite article, lends credence to the
idea that the temptation of Jesus was transient, rather than
continuous. From the other side of the debate comes the strong and
plausible objection, that this hypothesis is unacceptable because it
clashes with scripture. In support of the latter argument, it should
be noted, that there are several passages which under-gird, indicate
and prove that Jesus had sub-sequent encounters with evil suggestion.

In matt:16:23 Jesus rebukes Peter's evil suggestion by saying get
thou behind " Me" satan, for thou are an offence unto "Me". In
matt:22-18, Jesus asks the Jewish officials why do you tempt Me. In
John:6:70, Jesus startles the 12 Apostles, with the revelation that
one of them is a devil. So as you can clearly see temptations for
Jesus was not only continuous but temptation for Jesus was a life
long experience. Even though He was the only begotten of The Father,
His Son-ship does not seem to have lessened or annulled His exposure
to evil suggestion, not even His memorable Jordan river-side
experience, where the sky rolled back like a scroll and the voice of"
The Father" thundered like a bass drum and The Holy Spirit descended
from above in the form of a dove and The Father said this is "My
Beloved Son" in whom I am well pleased, not even that memorable
Jordan river-side experience could cancel His appointment with satan
in the desert nor exempt Him from future satanic assault.

Dr. Luke in his own charming ways similarily articulates the
argument, for the perpetuity of temptation. When he writes in his
gospel chapter 4:v13, that when the devil had ended all the
temptation he departed from Him for a season; now my bros. and
sisters; Luke's inclusion is vital and significant; because it
alerts
us to the persistence-the perserverence -and the imperviousness of
the devil; no matter how bloody his defeat may be or how heavy the
casualty sustained, you can be assured that the devil like general
macarthur will always return.

It really doesn't make any difference, how badly he may have been
defeated in the recent or the ancient past, the record is that the
devil will always come back. Now if you have trouble believing that;
you ought to come with me as I meander and exegetically walk through
the announced text. In v#1 Matthew says that Jesus was led up of The
Spirit into the wilderness. Now mark is more forceful than Matthew
and mark says the spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. Now
grammatical differences not with-standing they both seem to agree
that the reason Jesus was in the wilderness was to have a titanic and
a desperately real struggle with the devil. Now according to scholars
this struggle takes place in a valley known as the valley of Hinnom;
functionally this valley was an abandoned waste land located outside
of Jerusalem that was used as a cemetery for the remains of convicted
criminals and the poor. Archaeologists describes this valley as a
barren and desolate tract of waste land; a quarry of broken rocks and
jagged stones; an unceremonious grave yard strewn with shattered
skulls and petrified flesh; a land scalded by the caustic rays of a
merciless sun; a desert occupied by leaping lizards; stinging
scorpions; howling jackals; vicious vultures; and carniverious
creatures. They call it a deep impression in the earth, several
100's
ft below the level of the sea.

Now let me back up to v#1, and remind you that according to ,Matthew
and especially mark, Jesus was led to this valley, this deep
depression 600ft below sea level; by the Spirit of God. But notice in
v5; that the devil takes Jesus up into the Holy City. Now my bros.
and sisters what a great contrast of direction- scheme and strategy?
What we here is God taking Jesus down and the devil takes Jesus up.
God leads Jesus into a dark and desolate wilderness and the devil
leads Him to bright lights and revelry. God leads Him into an empty
desert and the devil leads Him to a city busy and brisselling with
people and activity. V1 says The Spirit led or drove Him into the
wilderness and v5 says the devil taketh him up into the holy city.

Now you do know what the holy city is don't you; you Bible
scholars
you know that the holy city is none other than Jerusalem. Jerusalem
31 degrees north latitude; 35 degrees east longitude; Jerusalem
situated 33 miles east of the Mediterranean; and 14 miles west of the
dead sea; Jerusalem the city of David which was incorpused by the 3
most well known mountain ranges in bible history; to the east there
was Mt Olivet from which Jesus ascended to the right hand of "The
Father ", to the south there was Mt. Moriah whose hill's Abraham
climbed to offer up his son Issac; and to the west there was Mt. Zion
which is referenced over 200 times in the O.T. alone . the devil took
Jesus to Jerusalem, the chief city of Palestine; the 3rd most holy
city of the Islamic religion; the sacred and the well known capital
of the united kingdom of David. Jerusalem the holy hill of The Lord;
Jerusalem the host for every major Judaic celebration; Jerusalem the
sacred municipality of the ancient Hebrew world; Jerusalem where the
12 year old Jesus confounded the doctors and lawyers of the law;
Jerusalem the provisional dwelling place of Yahweh; Jerusalem the
city which if he forgot the psalmist prayed that his tongue would
cleave to the roof of his mouth; Jerusalem the asylem of the Ark of
the Covenant of God; Jerusalem the hub of meaningful religious
activity; Jerusalem the joy of the whole earth; Jerusalem the home of
the Levitical priestly order; Jerusalem the city over which Jesus
wept; Jerusalem the city in whose direction the prophet Daniel prayed
3 times daily; as incredible as it seems, "The Spirit" leads Jesus
into the wilderness several hundred ft below sea level; and the devil
leads Him to the holy city 3,300ft above sea level, the Lord leads
Jesus into isolation; and the devil takes Him up into the crowded
city; The Spirit leads Jesus down ; and the devil comes along and
takes Jesus up! But notice that the devil's particularity does
not
end with his meticuious selection of the holy city. But notice that
the devil takes Jesus to a particular place in that city. And that
city is really "The Temple". Now just as Jerusalem was the hub of the
nation; The Temple was the center of the city. You see some wonderful
and exciting religious activities took place inside The Temple. The
Temple was the place where every relations between a Holy God –a
sinful man was established and maintained; the Temple was the place
where God disclosed Himself to the people in a unique way; it was in
the Temple that The Shekinah Glory of Yahweh cillilated before the
eyes of religious onlookers; it was in the Temple that fathers
offered up sons and consecrated servants to The Lord; it was inside
The temple that the women purified themselves and dedicated their
lives to godly service; it was inside the Temple that the Prophet
Isaiah captured a picture of the Lord and his train and the house was
filled with smoke in the year that Uzziah died; it was in the Temple
that annually went behind the holy room into the holy of holies, and
offered up his annual sacrifice for the expiation of national sin.

It was in the Temple that a cured leper had to present himself after
being healed; and it was inside the Temple that the 13 shaded
receptacles for the offering of" God" was stored and kept; some
wonderful things happened inside the Temple. Now the other day I
found out that this temple in Jerusalem is something that reflects
unparalleled artistic genius; unequaled asteady case; an inimitable
architectural design. Now if you're interested enough, I'd
like to
tell ya that the construction budget for the temple in Jerusalem was
108,000 talents of gold plus 1million 17,000talents of silver; now 1
talent of gold is equal to $26,280 american dollars; while one talent
of silver is equivalent to $1,642 dollars; and if my arithmetic is
correct, that means the temple was built at an astronomical price of
2billion ; 838 million $60,000 american dollars.

Now if we could walk back through the Temple you would understand
it's astronomical cost. It is said that the roof of the Temple
was
constructed of beams and planks of cedar; the walls were lined with
cedar and over-layed with gold; were also automated with hand
designed Cherubims, palm trees and flowers all of which was
constructed of ivory and gold. The dimensions of the vestibule were
150ft long; by150ft high; by 30ft wide; from the crown of the
vestibule; hung a pure golden eagle that represented roman power and
augustined culture. It is said the sanctuary was entered from the
east by a great door way; which was closed by golden doors; each of
which stood 83ft high by24 ft wide; and on each door hung a golden
vine containing an immense cluster of golden grapes. The weight of
this mammoth super structure was supported by marbled pillars and 9
towering gates that was seared with silver and gold. How significant
it is that of all the places in Jerusalem that the devil would take
Jesus out of the wilderness; up to the holy city and then deposit Him
inside the Temple. Now that's important my bros. and my sisters
because a lot of us who are in the church are operating and living
under the grand delusion that the church is the one physical place
where we can escape the spiritual intrusions-interruptions and
annoyances of the devil, but the fact that the devil took Jesus up to
the Temple in the holy city is suggestive of the fact that the devil
not only knows the way to your house but the devil knows the way to
God's house. (Do I have a witness). I'm discovering that
there are a
lot of us who are alarmed and are in a spiritual uproar over the fact
that the devil has penetrated the physical walls as well as the
spiritual ranks of the church. In fact there are a lot of us who have
resorted to grass-hopper religion and that means we jump from one
place to another; from one religion to another; from one denomination
to another; from one church to another; in fact if yall don't get
mad
with me, I can safely tell you that there are some people who have
belonged at some point to every church in town and they keep on
moving from church to church under the delusion that they will find
one where the devil will not show up; but I got news for you this
morning Jackson hill, the fact that you are shocked by the devils
presence in church is not a sign that the devil has changed strategy,
it is a sign you don't know much about the historicity of God or
the
devil.(do I have a witness), because one thing you ought to know is
that the devil's state of rebellion did not even begin on earth.

Now if yall thinking I'm making this up; yall looking at me kind
of
funny; you just read Luke10:18; in Luke 10:18 Jesus said He saw satan
fall from Heaven like lightening ; now if my logic is correct, and if
it ain' t- you just certainly straighten me out afterwards but if
my
logic is right the only way you can fall out of something is to first
of all to be in that something. So if Jesus says He saw satan fall
from Heaven that means satan had to be in Heaven. Now if you read
Isaiah: 66:1, you'll discover that Heaven is God's Throne,
and earth
is His foot stool, and what I want you to see is that if the devil
does not respect God's Throne you know the devil won't
respect God's
foot stool(.do I have a witness). And that just leaves me to tell you
that you ought not be shocked that you ought not be disappointed and
you ought not be surprised and you ought not become distraught and
dismayed and discouraged; over that the devil is in the Church.

Now if you are really interested first thang I want to do is tell why
the devil is in church, and before I even tell you that I think I
ought to also tell you there has never been a time when the devil was
not in the Church! (do I have a witness) well yall remember the
church in it's embryonic stage don't you, over in the book of
acts;
it wasn't longgggg after the day of Pentecost right in chapter 5;
there was a couple named Ananias and Sapphira who sold a piece of
property and brought what they reported to be the profit to the
Church and Peter having been warned by The Holy Ghost confronted them
and asked ananias why has satan put this lie in your heart; then The
Bible says he fell out dead and about 3hrs later his wife sapphira
came in and cosigned and confirmed his lie, she fell out dead; that
ought to show you that the devil has always been in the church!!!!!

Now let me tell you why he's always been in the Church; he's
always
been in the Church because satan's life long desire has been to
serve
as the God odf the universe. In fact that why he was kicked out of
Heaven; he used to be the 2nd creature in charge of all of Heaven and
even though there was an unlikely remote chance something would
happen to God. He was the 2nd in command but satan wasn't happy
working up under God; he wanted to be God himself; you know how it is
in the church; nobody wants to submit to the spiritual ambassadorial
authority of the Pastor; we want to run the show and when we
can't,
we do as satan did in Heaven, we go around recruiting other innocent
sheep to fulfill our own hellacious- selfish and devious desires; and
so after satan got kicked out of Heaven there was a gulf between him
and God so he never couldn't get back to God directly so he did
the
2nd best thing and that is to attack the closest thing to God! Now
according to the Genesis record of creation man was made in the image
and likeness of God, so unable to get directly to God, satan attacks
what's in the image and likeness of God and that's you and
me!.

Now follow this, satan has never been God and the best way to be
something you've never been is to observe and to immulate
somebody
who is. So since he can't look at God directly, satan hangs
around
The Church so at least he can get a glimpse of God's image;
God's
Glory and God's likeness and he hangs around because he wants to
walk
like us; he wants to talk like us, he wants to sing like us, he wants
to Preach like us, he wants to pray like us, he wants to give like
us, satan hangs around the Church because he wants to immulate our
God'ly ways!!! So so don't be in shock that the devil is in
the
Church; but now listen, if you done just made up your mind you got to
be upset; I tell you what you ought to be upset about; you ought to
be upset not over the fact that satan is in Church; but you ought to
be upset over the fact that The Church is allowing satan to take over;
(pause) in church. So as it were the devil took Jesus to church, but
there's something else I think you ought to see, and that is that
he
takes Jesus out of the wilderness and then takes Jesus up to the Holy
City, and then leads Him up to The Temple; that he doesn't just
set
Jesus loose, but he leads Jesus to a special part of The Temple and
that's the part that Matthew calls the pinnacle.

Now in speaking of The Temple, generally the reference is to the
Temple in Jerusalem where 3 buildings were erected successively on
the same sight. Now follow this ; now first of all there was
Solomon's Temple; that was completed in the 11th year of the
reign of
Solomon, but you remember that Temple was plundered and raised by the
Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem in 586bc, now that Temple
was replaced by Zerubbabel's Temple which was ultimately also
destroyed and was replaced by Herod's Temple. Now the Temple to
which
the devil took Jesus was Herod's temple, but remember the devil
takes
Himto a special part of the temple called the pinnacle. Now the greek
word for pinnacle means little wing; the pinnacle was actually a long
covered walkway under a roof supported by huge columns. Now when we
examine a reconstructed blueprint of Herod's Temple , we discover
that at the south east corner Solomon's porch which Josephus says
was
one of the buildings remaining from Herod's or Solomon's
Temple;
meets up with Herod's royal porch and immediately behind these
two a-
joining porches is a 450ft drop off into the rocky kidron valley.

Now notice that it is from this staggering and dizzy height of the
pinnacle of the Temple that the devil exposes his real ulterior
motive for leading Jesus out of the wilderness in the first place.
What satan really says if you'll allow me to paraphrase his
presentation; he says look Jesus let's be logical-rational and
reasonable; I know that You've come among your people and Your
people
have rejected You; I know that You `ll really want to be
venerated in
the hearts of the Jews but I've got more experience working with
Jews
than You do, and I've got just the right plan if You want the
Jews to
accept You because I've got inside information that these people
are
susceptible and vulnerable to anything that is spectacular; anything
unconventional; anything that is way out of the ordinary; they will
easily follow and just think about Jesus here we are on the pinnacle;
you're 450ft above the ground; if You want the Jews to follow You
all
you got to do is jump down.

Now isn't that something that the devil will take all of that
time to
lead Jesus out of the wilderness; up through the Holy City; all the
way to the Temple; all the way to the pinnacle and then tell Him what
he wanted done in the first place and that is for Jesus to engage in
an act of self destruction; now do you know what that tells me my
bros and sisters; that tells me that all of our going up in life; all
of our apparent promotions are blessings from The Lord; all that we
called advance is not progress and all that seems to be going up is
not for our good because sometimes the devil will take you out of a
lonely-dark-desolate-empty and vacant wilderness all the way up to
the bright lights of the city; all the way to the front pew of the
Church; when he gets you there; he'll come back with the
discouraging
announcement to cast thy self down! Now some of yall looking at me
like you don't believe me when I say that but let me show you ;
can I
show you; you did come to here" The Word" didn't you; can I go
back
in history just a little bit? In fact I don't have to go back too
far
because I can remember when I was a little boy as a people there was
one thing we were known for and that is our Faith and our Trust in
God. I remember when I was a boy every Wednesday night when prayer
meeting opened we were there without a choice and every Sunday
morning it wasn't no who shot john about it; if you were alive on
Sunday morning you didn't have no option; wasn't no need for
no
discussion on Sunday morning it was a forgone conclusion that if you
lived at 440 marshall st under Ethel Lee's roof on Sunday morning
you
going to Church!!! And now look at what has happened; the doors have
been opened for us and we have more materially than we ever had
before; we got two and three cars in the garage and we still
can't
make it to Church on time and we got bread in the cupboard; bread on
the table; money in the bank; and we still don't trust God with
the
dime out of every dollar talking about were not under the law but
under Grace, but let me say this show me in the scripture where Jesus
told you not to tithe, listen if you allow a Jew under the law to
give more than you do under Grace you're a disgrace to grace .

I tell you sometimes what looks like a promotion from God is really
the strategy of satan to make us weak and vulnerable for his commands
to cast ourselves down!!!!!!!do I have a witness. Guess what that
really shows; that shows the contrast between God and the devil; you
see what God does is start you off down; so you can end up; and satan
starts you out up so you'll end up down. The Lord will make you
poor
so you can be rich; the devil will make you rich so you'll be
spiritually bankrupt; the devil will take you up but when he
get's
you there he'll!!!!!! Always say cast!!!!!!!!! yourself down. But
wait a minute, I see something else here. Not only does satan reveals
his sariticious plan, but notice now he exposes his evil methodology.
Notice that in the first place; Jesus fends off the devil; by saying
it is written; which is another way of articulating His high respect
for The Word of God. Now look at what satan does, he tells Jesus it
is written, now my bros and sisters the reason I wanted you to see
that is that a lot of us have become suckers for satanic schemes,
because we think everybody who is in our presence with a Bible tucked
under his/her arms; declaring it is written (closing). Is an
authentic and true messenger; ambassador, and representative of God.
I think I ought to tell you; you're not the only somebody; who
knows
scripture; the devil knows scripture too. Well now yallllll looking
like yall don't believe me so let show you I ain't making it
up.

What the devil does is quote psalms 91:11&12. Here's what satan
says,
he says He shall give His Angels charge concerning thee; and in their
hands they shall bear thee up lest at any time thou dash thy foot
against a stone; now there are about 3 mistakes that the devil makes
here. The first mistake is that he takes The Word of God out of
context; The Word says, He shall gives His angels charge concerning
thee lest thou dash thy foot against a stone; now it didn't say
nothing about if you decide to jump; it says if you dash your foot
against a stone; and then satan skips over the part that says to keep
thee in all thy ways, and then #3 he stops short of v13 which is a
prophetic prediction of his own doom and destruction. But guess what
that's the way satan will do a child of God. satan will only tell
you
what works to his advantage. Satan will use the Word of God; but when
ever he will use it; he'll also abuse it. And that's what
satan is
doing to us; he's presenting to us half truths and partial
propositions; you see he tells us about the joy of sensual pleasure;
but he will not tell us about the pain of a 9month pregnancy; he
tells about how wonderful the thrill of illigitimate sex is; but he
won't tell you about the great responsibility—when the thrill
is
gone; he will tell you about the bright lights of the city; satan
won't tell you that there ain't much love----in the heart of
the city.

Satan will tell you about the merriment of a far country; but he will
not tell you about the shame!!!!!!!!!!!of working in a hog pen. Satan
will tell you about the fun about living high on the hog!!!!!! But he
will not tell you about the high cost of low living; the devil will
tell you about flourishing away from mamas house; but he will not
tell you about the famine of love!!!! When moma is dead and gone. I
tell you satan will deal in half truths an partial propositions but
they are all designed to get us engaged in act of self destruction.
But my bros and my sisters notice that there is one thing that you
can do; to defend yourself against satans sariticious attacks; and
that is to do just exactly what Jesus did, now notice when the devil
says it is written; Jesus did not respond to some high falluting
philiosopical explanation; Jesus did not offer some deep theological
dissitation; Jesus didn't not offer some extended-mind-boggling
explanation; Jesus simply said satan-it is written-again; and
sometimes the child of God must learn to say—it is
written—again; I
wonder tonight; how many Church splits might have been avoided—if
some wise saint—had said –yes-- what you say is true—but
it is
written again—how many marriages might have been saved—if one
partner
had said—yes you're right about it—but it is written
again---how many
back-sliders would still be in the house of God-- if somebody had
said—yes you're right about it—but it is written--
again—how many
friendships would be in tact—if somebody had s
aid—yes—you're right
about it—but it is written again—wellllllll—as I close
tonight—let me
show you how important—it is to say—it is written
again—in Ezekiel
18:2 it is written the fathers have eaten sour grapes—and the
children's teeth are set on edge; but it is written again in
Jerimiah
31:29 say no more the fathers have eaten sour grapes and the
children's teeth are set on edge;

It is written in 1cor15:22a-in adam all died; but it is written again
in 1cor15:22b-that in Christ shall all be made alive
It is written an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth; but it is
written again; if any man slap thee on the right cheek; turn to him
the other also
It is written whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgement; but it is written again whosoever hateth his brother
without a cause; standdddd in danger of the judgement;
I tell you; you got to learnnnnnn; to say it is written again; and
what that simply means is that you got to learnnnnn---how to
leannnnn—
and to depend on God's Word; let me close tonight by telling you
what
you got to do; when satan tryyyyy to lead you astray; you got to
learn how to get out God's Word; start where it says
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly;
nor standeth in the way of sinners; nor sitteth in the seat of the
scornful; if that don't do it
Keep on turning until it says the earth is The Lords and the fulness
thereof the world and they that dwell thererin
If that don't do it for you; keep on turning till it says The
Lord is
My Shepherd and I shall not want He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures; He's leadingggg me besides the still waters if that
don't
do it
Keeping on turning until it says the Lorddddd is my light and my
salvation whom shall I fear the Lord is the strength of my life of
whom shall I be afraid
If that don't do it keep on turning until it says I wil bless the
Lord at all times; His praises shall continually be in my mouth
If that don't do it keep on turning till it says The Lord has
been
our dwelling place in all generations before the mountains were
brought forth ever the earth and the world were made
If that don't do it keep on turning till it says he that dwelleth
in
the secret place of the most highhh shall abideeeeee; under the
shadow of the Almighty
If that don't do it keep on turning till it says I will lift up
mine
eyes unto the hills from whence cometh all my help
If that don't do it keep on turning till it says fret not thyself
because of evil doers neither be thou envious against the workers of
iniquity
If that don't do it keep on turning till it says they that wait
upon
The Lord shall renew their strength;I tell you got to learn how to
lean on God's Word if you know Him say yeah------say yeah---say
yeah -
-----------yeah; heyyyyyyyy I'm leaningggg on God'ssssssss---
Word—
yeah---yeah—yeah-uhhhhhhhhhh; I wonder are you leaning; if
you're
leaning just look at somebody; tell em I'm leannnnning on
God's Word;
look at somebody behind you tell em I'm leaning; uhhhhhhhhhhhh,
I'm
leaning;uhhhhhhhhhhh; I'm leaning uhhhhhhhhhhhh i'm leaning;
uhhhhhhhhhhhh

GOING ON WHEN YOU WANT TO GIVE UP
PSLAM 46:1-11
PREPARED BY
PASTOR MICHAEL TRUSS
ROCKY MOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH
OXFORD AL

For comments write Pastor Truss at DALLASTRUSS@...

We all have days when we'd like to dig a hole, climb in, and pull
in
the dirt. There are times when it seems that all we can do is fall
out of bed and lie on the floor until we recuperate.

