Monday, October 27, 2008

Sunday Review

Sunday was an absolutely splendid day of worship at GSJ. I woke up with less anxiety and apprehension than normal because prior arrangements were made to allow Pastor Jim Mickelson, of Calvary Baptist Church, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to preach our early service. He assisted me in a wedding ceremony the day before, so I asked him if he would preach our early service before returning home, to which he graciously obliged. He preached a message from Acts 19:12ff. Although I’m not at liberty to post his outline let me say that he was well received and the message was timely, terrific and thought provoking. To my surprise, this was his first time preaching to a predominately African- American Church Family, an honor that was greatly appreciated and cherished.








l to r: Mrs. Mickelson, Pastor Mickelson, Pastor & Mrs. McGhee

We were also blessed by the presence of staff and 180 youth from Camp Ray Bird, a Christian Ministry Camp that shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with “at risk” youth all across Michiana. Camp Director, Mike Houghtaling and I have met for food and fellowship on occasion and a spiritual bond has been formed between our church and the camp with many ministry opportunities forthcoming. Every year, at least once, we are favored with a visit from this remarkable group of campers, so we have grown accustomed to their being a part of our church fellowship. We continue to marvel at the manner in which the children behaved and were blessed to see them take an active role in worship. I am scheduled to visit Camp Ray Bird on Tuesday, and look forward to further involvement with this ministry as we explore ways to collectively advance God’s Kingdom together. Please keep this Ministry in your prayers and feel free to visit them on the web @raybird.org.






This Sunday was also “Big Day” for our Sunday School Department. Each year efforts are made by our School membership to invite and encourage people within our church and possibly the unchurched who don’t normally attend Sunday school. It’s amazing how many people responded just because you asked. We praise God for the fruit of everyone's labor of love.




During the 11am service, I preached a sermon entitled “The Church That Advances God’s Kingdom,” taken from Matthew 28:18-20 which reads:






And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)


The Lord moved in a Mighty way as HIS Word went forth. I felt real good about preaching this message because I’ve always challenged our church to never lose sight of our true purpose. We exist for the express purpose and the specific intent of glorifying God through the living out of His biblical agenda. There were several present who rededicated their lives to Jesus and have vowed to not just be members of the church but rather disciples of Christ. I certainly pray that God would impress upon others the urgency to do the same. Here is a brief outline of the message.





The Church That Advances God’s Kingdom







I. Functions Under the Authority of Christ





a) All power is given unto Me - v.18





II. Faithful to the Assignments of Christ




a) Evangelize ; Go (as you are going) v.19a




b) Enlist ; teaching all nations , make disciples; Baptize - v.19b




c) Equip ; Teaching them to observe all things – v.19c





III. Fortified by the Assurance of Christ




a) Lo I am with you always - v.20





Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we will do the same. Peace!!!


15 comments:

Keith D. Witherspoon said...

I am glad that you had a great day of worship!

Great Outline! Your excellence in exegesis is exceptional!

I am truly a better person, preacher, and pastor because of your presence!

HALLELUJAH said...

Pastor

The message delivered that day hit home for me. My truest desire is to be an obedient disciple for JESUS.

Great Post!!!

Anonymous said...

McGhee....stop it man! Brother I sense that God is really blessing your work there. What an inspiration to know that your faithfullness is bearing fruit.

We continue to pray for you and your work,Keep Driving brother....lol..

Be Encouraged.

Tony R.

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

I praise God that I can call you friend, because that means that I can steal all of that message doctor LOL. We are all blessed because of your ministry.

Lance

Anonymous said...

Pastor McGhee,

GSJ church is blessed to have you as Pastor. We all should strive to invest in others so they can become disciples for Christ. God has put us on assignment and as Christians we should welcome them into our community. Let your light shine. Great post and outline.

P.S. I will continue to pray for your ministry.

Evangelist Janae

Reginald C. Payne said...

McGhee God's speed to you sounds like an awesome day makes we wonder if we serve the same God! (LOL)

Fitts said...

Preacher, I'm glad to hear you are spending time with so many within the body of Christ. This is your season, and I am happy for you. The world is yet to see what God is going to do through Pastor A.A McGhee.

Another great outline, I can't wait until you start a class on how to put together outlines... DeAntwan Fitts will be there.

God bless

BAW Sr. said...

Sounds like a great worship service on sunday,I wish I could have been there.You had a great outline for your 11:00 am worship.Thank You for your encouraging words.

BAW,sr

Clinton Smith said...

Preach Rev, preach! God is smiling on you sir. Keep it up

Anonymous said...

Sunday was an enjoyable change. A packed church at our 8:00 service with a good message gave you a well deserved break. Now, what are you implying about being nervous on Sundays? That Spirit which motivates and speaks for you twice on each Sundays should give you enough confidence. That nervousness should never be thought about. Your powerful sermons effect so many people in so many ways we find it difficult for you to be nervous. Looking forward to celebrating your fifth year as our Spiritual Father/Preacher/Teacher.

Brother Armstrong

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

As usual, my blog-brother, this is an encouraging and enlightening post. Thanks for being the kind of brother you are.

Kevin

Min Shelton Brown said...

Sounds like an awesome day of worship and the word. May the Lord continue to bless the union of Pastor and People. I have throughly enjoyed reading your blog and plan to continue.

P. S. Thanks for the kind comments you made on my page.

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

God bless you my Brother!! Keep up the good work! I pray right now that God will continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry!

Pastor Steve N. Wagers said...

Pastor Andre,

Great exposition of the great commission. Your people are blessed to receive warm bread from Heaven's oven on a regular basis. Exposition is fast becoming a rare commodity in pulpits today; thus, I hold you in the highest regard for remaining faithful to the text, to the task, and to the truth.

You are a blessing my brother,

Keep on the Firing Line,

Pastor Steve

P. S. FYI--I preached a mini-series years ago and tied the Great Commission to the Great Commandment. We won't go for Him if we don't fall in love with Him.

Ronald said...

Pastor I praise God for you. Be encourage you have been tremendously blessed by God to help others through the ministry of His Word.

OK, I’m a Fan
Ron