Sunday Celebrations

Yesterday was our Annual Men & Women’s Day Celebration at GSJ. Our theme was taken from Phil. 1:27 (ESV) which read: Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

Traditionally, this occasion held as its premise the raising of funds in the spirit of friendly competition. Since assuming the pastorate at GSJ, my goal has been to shift our focus from mere fundraising to faithbuilding objectives designed to foster biblical unity and to strengthen the role of men and women in our church. As you already know, suggesting that someone change or augment something they are accustomed to doing can be stressful but thank God for people who are open to change that will stimulate growth in our walk with Christ.

Rather than invite a pastor to share as our guest, we assigned a man and woman from the congregation to give meditative reflections on the theme during both worship experiences. I am pleased to report that everyone who shared was a blessing and benefit to the congregation and we will be a stronger church because of it. Our chairpersons are to be commended as well as anyone who had a hand in making this day memorable. I pray that the fruit of their labor blesses us continually for years to come.

During the 11am service I had to leave and head over to share with my brother and fellow blogger, Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon, who celebrated two years of faithful service to the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Witherspoon is a dynamic preacher, visionary pastor and a preacher’s friend. I am thrilled to see the people of this great church shower him with love, honor and thanks for his stellar leadership. I preached a message entitled “The Wisdom Paul Preached” taken from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. Here is the outline:

Title: The Wisdom Paul Preached

Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Thrust: Paul makes his methods, message and motives clear to those who question his preaching prowess so that the believers will know that their faith in God’s power and not man’s wisdom was his chief concern.

I. The Method Paul Expressed

a) The words uttered v. 1;4

b) The weakness used v.3

II. The Message Paul Emphasized

a) The person of Christ v.2

b) The passion of Christ v.2

c) The power of Christ v.2

III. The Motive Paul Explains

a) That your faith be in God’s power v.5

Later that afternoon, GSJ, Pastor Isaac Culver & the Jerusalem Baptist Church along with other guests shared in the finale of this great celebration honoring Pastor Witherspoon and his Family. It was a great celebration and my prayer is that my brother will always prosper. Talk to you soon!!!