Sometimes our hurt is so bad our spirit throbs inside us; our dreams
fall apart; our hope fade; and our life become a wearisome task.
Marital problems, broken friendships, personal failures, health
problems, finances, violence, fear, and loneliness all of these
contribute to our discouragement.

Let me share this with you. Even though we will still have problems,
even though difficulties will still touch us, even hardship will
still be apart of our experience I want you to understand that you
can still press on. We can still hang in there we can still go on
when we want to give up.

The Sons of Korah, men of the priesthood, wrote a Psalm in which they
reveal the secret of doing that. Let us consider the factors that
will help us to go on.

* THERE IS A DIVINE PRESEENCE: VV1, 5,11:

> I want you to notice the influencing words in these verses.

*Refuge: the word means a shelter or hiding place."

*Strength: the word means our security, boldness, might.

Present: this word tells us that he is always by our side to assist
us.

My brothers and sisters Our God is an ever present help in time of
trouble. He is nearer to you than your most trusted friend.

He is closer to you than your dearest love ones.
He will come to your help quicker than your close ally.

  No wonder the Psalmist cried out; Where can I go from thy Spirit? Or
where can I flee from Thy present?  If I ascend to heaven, Thou art
there; If I make my


bed in Hell, behold, Thou art there, If I take the wings of the
morning, If I dwell in the utmost part of the sea, even there thy
hand will lead me, and thy right hand will lay hold of me.

Church we need to know that it makes no difference where we are; God
is always there.

But many times we are like Israel which said the Lord has forsaken
me, and the Lord has forgotten me, but I stopped by to tell you that
God is telling us like he told the children of Israel;

He said these words can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no
compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget, but I will
not forget you. God is saying that if other folks forget you, I want
forget you.

NOW VERSE 5 SAYS THAT THERE IS A DIVINE PROMISE:

Now you need to see this, the previous verses said even though the
waters there of roar and be troubled, though the mountain shakes with
the swelling there of:

There is a river the streams where of shall make glad the city of God;

Now here is what I want you to see verse 5 says;

God is in the mist of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her
and that right early. When did he say that he will help her?

God said that he would help her when the morning comes. Just maybe we
have to go through the long night of sorrow and suffering, but the
morning will bring help.

YOU MAY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A LONG NIGHT OF PAIN: BUT THE MORNING WILL
BRING HELP.

YOU MAY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A LONG NIGHT OF SICKNESS;
BUT THE MORNING WILL BRING HELP.

YOU MAY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A LONG NIGHT OF CRYING;
BUT THE MORNING WILL BRING HELP.

YOU MAY HAVE TO GO THROUGH A LONG NIGHT OF FINACIAL DIFFICULTIES, BUT
THE MORNING WILL BRING HELP.





It puts me in mind of the promise: That says weeping may endure for a
night; but joy comes in the morning. I need you to understand that if
you hold on and don't give up, before you no it, at the time when
you
least expect it; suddenly your morning will come.

It reminds me of that great song;" In His Time, In His Time, He
makes
all things beautiful in his time.

It affirms me that God comes not too early nor is He too late. That's
the reason why the song writer penned the words of the song" He
is an
on time God yes He is.

I need to ask you a question: What do you do when you are facing
trouble in the mist of Gods promises.

When trouble comes some of us forget the promises of God; and we step
out as though it all depends on us alone.

We face temptation alone and fall into sin, and instead of getting up
we live there with guilt and a sense of failure. BUT CAN I TELLYOU
SOMETHING IN HERE? you are never a complete failure until you refuse
to get up. Yes you made a mistake and fell into sin now ask god to
forgive you and get up and try again.

Yes you got pregnant out of wedlock and still in school, just ask God
to forgive you and get up and dust your self off and keep on going
and learn from your mistake. Do you know why many of our people is
going back in the world or is afraid to embrace God as a savior?
Because we as men and women of God is walking around with a mask on
acting like we are perfect people, and to be saved you must live a
perfect life.

And we walk around like we have never done anything, never dranked
never smoked, never partied, never told a lie, and never cursed.
That's a little off my message but I needed to say that in here, some
body needed to here that.

But what do you do when you are faced with troubles in the midst of
God's promises.



Many get into a tight spot and find them self out matched, out
numbered, and out witted by the difficulties of life.

Many try to handle the problems by them self only to find out that
their problems are too great.

But there are others that take the Abrahamic Position:
The Bible said in Romans 4:18-21.  That he hoped against hope and
that he believed what the Lord had promised him.

This is what it said.vss18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he
may become the father of many nations, according to that which was
spoken. So shall thy seed be.

Vs19. And being not week in faith, he considered not his own body
dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither not the
deadness of Sarah womb:

Vs20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but
was strong in faith giving glory to God.






Vs21. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised he was
able to perform.

I wonder this morning if there is any body here that is like Abraham?
That can hope beyond hope, that can stand on the promises of God; and
say that if God said he is going to give it to me, even though I
can't see it right now I am persuaded that what ever he has
promised
me he is able to perform it.

I need to point out something here; the surety of the promise depends
on the integrity of the one that is making the promise.

Many make promises that they don't intend to keep.

MANY MAKE PROMISES THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO KEEP.

MANY MAKE PROMISES THAT THEY FORGET TO KEEP.

MANY MAKE PROMISES AND CHANGE THEIR MINDS ABOUT KEEPING THEM.


But when God makes a promise first of all he is able to keep it.
Not only that he is able to keep it, but he intends to keep it, and
he want forget to keep it.

For when God made the promise to Abraham, since he couldn't swear
by
no one greater he swore by himself, saying that I will surely bless
you and multiply you.

Church when God makes you a promise you can rest assure that he will
give it to you; but let me say this, before you can receive it you
got to be in the proper position to receive.

Church when you feel like given up just reach up and grab hold of the
promises of God and hold on.

For it is when you can believe the promises of God that you can go on
when you feel like given up?

ANOTHER FACTOR THAT WILL KEEP YOU GOING ON WHEN YOU WANT TO GIVE UP
IS:

THE DEVINE PEACE OF GOD.

I want you to look with me at verses 2 and 10.
Vs2. Therefore will not we fear; though the earth be removed, and
though the mountain be carried into the midst of the sea,

Vs10. Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted above the
heathens; I will be exalted in the earth.

Look let me tell you what God is saying here; He is saying this; I
don't care what happens around you, I don't even care what is
falling
in around you, you don't have to fear because I am still God and
I am
still on the throne.

And because I am still on the throne I can give you peace in the time
of trouble.

And because I am still on the throne I can give you peace: A peace
that will keep you smiling when every body else is frowning.

A peace that will keep your head above water when every body else is
drowning.

Jesus said in the book of John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give to you; not as the world giveth, do I give to you. Let
not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.

And if you want this kind of peace you must be still and know that I
am God.

THIS MEANS THAT YOU GOT TO BELIEVE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT GOD.
HE HAS ALL POWER:

HE IS ALL KNOWING;
HE IS PRESENT EVERY WHERE.

THIS MEANS TRUSTING GOD WITH ALL OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, OUR PROBLEMS,
and EVEN OUR LIVES.

THIS MEANS RESTING IN HIM AS OUR REFUGE AND HIDING PLACE.

All we have to do is be still and know that he is God. And when we
under stand that he is God and abide under his mighty hands, Then we
can go on when we feel like giving up.






When we be still and know that he is God; He will help us to handle
what we can't handle,
Conquer what we thought couldn't be conquered.

Church when you feel like you want to give up, throw in the towel and
go back home. I want you to do something for me, before you give up
try looking up. Because if you look up you will not give up. The
reason why we give up is because we fail to look up.

David said I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from which cometh my
help, my help cometh from the Lord. So don't you dare give up
before
you look up?

I don't know about you but I am determined to go all the way with
the
Lord.  I don't care what happen or how dark the hour may be. I
don't
care what it looks like.
It may look like the devil is winning.
It may look like I may not make it.
It may look like I am sick.
It may look like they are going to reposes that car.
It may look like you are going to be evicted. But I am not worried
about how it may look.

  I can still stand up and say with confidence that the Lord is with
me. That the Lord of Jacob is my refuge.

And because he is with me the storm is going to pass.
  Because he is with me the sun will shine again.
Because he is with me my sorrow will turn to joy.

Because he is with me my midnight will turn into midday.

BECAUSE HE IS WITH ME I WILLNOT QUIT, I DARE NOT QUIT; I AM
DETERMINED TO FIGHT ON.

BECAUSE IF I DON'T QUIT I WILL HERE HIM SAY WELL DONE THY GOOD
AND
FAITHFUL SERVANT,

YOU DIDN'T QUIT WHEN THINGS GOT HARD.

YOU DIDN'T QUIT WHEN THEY PUT STUMBLING BLOCKS IN YOUR WAY.

AND BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T QUIT AND YOU STAYED FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSE
YOU
CAN COME ON HOME NOW AND REST FROM YOUR LABOR.

WHAT A DAY! WHAT A DAY! WHAT A DAY!

EDITOR'S NOTE:  You can view all of current and past information from
the New Hope Friendship eGroup by going to:
www.egroups.com/group/newhopefriendship

Heaven has called home several pastors and ministers in the last few
days.  Let us keep these families and churches in prayer:

Dr. A. Doyal McCraw, pastor of the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist
Church, Houston, TX, who preached and pastored for over 50 years, was
remembered in services in Houston, TX.

Rev. Leodis W. Watkins, Jr., was laid to resit in a Homegoing Service
on July 22, 2000.  Rev. Watkins is the son of Rev. L.W. Watkins, Sr.,
pastor of the Gideon Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX.  He pastored
several congregations in Texas.

Elder L.B. Bradley was called home on June 29, 2000, services were
held at the Holy Tabernacle COGIC.  He was a presiding elder and
pastor of the Original COGIC, his last church in Fort Worth.  He had
been preaching the gospel over 50 years.

Dr. Arthur J. Russell, Sr., pastor of the Rising Star Baptist Church
of Greenwood, LA and the Mount Olive Baptist Church of Marshall, TX.
His homegoing services were held at the New Greenwood Baptist Church
on Saturday, July 22, 2000.

I want to inform and advise you of the promotion of Rev. Nicholas
Pierce, from earth's sorrow to Heaven's joy. The Homegoing (Funeral)
servive will be held Monday, August 21, 2000 at First Community
Baptist Church, 142 Edge Park Rd, White Plains, NY., at 7:00 P.M.,
where Rev. Wiley Robinson is the pastor.  The viewing will be from
noon until service time. The church fax number is 914-949-8319. Rev.
Pierce was the former pastor of First Community Baptist Church and
was presently serving as interim supply pastor at First Emmanuel
Baptist Church, Nyack, NY.  He had attended the Progressive National
Baptist Convention last week in Louisville, KY. He left Louisville
Thursday night driving back to New York. His car apparently ran off
the road and he was found in the car a few days later on Interstate
80. If he was around, you would always know it because he was always
so loud and jovial. He always talked of his love for Virginia Union.
If you were around him any time at all, he would say something about
Virginia Union. - Let's all be in prayer for the family and friends.

This is to let you know of the home going of Rev. J.T. Mayberry
pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Tx. Pastor
Mayberry was formerly of Chicgo. Home going services were held on
Thursday, May 25th at 11am at Pilgram Valley Baptist Church Fort
Worth, Tx. Rev. W.G. Daniels Pastor. Pray for the Mayberry Family.

Greetings!  You are invited to SHARE THE JOY - as the people of the
Concord Missionary Baptist Church prepare for a special event:

ANNOUNCING THE 35th PREACHING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Dr. E.K. Bailey, Senior Pastor, Concord Missionary Baptist Church
6808 Boulder Drive, Dallas, Texas
September 15-17, 2000

Friday, September 15, 2000:
ANNIVERSARY BANQUET
Adams Mark Hotel, Dallas, Texas
$40.00 per person
Contact Cokeisha Bailey at 214-331-8522 to purchase tickets

Sunday, September 17, 2000:
ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP SERVICE
Concord Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas

8:00 a.m. - Rev. Ross Cullins, Preaching
11:00 a.m. - Rev. Leonard O. Leach, Preaching


You are invited to participate in a special SOUVENIR JOURNAL.  Dr.
Bailey's Ministry has touched many, many lives across the nation and
he has been an encouragement to Pastors and Ministers throughout the
land.  Surely you want to be a part of this special journal as we
honor a special man of God.

The cost of advertisement in the journal is as follows:

Inside Back Cover - $750.00
Back Cover - $1,000.00
Full Page - $125.00
One Half Page - $100.00
One Fourth Page - $60.00
One Eighth Page (business card size) - $35.00
Patron List (one line) - $10.00
Pictures (each) - $15.00

Request must be submitted to:
35th Preaching Anniversary Souvenir Journal
c/o Ms. Bonnie Gates
2320 Elder Oaks Lane
Dallas, Texas   75232

Persons wanting to place an ad can contact Ms. Gates at 214-330-0998
or Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Cynthia Nunn at 972-230-8103 for further
information and questions.

Rev. Wardell Johnson supported '68 sanitation strike

By Jason Smith
The Commercial Appeal

MEMPHIS - Rev. Wardell Johnson, a civil rights activist and 40-year
pastor of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, died of cancer
Monday at Methodist Healthcare-Central. He was 79.

"He was one of the ministers supportive of the sanitation strike,"
said state Rep. Kathryn Bowers (D-Memphis) of Mr. Johnson's role in
the 1968 sanitation worker's strike.

"He was very much involved in the religious and political aspects of
it."

Mr. Johnson, a lifetime Memphis resident, was born March 8, 1921.
After serving in the Army during WWII, he returned to Memphis and
attended Henderson Business College and Brewster's Theological Center.

Members of Mr. Johnson's family said he was also a gifted electrician,
personally installing sound systems in many churches in the area. He
also repaired shoes, televisions, radios and other appliances.

"He was really a jack of all trades," said Ulanda Crivens, Mr.
Johnson's daughter and a teacher at White Station High School. "He
loved designing and building things, especially of a scientific
nature."

In addition to his duties as pastor, Mr. Johnson was state director of
education for the Tennessee Regular Baptist Missionary and
Educational State Convention.

Mr. Johnson, the husband of Emegene Johnson, also leaves four sons,
Alvin Carmichael Johnson, Jamuel Warren Johnson and Spencer Dewitt
Johnson, all of Memphis, and Darrell Wardell Johnson of Houston,
Texas; a sister, Essie B. Williams of Omaha; a brother, Dewitt
Johnson of Memphis and 10 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Shady Grove
Missionary Baptist Church, 1821 Kansas.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Middle Baptist
Church, 801 Whitehaven Lane, with burial in New Park Cemetery. N.J.
Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge.

-----------------------------------------------------

Funeral service set for Blanche Carter

SANTA MONICA, CA - Blanche N. Carter, who was involved in religious
and civic affairs in the area for many years, died Tuesday. She was
96.

Carter was the widow of Dr. Welford P. Carter, the former pastor of
the Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica. She is survived by many
nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday
at Calvary Baptist Church, 1502 20th St., Santa Monica.

Church family celebrates a life

Just as the Rev. Wayne Taft Harris Sr. had requested, funeral is a
time for followers to rejoice.

                        By Diana Penner
                        Indianapolis Star
                        August 14, 2000

The Rev. Wayne Taft Harris Sr. picked out his own casket, wrote his
own obituary,designed his own funeral program. It was titled A
Celebration of Victory!!!

So it seemed fitting Sunday, when more than 2,500 people gathered to
say farewell to Harris at his church, that his own voice boomed over
the speaker system:

"Thank you, Lord! Thank you! Thank you!'' Harris declared
enthusiastically in a sermon taped some time ago at Mount Olive
Missionary Baptist Church. "Hallelujah! Thank you for salvation!
Thank you for deliverance!"

"We claim victory this morning! We claim victory this morning!"
Harris, 46, died Wednesday of a heart attack.

He had battled heart problems for a couple of years, but Sheryl
McDaniel, clerk at the church, 1003 W. 16th St., said she didn't
think that spurred Harris in 1997 to make clear his wishes for his
own funeral. He was just making those decisions early, easing the
burden for family and friends should they have to make arrangements
for his final service, she said.

To the larger Indianapolis community, Harris was known mostly as a
community activist who didn't hesitate to take on government or other
powerful institutions.

But Sunday was not about the public Wayne Harris. It was about the
man, the pastor.

And it was, according to his plan, a time to rejoice in faith.

The service Harris designed was a celebration of God.  Yes, there
were tears. Yes, some keened with grief. But the choir sang
hallelujahs and led the congregation in song, dance and clapping.

People filled the pews and lined the walls of the church, murmured or
shouted amens, chuckled at stories shared from the pulpit.

"Wayne made me laugh,'' recalled Elder Lionel T. Rush, pastor of the
Greater Harvest Institutional Church of God in Christ.

Like the time Harris and Rush faced down members of the Ku Klux Klan,
and Harris sang out, "Jesus loves me!''

"We were great friends,'' Rush recalled. "We had a relationship of
tremendous intimacy.''

Harris made friends, and those friends became family.  Ask the young
men of his church called "the T-shirt family." On Sunday, they
sported T-shirts with a portrait of Harris above the dates of his
life -- 1954 to 2000 -- and these words: "The only one who could
reach us, and the only one who could teach us."

"He always told us to stay in school and do our best,'' said Andre
Chislom, 16.  But Harris didn't just preach to the boys. He embraced
them with his heart; he took them home, like a father.

"We used to spend the night all the time,'' said 18-year-old Deon
Lindsey. What would they do? "Act like boys! Rassle! Have
fun!"  "Like father and son."

Dr. Chari Crayton, an Indianapolis dentist, joined the family at
Mount Olive eight years ago. Harris performed her wedding ceremony
and baptized both of her children.

"He taught me how to defeat the devil,'' Crayton said. "He told me to
continue to smile, no matter what comes my way."

"He used to say, 'If you're happy and you have joy, you need to
notify your face. Don't walk around with a frown.' ''

Harris knew people would have heavy hearts at this service, and he
did what he could to steer them away from grief and toward joy.
Because death, for Harris, meant only that he was going home to his
God. That, he wrote, was reason for rejoicing:

"Don't be crying, y'all. I really am a believer. I really am truly
saved. I really am alright now.

"I am with the one who stilled the waters and calmed the seas. I am
with Jesus!!!

"God has smiled on me . . . I made it!

"Hallelujah!!!''


Rev. Wayne T. Harris
      1954-2000
      His compassion overshadowed the controversy
          OBITUARY
      By KEVIN O'NEAL AND BILL MCCLEERY STAFF WRITERS
      They came to pray as usual Wednesday night at Mount Olive
Missionary Baptist Church. Instead, they
      mourned the untimely death of their well-known and sometimes
controversial pastor and praised his
      tenacious efforts on behalf of the down and out.
      The Rev. Wayne T. Harris, 46, a critic of Indianapolis
government and law enforcement who had
      come to support the Indianapolis Police Department, died at 3
p.m. Wednesday. Details of his death
      were not immediately available, but friends said that Harris had
been suffering from heart problems for several years.
      Hundreds of people gathered at the church, 1003 W. 16th St., on
Wednesday night. They surrounded the church's altar, weeping
      and moaning in their grief, as ministers comforted them and
praised Harris for his works.
      "You should remember how much he cared for his church and the
vision he had," said the Rev. Warren T. Hurley, Mount Olive's
      assistant pastor. "Someone said he couldn't afford his vision,
but he knew God was able."
      From his protests against police to an accusation of arson,
Harris was controversial for 13 years. Yet, he also started social
      services for his church's neighborhood, turning a run-down
structure into a center for the needy and building a new sanctuary.
      "Wayne was the right person, period," said Elder Lionel T. Rush,
a minister who worked with Harris during the years of
      protest. "No one else would step up to the plate."
      Harris' work was unfinished at the time of his death. The lot at
15th and Montcalm streets, next to the church, is earmarked for
      an education and exercise building, but no work has been done on
the project for at least a year.
      But north of that vacant lot stands a two-story building, a
former tavern purchased by the church for a crisis care center and
      shelter in 1986. Wishard Health Services leases the building
from the church and operates it as the Midtown First Home Shelter.
      Harris was Mount Olive's pastor for 22 years, but his career as
a public activist started in 1987. The event that brought him to
      prominence was the death of a teen-age car theft suspect in a
police car.
      When Michael Taylor, a 16-year-old black car theft suspect, was
shot while handcuffed in the back seat of an Indianapolis police
      car, the city's black community was skeptical and angry. Harris,
Rush and Damon Roach were among the black ministers who
      protested the shooting.
      "He believed in coming in the front door and putting his life on
the line," Roach said about the confrontational tactics that Harris
      employed, including a march on IPD headquarters where the
ministers carried caskets.
      Local and federal investigations concluded Taylor shot himself
with a gun he had hidden in his sneaker, but many questioned
      whether police officers had killed him. A decade later, Taylor's
mother won a civil case against the city and an eventual $1.9
      million settlement.
      Harris eventually conceded the possibility that Taylor had taken
his own life, but he always remained critical of IPD's handling of
      the incident.
      "He never stopped fighting for the Taylor family," said the Rev.
Charles Williams, a friend of Harris' and president of Indiana
      Black Expo.
      But Harris also expressed solidarity with IPD in efforts to
fight drugs and crime in urban neighborhoods. In 1997, Harris
      donated $5,000 to IPD's general fund, saying he hoped the money
would be used to help fight street crime.
      "It's just a token," he said at the time. "I hope it symbolizes
the black church's feeling that we're concerned."
      Paul Annee, chief of police from 1986 to 1991 during the height
of the Taylor controversy, said Wednesday that he always
      respected Harris.
      "I don't know anybody who cared more about his community --
genuinely cared about it -- than Wayne Harris," Annee said.
      "He fought for his community. He was a credit to the entire
city. He was a good man."
      Although Harris might be remembered mostly as an advocate for
the black community, his interest in human rights and
      standing up for those he perceived to be victims reached across
racial lines.
      In 1998, Harris questioned the IPD's actions in the case of
another person, a white woman, who also apparently shot herself in
      the back seat of a police car.
      Just last week, he expressed outrage that a white woman whose
son was run over was being charged with neglect.
      In a news release faxed to Marion County Prosecutor Scott Newman
and others, Harris demonstrated that he retained a fire for
      fighting perceived injustices right up until the last.
      "Why did you have the gall to arrest the mother?" he asked. "She
just buried her child and is suffering. . . . I never thought I'd see
      a prosecutor as ruthless, as cold."
      Newman said he didn't take offense.
      "He stated his beliefs," he said. "Those beliefs were sincerely
held. I wish in his lifetime that we had discussed those issues
      because I think such discussions are more helpful than hurling
press releases."
      Harris also generated controversy in 1987, when he was charged
with arson after a house fire outside of Indianapolis. Twice the
      case was tried before a jury, and twice Harris was not convicted
when the cases ended in mistrials.
      Harris' reputation as a man of the people led to the
extraordinary expression of respect and grief at his church on
Wednesday.
      Word about his death had spread during the day, and people were
compelled to travel to Mount Olive to pay their respects. At
      the same time, many worshipers went to the church for the
regularly scheduled Wednesday night prayer meeting, only to learn
      that their pastor had died.
      Some shouted, others wept, while many stood in silent prayer.
      "Lord, we don't believe you made a mistake," said the Rev.
Jeffrey Johnson, pastor of Eastern Star Baptist Church. "We believe
      you received one of your best into your kingdom. . . . Thank you
for Rev. Wayne Harris and the people he saved."
      Harris received a bachelor's degree from Birmingham (Ala.)
Baptist Bible College and a master's from the Alabama Christian
      School of Religion.
      He is survived by his wife, Deirdra, and children Kristal, Wayne
Jr. and Jonathan Harris. Services are pending.

Sermon by
Dr. Walter R. Prince, Jr.
Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
Orlando, Florida
For comments write to:  revprince1@...

Genesis 19:15-26
15And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying,
Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest
thou
be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 16And while he lingered, the
men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon
the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and
they brought him forth, and set him without the city. 17And it came
to
pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape
for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the
plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. 18And Lot said
unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:

  19Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou
hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my
life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me,
and
I die: 20Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a
little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and
my soul shall live. 21And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee
concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for
the which thou hast spoken. 22Haste thee, escape thither; for I
cannot
do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the
city
was called Zoar. 23The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered
into Zoar.
24Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and
fire
from the LORD out of heaven; 25And he overthrew those cities, and all
the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew
upon the ground.
26But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar
of
salt.


Subject: Magnified Mercy


(It's Time to get out and Stay Out)

Are you one of those people who have a hard time saying no to things
that have the power to hurt you…

Do you find it easier to say what you're going to do, than it is to
live up to what you say…

Are there times in your life when you had every intention of not
going
back,
Of not turning around,
Of breaking out, breaking free…

And you were absolutely positively sure, you would never end up in
that situation again, and before you knew, you were right back where
you started from…

Well, you are not alone…

Because for so many people, getting out sounds a whole lot easier
than
it is…
And staying out, has proven to be impossible…

Whether it's the career criminal who trouble with the law…
Or a husbands and wives who always seem to stay in arguments or
trouble with one another…

Whether it's yielding to the sin of temptation…
Or slipping into something that looks good, but that doesn't mean you
any good…

Whether it's going back to things God has delivered you from…
back sliding… or simply making retreats of regret…
You are not alone…

The Bible shows us just how easy it is,
to get caught up in the iniquity of the city..

and how easy it is to lose out on the salvation of God.

The city of Sodom was a bustling place…
Filled with energy and excitement…

It was a place which came alive when the sun went down…

The Sodomites were proud,
with their riches and great wealth;

in Sodom, Diversity was the watchword of the day…

For they loved their diverse lifestyles which encouraged all kinds of
tolerance…

And especially their homosexual--- gay and lesbian…
lifestyles…

but God was not pleased with them,
and God was determined to punish them for their pride…

Their indifference and their disobedience to the will of God.

This is the city which captivated Lot's attention…
Lot initially pitched his tent toward Sodom…

He didn't live their…

But he lived upon a hill overlooking the city…
But eventually, the allure of the city…

The lights in the night…
The sounds of city…
The crowds rushing in...

Captivated his attention…
And drew him to the city….

Yes, Lot moved from his tent outside town,
To a house on one of the main streets of the city…

He raised his family there…

He became a man of influence there…
And was one of those who sat in the gates….

He was fully aware of the things going on around him…
He was fully aware of the reputation of the city…

He was not unaware… but he was fully aware…
Of the things going on…

And his family fell in love with the city…

His wife hung out in the city…

His sons in- law hung out on the streets…

But judgment was on its way…
God sent angels to destroy the place…

Abraham pleaded with them…
If you find a hundred righteous, will you spare the city?
But they couldn't find a hundred…

So they looked for 90…

They looked for fifty…
They looked for ten…
But couldn't find ten righteous among the people of the city…

But the Bible says… in verse 19…
because of magnified mercy…
God saved Lot and his family…

But some of them still wouldn't go…
The men who were engaged to Lot's daughters wouldn't go…
They were in love with the streets of the city…

Lot's wife didn't want to go…
She was in love with the nightlife…
And the hustle and bustle of the city…

Lot and his daughters were reluctant to go…
The end was near…
The sun was going down…

Destruction was on it's way…
But they didn't want to leave…

In fact, if it had been up them…
They would have stayed right there…

Notice what happened… Lot wasn't moving fast enough…
Lot was too indecisive…
Lot was too wishy washy…
And too compromising to make the right choice.

Look at what it says, the men Laid hold upon his hand…

They had to take him by force…
Against his will….
They had to take his wife…
And take his daughters…

they grabbed him…

they grabbed his two daughters…
they grabbed his wife…
and brought him out…

They didn't follow him out…
They didn't lead him out…
They didn't send him out,

But they had to bring him out…

And even after they brought him out…
And sat him outside the city…

Verse 17 says,
They still had to urge him to Escape for his life…

They had to tell him run for your life…

They had to tell him…
Don't look back…

But run for the mountains…

Now I don't believe Lot was an evil man…
In fact the Bible says he was a righteous man…

But he was man without conviction…

He was a man who compromised his values…
And he did it for the material advantages it provided…

Even the homosexuality didn't bother him…
But the bible says Homosexuality is wrong…

There is nowhere in the Bible where it is simply called an "alternate
lifestyle,"
but the Bible calls it gross sin.

Lev. 18:22-23 calls it "detestable."

Rom. 1:24-27
Calls it "shameful lusts",
"indecent,"

and "perversion,"

this may be the new millennium…
but God's word has not changed…
it was wrong then…

and it is wrong now…

and we must take a stand with the Word of God…

People won't like you for that…

People will criticize you for that…

People will even reject you for that…

But that's all right…

Lot knew better…

But he preferred to stay there and make a profit than to leave,
And take a stand against evil.


And he is just like so many in the world today…
He made some bad choices…

He made some mistakes in life…
He messed up sometimes…

He failed to live right sometimes…
He completely blew it sometimes…

He broke things and couldn't fix them…

He inflicted pain and Heartache…

There were times when he failed as a father…

Failed as a husband,

And even failed as child of God…

And he needed the mercy of God in his life.


I don't think he was evil…

I don't believe his daughters were evil…
Or the men engaged to them were evil…

Nor do I believe his wife was evil…
Maybe she was in the streets because she didn't have a real man at
home…

Maybe she found a friend in the world…
She couldn't find anywhere else…

I don't think they were evil…
But they were doing what natural people do…

I just believe they were lost in sin…
And didn't know how to get out…

They were caught up in the things of the city…
And didn't realize the blessing of being free…

They were enjoying life…
In this world…
With no appreciation or thought of the life in the world to come…

They had been by surrounded by sin and evil… for so long…
They had lost their appreciation for righteousness…


But that only leads to a fall…
That only leads to death and destruction…

Look at what happened to Lot's wife…
God was leading her out…

Angels were right by her side…
They had her by the hand,
And she was on the way out….

She was headed to the right place…
She was on the way with the right people…

But sound of the city was calling in her ear….

The sights of the city…
Was the wallpaper on the desktop of her eyes…

The excitement of the city…
Was the screen saver in her mind…

She was headed out…
Physically…
But she hadn't moved mentally…

She was on her way literally…
But she never moved in her mind…

She was outside the city…
But the city still lived inside…

And she looked back,
One last time…
She didn't see any harm in looking back…
She didn't see any danger in looking back…

She didn't really think one last time would hurt her…

But beware… that one last time may be the last time…

1. one last passionate kiss… which leads to an unplanned
pregnancy…

2. one last drink… which leads to alcholism…

3. one last snort…

4. one last hit… which leads to addiction…

5. one last affair, which destroys a marriage…

6. One last time trying to beat the train across the tracks,
which ends in death…

7. One last fight… which ends with someone getting hurt…

8. make one last bill which leads to bankruptcy…
9. one last lie
10. one last fling
11. one last fit of anger or rage

All Lot's wife wanted was one last look…

But the real problem is,
One last time is never satisfied…

one more is never satisfied…

One more is never enough…

But one more always wants one more…

And her one more time, turned out to be the last time…

One last look… turned out to be the last look…

One last thought… ended up being her last thought…

And the Bible says, she was turned into a pillar of salt…

And her life is an everlasting testimony of what disobedience to God
can do…

But church…

Don't let the same thing happen to you…
But Get out… and stay out…

Don't look back…

For the sun is setting on your life…

God is trying to bring you out…

There are those here today, who know that God is their only glimmer
of
hope…
There are those here who have run into trouble…

Pain…
Problems and disappointment…

There are those here who are looking for help…
Hope…

And escape from the rat race of life…
Which has left them emotionally drained.

Spiritually spent…
And running here and there,
After this and that…

But never finding contentment…

There are those who are looking for a way to get up from where they
are…

To get out of what they are in…

And who are searching for answers to the perplexing…
Confusing problems that are confronting them in life…

They have tried everything and everything failed…

They have gone everywhere…
But haven't found a place of rest…

They are hoping for joy,
But mired down in confusion…

They are longing for peace…
But are living in pain…

But I want you to know you came to the right place..

Because the only answer to your problem is God…

The only way out of your valley of distress is God…

The only light for your broken condition is God…

The only practical solution for relentless worry is God…

The only hope for salvation for your soul is God…

Only God can give you peace which passeth all understanding…

Only God can teach you to say, in whatever state I find myself…
I've learned to be content…

Only God will stand by you, through thick and thin…

Good and bad…
Right and wrong…

Only God is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother…

Only God will be there when all others turn their back and walk
away…

Only God will go with you through the fire and flood…
The storm and rain…

God has a plan of salvation…
Hope…

And deliverance for your life…

But God has only one plan of salvation at a time…

God does not have two plans or three plans…
God does not have one plan for rich people…

And another plan for poor people…

God does not have one plan for black people and another plan for
white
people…
But God has one plan…

And it is not a customizable plan…
Where you pick some from column A and some from column B…
But God has only one plan…

And that plan right now, is salvation by grace…
Through faith in His Son Jesus Christ…

He is the only weay to get out and stay out…

He is the only way to get out, and not look back…

He is the only way to life….
Love…

Joy….

Peace and Rest…

There is no other plan…

In the text…
In the days of Sodom and Gomorrah…
God used angels to rescue Lot and his family…
From the iniquity of the city…

In the days of Flood… God used an ark…
As a shelter for Noah and his family…

In the days of drought in Canaan…
God used Joseph… and corn in Egypt…

When there arose another Pharaoh, who knew not Joseph…

And Israel was in affliction down in Egypt…
God used the blood of the lamb on the posts of the door…

And when the death angel saw the blood…
It passed over that house…

God always has a plan…
But God only has one plan at a time…

And God's plan for your salvation…
For you deliverance…

For your eternal peace and safety…
Is through the blood of Jesus…

Who purchased our redemption when He shed His blood on the cross…

I heard David say,
Even when my father and my mother forsake me…
Then the Lord will take me up…

I heard Job say,
And tho ye slay me…
Yet will I trust in him…

The Hebrew boys said…
Our God is able to deliver us…
But even if he does not deliver us…
He still is able…


I heard Habakkuk say,
17Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
neither shall fruit be in the vines;

the labour of the olive shall fail,

and the fields shall yield no meat;

the flock shall be cut off from the fold,

and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

And I heard Paul say,
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
shall tribulation, or distress,

or persecution, or famine,

or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us

  38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,

nor angels, nor principalities,

nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39Nor height, nor depth,

nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


That my brothers and sisters is Magnified Mercy…

Mercy which knows our needs more than we know our needs…

Mercy which looks makes a way, in spite of us….
In spite of our shortcomings…

In spite of our lack of faithfulness…
Magnified mercy…

Led them out…

Look at what the Bible says…

Right there in the 15 verse

And when the morning arose,
  then the angels got in a hurry,
and had to get Lot out of bed.

They had to force him out of the city…

Telling him,

Arise, get up now, and get out of here…

take your wife,

take your daughters,
lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

But look at the text… see it there in the 16th verse…
It says,
16And while he lingered,
he didn't move but he lingered…

he didn't get in a hurry… but he hung around…
He lingered right there in Sodom…

In that strange, but familiar place…

He lingered right there, in Sodom,
In that corruptible,
Detestable place…

And somebody here is lingering right now…
but where are you lingering…

what has God told you leave behind…
what has God told you to get away from…

what has your attention, more than God…

don't get lost in lingering…


But you ought to thank God for magnified mercy…

And God has some magnified mercy for you…

Magnified mercy… looked beyond my faults and saw my needs…

Magnified mercy… spared my life…
When I didn't even deserve it…

Magnified mercy…
Hung Jesus on the cross….

Laid him down in the grave…
And got him up early Sunday morning…

Magnified mercy…
Will put clapping in your hands…
Running in your feet…

And ring joy bells down in your soul…

Magnified mercy will make you stand up and praise the Lord…

Magnified mercy will make you say amen…

Magnified mercy will give you a song the angels can't sing…
Magnified mercy, will make you newborn again,

Do you have magnified mercy in your life…

Have you tried him…

Bless Your Spirit!  What an exciting month this has been here at New
Hope Friendship and throughout the San Diego area.  First, we want to
thank all of your for your patience - we haven't been publishing a
BLESS YOUR SPIRIT newsletter lately - we've been trying to wait to
accumulate enough pertinent information in order that we don't have
to keep "flooding your mailbox" with newsletters.  God has blessed
this ministry with over 20 new souls in July - 13 alone on this past
Sunday!

Our radio ministry just concluded our first month in Portland,
Oregon.  We have an opportunity to expand into Virginia we a
broadcast with comparable cost and an outreach potential of over one
million people.  If God is speaking to you to invest into this
ministry, please feel free to send your gifts to:  Robt. E. Houston,
Sr. Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 13489, San Diego, CA   92170-3489.
Our cost for going on the east coast is over $3,000.00 - and if God
is speaking to you individually or to your business or ministry about
assisting us in our outreach, it will be greatly appreciated.


CHAPTER ONE - SERMON SHARING SERVICE

We're missed!!!  That's wonderful!  The Sermon Sharing Service will
resume next week (we've just been very busy).  Thank you for all of
your letters and your patience concerning this.  We recently re-
posted many sermons on our site
(www.newhopefriendship.org/sermons.htm).  And many more will soon be
posted.


CHAPTER TWO - THANK YOU

A special word of thanks to President H. Keith Woods and the
Progressive Baptist State Convention of California for hosting Pastor
Houston during their 2000 Annual Session in Oakland, July 11-13.
Pastor Houston was the guest lecturer for the Thomas Kilgore, Jr.
Lecture Series, Dr. William S. Epps, Chairman of the Ministers
Conference.

And special thanks is in order as well to the General Baptist State
Convention of North Carolina, Dr. John D. Fuller, President and Dr.
Archie D. Logan, Jr., Executive Secretary-Treasurer.  The GBSC hosted
Pastor Houston during their Year 2000 All Baptist Assembly, July 25-
26, at the Winston-Salem, NC Convention Center.  Pastor Houston
lectured for the Ministers Division and preached during the General
Assembly on Wednesday along with Dr. Arlee Griffin of New York City.

And thanks are in order to Pastor John Ringgold and the disciples of
Bethel Baptist Church and the 100 Fold Harvest Ministries.  They
hosted Pastor Houston recently for a Computer and Internet Ministry
Institute on last Saturday.  Pastor Houston will be returning to
Bethel to conduct another seminar in the near future.


CHAPTER THREE - NOTES ARE AVAILABLE

For those pastors, ministers, and laypersons who would like to
receive a copy of the 20 page lecture notes on "Computers and
Internet in Ministry."  You can purchase a copy from the author,
Pastor Houston, for $10.00, including shipping and handling.  You can
write to Pastor Houston at robt@... to request your
copy and we will send your copy - and we trust God that you will send
your required funds a.s.a.p.  These notes are a must for your library.


CHAPTER FOUR - CITY WIDE REVIVAL 2000

We've just completed the City Wide Revival 2000 here in San Diego,
sponsored by the Baptist Ministers United, Dr. Joseph Foxworth, Sr.,
President.

Tapes are available from the City-Wide Revival.  The Day Session
tapes are $7.00 each (including shipping and handling).  The Speakers
are:  Dr. W. James Smith, Calvary Baptist Church, (Monday);  Rev.
Edward B. Johnson, Sr., Mesa View Baptist Church, (Tuesday);  Rev.
G.A. Williams, Greater Victory Baptist Church, (Wednesday); and Rev.
Thomas A. Taylor, Jr., Providence Baptist Church, (Thursday).

The evening session tapes featuring Dr. Frank E. Ray, Sr., senior
pastor of the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church of Memphis, TN can
be purchased through the Bayview Baptist Church.  You can view their
website for more information:  www.bayviewbc.org


CHAPTER FIVE - VACANT CHURCHES

Did you know that we have a list of churches that are looking for
pastors?  And did you know that we could use your help - especially
those of you who are in denominational leadership.  We are looking
for the names of churches and cities that the churches are located
in.  This is a free service that we hope all pastors, denominational
leaders, etc. will take advantage of.

We recently received the following letter from a church:

" The members of The Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL has
called The Reverand Al B. Sutton, Jr. of Buffalo, N.Y. to be the new
Pastor. The Pulpit Search Committee made the recommendation on
yesterday and the congregation voted to call Reverand Sutton.  We
would like to thank you for yours prayers because we feel that God has
truly blessed us with Reverand Sutton. Our retiring Pastor, Reverand
John T. Porter has become Pastor Emeritus.   Thanks again for the use
of the your wonderful web site, we received 120 candidate
applications and as a committee member, we have Prayed and worked
very hard and God never fails.

Yours in Christ
Robert Crenshaw "


CHAPTER SIX - YOUR FIRST HOME

The General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc.has put
together an excellent, excellent resource entitled "Your First Home"
which is produced by Dr. Thurman B. Everett, Housing Committee
Chairman, Dr. John D. Fuller, Sr., President, and Dr. Archie D.
Logan, Executive Secretary-Treasurer.   This resource guide to
Homeownership gives you the Step by Step details on how to purchase
your own home with great information in plain, easily understood
language.  To order a copy of the publication (approximately 80
pages), please contact the Executive Secretary, Dr. Archie D. Logan
at alogan@....


CHAPTER SEVEN - SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST

We are in negotiations with a prominent publishing company for the
purpose of publishing a collection of sermons by Pastor Houston on
the Book of James.  Please keep these negotiations in prayer and if
we have some news (we pray good news) to report, we will let you know.


CHAPTER EIGHT - UPCOMING EVENTS OF THIS MINISTRY:

August 2000
6 - Baptism and Communion, 5 p.m.
7-10 - Vacation Bible School, 6:30 p.m., Dea. Chad A. Greer, Director
13 - Evening Worship, 5 p.m.
13-17 - Pastor Houston in Revival - Unity Christian Outreach Church,
Indianapolis, Indiana
13-20  - Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. meeting in New
Orleans, LA
14-19 - California Missionary Baptist State Convention Congress &
Youth Convention, Oakland, CA
20 - Evening Worship, 5 p.m.
22-26 - Pastor Houston in Revival - Greater Johnson Baptist Church,
San Diego, CA
27 - Pastor Houston preaching at Calvary Baptist Church, San Diego -
7:45 a.m.
27 - Pastor Houston preaching at Mesa View Baptist Church, San Diego -
  4:00 p.m.

September 2000
3 - Baptism and Communion, 5 p.m.
4-8 - National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA
9 - Stephanie Diggs Wedding, 12 Noon
10 - Pastor Houston preaching at Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church,
San Diego, 4:00 p.m.
11-14 - Pastor Houston in Revival - West End Baptist Church, San
Antonio, TX
17 - Ministers and Deacons Ordination, 5 p.m.
24 - Annual Music Ministry Concert, 5 p.m.

October 2000
1 - Pastor Houston preaching at Pastor Darron L. Edwards'
Installation, Kansas City, MO, 10:30 a.m.
1 - Fellowship Service - Dr. C.E. Gaines, Preaching - 5 p.m.
9-12 - WHW Conference, Los Angeles, CA
15 - Guest Preacher:  Rev. Clinton Yancey, LaMarque, TX, 11:00 a.m.
15 - Ushers & Nurses Annual Day, 3:30 p.m.  Speaker:  Rev. Anthony C.
Frazier, San Diego, CA
19-21 - Nueva Esperanza Revival, 7 p.m. Nightly
23-27 - California Missionary Baptist State Convention Annual
Session, Los Angeles, CA
29 - Pastor Houston preaching at New Hope Baptist Church, Los
Angeles, CA, 3:30 p.m.


Pastor Houston's calendar is quickly filling for the 2000-2001 and
2001-2002 church years.  Please contact him at
robt@... in regards to him speaking at your event,
conference, seminar, crusade or revival.


CHAPTER NINE - What Pastors Wish Their Deacons Knew

A good brother sent this to me the other day and I just had to share
it with you!

What Pastors Wish Deacons Knew by Derek Gentle

I appreciate you more than you know

There is not a greater blessing in a pastor's life than a godly
deacon who loves the Lord and loves the Word of God. Just looking out
in the service and seeing you there is an encouragement. Knowing you
are praying for me motivates me. Knowing you share the vision of
having a growing, evangelistic church that impacts our community
challenges me to my best efforts! God bless you godly deacon; I
appreciate you!

Not only do I appreciate you, I need you. Let me list some specific
thoughts on things many pastors wish our deacons knew. These items
represent a general statement, based on experiences of numerous
pastors at multiple churches. This is not a criticism directed at the
deacons at my own church with whom I feel have a wonderful
relationship. I only wish every pastor were so blessed.

I wish my deacons understood the level of stress I live with

There are several causes of this stress. I deal with life and death
issues regularly. I am always on call. I live with constant
deadlines. Every Wednesday and every Sunday I have to be ready to
preach and teach. If I take some vacation time, but I have to come
back to preach on Sunday, I am not really on vacation, and I am not
completely with my family. I have to spend a great deal of time
thinking about Sunday's sermons. Then, I have a large number of
people who go home and evaluate how I did. In fact, every decision
I make, from personnel matters to the order of service is under
constant scrutiny. I go into deacons meetings monthly not knowing who
will be upset at any given meeting about what. Usually, there isn't a
problem, but I never know. If someone goes into the hospital and I
don't know about it, there are those who get upset and complain to
fellow church members that I didn't visit. I need you to remember
that this stress is a part of my daily life.

I don't have all of the spiritual gifts

Pastors are preachers, administrators, visitors of those in the
hospital, nursing homes, and home bound, personal evangelists,
counselors, leaders, and visionaries. How many times does a church
lose its pastor and then vow to find a man who will do what the last
pastor couldn't? "Brother Joe was a fine preacher, but he wasn't good
to visit; our next preacher will be more of a pastor!" Then, after
Brother Sid leaves: "I loved ole Brother Sid; he sure was good to
visit, but he couldn't preach a lick, bless his heart. Our next man
needs to be able to preach!" Why can't church members figure out
that one man is limited to one personality, one driving passion, one
spiritual gift (or so), and 24 hours in a day. The truth is, if a man
were gifted in every way, he wouldn't have enough time to do
everything well. And the truth is, doing what I am gifted at
energizes me; doing the things I'm not drains me. That's true for
you, too. How about accepting me for who I am and then staffing and
using volunteers to balance for my weaknesses?

I have multiple constituencies with which to deal

I do not have one supervisor to whom I report as I relate to the
church. I do report to the Lord, but let's face it, if I get to stay
and if I get raises and if my leadership is supported, these matters
aren't always determined by the Lord. There are the deacons, the
personnel committee, the stewardship committee, the senior adults,
the young adults, and so on. Most of you have only to please your
immediate supervisor - or you are the owner and can run your business
to please yourself.

I don't have the power you think I have

Often, pastors are given responsibility without being given the
needed authority. For example, they are given the responsibility of
supervising the rest of the ministerial staff. However, the pastor's
input isn't even sought at budget time as raises are discussed. He
may have to go through a committee, the deacons, and a church vote to
dismiss a staff member. Sometimes, staff members have a group of
supporters in the church which would make such a move risky. He is
dependant on the good will of the staff member and his own ability to
influence others. A staff member with little integrity knows all
this. He may even take the attitude of, "You can't make me." But the
deacons will sometimes try to hold the pastor responsible for
the actions of the staff. Please don't give us responsibility without
the necessary authority to do our jobs.

There are often unrealistic expectations placed on the family of the
pastor

The deacons and church should know that they did not call an
additional staff member for the price of one. The call to pastor is
unique and the family that comes with the pastor has the roll of
supporting him, not being the unofficial staff. Also, children are
children whether they are pastor's children or not.

Getting Time Away is Difficult

First, Pastors are generally conscientious about taking their
vacation time. They will put the church calendar first and take
what's left. Though they should, many will not take all the time they
have coming. Sometimes our members can get away for a weekend,
through the year. It is often very difficult for a pastor to get two
days in a row off. If a pastor's wife holds a job and has to work on
Friday, he may have a hard time putting such a get away together. For
example, in one church, we had a stretch where because, someone died,
we to postpone or come back early from 80% of our vacations. It
became something of a joke about the pastor being away. One
can imagine how such experiences may hinder pastors' children's
attitude about having a Dad in the ministry. These situations are
almost always unavoidable, but a little alertness on the part of
deacons can help their ministers make up for lost time away. As Vance
Havner said, referring to the practice of Jesus, "If we don't 'come
apart', we will come apart." It is to the churches advantage to
encourage their ministers to get away for a break now and then.

Respect my training

I have a college degree, a masters degree, and have been to
uncountable seminars. I have shelves of books of commentaries, on
theology, evangelism and church growth. I have been working and
thinking and learning about pastoring since I was sixteen. In this
regard, most pastors have the same background. Yet, occasionally, the
burden of proof is on the pastor to "prove" the details of his
recommendations in deacons meetings. No one minds answering
questions - and most aren't bothered when people of good will
disagree. But sometimes, it is a case of people pooling their
ignorance arguing with the one person in the room who knows what he's
talking about. Respect the pastor's training.

The Meeting Ain't Deac-ing

Attending meetings and giving orders to the paid employees of the
church is not "serving" and it is not fulfilling the office of
deacon. It's more like Lou Holtz's description of football: Twenty-
two people desperately needing rest being watched by 60,000 people
desperately needing some exercise. One minister wrote me to say, "I
wish all deacons were familiar with, not only the qualifications of a
pastor which they expect to be adhered to, but also the
qualifications of a deacon which should carry the same weight and
commitment."

In most churches, There's No One with the Job of looking out for the
pastor The deacons and personnel committees are often called upon to
deal with problems when they need to be resolved. Sometimes, that's
necessary. On the other hand, most churches have no one who
understands minister's taxes or who, during the budget process, take
the time look over the history of his compensation package to know
when he last received a raise or to check the inflation rate for the
previous year. There is always that group out there to make sure he
doesn't get too much, but often there is not a group to insure he
gets enough.

The dog isn't sleeping just because it's not biting you

Sometimes, some pastor will have a member dealing him continuous
misery. When he asks for help in dealing with the situation, he might
hear something like, "Pastor, let's let sleeping dogs lie." However,
a sleeping dog is one who isn't bothering anyone and isn't likely to
unless provoked. If a member is harassing your pastor, he isn't a
sleeping dog, he is a biting dog. Go to his aid!

The church is not General Motors

The church does not exist, as does a business, to make a profit or to
hoard money. The church is on a mission. The main work of the whole
church for the whole age is evangelism. The church is content
oriented and the Bible is its source of authority. It's about Jesus!
Deacons have the opportunity and influence to help the entire church
family stay on message.

I would rather hear bad news from my friends than from my enemies

Sometimes, I am going to mess up. Sometimes, I will have to hear bad
news. When this is true, I would rather hear it from my friends than
from my enemies. My friends want me to succeed. They will tell me in
love, without trying to embarrass me or hurt me. They have my best
interest at heart. I need you to be that kind of friend.


CHAPTER TEN - FREE SUBSCRIPTION

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A CLOSING NOTE.....

Please check out our family sites:

NEW HOPE FRIENDSHIP FORUM (where the saints gather to talk)
www.delphi.com/pastorhouston

W.H.W. MINISTRIES, Dr. R.A. Williams, Jr., President
www.whwministries.com

CALIFORNIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION, Dr. C.E. Gaines,
President
www.cmbsc.com

BAPTIST MINISTERS UNITED OF SAN DIEGO and VICINITY, Dr. Joseph
Foxworth, President
www.bmusandiego.com

Once again, the Lord has called and His servant has answered.  The
Reverend Hampton M. Calloway, the pastor of the Mount Gillard
Missionary Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon, was called home to
rest on last week after a lengthy illness.

Reverend Calloway served the Mount Gillard Baptist Church for over 27
years.  He served as a Dean of the Portland District Sunday School,
Baptist Training Union and Ushers Congress;  Vice Moderator of the
Union Baptist District Association of Oregon;  and an officer within
the General Baptist Convention of the Northwest.  He also taught
extension courses for the United Theological Seminary and Bible
College (Louisiana), Dr. Joe S. Hardie, Extension Director, Dr. B.F.
Martin, College President.

The Homegoing Services for Reverend Calloway will be held at the
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon on Monday, July
31, 2000 at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Felton Howard, pastor of Antioch will be
preaching the Homegoing Sermon.

Let us keep his wife, Sis. H.M. Calloway, and his family and church
family in prayer during this time of bereavement.

Rev. D. W. McFarland, (affectionately called the God-Father of
gospel) age 83 of Dayton, OH went home to be with his Lord on June
25, 2000.

He was a native of Omaha, Ga, born Sept 23, 1916.  He  sang in the
Little Four and the Dayton Revelators quartets.  He  preached his
trial sermon on the fourth sunday in Nov 1942 at the Mt. Enon Baptist
Church under the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Munday.  His subject "A New
Birth".   At the age of 26 he accepted his first and only pastorate
at the  Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  The church had 12 active members.
The membership soon outgrew the white frame building.   Ground was
broken to build a new building in 1954.

Two years later a 1.5 million structure with  a membership exceeding
1500 was built to the glory of God.  Rev. McFarland loved God and
the church.

He recognized the need for his members to get a higher education and
personally  donated $ 25,000.00 to the church to institute a
scholarship fund for  students desiring a college education.   Since
that time many college students have benefited from the fund.

He was the receiptant on many citations and awards including  an
Honary Doctorate of Divinity from Monrovia Liberia West Africa and
having the street of which the church is located renamed to McFarland
Lane.

During his 49 1/2 years of pastoring the same church records indicate
he administered the rite of Baptism to over 2100 candidates,
conducted 588 communion services, conducted 343 revivals, performed
257 weddings, eulogized 417 funerals, organized 7 churches, and
dedicated 136 babies.

Rev. McFarland retired after 49 1/2 years of pastoring Mt. Olive on
the third Sunday in May 1993 but continued to preach until his
illiness in May of this year.  He died with only one request:  "Let
the works that I have done speak for me".

He was preceeded in death by his son Rev. Theodore H. McFarland.
He leaves to cherish his memory the Mt. Olive church family, his
devoted wife Julia,  son, David L., daughter Betty (Rev. Martin)
Winslow a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren relative and
friends.  Wake will be Friday beginning at 4:00 at the Mt. Olive
Baptist Church and the Funeral service will be Saturday June 30 at
11:00, Mt. Enon Baptist Church.

Bless YOur Spirit!

The sermon, "It's All In The Name of Jesus," was written by Reverend
Calvin McDaniel.

" It's All In The Name Of Jesus"
"Matt:6:9"

At the risk of being branded a radical liberal, I want to suggest to
you that the  Lord's Prayer was not originally intended to serve
as a
ritualistic purpose. Even though it is now globally memorized and
nightly recited. There is a conspicuous absence of historical
evidence, to justify its memorization and its recitation. Of  course
I must add that the recitation of the Lords Prayer will do no harm.
But you see the Bible offers nothing either explicit or contextual
that substantially indicates The Masters wish for the Prayer to be
globally memorized, and nightly recited and repeated.

In fact, the preponderance of biblical evidence overwhelmingly favors
and suggest the idea that Jesus did not want this prayer nightly
repeated and globally memorized. First of all there is the argument
of incongruity of language and don't let that scare you, it
simply
means that there is an inconsistent usage of words. Now according to
the concordance, this prayer is recorded twice in scripture, once by
Matthew in chapter 6 of his gospel, and the second time in Luke's
gospel chapter 11. Now in order to clearly see the incongruity and
the inconsistency of language, you will have to flip back and forth
between Matthew's gospel and Luke's gospel.

Now in Matt:6:10 the writer records thy will be done in earth as in
Heaven. But Luke11:2 says thy will be done as in heaven so in earth,
Matthew 6:11 says give us this day our daily bread, but Luke11:3 says
give us day by day our daily bread. Matthew concludes his version
with a 4 fold description to God's marvelous greatness in v13.
Matthew says for thine is the kingdom, that's ascription #1, and
the
power ascription#2, and the glory that's ascription#3, and then
he
says forever that's ascription#4.

Now if you will read and compare that to Luke11:4, you will find that
Luke does not close by sharing the same 4fold ascription. In fact
Luke does not close with an ascription at all. Luke climaxes his
version or account of the prayer with a corporate petition. And that
petition is deliver us from evil.

Now I know what you're thinking, you're saying those are
minute and
minor differences, and it is true that none of them have a dramatic
impact on the meaning of the text, yet my bros, and my sisters, it is
at least enough to make us question would Jesus possibly expect
people who were hearing this prayer for the first time to recite it
and repeat it verbatim when He didn't recite it verbatim. And
then
even if that were not the case, if the recitation of this prayer was
a grave concern to Jesus, don't you think the N.T. would log at
least
one case of human caplicity to the divine command.

But guess what- you can look in all of the N.T. and you will not find
even find 1 reported incident of this prayer being repeated or
prayed. Now that's important because that ought to tell us
something.
Actually that ought to tell us 3 things. #1this prayer was not
designed to serve a ritualistic purpose, #2 anybody can learn the
prayer but #3 not everybody can pray the prayer.

When you stop to really look at the Lords prayer, you will discover
that it's not really the Lords Prayer but it's the disciples
prayer.
And the fact that it is the disciples prayer says that only a
disciple can pray this prayer.

You see you can't say our if you only live for your self- you
can't
say Father if you're not trying to act like His child- you
can't say
who art in Heaven if you're not laying up no treasure there- you
can't say Hallowed be Thy Name if you're not striving for
holiness-
you can't say Thy Kingdom come if you're not doing all can to
usher
in that event- you can't say Thy will be done if you're
disobedient
to God's Word-you can't say in earth as it is in Heaven if
you don't
serve Him in the here and now-you can't say give us our daily
bread
if you are dishonest or seeking gain by subtofuge-you can't say
forgive us our debts if you harbor grudges against others- you
can't
say lead us not into temptation if you deliberately place yourself in
the path of sin- you can't say deliver us from evil if you
don't put
on the whole armor of God- you can't say thine is the kingdom if
you
don't give the King loyalty that is due to Him-you  can't
attribute
to him power if you fear what men can do- you can't ascribe to
him
glory if you seek honor only for yourself- you can't say forever
if
the horizon of your life is bounded completely by time.

There are some people who cannot pray this prayer. Now that's
what
that says to me in the second place, but in the third place it says
to me that successfully committing the Lords prayer to memory is no
big thing. It says to me the fact you can put the words in their
proper grammatical and sequential order is not an impressive
accomplishment. In fact I've discovered anybody with minimal
scholastic aptitude can successfully learn, memorize, recite and
repeat the Lords Prayer. You see you're only dealing with 65
words in
Matthews gospel, 58 words in Luke's gospel. And committing the
prayer
to memory really ain't no big thang.

Now the reason I brought that up is because you need to know
something, and that something is that the Lords prayer when it's
really prayed is a definition and an articulation of the
petitioner's
spirit and attitude toward God. Now when you break the prayer down
into word by word and clause by clause, you will see you can't
pray
it unless you're in the right spirit, have the proper attitude,
and
be in the right frame of mind. Let me show you what I mean.

The word our reflects an unselfish attitude
Father denotes a family spirit
Hallowed indicates a reverent spirit
Thy kingdom comes expresses a loyal spirit
Thy will be done articulates a submissive spirit
Give us indicates a dependent spirit
Forgive us reveals a penitent spirit
Lead us reflects an humble spirit
Thine is the kingdom reflects a triumphant spirit.
And the glory unveils a exaltant spirit
Forever shows an eternal spirit
And amen reflects a cooperate spirit

So by the very words of the prayer you cant pray this prayer unless
your spirit is in harmony and in tune with the will and the life of
God. Now the reason I said all of that is to tell you this, as a
model or skeletal guideline, the purpose of the Lords prayer is not
to teach us what to say, but to teach us how to pray. And because
Jesus was dealing with how rather than what, notice there are some
things Jesus does not take time to deal with.

Notice Jesus does not deal with the posture of prayer, and I think I
better underscore that because we are living in a day that when
people are getting caught up on the posture of prayer. You see there
is even a movement of foot in the land called belly-flop praying, and
that is to suggest that if a man lies down on the floor naked and
completely prostrate that will induce God to hear and to consider his
prayer. But maybe I ought to tell you that Jesus didn't mention
anything about  required posture because posture is not a primary
concern. You see you can pray standing-sitting-kneeling-laying down-
lifting hands-placing your head between your knees-bowing with your
eyes opened-with your eyes closed-with your hands cupped-with your
arms folded looking up or looking down.

The posture in which you pray is not really important. But then
notice that Jesus does not even tell us about the place to pray! And
the reason He doesn't mention the place to pray is that you can
pray
anywhere. You see you can pray in a cave-or a closet-in a bed-or in a
garden-in a fish-or on a mountainside-in hades-by a river-on a house
top-or in a wilderness-or in a prison-on a cross-in a car-or on a
bicycle-on a boat-in an airplane-in a class room-in the street-on the
job-or on the play ground- because anywhere is good praying ground!

And then notice something else Jesus doesn't say-Jesus
doesn't talk
about where to pray, and the reason He doesn't say where and the
reason He didn't say the time for prayer is that any time is
prayer
time! You see can pray in the morning- mid morning-3 times/day- in
the evening-before meals- after meals-at bed time-at mid-night-at mid-
day-when you're young-when you're old-when you're well-
when sick-
when you're employed-when you're jobless- when you're up-
when you're
down- when you feel like it-when you don't feel like it-I tell
you
any time is the right time for pray time.

And so because of the inconsequentiality of posture, place and time-
Jesus skips over all that and goes directly to explain how to pray!
Now there's something you ought to notice about this and that is-
it
sounds strange that Jesus would give instructions to 12 jewish
converts about how to pray, because if the jews were known for any
thing historically, it was for their commitment to prayer.

Ya'll remember over there in the book of Acts chapter 3, where it
talks about Peter & John making their way to the temple at the ninth
hour, which was 3-0 clock in the afternoon, and from the days of
Daniel, that was the 3rd time they had prayed in the same day and
because according to jewish law they had to pray at 9- at -12 noon-
and at 3o-clock in the afternoon. Now surely if any body knew
anything about prayer it should have been the 12 jewish disciples of
Jesus. But now it was necessary for Jesus to teach them how to pray
because there is a difference between praying and praying to get
an answer.

You see when they said Master, teach us to pray, it was not that they
had not been trying but they noticed that often times when they
prayed there was no corresponding result and nothing is more
frustrating than to engage in prayer and then turn around and see no
difference. So when Jesus teaches them to pray, He's not talking
about the mechanics of prayer, but Jesus is talking about the
fruitfulness of prayer, He's not talking about the posture, place

and time, but Jesus is telling them how  to get a prayer through.

Now I'm wondering this morning is there anybody here like the
disciples, you've been praying a long time and there seems to be
no
answer yet, is there anybody here, you've been bombarding the
Throne
of Grace to obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in the time of need
(Heb4:16), with one petition after another and it looks like your
prayer rises no higher than the ceiling. Is there anybody here who is
spiritually frustrated because you keep on taking your burdens to the
Lord because you heard somebody quote 1Pet:5:7, and yet you look
around and see that same burden is right at your front door. Is there
anybody who's upset and distraught and disconcerted because you
keep
on asking and look like you don't get no answer, you keep on
knocking
and the door is not ajar, you keep on seeking and look like you just
can't find, well I want to tell you Jesus can tell you how to get
a
prayer through.

And guess what? Jesus says, Jesus says the key ain't in the
posture,
but the key is in the name. Now let me show ya'll how I know
that.
cause I know yall thinking I'm making this up. Let me show
you-what
Jesus says, Jesus says pray "Hallowed be Thy Name". Now as we
come to
this portion of the prayer, I want you to notice this prayer contains
6 petitions,(1)hallowed be thy name-(2)thy kingdom come-(3)thy will
be done-(4)give us this day our daily bread(5)forgive us our debts(6)
lead us not into temptation, now if we analytically divide these 6
petitions up into 2 equal sets of 3. You'll find out that the
first 3
petitions reveal the purpose of prayer, the 2nd 3 reveal the outcome
of prayer. So what that means is that when God's name is Hallowed
the
result is that we get our daily bread, when His Kingdom is realized
then our debts are forgiven and when His will is done He leads us
not into temptation, but notice also that the 1st 3 petitions are
concerns for God and the 2nd 3 are concerns for man. Now do yall know
what that tells me, it tells me my brothers and my sisters that in
prayer our concerns for God must pro seed and come before concerns
for ourselves.

In fact that's why Jesus puts the petitions in this order.
It's
because Jesus knew that man is fundamentally an routinely an
egocentric-egomaniacal-egotistical -egregious and self seeking
creature.

Jesus knew that man is completely consumed by selfish concerns, and
He knew that man is absorbed by thoughts of himself that he finds it
hard to think about anybody other than himself, and then Jesus knew
something that all of us have come to know and that is prolonged
exposure to a fallen world makes it hard to concentrate on concerns
other than your own.

You see living in a world that confronts us with unreasonable demands
and impractical expectations, and infertuities, delays and
devastating defeats and blistering be-trails and callous creditors
and angry antagonists and unyielding automatons and torcherous tests
and unexpected emergencies and huge hurts and ridiculous reversals
and unsolicited upsets will make you become absorbed with your own
concerns, do I have a witness.

But listen Jesus wants you to know tonight that all genuine- bona-
fide- authentic-fruitful-and productive prayer must begin with a real
concern for God. He wants you to know that the way to get your prayer
through is to not focus initially and primarily on the supply but to
focus on the source of the supply. That's important because my
brothers and sisters and I don't mean you no harm this morning,
but
it's just a matter of truth that most of us pray in the opposite
way
that Jesus instructs to pray. In fact listening to most of pray you
would think that prayer was nothing more than a divine dump truck for
transporting our emotional rubbish to God. In fact yall won't get
angry with me if I say this will ya, in fact I can tell you that most
of us are in such a hurry to take our own selfish concerns to God and
to share with Him what we consider to be critical needs that we
don't
even take time to thank God for what we already have- do I have a
witness.

We're so busily concerned about today and tomorrow we forgot
about
last night and this morning, and as a result when we go to God in
prayer, unless we are concerned with self, we can pray so fast, that
we can flip the light switch, bend down on our knees and pray and be
in the bed before it gets dark! ,and Jesus issues this solemn warning
against this self seeking type of praying, He says Hallowed be Thy
Name.

Now I want to ask yall what I think is a reasonable question, now if
hallowing God's name is the key to successful prayer, don't
yall
think we need to at least know what it means to hallow. Now that
don't seem to far fetched does it? It just looks like to me and
my
feeble sanctified way of thinking, that if hallowing God's name
is
the way to get a prayer through and we sho-nuf stand in the need of
prayer, then it look like to me, we ought to at least know what it
means to hallow His Name, I'm glad you asked me, I heard you
thinking, and I really think you ought to know, you need to
know, you got a right to know, and I really want to tell you.


You see the word hallow, is an archaic name and because it's
somewhat
obsolete and our understanding of that word is vauge-inaccurate-and in
error. In fact most of us associate hallow with ivory colored walls,
long robes, dismal chad halos,musty dim churches, morbid music and
tired and stagnated religious traditions. But I think I ought to tell
you that hallowed has nothing to do with and there is no legitimate
connection to these drab realities of life. In fact the word hallow
comes to us from the greek word haggi azo-the noun form haggi
translates the english word holy.

Now holy is derived from the old anglo saxon term hally or halo which
was to denote that which was either set apart as very special, sound,
healthy or whole. When something is to said to be holy, the first
idea was of that thang being completely sound, solid, whole, healthy,
and wholesome, without blemish, weakness, soft spots, and without any
way of being defiled or contaminated. Now following on the hills of
this comes the natural intent that anything declared holy was
unusual, uncommon, and different. So when the psalmist declares in
psalm145:7 or 17, that the Lord is Holy, all he is suggesting is that
God possesses a quality of life that is set apart unique and
different.

Now to Hallow God is to unconsciously and consciously recognize that
God is uncommon, that God is extraordinary, that God is different,
that God is unusual, that God is infamously separated from the level
of sinners and the fallen world. Now that's all important my
brothers
and my sisters because if there's anything you ought to know
about
God, you ought to know that God is Holy. In fact when we read the
Bible, we find the message stamped all over it that God is a Holy
God, and what I simply want to do is to tell you not only is God
Holy, but God is unusually Holy.

Now what makes God unusually Holy first of all is the fact that God is
intrinsically Holy, and that word intrinsic means holiness is not only
something God does but Holiness is a part of the very fabric of
God's
Holy being. Leviticus21:8 says that the priests were holy, but the
priests were not intrinsically holy, because the priests became holy,
but now with God, Holiness is both a trait of His being, as well as
an inward character.

Holiness with God is the sum total of all of His divine excellency
rather than an isolated lone excellence. God is intrinsically Holy.
Now if you will just think through here with me, I want to show you
we can never be holy in the same way that God is Holy. First of all,
God is intrinsically Holy, which means that God can never be anything
but Holy because Holy is not something God has to think about being,
God is automatically Holy and self evident Holy. Now the reason I
wanted to tell you that is because God is Holy all the time!

You see God does not become holy by looking at the outcome of
actions. God becomes holy by relating all things unto Himself and
what ever is not in harmony with His being is unholy, and whatever is
in sync with Him is indeed holy. Now let me tell you why I told you
that. I told you that so you will know that you will never be
intrinsically holy, the best you can be is spasmodically holy, and
that means you are holy only every now and then! You see we're
holy
only  when we think about it, and when we make deliberate efforts and
when we make exaggerated and extraordinary efforts and that's the
only time we're holy, but God is intrinsically holy, and that
means
God is holy all the time! I wish I had a praying church.


But not only is God intrinsically holy, I found out that God is
originally holy, and that means from the dateless past God has been
free from all moral impurities and is therefore morally perfect. I
told you that to tell you this, you can't make God holy, and the
reason why you can't make Him holy first of all is you got here
to
late, to make God holy. All you can do is to recognize  that God is
holy because-guess what? God was holy before you got here. Before
there was a when or a where, a then or a there, God was already
holy, in fact, He's so holy and so original, that He is what He
was,
He was what He always will be and that is a Holy God who is
infinitely elevated above His fallen world and creatures. God was an
originally Holy God. But guess what else, not only is He originally
Holy, God is Transcendentally Holy, do I have a witness. And that
word transcendentally means that there's none no where you look
who
is as holy as God . No wonder the hymnist said no friend like Him, is
so high and holy, no! not one, no friend like Him, so meek and lowly,
no! not one, no! not one, and what that means, is that God in terms
of holiness is in a class all by Himself. Now guess what else, if
God is in a class all by Himself that means that God can't be
considered a commoner.

God ain't what you call one of the boys, God ain't just
another
member of the crowd, God is not just a regular somebody. But when you
talk about the Lord, you're talking about somebody who's
infinitely
elevated above human imagination or the power to conceive His purity.
Now let me hurry on and tell you why I said that, it's because a
lot
of us address God like God is a commoner. We talk about the old man
upstairs, we talk about big daddy, we talk about gray haired
granddaddy, but I think I ought to tell you that The Lord is more
than the man upstairs, God is a sovereign God. When you talk
about God you got to be careful about not only what you say, you
ought to be careful about the very meditation of your heart, because
when you enter the presence of God you're entering into the
presence
of somebody(I wish I had a praying church). In fact let me tell you
something, when you talk to God, you ought to be like the little boy
going to school for the first time, and on the first day of class as
they were filling out enrollment forms, the teacher walked over and
said to the little boy, I noticed you left one of the questions
blank, we asked you to write in your fathers name, all you put
down was your daddy's last name, is it because you don't know
your
daddy's first name, and the little boy said, yes maam, I know his
name, and she said why don't you tell me and I'll write it
down, the
little boy said I can't do that, she said well is it that you
don't
know how spell it, he said yes maam I know how to spell it, he said
but because I respect my daddy so much I'm not allowed to call my
daddy by his name(do I have a witness). And you know what, when
you're talking about going before God, you ought to be careful
about what kind of words you use, because you ought to respect who
and what God is, in fact let me say this, every time you talk to God,
you ought to be struck and gripped by what one writer calls the
trauma of holiness.

Let me give yall some examples of the trauma of holiness, yall
remember Moses don't you, you remember how he stood in God's
presence
at burning bush and the trauma of holiness made Moses  take off  his
shoes, you remember Minoah don't you, how he expected instant
death
because he had seen God that was the result of the trauma of
holiness, yall remember Habakkuk simply heard the voice of God and
started to tremble, that was the result of the trauma of holiness,
yall remember an unbelieving community begged Jesus to leave their
region because they feared His Holy Power, that was the trauma
of holiness, stained by the sin of unbelief peter employed his Lord to
depart from him and that was the result of the trauma of holiness,
beholding the magnificent of the glorified Christ, john the baptist
fell in fear at His feet, as a dead man that was the result of the
trauma of holiness.


My brothers and my sisters whenever you address God, your heart ought
to gripped by the trauma of holiness. Now yall looking at me like
yall don't believe me, so let me show you how important that is
for
you to know something about the trauma of holiness. Are yall aware
of the fact there are some 24 or 25 attributes of God, that are dived
into 5 distinct categories, but out of all the attributes of God
there is only one attribute that is repeated 3 times in succession.

The bible says God is mercy, but you never read it where it says
mercy, mercy, mercy. It says God is love, but you never read it
saying love, love, love, but in Isaiah 6:3, you discover there  were
6 winged angels in the temple and according to Isaiah they were going
through an unending process of bowing and rising, and every time they
would bow and rise, guess what they declare, they would say Holy,
Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.

Now listen, I used to wonder why was the angels crying endlessly
Holy, Holy, holy and the other day I found out why they kept saying
holy and its because every time they would gen-u-flect and rise again
they would look up at God and  cause He was so much God that every
time they looked up at God they saw something that they didn't
see
the time before, and they started all over again crying holy-holy-
holy is the Lord God of Hosts. Do I have a witness, and that the way
it should be with you and I, when we think about God we ought to be
struck by the trauma of holiness and cry, holy-holy-holy  is the
Lord God of hosts, as I hurry on, I know my time is up and my meter is
running, but notice what else Jesus says to hallow. He says to hallow
the name of God.


Now that's important my bros, and my sisters because in the old
and
the new testament a name represented a handle, but it also
represented a mans purpose in life. Now yall remember that night in
Bethlehem, when the angel stood over Mary and said name the child
Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. So when Jesus
says to hallow the name of  God, He is imploring us to hallow and to
recognize the holiness of who and what God is.

Now that's important because a lot of us are sending untrue-false
and
counterfeit signals to the world about who God is.

You see there are a lot of us who are giving the impression that God
is savage and cruel and mean and cold and vengeful and calculating
and that God is unloving and indiscriminately banishing people to
hell, and that He is a national ally of Israel, who goes around
slaughtering innocent people and so I think I ought to tell you that
one way in which you hallow the name of God is to tell the truth
about Him, and the truth of the matter is that the God we serve
tonight is a too God.

You see our God is
too holy to be defiled
too eternal to be an atransient
too free to be bound
too invincible to be conquered
too sure to fail
too truthful to lie
too real to be a myth
too exact to error--
too true to be false-
too all knowing to be a learner--
too wise to be deceived--
too infallible to make a mistake--
to strong to be defeated--
too powerful to be dethroned-
too competent to be disqualified--
too alert to be surprised--
too near to be far away-
too punctual to be late--
too watchful to sleep--
too mindful to forget--
too right to be wrong--
too great to be challenged--
too good to be mean--
too pure to be contaminated--
too high to be brought down--
too rich to become bankrupt-
too stable to be moved--
too everlasting to vanish--
too big to get around--
too perfect to have defects--
too merciful to be mean--
too loving to be unkind--
too secure not to be trusted
and I tell you the God we serve is a too God, and so we need to
learn to call the Lord by His right name. Now let me tell yall
something a lot of people believe that Jehovah is a bible word, but I
want to tell you that Jehovah is not a bible word.

Let me tell you how we got the word Jehovah, it's because in the
bible God's name is "Yahweh  and Adonai" and because the
people were
afraid to call God by His right name, what they did was to take the
constanent out of Yahweh and the vowels out of Adonai and they came
up with the word Jehovah. Do I have a witness. So listen just in case
you don't know who He is by name, let me close as I tell you who
God
really is. In Genesis He is called Elohim the creator God, in genesis
He's called El-Elyon the possessor of heaven and the earth. In
the
o.t. He's called Jehovah Jireh the Lord  will provide,.

He's called Jehovah Rapha- the Lord that healeth thee--He'
called
Jehovah Rohi--The Lord is my shepherd--and Jehovah Shalom--the lord
our peace--Jehovah Shammah--the lord is present--and El-haggai--the
living God--and El-alla-the faithful one---Shaddai-the breasted One--
El-olam the everlasting God--El Jehovah Tsidkenu-the lord our
righteousness -Jehovah M'kaddesh--the Lord our
Sanctifier--Jehovah
Nissi--the lord our banner--Jehovah Sabaoth-- the  lord our hosts-The
bible calls Him by all these names to tell us about the fulness of
God, and as I close tonight there's one other name that's
above all
other names and that name--and that name is Jesus, and what I found
out is the key to prayer is praying in the right name. You see
there's power in His name. His name makes the difference between
a
church and a crowd, his name makes the difference a church and a
social club, his name makes the difference between a church and the
ymca.-his name makes the difference between spirituality and
formality---his name-----turns moral midgets into spiritual giants---
his name-turns weaklings into witnesses-his name turns apologies into
apostles---his name turns sauls into pauls- His name turns mid-nites
into mid days-his name---turns sorrow into joy. His name turns defeat
into victory. Well------ let me tell you what else can be done in the
name of jesus. In his name the sick are healed---in his name-the
lame are made to walk ---in his name the deaf are made to hear---in
his name-the blind are made to see---in his name dead are raised to
life---in his name cripples throw away their crutches---in his name
the lost are found---in his name the power of God is mediated---in
his name salvation is activated---in his name temptation loses
it's
power---his name unclean spirits are cast out---in his name victory
is snatched from the jaws of defeat---in his name death loses
it's
sting---in his name the grave is robbed of it's victory---in his
name
demons must flee---no wonder the song writer say's oh!!!!! How
sweet--
-- the name of Jesus.

That's why-------!my brothers and sisters  every time I  go to
the
Lord, I go in the name of Jesus. Jesus is the access word!!!!! No
matter what He's doing, when you go in the name of Jesus, the
Lord
finds time for you----in the name of Jesus, all things are done.
Oh!!!!! how I love !!!!!!! the name of Jesus. It soothes!!!!! My
sorrow, it calms my fears-it evens dries!!!!

All of my tears and in the time of trouble I don't call E.F
hutton, I
call Jesus-the bright and morning star-the lily of the valley-the
rose of sharon---my battle axe in the time of war-my good God in the
time of need---a friend who never leaves me by myself. He's my
way
out of no way---he's my light in darkness---my hope for
tomorrow---my
joy in sorrow----his name is Jesus!!!!! Do you know Him-do you know
him---have you ever tried him----ain't he all right-ain't he
all
right----any body here ever been sick, didn't know if you ever
was
gonna get well, you talked it over with Jesus, now you can say, He
walks with me, he talks with me, he tells!!!!!!!!!!!! Me, that I am
his own, I love the name of Jesus, he's sho!!!!!!! Been good to
me.


" It's All In The Name Of Jesus"

Two Builders, Two Houses, and One Storm
     Luke 6:47-49
       ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
       Los Angeles, California 90043
     Dr. T L Lewis, Pastor
        yawraw@...



47.     Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth
them, I
will shew you to whom he is like:
     48.     He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep,
and laid
the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat
vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was
founded upon a
rock.
49.     But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that
without a
foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream
did beat
vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was
great.


I want to preach on the matter . . . two builders, two houses, and
one storm.


Most believers today have become all too familiar with failure and
frustration.  We somehow seem to have grown accustomed to living
beneath our
privileges as sons and daughters of God.


Some folk for the most part have resigned themselves to living in the
dungeon
of defeat and despair.


They have resigned themselves to being satisfied with something other
than
the perfect will of Christ for their lives.


They have entered into the kingdom and found that in order to live
practical
and positive kingdom lives that it takes constant and consistent
commitment.


And they are just not willing to work at it.  The end result is that
they
live lives beneath their privilege.
They end up experiencing one defeat after another all because
They refuse to be equipped for the work of the kingdom.
They limit their kingdom involvement to just a good feeling on Sunday
morning.
Instead of real joy, genuine joy, the most they experience is shallow
emotional rouse-logy.


When the Master had completed his discourse on Olivet, what is
commonly
called the sermon on the mount the multitude were caught up in
emotional
fervor.


They were astonished at his teaching.
They marveled at his message
They were in awe over the authority in which he spoke.  Some even
proclaimed
never a man spake like this man . . .


They were even rejoicing over the rapport he had established with
them.  For
he was a personable prophet.


He was not like the scribes and the other religious leaders.
He came down and mingled among them.
He even took time with the children.
He touched the folk he ministered unto
He allowed them to touch him.  Unlike like the scribes and the
pharisee.


The scribes and the pharisees were standoffish.   They were holy
untouchable.
  They would teach in the synagogues but, they would not mingle with
the
common folk for fear that they would become defiled if a sinner
should happen
to touch them.


But the Master was different.  With him the people had experienced
praise and
excitement that they had not known before.


Not even the prophets of old had caused such religious fervor in the
land.


But, even though there was great emotional fervor, even though there
was
great excitement, even though they were astonished and amazed at his
teaching
the Master was calling for much more.


He wasn't there teaching for folk to be amazed and astonished. He
wasn't
there teaching for them to find him charming and exciting.


He wanted their obedience to his will and to his word.  He wanted
commitment.
  He wanted not just hearers of the word but, doers also.


The Master was not satisfied with how high folk shouted.  He was
concerned
with how straight they walked when they came back down.


He was not necessarily excited about your high notes.  He was more
concerned
that you didn't live low lives.


Jesus is in the transforming business.  He wanted to transform his
listeners
into solid rock builders.  His purpose was to transform lives and
alter
destinies.


He wanted to transform those who had relegated religion to just a
good
feeling into committed Christian disciples.


Now just like the Master had those who were seeking for a feeling in
that
‘Sermon-on-the-Mount-crowd' there are feeling seekers in the church
today.


They come Sunday after Sunday, some even get to church on time they
don't
want to miss anything going on.
They start off with devotion, those old Dr. Watts stir their souls
and make
them think about home or years gone by.
They are just in awe of the whole church atmosphere, everything looks
so
holy, everybody dressed so nicely.

When the choir starts up they get a chance to pat their feet and clap
their
hands, some even shout a bit.


They give God a dollar tip in the offering basket.  If they are
feeling
particularly generous, they may give two or three.


Some listen to the preaching of the word and they are excited about
the
wonderful gospel truths that are being heralded from across the
pulpit.  Then
comes the benediction and they leave the church feeling lifted up.


Now there is nothing wrong with that there is nothing wrong with
getting
excited there is nothing wrong with feeling lifted up.  There is
nothing
wrong with getting excited about the church and all of her
ecclesiastical
regalia.


However, it can't stop there it can't stop at just being astonished
and
amazed.  It can't stop at being excited.


There is nothing wrong with feeling stirred up over the old one
hundredths.
The singing of the choir. , The praying of the deacons, the preaching
hour,
it's good to be excited about all of those things, but, it can't stop
there.


For if it stops there then you have not come to be fed, you have only
come be
stirred up.


The Master said, "the difference between the folk who are just
stirred up and
the ones who are sincerely seeking to be fed is a good foundation.


Those who are in search of a good stirring up are those who hear the
word
only.  But, those who are seeking to be fed both hear and do.


The hearers and doers of the word are called wise.  And the hearers
only are
called foolish.


They were foolish because they only had knowledge and never
translated that
knowledge into action.  You see knowledge is lifeless until you put
it into
use.


The folk whom the Master calls wise were those who were not only men
and
women of theory but also of practice.  They both heard and did.


Hearing and doing is what make s the difference in our Christian
character.
It's not how well you know the Bible.  It's how well you live the
Bible.


In this parable Jesus describes the character of two, one wise and
the other
foolish.  He likens their characters unto houses.


The Master says, whosoever . . .


Man or woman    boy or girl rich or poor
Black or white  businessman or busboy   doctor or dishwasher
Hobo or hero    social elitist or homeless itinerant    tax collector
or
taxpayer


Whosoever incorporates and incarnates my theology into their everyday
experience is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock.


"Whosoever takes my theories and puts them into practice is like a
wise man
which buildeth his house upon a rock."


"Whosoever will take my words and allow them to come alive in his
everyday
lifestyle that man in my sight is like a wise man which buildeth his
house
upon a rock."


Now character building is not an easy job. As a matter of fact few
things in
life that are worthwhile come easy. Trying to build character has
never been
easy.


And building it upon a rock makes it even more difficult.  It's
difficult
because when you go to lay the foundation you have a tough job
digging into
rock.


It requires more effort to lay a foundation on a rock.  The labor
cost goes
up when you are trying to build on a rock foundation.


The material cost goes up when you are trying to lay a rock
foundation.  You
need sharper tools if you are going to build on a rock.


If you dig in sand all, you need is a shovel.  But a shovel ain't
going to
break no rock.


If you are going to build on rock it requires more of your time,
talent, and
treasure.  When you are building on a rock foundation, it takes a
deeper
commitment.


But then the Lord says that's all right, don't worry about the work
and
effort that you put into building on a rock foundation because it's
going to
pay off after while.


Don't worry about the inconvenience that it cost you.  It might even
cost you
some blood, sweat, and tears.  But, that's all right.  It's going to
pay off
after while.


You have been laboring on that rock foundation but, don't worry none
because
when the storms come payday will roll around when the storms come.


You will be glad that you labored to build on a rock, when the storms
come
You will be glad that you took the time to come to Sunday church
school when
the storms come.
You will be glad that you took the time to come to prayer meeting
when the
storms come
You will be glad that you took the time to come to Bible study when
the
storms come.


When the storms come it will make you glad that you came to be fed
instead of
being entertained.


I don't know when
I don't know how severe and
I don't know from which direction,


But one thing I do know and that the storms will come.  Somebody
looking at
me right now . . . your storm is already here.


And if you find that you are having problems weathering the storm
then check
your foundation.  See what you have been building on.


Make sure that you have not in practice moved away from the sure
foundation.
J. Oswald Sanders puts it this way, "if God seems far away guess who
moved."


The Bible says that the rain descended, the floods came, and the wind
blew
and beat upon the house.  But, because the wise man had built upon a
rock
foundation it fell not.


You want to be a able to stand the test, then build your house your
character
upon a rock foundation


The Master says it can be done by hearing and doing what his word
says.  You
can do it by putting the principles of his word into practice.


Now on the other had there is that fellow who just hears the word.
He is
astonished and amazed about what he hears.  He has been exposed to
the word
in Sunday school, song, sermon and even seminar.


But, for him . . .


Theory never became practice
Belief never became behavior
Creed never became conduct
Dogma never became demeanor
Doctrine never became deportment
Faith never became function


He went to church.  He was there for every program.  He enjoyed the
moaning
of the deacon's prayer.  He shouted when the choir hit a high note.
He even
stayed awoke during the preaching of the word.  But, he didn't obey
the word.
  He didn't put anything he heard the preacher say into his life.


He was just a hearer of the word only, and not a doer. Now here is
what the
Master had to say about him.


The Master says now this man was a fool.  He was a fool because he
avoided
the toughness of the rock for the seemingly tenderness of the sand.


Rather, than taking the effort to dig down in the rock, he chose to
build on
what seemed to be smooth settled sand.
He said, "why break my back with rock when I can build on the smooth
sand.
Why give up a couple of hours sleep to get to Sunday school when I
can lay
here on this smooth sand?"


Why run down to the church house for prayer meeting and Bible study
when I
can lay here on this settled sand.


Why get involved in the life of the children at church when I can lay
here on
this smooth settled sand.


Why get involved in the life of some teen age boy who doesn't have a
father
at home when I can lay here in this smooth settled sand.


Why use part of my Thursdays for choir rehearsal when I can lay here
on this
smooth settled sand.
Why get involved in the young adult ministry of the church when I can
lay
here on this smooth settled sand.


Why be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord when I can lay here on
this
smooth settled sand?


Why come to revival when I can just lay here on this smooth settled
sand.


What he failed to realize is that when you build your house on sand
you are
building on an insecure foundation.


Now building on sand is a whole lot easier than building on rock but,
you see
the easy way is not always the best way.


You see a house on sand is alright as long as . . .


The sun is shining,
The sky is clear,
The creek ain't rising,
The hurricane winds are not blowing
The river is not overflowing
The tornadoes are not twisting
The damn is holding


Oh but, when the storms come.


The storm doesn't make the difference in the two houses it just
brings out
the difference I tell you the easy way is not always the best way.


Young folk those of you in jr. High and high school are allowed to
take
elective courses.   Don't try to take all easy classes, because when
you do
all you end up doing is building your house on sand?


Now there is nothing wrong with taking up archery and arts and crafts
and
courses like that but, if you take them to avoid math, foreign
languages,
typing and business courses then you are building on sand instead of
a solid
rock.


A rock will make the difference when the storm comes for when you get
to
college and you discover that your professor wants all of your term
papers
typed you will find that a bow and arrow won't be much help.


Easy is not always best.


This foolish man chose to build on sand because . . .


It requires less of a commitment.
The requirements were less strenuous.
He didn't have to spend as much money on tools.
He thought he could save a few bucks here and there.
It didn't take a lot of stick-to-it-ness.


He probably finished his house in record time.  He sat back on his
porch and
looked out and saw the wise man and said . . . "look at him killing
himself,
digging in all that rock exhausting all that energy.  My house is
through I
can sit back and enjoy myself."


"Look at my neighbor always running down to the church.   Why don't
he stay
home and relax?  Watch the game have a few Brewskies."
"He just runs to prayer meeting and Bible study.  I am going to sit
back and
relax.  My house is finished and he is still digging in the rock."


O but when the storm came.


Don't fool yourselves the storm will come . . . like the old preacher
use to
say . . . maybe you have experienced any storms yet?  You just keep
living .
. . keep getting up every day.  The storms will come.  And if you
have built
your house on shifting sand instead of solid rock you won't make it.
And now as I hurry to a close . . .


The Master said that the rain descended and the flood came and the
wind blew
and beat upon the house.  But, because this man was just a hearer and
not a
doer his house fell and great was the fall of it.


When the storms come . . .


Houses built on shifting sand will be blown away
Lives built on shifting sand will crumble
Hope built on shifting sand will be blasted
Dreams built on shifting sand will be deferred
Plans built on shifting will fail
Goals built on shifting sand will go un achieved
Visions built on shifting sand will go unfulfilled


I come by this morning to tell you that there is another way.
I know a rock that will that will sustain you in the storm.
I know a rock that will keep when the rains descend
I know a rock that will hold you up when the floods come
I know a rock that will keep you steady when the wind starts blowing
and
beating upon your house.


No wonder the songwriter said . . .


On Christ the solid rock I stand.
On Christ . . . on Christ . . . on Christ


All other is sinking sand

BLESS YOUR SPIRIT!  Summer is here!  Bless God!  Several of the
national Baptist conventions and Congresses are meeting this summer
and many of us have returned from an outstanding E.K. Bailey
Ministries International Conference on Expository Preaching
(oooooh....Dr. W.J. Shaw PREACHED!!  Get the tape!!).

Just as a word of advice - Priceline.com may be able to save you
money on housing, rental cars and flights.  For example, we've been
using Priceline.com lately for housing for our evangelists and guest
speakers - God has opened doors to house these guests in 4 and 5 star
hotels at a fraction of the original price.  For example - we were
able to book a major suites hotel in downtown San Diego for less than
$50 per night!!  It's worth it!  If your schedule is flexible - the
airline component is worth it also!  For example - a recent round
trip ticket from San Diego to Portland was purchased at just $100
round trip!

NEWS FLASH - WHW Ministries extends Deadline!!!!!
Chapter One - Pastor Houston's Intinerary
Chapter Two - Congratulations to the Ladies of Teen Hope
Chapter Three - Sermon Sharing Service
Chapter Four - New Hope Freindship Forum
Chapter Five -  National Pastors Convention
Chapter Six - Community Economic Development Conference
Chapter Seven - Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Annual Session
Chapter Eight - Stress Relievers for Christians
Chapter Nine - Church Building Needed
Chapter Ten - Pastoral Warranty

Very important information at the end of this newsletter!
======================================================================
===
======================================================================
===


NEWSFLASH!!

In case you have not heard, WHW Ministries Expository Preaching and
Teaching Conference has eliminated Registration and has moved to
Membership of just $30.00.  In addition, you pay another $30.00 and
you can join HBO/Uni-Faith and be eligible for four (4) round trip
tickets in the continental USA for $175.00 each round trip travel.
THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2000.  Here's good
news as well - did you know that you can enroll family and friends in
the program?  Even if they don't attend the conference!  What a
marvelous opportunity for families to travel together!  If you need
an enrollment pack e-mailed to you - please e-mail us at
robt@....

Also - if you are going to the Conference in October 9-13, 2000 - YOU
MUST CALL THE HOTEL DIRECTLY for your hotel reservations.  The hotel
can be reached at (310) 410-4000.  The room rate is $89.00 per night
plus tax - single or double room.  If you have any WHW Questions,
please call Sis. Marie Haywood at (888) WHW-BEST.



CHAPTER ONE - PASTOR'S INTINERARY

Pastor Houston will be speaking at various venues in the next few
weeks!  If you are in the area, certainly, we want to invite you to
come and share in this expository preaching and teaching ministry:

PORTLAND, OREGON - This weekend (June 17-18), he will be the guest of
the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Johnny Pack, IV.  He
will preach on Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. and during the 11:00
a.m. services on Sunday.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - Pastor Houston will be preaching at the
Fellowship Service hosted by Greater Trinity Missionary Baptist
Church, Dr. C.E. Gaines, pastor on Sunday, July 2nd at 5:00 p.m.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - Pastor Houston will be preaching at the New
Corinthian Baptist Church, Rev. LaSalle Jones, pastor on Sunday, July
9th at 3:30 p.m. for their Choir Annual Day.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - Pastor Houston will be the guest of the
Progressive Baptist State Convention of California, Dr. W. Keith
Woods, president, Tuesday-Thursday, July 11-13.  He will be lecturing
for the Pastor's Conference.  The session will be hosted by the Allen
Temple Baptist Church, Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., Pastor and Dr. J.
Alfred Smith, Jr., Co-Pastor.

WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - Pastor Houston will be the guest of
the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Dr. Archie
Logan, Executive Secretary, Tuesday-Thursday, July 25-27.  He will be
preaching for the Parent Body and lecturing for the Pastor's
Conference.  The Session will be held at the Winston-Salem Convention
Center.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - Pastor Houston will be lecturing at the
Bethel Baptist Church, Dr. John W. Ringgold, pastor on Saturday,
July
29th at 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Houston is accepting invitations for the 2000-2001 and
2001-2002 years.  Please e-mail him at robt@....



CHAPTER TWO - CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LADIES OF TEEN HOPE

We are excited!  On Sunday, June 25th at 3:30 p.m., our TEEN HOPE
ministry will have their first Debutante Service!  Teen Hope is a
ministry instituted by Pastor Houston which was inspired by the
similar program at The Potter's House in Dallas, TX by Lady Serita
Jakes, the wife of Bishop T.D. Jakes.   These young women have
received ongoing mentorship and have been ministered to in various
areas including Christian dating, dress, ethics, busiiness conduct,
homemaking, etc.  Thanks to Sis. Kathy Murry (President), Sis.
Marilyn Nichols (Vice President),  and the group of dedicated
Christian Women that have been using the Biblical principle of the
elder women teaching the younger women.  The young women had to
commit
to a disciplined meeting schedule as well as being active in church
and excelling in scholastic involvement.  Each young teenage woman
will be introduced and will receive a special Bible - in recognition
of their 9 months of training.  Our first group of Debutantes are:
Avianna C. Blake, Octavia D. Day, Stephanie E. Gaywood, Catherine E.
Hart, Charlene L. Ivory, Stephanie Y. Kellough, Shanaya D. McCray and
Taisha S. Ransom.




CHAPTER THREE - SERMON SHARING SERVICE

Our most popular feature continues to evolve.  We've gotten alot of
requests and we're glad to announce that we had added the "classic"
sermons from the SSS over the past two years.  We've begun the
project and we're starting to upload many of the sermons that were
distributed.  When completed, you'll be able to view and print
expository sermons from:  Reverends Robt. E. Houston, Sr., T.L.
Lewis, Marvin Davis, Jesse Voyd Bottoms, Walter Prince, Jr., Harold
Miller, H. Bernard Branch, K.C. Morgan, Gregory Jones, Noel G.L.
Hutchinson, Jr., and many other gifted proclaimers.

You can find several of the sermons already uploaded at:
www.newhopefriendship.org/sermons.htm

Do you have friends that would benefit from being on the SSS?  They
can now enroll directly by going to:
www.egroups.com/newhopefriendship



CHAPTER FOUR - NEW HOPE FRIENDSHIP FORUM

Don't forget to visit our forum, located at
www.delphi.com/pastorhouston.  There are some interesting
conversations going on in the Forum and you'll want to check it out!!
It's also served as a place to share ministry ideas, exchange
information.  Recently several pastors posted that they needed some
help at their churches.  Through the graciousness of several pastors,
they received robes and pews!  To God be the Glory!!



CHAPTER FIVE - NATIONAL PASTORS CONVENTION

Three major ministries - Leadership Journal, ChurchSource, and Youth
Specialities will be sponsoring the first National Pastors
Conference, "Beyond Simple Answers," in San Diego, California,
February 13-17, 2001.  Speakers for this event include:  Henry Cloud,
Larry Crabb, Joseph Garlington, Roberta Hestenes, Marilyn Laszlo,
Erwin McManus, John Ortberg, Larry Osborne, Earl Palmer, Walter
Wangerin, Dallas Willard, William Willimon, Mike Yaconelli, Philip
Yancey and more. They have a website at
www.NationalPastorsConference.com which will
give you more informaiton.


CHAPTER SIX - COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Collaborative Partners
including several faith based organizations, presents, "A NATIONAL
FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE: Engaging the
Black Church," September 18-20, 2000 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel,
Boston, Massachusetts.  The featured speakers include:  Dr. Floyd
Flake, Allen AME Church, Jamaica, NY;  Bishop Harold Calvin Ray,
National Center for Faith-Based Initiative, West Palm Beach, FL;  Dr.
Julianne Malveaux, Last Word Productions, Inc., Washington, DC;  Dr.
Ronald Ferguson & Dr. Edward Marchant, Harvard University, Cambridge,
MA;  Jennifer Henderson, Strategic Intervention, Inc., Washington,
DC;   Wheeler Winstead, National Congress for Community Economic
Development, Washington, DC;  Dr. Sylvia Johnson, Hyams Foundation,
Boston, MA;  Tina Moore, The Power Center and Windsor Village United
Methodist Church, Houston, TX.

Registration rates are $125.00 per night per room prior to August 9.
After that date the rate increases to $175.00.   Lodging rate at the
hotel is $165.00 per night.  Registration includes all conference
materials and sessions, two continental breakfasts, two luncheons and
two receptions.  Call the hotel directly at (800) 225-2008 and ask
for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Faith-Based Community
Economic Development Conference block to secure the special group
rate.

For more information please call:  (877) 973-1333 or FAX: (617)
973-3511.


CHAPTER SEVEN - FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE 2000

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship will have their Conference
2000, July 12-14, in New Orleans, LA.   REGISTRATION IS JUST $20.00
PER PERSON (After May 31, 2000 the rate increases to $25.00).  Youth
Registration is $3.00 (ages 5 to 11) and $5.00 (ages 12-17).  For
more information contact FGBCF at (504) 244-9919 or visit their
website at fullgospel.net The FGBCF announced itinerary is as follows:

MONDAY, JULY 10
- Music Ministry Basketball Game.  Pre-Game - 6:30 p.m.  Game - 7:00
p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 11
- Visionary Gala, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12
- Morning Glory: Dr. Creflo Dollar, 10:15 a.m.;  Midday Worship:
Bishop David Cooper, 11:00 a.m.;  Evening Worship: Bishop Daryl S.
Brister, 6:15 p.m.;  Evening Worship: Bishop Dennis Leonard, 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 13
- Morning Glory: Bishop Wenith Davis, 10:15 a.m.;  Presiding Bishop's
Day:  Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., 11:00 a.m.;  Deliverance Service:
Bishop Clarence McClendon, 2:00 p.m.;  Evening Worship: Bishop James
Adams, 6:15 p.m.;  Evening Worship: Bishop Carlton Pearson, 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 14
- Morning Glory: Apostle John Eckhardt, 10:15 a.m.;  Midday Worship:
Pastor George Gibson, 11:00 a.m.;  Evening Worship: Dr. Clay Evans,
6:15 p.m.;  Evening Worship: Bishop Noel Jones, 7:00 p.m.

MUSICAL ARTISTS
- Christiannaires, Jasmine & P.J. Morton, Cathy Taylor-Brown and Kim
Burrell

YOUTH DIVISION GUEST SPEAKRES
- Dr. Aretha Wilson, Albany, NY;  Pastor David Johnson, Atlanta, GA;
Minister Daryl Jordan, Chicago, IL;  Sis. Shandlene Parker, New
Orleans, LA

SPECIAL EVENTS
- Daughters of the Promised Luncheo (Friday) hosted by Elder Debra B.
Morton;  Men's Fellowship Luncheon (Wednesday) hosted by Bishop
Charles Middleton;  Evangelism hosted by Bishop Harold B. Wilson


CHAPTER EIGHT - 36 STRESS RELIEVERS FOR CHRISTIANS

36 Stress Reducers for Christians
1.. Pray *(and keep P*U*S*H-ing; Praying Until Something Starts
Happening!)
2.. Go to bed on time.
3.. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4.. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or
that will compromise your mental health.
5.. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6.. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7.. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often
too
many.)
8.. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9.. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10.. Take one day at a time.
11.. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern,
find
out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you
can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12.. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
13.. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house
key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14.. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut.) This single piece of advice can
prevent
an enormous amount of trouble.
15.. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16.. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17.. Get enough exercise.
18.. Eat right.
19.. Get organized so everything has its place.
20.. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your
quality
of life.
21.. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22.. Everyday, find time to be alone.
23.. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small
problems in the bud. Don't wait until its time to go to bed to try
and
pray.
24.. Make friends with Godly people.
25.. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26.. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is
often a good "Thank you Jesus!"
27.. Laugh.
28.. Laugh some more!
29.. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30.. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best
they
can).
31.. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32.. Sit on your ego.
33.. Talk less; listen more.
34.. Slow down.
35.. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the
universe.
36.. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for
that you've never been grateful for before


CHAPTER NINE - CHURCH BUILDING NEEDED

Hello Dr. Houston,

Greeting in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I'm a ordained minister in the Philadelphia area and searching for a
building to rent for now to hold Church services. I would appreciate
it,  if it at all possible to distribute this over the Web to other
participants. I'm looking for a location in the general Philadelphia
area. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family.

Your brother in Christ
Rev. Thomas O. Jeffcoat - email - Jeffcoat@...


CHAPTER TEN - PASTORAL WARRANTY DEFECT

New Pastor Warranty
MANUFACTURER'S NOTICE:

It has come to our attention that the pastor you received was shipped
with a slight defect: he is not psychic. This defect necessitates
certain special procedures to ensure optimum performance of your
pastor unit.

1. It is necessary to inform him of any members who are hospitalized.
2. It is necessary to inform him of any members who should be added
to the "shut-in" list.
3. If someone you know is sick or otherwise in need of the pastor's
prayers, or if you know of someone who should be included in the
prayers on Sunday morning, the pastor must be told, or he won't know.
4. If you are in need of a pastoral visit or some other service from
the pastor, you will get best results if you ask him.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause. If these special
procedures create an undue burden, please feel free to send the unit
back, and one with full psychic abilities will be shipped as soon as
one becomes available.

===================================================================

IF THIS MINISTRY has been a blessing to you - you can become a
blessing to this ministry.  We would like to upgrade our website and
also to offer such things as Streaming Audio of Pastor Houston's
Sermons, more digital photos, upgrade our software that we use, etc.
Also, it will allow us to hire part-time staff to deal with tape
ministry, web page editing, etc.  You can help by sending a donation,
as the Holy Spirit leads, to:  ROBT. E. HOUSTON, SR. MINISTRIES, P.O.
Box 13489, San Diego, CA   92170-3489.  Lord bless you and keep you!

JAMES MOORE

Grammy Nominated Gospel singer, Reverend James Moore, passed away at
4:00am today - Wednesday, 07 June 2000, at Methodist Central Hospital
in Memphis, Tennessee.

In 1994, shortly after recording his Grammy Nominated CD, `Live
At
Jackson State University', the then 38-year old Moore went to the
doctor with a nosebleed and was initially diagnosed with the flu. But
he soon found out that his kidneys had stopped functioning, leaving
toxins in his blood stream that took his eyesight and force him into
dialysis three times a week. These hardships seemed only to have
strengthened James' resolve.

Born in the `Musical Hotbed' of Detroit, Reverend Moore's
professional break came in 1974 at the James Cleveland Gospel Music
Workshop of America in Chicago, where he received the Thurston
Frazier Scholarship Award. The same year, he recorded his first
album, "I Thank You Master", on Savoy Records and garnered
moderate
success. After three more recordings, "I'll Be Praying For
You" on
Luminar-Light Records, "God Can Do Anything" on Secret
Records
and "Something Old, Something New", on Sound of Gospel
Records; he
returned to Malaco/Savoy Family.

His debut album on the Malaco label, "Rev. James Moore Live",
reached
the top of the Top Ten Billboard and Cashbox magazine Spiritual
albums charts. He received a Stellar Award in 1989 for Best Solo
Performance-Male Vocalist, Traditional. Next, Rev. Moore was a guest
artist on the Mississippi Mass Choir's debut album, "Live In
Jackson,
Mississippi", which contributed to its massive success. The disc
stayed a record 48 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Album
Chart,
won four Stellar Awards, won three GMWA Excellence Awards and took
three Dove Nominations.

Turn about is fair play. Mississippi Mass Choir reciprocated and
performed on Reverend Moore's second album, "Live with
Mississippi
Mass Choir". Turnabout turned into great airplay. In March 1991,
Billboard ranked the album No.1 gospel disc in the country. It also
earned a Dove Nomination and a Stellar Awards for "Best Gospel
Video". Rev. Moore's next two recordings "Live in
Detroit", and "I
Will Trust In The Lord" reached the No.3 &4 position respectively
on
the Billboard charts. The latter recording garnered his first Grammy
Nomination. His last recordings "Family and Friends" took
place on
his birthday, February 1, 1999, in his hometown, Detroit. It was
released two months ago to critical acclaim. Next week these family
members and friends will gather to celebrate Reverend James
Moore's
homecoming.

Memorial Service
Tuesday, June 13, 2000
6:00 PM
Bailey Cathedral COGIC
Detroit, MI

Homecoming Service
Wednesday, June 14, 2000
10:00 AM
Bailey Cathedral COGIC
Detroit, MI

Swanson Funeral Home
14751 W. McNichols
Detroit, MI
(313) 272-9000

For more information call Donna Snell at Malaco Records
(601)-982 4522

From: Yawraw@...
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 23:38:05 EDT

Subject: WHEN JESUS BROKE THE LAW
Mark 3:1-7

Dr. T. L. LEWIS
Pastor, Zion Hill Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA


     1   And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man
there
which had a withered hand.
     2   And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the
Sabbath day;
that they might accuse him.
     3   And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand
forth.
     4   And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the
Sabbath days,
or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
     5   And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being
grieved
for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch
forth thine
hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the
other.
     6   And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel
with the
Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
     7   But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and
a great
multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, (KJV)


This morning I want to preach on the matter, JESUS, THE LAWBREAKER.


As believers we are not comfortable with putting the word lawbreaker
and
Jesus in the same sentence.  For when we think about lawbreakers we
think
about murderers, thieves, robbers, pushers and peddlers of flesh.


When we think about lawbreakers, we think about those who violate the
principles and morals of that we as a society has pledged to govern
ourselves
by.


     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of convicts, crooks.
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of culprits and criminals.
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of felons and fiends.
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of rogues and rascals.
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of bad guys and bandits.
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of brigands and burglars.
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of pickpockets and pirates
     When we think of lawbreakers, we think of charlatans and cons.


When we think about lawbreakers, the name of Jesus does not readily
rush to
our minds.


When we think of Jesus we are more apt to think of
Law abider rather than law breaker.


He is the sinless Savior.  He is the Lamb of God without spot or
wrinkle.


THERE IS NO LAWLESSNESS IN JESUS . . .


THERE IS NO
     blight in His bones
     chicanery in His conduct
     culpability in His character
     default in His deeds
     defilement in His doings
     doubt in His devotion
     evil in His eye
     hatred in His heart
     larceny in His life
     lies on His lips
     mistake in His mission
     muddle in His mouth
     pimples on His purity
     pollution in His past
     ruin in His reputation
     selfishness in His sayings
     sin in His soul
     stinginess in His spirit
     weakness in His will
     wickedness in His ways


And yet in spite of His spotless character the Master was a Law
Breaker.  Yet
He does not stand alone.


History is replete with those who have borne the title lawbreaker and
yet
they wear the mantle of sacred rather than profane.


Beginning with the midwives, who were ordered by pharaoh to destroy
all of
the boy babies who were born Hebrew.
Exodus 1:15-17
     And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the
name of
the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: [16] And he
said, When
ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon
the
stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a
daughter, then
she shall live. [17] But the midwives feared God, and did not as the
king of
Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
  In Matthew 2:8 Herod issued this edict to the wise men
Matthew 2:8
     And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently
for the
young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I
may come
and worship him also.
The wise men wisely disobeyed that law and went home another way.  In
the
Acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles, Peter and John were
commanded
by the law of the pharisees to preach no more in that name . . .  the
Name of
Jesus.
They disobeyed that law and declared . . .
Acts 5:29
29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to
obey God
rather than men. (KJV)
In our contemporary times the unjust laws of segregation and Jim
Crowism were
disobeyed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the members of the civil
rights
movement.


IN OUR TEXT THIS MORNING THE MASTER DISOBEYS THE UNJUST, UNHOLY, AND
UNNECESSARY LAWS OF THE PHARISEES REGARDING THE KEEPING OF THE
SABBATH.
For those of you who are taking notes, here is my outline.  THE
CONDITION OF
THE MAN, THE COMMAND OF THE MASTER, and THE COMPLAINT OF THE
PHARISEES.


      THE CONDITION OF THE MAN
This man and his condition . . . and that's my first point.  This man
with
the withered hand is symbolic of the human family after the sin and
subsequent fall of Adam.


Because of that fall sin has disabled all of humanity and our
condition is
one of incompleteness.


Morally he may have been a good man as the world counts goodness.  He
may
have been a man of impeccable integrity.  He may have been like the
disciple
Nathaniel, a man in whom there is no guile. He may at one time been
the
recipient of many humanitarian awards.


But because of his withered condition he was in complete.  Not only
him but
all persons before they meet Christ are incomplete.
It was not so in the beginning.  We were not created incomplete.


We were created in the image and likeness of God.   God being a
Trinity . . .
FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT created man as a trinity body, soul, and
spirit.


The body is the outer house that we live in. Our soul is our mind
emotions,
and our free will.  And our spirit is where God took up residence.


God lived in Adam's spirit and made him alive.  Made him complete but
when
Adam sinned the Spirit left Adam.  And he was no longer body, soul
and
spirit.  He was just body and soul, with a dead spirit.


And that's the worst kind of condition to be in. To be body and soul
and dead
spiritually.


Greek scholars tell us that this withered hand condition was not a
condition
this man was born with, but rather it befell upon him in some tragic
mishap.


Early church tradition suggests that this man quite possibly may have
been a
brick mason.  And that a tragic accident left him with a withered and
drawn
up hand.


Imagine the agony this man must have felt.  Can you make your way
into his
dilemma and get in touch with his emotions? Can you feel the
frustration and
the loneliness he must have felt because of his condition?


For here was a man who was once a useful and productive citizen but
now
because of a tragic mishap he has now been cast upon the ash heap of
uselessness.


In this day and age a withered hand is not a serous disability with
all the
scientific know how and the modern technology that God has allowed us
to
achieve, even those persons with the severest disabilities can live
useful
and productive lives.


But it was not so in his day. There were no social agencies, no
affirmative
action, no medi-cal, no Medicaid, no rehabilitation programs.  Any
person
with any kind of physical, or emotional impairment was considered a
social
outcast.


And in addition to being a social outcast they were conditioned to
carry
around a heavy burden of guilt.


For the pharisees taught that any time a person suffered was because
he had
committed some sin.  So it was easy for them to reason in their minds
that
this man was in this condition because he was a sinner.


For once the pharisees were right. They were right in symbolizing
this man's
withered condition. As being the results of sin.


They just should have made the symbol broad enough to cover everybody
who is
outside of Christ.


Because in reality, the only true disability is to be without Christ
in your
heart. For without Christ our hands may not be withered but our souls
are.


     Without Christ our souls are withered dead, and useless.  We may
be able
to walk and talk.
     Rhyme and reason.
     Laugh and cry.
     Work and play.
     Sing and shout.
     Mix and mingle.
     Run and jump.
     Touch and be touched.
     Do this or that.

But without Christ . . . without Christ.  Without Christ. Our
condition is
withered.  That's the condition of all of humanity until we are made
complete
by the Spirt of God.  Only then can we stretch our hands.
     THE COMMAND OF THE CHRIST
And that brings me to my second point.  The command of the Christ.


This man with the withered hand recognized the fact that he was
helpless to
do anything at all about his condition. His only viable alternative
was to
respond to the command of the Master.  And stand forth and stretch
his hand.


That was his only viable alternative.  That we have and that is to
respond to
the command of Christ.  Because ain't nothing else going to work
anyhow.


But most of us are so typical . . . we only respond to the command of
the
Master only after we have responded to everything else.


And the lord allows us to exhaust all other means until we realize
that no
one else can set us free from our withered condition but Him.


The Bible says that when Jesus entered the synagogue, he beheld a man
with a
withered hand.  He came face to face with human need.  He then
perceived the
attitudes of those around him.  The Bible says that they watched him
to see
if he would heal on the Sabbath day.  So that they could accuse Him
of
violating their tradition.


However, the Master did not allow their hostility to stand in the way
of His
response to human need.  In spite of the hardness of their hearts
Jesus
issued a command to the man with the withered hand.


Rise up and stand forth. Rise up and stand forth.  You have been
taking a
back seat because your withered hand has reinforced your inferiority
complex.
  Rise up and stand forth . . . you have been afraid of both your
appearance
and the conversation abut your condition.


Rise up and stand forth.  You have been agonizing over your condition
because
there are some things a withered hand cannot do.


A withered hand can't draw and paint pictures.  A withered hand can't
write.
A withered hand can't  produce.  A withered hand can't reach out and
extend
the grip of a fraternal handshake.


The withered minds of the pharisees had used the withered hand of
this man to
rob him of his self respect.


You see you got to be careful because withered minds will use your
condition
to rob you of your person hood and your potential.


AND NOT ONLY WILL WITHERED MINDS ROB YOU OF YOUR PERSONHOOD AND
POTENTIAL,
BUT THEY WILL ALSO GET THEIR religion to sanction it.


That's why the sons and daughters of color were in slavery for so
long.  You
see our slave masters' religion and his constitution taught him about
the
worth and value of human dignity.  His religion and constitution
taught him
to respect and value human life.


And when he looks at us he either had to set us free because we were
human
beings worthy of respect and dignity or eh had to think of us as
something
less than human.


And so by thinking of us as THINGS rather than people he could
continue to
use us as slaves because everybody knows that it's no sin to use
THINGS.


And after being treated as things and conditioned to believe that
abut
ourselves after a number of years it will sink in.


Jesus wanted to release this man from this kind of captivity.  So He
commanded him to do what he had not done since his work
accident, "stretch
for your hand."


The Bible says he stretched it out and his hand was restored whole as
the
other.


And when Jesus called this man to the center of attention, He also
called him
to the center of redemption.


"Of if I just tune in on the wires of history this morning, if I
could just
journey back through the corridors of time and would have an
interview with
this man whose hand was now restored.


I got a notion that the restored hand had an impact on his entire who
life.
No longer was it necessary for him to walk with his hand concealed he
could
reach out and touch somebody's life.


I don't care how mean you are . . . everybody has a need to touch
somebody's
life.  All of us have the need to feel that we are significant and
that we
matter to somebody.


If I could talk to him somehow, I believe that he would tell me when
I left
the synagogue I went through the marketplace and I took the same hand
that
was once dried up and I used it to shake other folks hands as a
demonstration
of what the Lord has done for me.


For you see the last time I was in the marketplace my hand was dried
up. But
my hand is free now and I just want to let folk know that the Lord
has
touched my life.


My hand is liberated, but more important than that my soul has been
motivated
and my spirit is regenerated.


If I could just tune in on the wires of history, somehow I believe
this made
his way back the union hall and said I am ready to work now. My hand
is free.


I know longer have to beg for bread I can earn my living doing what I
have
trained to do. My hand is free now.


I no longer have to walk aimlessly through the marketplace I can be a
useful
and productive citizen because the Lord has set me free.


     THE COMPLAINT OF THE PHARISEES.
And now as I hurry to a close, lets examine my third and final point,
The
complaint of the pharisees.


Now you would think that there would be much rejoicing going on in
the
synagogue after Jesus healed this man.  You would thin that there
would be
much amazement and wonder but not so.


For as we observe the complaint of the pharisees we will discover
that there
is an inseparable relationship between a withered hand and a withered
mind.


The man suffered because of withered hand, but the pharisees because
of
withered minds. And there is a difference between the two.  A
withered hand
you cannot conceal.


But you can conceal a withered mind.  Sometimes under the canopy of a
beautiful sanctuary you can conceal a withered mind. Under a new hat
or a new
hairstyle you can conceal a withered mind. Under titles and
testimonies you
can conceal a withered mind.


These pharisees were so wrapped up in their tradition they were so
wrapped up
in the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law until it
withered
their minds.


You see when you cling to the law you will withe and die because the
law
cannot give life neither can it sustain life.  The spirit is the one
who
gives life.


WHY THEN would the pharisee complain about Jesus giving restoration
to the
man whose hand was withered.



Well let's go back a little further in history.  It had been stated
somewhere
around Mount Sinai to " . . . remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."


You remember that, don't you?  Moses came down from the mountain
withe
decalogue from the Deity . . . what we call the Ten Commandments.


Now here is where the problem came in.  From the time of Moses to the
time of
Jesus, those Jews who had sought to carry the law out added so much
unnecessary baggage to it until they lost sight of the real meaning
and
purpose of the law.


In this case the holiness of the Sabbath had become a ritualistic and
shallow
exercise.


For many folks that's what church going is today.  They don't see
worship as
a sacred service but just as a shallow and ritualistic exercise.
They don't
see worship as an experience we share with one another and with God.
But they
come and just go through the motions.


This what the Sabbath had become for the pharisees. Their legalistic
and
self-centered attitudes had cause the holiness of the Sabbath to be
in
conflict with the wholeness of humanity.


They failed to realize that we were not made for the Sabbath, but
rather the
Sabbath was made for us.


They failed to realize that whenever law is in conflict with life
that life
out to be protected, the will of God perfected and the law
disregarded.


That the problem we had in Jim Crow.  There was conflict between law
and life.


And that's always the case whenever you make laws that lowered the
worth and
value of human dignity.  You create a conflict between the law and
life . . .
  Ralph Sockman in his book, The Paradoxes of Jesus, says that "Jesus
was not
Lawgiver, but a Life Giver."


These pharisees were so hung up in their tradition that they failed
to
realize and understand the true purpose of the Sabbath and what it
meant to
keep it holy.


Even now we get hung up on what you should and what you should not do
on a
Sunday.


The truth is that they were not really concerned about the holiness
of the
Sabbath any way.


Their main concern was to try and destroy Jesus. And so they
pretended to be
concerned about the Sabbath.  So that they could use it as a tool
against the
Master.


Now I am not making this up.  It's right there in verse 10.  The
Bible says
they asked the Master "is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?  That
hey
might accuse Him."


Now folk maybe able to get us in the corner.  But it ain't no way you
can
corner Jesus.


He turned to them and said, "Now brethren, suppose one of you had a
sheep and
it fell into a pit on a Sabbath day. Are you going to leave it there
until
the next day?  No you are going to lay hold to it and lift it out."


Now if you would do that for a sheep then how much more valuable is a
human
life?  Then he turned to the man with the withed hand and
said, "stretch
forth thine hand." And he stretched it forth and it was restored
whole like
as the other.


Now instead of rejoicing that this suffering man was made whole in
verse 14
the Bible days that they went out and called a meeting to discuss how
they
might destroy Jesus.


Now that the difference between the religion of Jesus and the
religion of the
pharisees.


The religion of Jesus Christ is centered around restoring life. And
the
religion of the pharisees is centered around destroying life.


THE RELIGION OF THE PHARISEES.
THE RELIGION OF JESUS CHRIST.


     SYMBOLS
     SUBSTANCE


     THE WAY WE WORSHIP
     WHO WE WORSHIP


     THE LETTER OF THE LAW
     THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW.


     TALK THAT TALK.
     WALK THAT WALK.


     SAY WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE.
     DO WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE.


     MAKE PROMISES.
     FULFILL PROMISES.


     PUT YOU DOWN.
     PICK YOU UP.


     PUT YOU OUT.
     TAKE YOU IN.


     BIND AND SHACKLE YOU.
     SET YOU FREE.

The Reverend Edward Calloway died Sunday, May 27, of a heart attack
that he suffered while ministering to a prayer line at his church.

Reverend Calloway, 73, had just completed his message to the
congregation and was performing a laying-on of the hands and praying
with church members when he collapsed.

Services were held today, June 3, at 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Church of
God in Christ in Dallas, TX.  His remains were deposited at Lincoln
Memorial Cemetary.

Reverend Calloway was a down-to-earth, fatherly figure, said Albert
Williams of Dallas.   "He was a person you could talk to about
anything," Mr. Williams said, "Pastor was one of those unique
fathers
of the Gospel…..he was like my second father."

Reverend Calloway was born in Dallas.  When he was a child, his
mother told him we would become a preacher, said his wife, Michelle.
At the time, he told his mother he didn't want to lead the life
of a
minister.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, he served in the Army.  He
got his calling to the ministry when he was 22, when his first wife,
Mary Lee Taylor Calloway, found religion.

He was a minister for the next 45 years.  Reverend Calloway had two
wives who preceded him in death.

He became a successful evangelist as he preached throughout East
Texas.  In the early 1950s he organized the Mount Olive COGIC in a
house in West Dallas, the building was only 12x14 feet and had no
plumbing.

In 1963, he moved the church to Alta Mesa, near Lancaster, and
changed its name.  In 1972, Lighthouse COGIC moved to its present
location in Oak Cliff.

Her husband's passion was missionary work, Mrs. Calloway said.

He is survived by a son, Edward Calloway, Jr. of Dallas;  three
daughters, Barbara Calloway Burns, Mattie Calloway and Ester
Calloway, all of Dallas;  two sisters, Queen Esther Jones and Robbie
Jo Johnson, both of Dallas;  a brother, the Rev. Charles Calloway of
Vallejo, CA;  and three grandchildren.

(From the Dallas Morning News)

THE MORNING QUESTION
Reverend Jesse V. Bottoms Jr., Beulah Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie,
New York


Mark 14:12-25   12  Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when
they
killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You
want us to
go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?"
13  And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into
the city,
and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.
14  "Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The
Teacher says,
"Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My
disciples?"'
15  "Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and
prepared; there
make ready for us."
16  So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it
just as
He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.
17  In the evening He came with the twelve.
18  Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you,
one of you
who eats with Me will betray Me."
19  And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is
it I?"
And another said, "Is it I?"
20  He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips
with Me
in the dish.
21  "The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe
to that
man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for
that man
if he had never been born."
22  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it,
and gave
it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."
23  Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to
them,
and they all drank from it.
24  And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which
is shed
for many.
25  "Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of
the vine
until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." (NKJ)


This scenario begins as the day breaks with the disciples asking Him
what are
they to do to make ready for the Passover. They knew that He was
going to
celebrate the Passover. They knew that He was too good a Jew. He was
too good
a teacher in Judaism not to celebrate Passover. - So they came to him
that
morning and said to Him where do you want us to go and prepare for
the
Passover.


This says much for the disciples. They knew Him well enough to
anticipate
what He was going to do. They were close enough to Jesus to figure
out His
next move. This shows how close they were to Him. They knew what He
would do.


It also shows how much He depended upon them to initiate the action
for the
day. It says that the divine depends upon those who are disciples to
initiate
some action that is warranted.


Suppose they had not come to him. I wonder if He would have mentioned
it to
them. They initiated this action on this Thursday morning. They are
the ones
who started this thing.


We are made to wonder, what actions are left undone because disciples
had not
raised the question in the morning about that which they are to be
doing by
virtue of their relationship to Jesus.


It makes you wonder, what has been left undone because we have not
inquired.
We have not asked "The Moening Question."


The divine does not always take the initiative. God does not always
start it,
in dealing with daily duties. There are some things hat God wants
done but
will not get done until you start it.


(The job that you are supposed to do has gone undone because you have
not
asked the Morning Question - What do you want me to do?)


Much within Beulah Church goes undone because of the unasked morning
question)  God is looking for somebody to ask the morning question.
Pastors
in churches everywhere stand waiting for members to ask the morning
question.
They ask questions about this and that. They ask folk to vote with
them on
this issue and to side with them on that issue. They ask, did that
agree with
the church by-laws. They ask did that come before the church before
the
pastor did it. They ask this and they ask that. But they do not ask
the
Morning Question. They talk and ask about other people and what they
are
doing.


There is certain work in the church that will never get done until
you ask
the morning question. Turn to you neighbor and say "you."


There are certain folk that you can depend on to complain and mummer
and get
mess started. There are certain folk that whenever there is church
mess, you
know that they are in it and had something to do with it. - They
always got
something to say about everything. But you never hear the asking the
morning
question.


The disciples started it by raising the question. Now, once they
raised the
question, He could give them directions. But you got to raise the
question.
He's got it figured out; He's got it all mapped out, but you got to
raise the
question.


He can not give directions to those who don't raise the question. Not
everybody is in the question raising business. Not everybody comes to
church
to raise the morning question. That's why a lot of folk avoid Sunday
School
and Bible Class because they do not want to be confronted with the
Morning
Question, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"


When they raise the question, then He tells them what to do.


Go into town. Go to town - you'll see a man carrying a jar of water -
most
unusual, but you'll find it. It not ordinarily done but you'll find
it.


Follow him into whatever house he enters. And when you get to the
house, you
say to the householder, the teacher says where is my guest room where
I am to
eat the Passover with my disciples. And he'll show you a large upper
room -
furnished, there you make ready.


These disciples following the direction of the divine do as they are
told -
and the text says that they found it just as He had told them - just
as He
said.


Now, these disciples on this errand did not have an address. They did
not
have a street name or a house number. They were not told which side
of town,
or up town or down town. They did not have a zip code; He did not
give them
an address.


But rather He told them what arrangements had been made.


Modern disciples like you and me - we tend to want the address. Since
you
know Lord, just give me the address. Tell me where to go. Don't put
me
through all those changes - find a man - find a man carrying water -
find a
house - find a room, naw, naw, naw,  just give me the address. I'm
ready, I'm
excited - just give me the address.


But He does not give us the address. He tells us, I have made
arrangements
for you. You just follow my arrangements and you'll get to the
address. I've
already fixed it up for you. You'll get to the address but you got to
follow
my arrangements.


The arrangements are often unusual. The often don't make sense.


When they get there, when they get to the room, they prepared it,
because
they found it just as He had told them. They found it.


And when you find it on His direction, when you find it on His terms,
it's
just like it ought to be.


Now, when you make your own arrangements - when you work it out,
there's no
telling what might happen. If you and your crowd work it out - if
it's your
arrangements, no telling what might happen. But if you follow divine
arrangements, divine arrangements, - you'll find it just like He
said. "They
found it just like He told them, because they followed divine
directions.


If things are not working for you, are you doing it like He said do
it?


Then the text says, "When it was evening, He came  with the twelve."
They
made preparations, they got it ready for Him, they followed divine
directions
and - He came.


Now the stage is set. They been setting the stage all day long, they
been
getting ready.


They raised the question. They found the room. The stage it set and
He got
there. When you follow His directions, He will show up. The stage is
set.


Here He comes, striding through town. He's been over in the hill
country all
day, now here He comes.


The High Priest had been waiting for Him to kill Him, but somehow He
escaped
them. Now, here He comes. - When the evening shadows come, He makes
His
appearance.


The text says that as they were eating - as they were eating. While
they were
eating, in the course of their eating, during the time they were
eating -


He is now going to do something that transforms. While they were
eating - He
takes these ordinary morsels,  these ordinary items - during the time
while
they were eating, simultaneously, while He was also doing other
things. He
can do that you know. He blesses me and He blesses you at the same
time.


Not only is He an on-time God, but He's a same-time God.


We have to wait and do things sequentially, in order, one after the
other. As
- While - During - that's when I get it. I get mine while you getting
yours.
- I'm getting blessed right now. How about you?


He takes the bread and wine and makes it something of Himself. He
took the
bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to them and said take,
this is
my body - and then He took the cup and after giving thanks He gave it
to them
and they all drank of it - and He said take, this is the blood of the
covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you I will never
again
drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in
the
Kingdom of God.


He has transformed it now. He made it unto and into Himself. That'
what  took
means. He took it. He took it. He brought it under His own influence.
He
wrapped it up in Himself. He brought it under His control. He
mastered it.


I don't care what it was before, it became what He wanted it to be
when He too
k it. He took it. You ever been tooken by Him? You ever got took.
When you
been tooken, you'll never be the same again.


He took wine. When He took the wine, it became something different.
It became
an instrument of His own design. The divine design for wine. He took
it. It
became something else. It will never be the same again. Never.
Never.  I'm
glad He takes things. I'm glad He takes people. Once you get taken by
Him you
become something altogether different.  Did He take you? He took me.
I been
tooken.


God wants a tooken preacher… Church… Deacon… Choir
Member…


Are you different since he took you? Is your walk different? Is your
talk
different? Do you have different desires? - Yes you do. You know
why?
Because you been tooken. He has exercised authority over you. It's no
longer
your will but His will.


I was a mess before he took me. He can take a Pusher, erase the P and
make
him an usher.


Thank God, I been took. And when He took me, He made me a part of
Himself.


Ask the Morning Question -
Walk close enough to Him to know His mind -
Follow His arrangements -
You'll find it to be just as He said -
Let Him take you -
As He takes the wine, He transforms it into Himself -
As we partake of the wine, we partake of Him -
As partakers of the wine each Lord's Supper, we are really being re-
taken by
Him -


I'm not the same - everything has changed because I been took -


Prior to every Lord's Supper - raise the Morning Question -

Every day, raise the Morning Question, "Lord, what do you want me to
do?"

RISE UP AND WALK
JOHN 5:1-9
PREACHED BY
PASTOR MICHAEL TRUSS
ROCKY MOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH
OXFORD AL
              Dallastruss@...




All over the world there are sick people. If you were to ask them, do
you want to get well? Every one of them would reply, yes I want to
get well. How ever there is more to getting well than just saying yes
I want to get well.

You see getting well is an involved process that depends on a
patient's physical, moral, emotional attitude and spiritual
capacities. And it sometimes involves the relationship of the doctor
and his or her staff and the sick patient.

Getting well also involves taking your prescribed medication, whether
it is medicine from your doctor or medicine from God. Yes medicine
from God. Did you know that God has medicine in his word?

Go with me to the book of Proverbs 4: 20-22]. It says; My son attend
to my words incline thine ear unto my saying.

21. Let them not depart from thine eyes keep them in the mist of
thine heart.

22. For they are life unto those that find them and health to all
their flesh.

Now you got to see this: "Health" is the Hebrew word "Marpe" which
means medicine, or healing to one's flesh. My brothers if you want to
be healed you must take you prescribed medication.

If you go to the doctor and he prescribe you medication, and on your
medicine bottle it tells you to take one tablet three times a day,
and you take one tablet one time a day, your medicine want do you any
good.

God has also prescribed us medication, and in order for it to help
you, you must take it as indicated. Jesus said in the book of John
15:7]. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask
what you will and it shall be given unto you. Now if you are not
abiding in Christ, and if he is not Lord of your life, then you are
not taking you medicine properly and therefore you are still sick.

Jesus met many people in his day that were sick and wanted to get
well. The man in our text is an example. The Bible said that he had
been sick for 38 years. Each day the man's parents or relatives
brought him to the pool beside the temple gate, hoping that he would
be there at the right time when the angel trouble the water, and be
placed in it and made well.

I want you to notice something here; they just brought him there and
dropped him off hoping that he could get in the pool. Because the
scripture said that every time the water was troubled no one was
there to put him into the pool. For 38 years he was brought there
hoping to get in the pool.

Church it seems to me rather than coming back and forth for thirty-
eight years somebody should have hung around long enough to help get
him in the pool. It would have been a burden off of them.

This man for 38 years had been trying to get into the pool and for 38
years he had failed. When Jesus came to the annual Jewish festival,
he visited the area of the sheep gate where many sick people were.

While there he noticed a cripple man lying on his pallet on the
porch. So Jesus said to him do you want to get well? The man replied
sir I don't have anyone here to put me in every time the water is
troubled, some one gets in before me.

Then Jesus said to him rise up and walk! Pick up your pallet and
walk! When the man obeyed and started up he realized that he was
healed. Now if you will bear with me for a moment and lets' look a
little deeper in to this story and find out what it really means to
us.

Notice here that Jesus ask the man some Questions. And this is what
he asked him. Do you want to be made whole? Do you want to get well?
Do you want to walk? Some body may ask why did he ask these questions?

Well just maybe Jesus wanted to find out whether the man realized
that he was sick. You see one must realize their condition before he
or she can be made well. You see some folks cannot be healed because
they don't think that they are sick. Church you cannot correct a
problem unless you first acknowledge that you have a problem. An
alcoholic must first realize that he or she has a drinking problem
before they can receive help. As long as you deny the problem it will
never go away.

One cannot turn and go in the right direction you realize that you
are going the wrong way. I ought to be able to get a witness some
where.

The cripple man at the pool said to Jesus; sir when the water is
troubled I have no man to put me into the pool, while I am trying to
get in, some one else step in before me. Now the man's answer
revealed several things.

First of all it showed that he wanted to get well. Why?  Because he
had already demonstrated an effort to help himself. He had tried to
get in the pool, for 38 years he had tried. Church I need to pause
here and say this. In order for god to help you, you must first of
all help your self. Some say that they need a job and that they are
waiting on God to provide it for them, but they want get off of the
couch and put in no applications.

And then talking about I am down here Lord waiting on you, and God is
saying I am up here son waiting on you. I have already told you to
pick up you bed, but you are still lying there.

Secondly the man's answer shows that after 38 years of wear and tear,
after 38 years of people bringing him and picking him up he still had
the desire to be a whole man. He is not like many who gets used to a
condition and simply resigns themselves to it. This cripple man could
have easily said, well I have gotten used to my people bringing me
here under these cool shady porches by the pool.

And I like it here I have made some friends and I am comfortable now.
He could have said that I have been like this for so long I might as
well keep on doing what I am doing there is no need for a change. But
this man didn't do that inspite of his condition he still had a
desire to be a whole again.

Church it is sad, but many of us around God's house have gotten used
to things as they are. What are you talking about? What I am saying
is this; we have been doing the same oh things for 50, 60, and 70
years and the question has been ask so you want to get well?

And we have answered it by saying; we have been doing it this way
every since we've been here, and I don't see no reason why we should
change. But can I tell you something in here? In order for you to get
well, in order for you to come out of the Stone Age we must have a
burning desire to move a head. I challenge you today let us arise and
pick up our beds and walk.

The Third thing I want to bring out here is this.
Even though he had a desire to get well and had demonstrated an
effort to do so he missed the point of Jesus question. Because he
said to Jesus I have no man to put me in the pool.

Now you got to see this!! Jesus did not ask him did he want to get in
the pool. He asked him did he want to be made whole? Many today
misunderstand Jesus question. In more profound words he is asking, do
you want to be saved. And when Jesus asks some, do you want to be
saved? They show their misunderstanding of the question by their
answers.

Well I was baptized as a child.
I've been preaching for twenty years.
I have been teaching Sunday school for thirty-two years.
I've been singing in the choir for twelve years.
I've been ushering for nineteen years.
I come o Bible study, and I been on the deacon board for sixteen
years.

And when one answers Jesus question in such a way you missed his
whole point. He didn't ask you what you have done, or how long you
have held an office. He asked a soul-searching question, do you want
to be saved? Is any body listening to me in here?

Well when the cripple man finally understood the intent of Jesus
question, he began to understand Jesus plan for his healing. For
Jesus said to him, this is what I want you to do, if you want to get
well. Rise! Take up your bed and walk. Don't' doubt me! Don't ask
any
more questions. You don't have to make any more excuses.

Rise! Take up your bed and walk. And when he obeyed Jesus the man
discovered that a miracle had taken place. Let me say this, if you
want to see miracles happen in your life, just obey God and do what
he say do.

It was when the blind man obeyed Jesus and went and went and washed
in the pool of Siloam that he received his sight.

It was when the servants obeyed him at a wedding in Cana of Galilee
and filled the water pots with water that he turned water into wine.

It was when Naaman the leper obeyed him and dipped seven times in
muddy water, that he got up looked at his hands, look at his feet,
look at his body and realized that his leprosy was gone.

Church when this man in our text obeyed Jesus he was walking for the
very first time in thirty-eight years. He didn't need anyone to bring
him to the healing waters, because he had come into contact with the
doctor in a sick room.

He had come into contact with the lily of the valley.
He had come into contact with the bright and morning star.
He had come into contact with a bridge over trouble waters.

I wonder if there is anybody here this morning that is ready to obey
his voice? God told me to tell you that it is time for you to rise up
and walk. Some body here has been sitting at the pool for a long time
waiting to get in, that you may be healed.

Depression got you at the pool.
Trouble got you at the pool.
Pain got you at the pool.
Sickness got you at the pool.
Your finances got you at the pool.

But my brothers and sisters it is time for you to rise up and walk.
Are you ready to get up from the pool? I said are you ready to get up
from the pool?
Why don't you touch three people and tell them I am getting up.

I've been wounded but I am getting up.
I am a little confused but I am getting up.
Tears in my eyes but I am getting up.
I can't stay here it is time to rise up and walk.

Rise up in your home.
Rise up in the church.
Rise up in your community.
It is time to rise up and go to the enemy's camp and take back what
he has taken from you.

Dr. Carl J. Bruce - Th.D
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
Batesville Ar. 72501

For comments e-mail Dr. Bruce at docbruce1@...

Subject: A Precious Faith
Scripture 2nd Peter Chapter 1:1-8

Introduction:

Before we can embark upon the exegeses of scripture, there are 8
points that need to be emphasized, For one to understand the
preciousness of our faith

1). You must understand what God has done for us when salvation came!
        Basis of Salvation.

2) You must know the Basis of Lordship.

3) One must know their position in Jesus Christ.

4) You must know the benefits of salvation or redemption: Such as
justification,
      sanctification and propitiation.
5) You must know The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Having a personal
relationship,
      and a continual fellowship thru confession and prayer.
6) There must be acceptance of the guidance of the Holy Spirit that
indwells.

7) You should seek to fulfill the purpose, for which God has called
or ordained you.

8) One must increase in the knowledge of Gods will, His word and
promises and apply
      those truths to there daily walk.

The Text begins with the Peter the Apostle writing this epistle, from
a cell in prison to the scattered churches of Asia Minor. It is a
Peter with the knowledge that the departure of his physical life was
rapidly approaching, so he wrote this urgent doctrinal letter to warn
the church that there was immanent danger learking in the ranks.

The Apostle pens an infinite message of guidance and a sounding out
for a state of steadfastness to the Faith!

The Church had been scattered, persecuted, prosecuted and put up for
slaughter, even thou they had experienced great trials, tribulations
and opposition for preaching and serving Christ, they had prevailed
and had accepted those misfortunes. They were no longer perplexed, or
in despair they were no longer intimidated by outside forces. they
had learned to be content and count it all Joy!

But Peter writes to warn them that Satan has a new plan, a new
strategy, and a new attack; and it is called divide and conquer, and
it is done by infiltrating the church and its doctrinal security and
stunning its Spiritual maturity with false teaching and preaching.
  (Much like this wave of charismatic movement today)

Unfortunately some of the people were not rooted, they were not
doctrinally sound, they were infants in the knowledge of Christ; and
as a result they were gullible to the false proclamations of the
Gnostics, whom were a people who believed in this world order and its
pleasures.

Peter warns the church, that a storm was on the horizon and the wind
of deception is kicking up dust.

The Gnostics were proclaiming the philosophy of eat, drink and be
merry, they were teaching things that appealed to the flesh and not
the Spirit.
Yes, they did teach that it was alright to live immoral lives,
knowing fully that it was a downplay of the redemptive work of Jesus
Christ and they had the audacity to teach that Jesus was not God but
just a bridge to God just like the angels; Yes they had a good Game.

Now in verses 3 and 4 Peter warns the church to hold fast the
teaching of the precious faith.
He declares that only thru the knowledge of God who hath called us to
Glory and virtue has given us exceedingly great and precious promises
and that thru the Lords divine power.
He had given them all things that pertain to life and Godliness.

As I have fore stated this message of warning from Peter is infinite,
for even hundreds of years later our churches still suffer from a
lack of doctrinal steadfastness.

a) Our churches are sending out to get motivational speakers or
creating some type of program to compete with the seemingly growing
charismatic movement churches.
b) Some churches are even having raffles,bingo,block-parties and
all other kinds of gimmicks to try and draw people into the faith.
But I heard Jesus say if I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me!


Which leads me to point (1)

Two questions are ringing out in many Christian homes and churches
all over this country.
How can I grow?     How can our churches grow?

Well first you must have had a personal experience, a personal
encounter with Jesus.
Any spiritual growth must start individually. (There must be
individual growth before there is any collective growth)

Notice in verse (1) the Apostle introduces himself as, Simon Peter
a) Simon is his birth name
b) Peter is the name Jesus gave him
c) Simon means a man of weakness
d) Peter means a man of strength or rock solid


This imposes deep connotations that Peter had changed from a wavering
coward/ bad boy
and realized that in the natural man he had weaknesses and in the
spiritual man has gained strength.
He says that I am Simon Peter a Doulose in the Greek, which means
much more than a servant. It means a bonded slave, totally possessed
by and consecrated for the master's usage.
It suggest that every thought, word and deed is subject in toto to
Jesus Christ, and that he only exists for the purpose of glorifying
Christ.

Then he calls himself an Apostle (apostolos), Which means called out
one, called to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. A spokesperson, a
lawyer by proxy for the risen savior.
It illuminates one whom has walked or had an encounter with Jesus; it
also implicates that he is not the only one, because he addresses
others whom have obtained like precious faith.

Point (2).
When a person enters the Christian faith, they receive salvation and
eternal life as a Gift only by faith thru the atonement for
righteousness from God, thru our lord and savior Jesus Christ. It is
a great misfortune to the kingdom building of God when they go no
further and don't grasp the vision.

We as Baptist do teach the doctrine of eternal security, and as a
result a lot of Christian never become spiritually mature; they just
grab a pew and wait on heaven.
It must be realized that we must arm ourselves in the Knowledge of
Gods word to increase in godliness and develop into spiritual
maturity.

Saving Faith must be extended into precious living faith!

a) Faith considered intellectually: is valuable for faith
appears in its fullness of power when released in our hearts and
minds with the pure existence of an omnipresent and omnipotent God!
b) Faith is preeminently precious: when we remember that by
faith we have obtained a part in the great work of redemption.
c) The preciousness of faith is felt in its power to sustain and
comfort the mind when nothing else will help!

Yes, saving faith must be extended to a living faith; In other words
we must not only give our lips, but our lives. God wants us to
understand that an act of true faith is striving to achieve your god
given potential in every area of your life.
That's why in verse (2) Peter writes grace and peace be multiplied.
Grace: means the undeserved favor and blessings of God, in layman's
term it simply means that God give you what you don't deserve.
Peace: (eirene) means to be bound, joined and weaved together with
others and God.
  When you have Faith, Grace and peace you have the very fountain and
source of a growing spiritual life, a growing spiritual home and a
growing spiritual church!

So Peter writes to the church, that Grace and peace is multiplied
unto you, Keywords
Through the Knowledge. Through gives us the indication of a process
with a goal; And that goal is progress or growth. Knowledge here is
the Greek word (epignosis) which means more than the reading, and
remembering of what you have read, it is more than intellectual
Knowledge, for it denotes discernment of the spiritual truths
implicated. Not just any knowledge or truth, but only that revealed,
by God and his Son Jesus Christ.
(2). Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of
God and of Jesus Christ our Lord.
So in essence what Peter is saying to the church is that you need to
know in order to grow and that process must come from a personal
continued relationship with the word.

Now in Verse (3) He says "According as his *Divine Power hath given
unto us *all things that pertain unto *life and *godliness through
the knowledge of him that hath called us to *glory and *virtue"
Keywords*
Divine- His attribute
Power - Gods will his ability, dominion, authority and sovereignty
Life- physical and spiritual
Godliness - Holiness or holy living
Glory - Doxa- God image
Virtue - God's moral Excellency

What Peter has declared to the church is that, they needed to be
steadfast and to abound in the work of the lord; thru the revelation
knowledge of the word and by the practical application of those
truths. In doing so, God wills thru his authority, unto you and I,
all wisdom of this physical and spiritual life, imputing a
relationship of holiness that has conformed us into his image and
excellency.

Verse (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious
promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Peter says that because of the revelation and application of the
principles in verse three God has given unto the church, Exceeding
Great- which suggest size: precious -which exemplifies it quality:
Promises-truths that God is obligated to fulfill.

And that if absorbed or in obedience of those promises; believers can
be clothed or covered in Gods holy state and as a result we can
escape the vices, philosophies and sins of this age.

Verse (5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith,
virtue and to virtue knowledge.
What peter is telling us is that up to this point it has been all on
God and his provisions; but now he makes the transformation to our
part in the growth process
Peter writes "and besides this give all diligence". Diligence-means
for one to give every effort, every energy, to give mind, body and
soul exclusively to the mark and that is to seek God.
There is a story written by Ray Stedman, in his book folk Psalms of
faith, about a woman who had been a schoolteacher for twenty-five
years. When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she
applied for that position. However, someone who had been teaching for
only one year was hired instead of her. So in outrage she confronted
the principal about his decision and the principal kindly responded,
I am sorry but you have not had 25 years of experience as you have
claimed: you've had only one years experience 25 times. Tragically
that teacher had never improved. And besides this give all diligence!

Then Peter gives us the Biblical formula for growing in knowledge of
Jesus Christ, Peter says add. In the Greek it suggests for one to
increase, provide, supply.
Increase what?  The development of the following (8) graces.

Faith - conviction, strong assurance
Virtue - moral excellence, goodness
Knowledge - correct spiritual insight
Temperance- Self-control - self discipline
Patience- Perseverance - endurance
Godliness - Godly character, Christ-likeness
Brotherly kindness - philos love, love toward the brethren
Charity - active goodwill to those in need agape.

This word add, suggest that we do not accidentally or naturally
develop these graces, and it presents the idea that each grace is to
temper and make perfect the grace that goes before it with harmony to
produce an overall effect. The building up of the Saints.

So in verse 8 the last and final point is drawn out in that; If these
things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be
barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What peter is telling us my brothers and sisters, is that if we are
to grow, we must nurture our faith in Jesus Christ because it is
precious?

Yes we have a precious faith, which is obtained through, the
righteousness of God.

We have acquired a precious supply obtained thru, the knowledge of God

We have received precious promises, obtained through, faith in God.

We have been revealed a biblical formula, obtained through, diligence
in seeking God.

Peter tells us that this precious faith is filled with precious things

a). With Precious promises
b). With the precious blood
c). A precious redemption
d). Precious knowledge

This precious faith supplies our needs
It delivers us from our greatest dangers

This precious faith is the symbol of our election.
The evidence of our calling
The root of all our graces
The channel of our communion
The weapon of our prevalence
The shield of our safety
The substance of our hope
The evidence of our eternity
The guardian of our immortality
And the passport of our Glory.
And finally we have a secure future, Obtained by faithful service of
God.
Close with verse 11.
  "For so an entrance shall be ministered onto you abundantly into the
everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Subject: SERMON SHARING SERVICE - May 11, 2000
Bcc: Pastors, Reverends, Sisters, Brothers

"THOU ART LOOSED"
Text: Luke 13:11-12

I preached this sermon at my mother's funeral Dec. 20, 1999 (Nadine
Peace).

I thought I would share this to all of my brethern who need a funeral
meditation.

Rev. R. David Keith, M. Div. - Pastor Providence Missionary Baptist
Church, Newark, NJ.

INTRODUCTION

My Brothers and my sisters, we live in such a society where the
pressures of life can often be overbearing.  We can't pick up the
newspaper without reading a litany of the world's ills. Sickness
has
overtaken us on every hand.  The condition(s) of our world is bleak.
Even our family structures are in a destructive mode.  Far too often
today's families have accepted being dysfunctional as the rule
rather
than the exception.

What I want to make clear is that after you have analyzed the
condition, after you have understood it's origin, the purpose of
the
condition, as well as the results. It is the Word that ables us as a
people of God to put the past under our feet. He has a way of helping
us through tough times, hard ache and pain.

You need to know that there is a wideness or vastness to God's
mercy.  His mercy has no boundaries. Whatever our circumstances are,
whatever our problems maybe, however long our nights are, the Good
news of the Gospel tells us that God cares.  He cares for the least
and the last; the good and the bad, God cares.  And because he cares,
He does not want us to go in a state of panic.  When some people need
to realize that "panic" has never solved any
problems…instead it has
created bigger ones…Has never set anybody's mind at
ease…instead, it
has caused a lot of confusion and chaos…Has never helped any
situation…. Instead, it has made things get worse…. It has
never been
a source of strength…instead; it has only revealed a lot of human
weaknesses….

There is no need to panic…Because even in this situation….
GOD IS IN
CONTROL

We are never beyond God's reach of care and concern. HE CARES!
I. In our text, we read about a women who was suffering from
what the record says a "Spirit of infirmity" that attacked
her body
18 yr. Earlier.  Can you imagine 18 years of suffering?  18 yr. of
pain, and anguish.  This woman is both strong and noteworthy of
surviving her condition for this long.

Jesus says to her, "Women Thou art Loosed" Notice now, He did
not
call her by her name.  He just spoke to her.  You see, whenever you
come to church in an effort to attempt to have an audience with the
Master, he can and will speak directly to you.  He wasn't simply
speaking to her as a person; he spoke to her femininity.  He spoke to
the song in her heart; "One more time oh one more time Lord
I'm glad
to be in the service one more time." He spoke to the lace on her
dress. Like a crumbling rose, Jesus spoke not to the condition, he
looked beyond the condition and spoke to what she could, and would
have been.

The record does not tell us what this women's name was not
mentioned.  All that I know is that she had an infirmity for 18 long
years and she could in no wise lift herself up.

II. My brothers and my Sisters when I look at this text, and then
look at the actions/reactions of the people of God, I am convinced
that we all resemble this women.  In that we are all infirmed.

We are infirmed
- Emotionally
- Socially
- Mentally
- Spiritually

And because we are "spiritually infirmed" we cannot lift
ourselves.
We have no power of our own.  That's why David said, "I will
lift up
mine eyes unto the hills. From whence cometh my help…My help
cometh
from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

I think that I need to tell you that no matter how strong that you
think that you are, God has a way to make you understand that we are
never able in and of ourselves to lift up ourselves. That's why
God
gave us Jesus.  He always gives us what we need when we need it the
most…He knows that we cannot heal ourselves…help
ourselves…lift
ourselves…. And that we could not save ourselves.  The price for
our
sins was great and the cost of our sins was high.

That's why the record says " But God Commendeth his love
toward us in
that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. All of what we
were in the past God changed, and all that we are now is because of
Jesus.

III. The text says that this woman could not lift herself. But when
Jesus saw her…. You see when Jesus looks at us he sees more than
what
we see.  When we look at each other we see the physical, the
cosmetic, and the superficial.  But when Jesus looks at us, his look
goes beyond the physical.  When Jesus sees us He sees that smile that
everyone else sees, but He can also see that frown down in her
heart.  Sees your true intentions, our real motivations and our
intent.  He sees all that we try to hide from everybody else.

When He saw this woman, He says her pain, her heartaches, and her
sickness, her trials and tribulations.  When Jesus this women, he saw
her condition, He saw her situation, her tears that flowed for 18yrs.
He saw her infirmity, and simply said to her "Women the art
loosed"
She did not ask for the healing; all she did was show up in the
service.  You see, all you have to do is show up and the Lord will
bless you soul.

Oh my brothers and my sisters, at that moment everything that she had
been through, all of the things that kept her up all night long in
pain was immediately changed. She experienced something like a
metamorphous.  This word metamorphous comes from the Greek word
metamorphoo which simply means to change into another form.  After 18
yrs. of infirmity she was now changed.

In science we learned, as a caterpillar becomes of age it changes.
It changes its form. And if you ever looked at a caterpillar, you
noticed that is appeared to be a tiresome creature.  Every day &
night he would travel in the trees, and from leaf to leaf.

And another thing about the caterpillar, after while it goes into a
cocoon form and while inside the cocoon, there's, something that
happens to the caterpillar. I said it changes form.  In fact, after
it emerges from the cacoon it is no longer called a caterpillar but
it is now called a BUTTERFLY.  (GIVE EXAMPLE)  One of God's most
beautiful creatures.

CONCLUSION

Well my brothers & sisters these past 13 months or so, that my mother
suffering through her sickness, the Lord had a divine plan for
Nadine…
We could not understand it then, but I realize now that the Lord was
using this condition to teach us all a lesson in change.  Because
after raising her own children, she helped raised others.  It was not
always easy, not always a bed of roses.  But the Lord still had His
hand on her.

Since I'm speaking about this metamorphacal change, Well, I
believe
it was around 7pm last Tuesday evening that the Lord was about to
make a change…. Nadine was in essence in a cocoon…And the
Lord did
something to her while in the cocoon….He began to exchange what
she
had …to what she needed to live with Him in eternity.

You see when you have the Peace that passes all understanding….
When
you enter the joy of the Lord, we make an exchange with the Lord.
When He takes one…He always gives a replacement…
- He exchanged  HER EARTHLY PAINS FOR HEAVENLY PERFECTION
- HER EARTHLY CRISES FOR HEAVENLY COMFORT
- HER EARTHLY SADNESS FOR HEAVENLY HAPPINESS
- HER EARTHLY GLOOM FOR HEAVENLY GLORY

On last Tuesday night, at about 7:00…the Lord spoke to my Momma,
and
said:

NADINE, THOU ART LOOSED….
- LOOSED=NO MORE CHEMO THERAPY
- LOOSED=NO RADIATION TREATMENTS
- LOOSED=SICKNESS
- LOOSED=PAIN
- LOOSED=SITTING UP ALL NIGHT LONG
- LOOSED=DISAPPOINTMENTS
- LOOSED=LET DOWNS
- LOOSED=NO MORE INFIRMITY
- LOOSEDÊNCER
- LOOSEDÞPRESSION
- LOOSED=LONLINESS
- LOOSED=MID-NIGHTS AND DARK DAYS…

AND ONE OLD THESE DAYS I'M GOING TO SEE HER AGAIN…. WE
SHALL ALL BE
CHANGED…IN A MOMENT IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE…AT THE
LAST TRUMP
THE TRUMPANT SHALL SOUND AND THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED
INCORRUPTIBLE,
AND WE SHALL BE CHANGED. FOR THIS CORRUPTIBLE MUST PUT ON
INCORRUPTION…AND THIS MORTAL MUST PUT ON IMMORTALITY. SO,
WHEN THIS
CORRUPTIBLE SHALL HAVE PUT ON INCORRUPTION, AND THIS MORTAL SHALL
HAVE PUT ON IMMORTALITY.... THEN SHALL BE BROUGHT TO PASS THE SAYINGS
THIS IS WRITTEN. DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY. O DEATH WHERE
IS
THY STING. O GRAVE WHERE IS THY VICTORY…. BUT THANKS BE TO
GOD, WHO
GIVETH US THE VICTORY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST….