http://gospeltimes.org/news.html GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES: Sermons Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:02:59 -0700 http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#23 http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#23 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#67
”˜On May 10, 1931, the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, as usual, was packed. There was a buzz in the crowd. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., the pastor, was ill. His son, Adam, Jr., would deliver the sermon. The pulpit hardly frightened Adam Junior. He was raised in this church. The women in the audience had known him since he was an infant, saw him take his first step, and stocked his room with beautifully-wrapped gifts on special occasions: he was theirs. But some of the older deacons were wary of young Powell. To them he was a bad boy, a whistler in the dark. However, his sermons would become as compelling as the works of the great literary giants of the Harlem Renaissance area. Even though he was engaged to a showgirl, he commanded the pulpit that Sunday Morning,’ Wil Haygood.

The period from 1910-1931, represents a very important phase of Black History as well as American History; this period covers the beginning and end of the Harlem Renaissance. The close of that period represents the beginning of the great depression. The Harlem Renaissance was normally characterized by poets and writers, with the likes of Hughes and Hurston; however, religion, church, and particularly the “sermon” defined the modern concept of the “church without walls.”

In a Sermon entitled, "A Hungry God", Powell addressed his congregation about the depth of poverty in New York during the Great Depression. He provided clothing, soup kitchens, help with social, and political issues facing families in Harlem. He felt religion was about compassion, care, and service to his people.

“You and I can add to God's power on Earth. We clothe God by clothing men and women. Jesus interpreted this as meaning to clothe men and women when they are naked. When you give men and women coats, shoes and dresses you are giving clothes to god. If the Bible does not mean this it does not mean anything,” Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

”˜The importance of this "sermon" to this inquiry was that it accomplished far more than pacification of its hearers and achieved much greater than blind obedience to the pastor's word. Rather, as was Powell's essential objective, it enlightened the congregation about the destitute state of many of their brothers and sisters throughout New York. Further, it is a prime example of how Powell kept critically in touch with his community, surveying its expanses and attending to its needs. In a very real sense, he pastored Harlem,’ Eric Deggans.

Our scripture text compares excellent in life and ministry, to a climbing vine. “The son of a fruitful (vine) is Joseph; the son of a fruitful (vine) by the fountain: The daughters (branches) shoot over the wall,” Genesis 49:22.Joseph was the son Jacob the great Patriarch. He was sold into slavery. Joseph worked his way to the king’s court and became a climbing vine, because he went outside of his traditional surroundings to feed his family and care for his country. The creeping vine tends to curl up and not grow very far from its roots. This vine can be contained behind a wall easily. Adam Clayton Powell ,Jr.went far beyond the walls of his church to feed and nourish Harlem during the great depression. He could be considered a climbing vine ,which bore much fruit. He also produced a great church ...without walls.

The word for “wall” is “phragmos” in Strong’s which means a fence, or enclosing barrier. It goes back to “phrasso,” which means to block up, to silence, and to stop.

What has kept so many churches enclosed? What has kept so many pastors enclosed? What has kept so many Christians enclosed? What has kept so many ministries form climbing through the community and world? What has kept us form climbing over these walls to reach God’s people?

”˜I submit to you that the answer to this question lies in the two walls that enclose the church and make us creeping vines, rather than climbing vines. That first wall is denominational. Men have built these buildings and enclosed themselves, with doctrinal prejudice. The ministry or church without walls, should be able to reach into any denomination and preach a sound, and sensible word.

The Bible says there is a fivefold ministry. God is very big .No denomination has cornered the market on God. There is room in ministry for all colors, shapes, and textures of ministries. Even the great Hebrew Levitical order of Priesthood only ministered to one nation or denomination, but Paul preached to the Jew and Gentile. This wall needs to come down! Today,Al Sharpton has a great ministry; his congregation covers the entire United States. We must consider him a climbing vine, but he does not have a physical church.

”˜That other wall that needs to come down is the “herd mentality.” These churches ,ministries ,and leaders would like to round up followers like cattle and bring them inside their walls. And fill them with their style of worship or dogma. They want to build their ministry from the inside out, rather than the outside in. Although, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. had 10,000 members at Abyssinian Baptist Church;his ministry vines climbed all over Harlem and touched the entire city. He ministered from the outside in,’ Kelley Varner.

His ministry vine inspired the NAACP, National Urban League, New City Council, Medicare Legislation, Head Start, and many church coalitions working to help the needed. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Harlem's Pastor, is an example of a climbing vine. This man destroyed many walls that were blocking the progress of his people.

I would like to close by saying that ...Jesus is our ministry High Priest .He is the true climbing vine. He says that we must go into communities and by-ways first before we can bring some of them into the store house. If we prepare a great feast inside our walls and the quest do not come, the good servant will go into the streets, highways and the hedges.

“So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind,” Luke:14:21.

I challenge all believers this Thanksgiving to become climbing vines and good servants of the High Priest. Have a happy and safe holiday.

Esco Yancey, Jr., Ed.D.(ACSI)
© 2007 GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#67 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#66
The text gives us a great paradigm of a woman who goes beyond the norm as a wife, widow and mother .I call your attention to the following verses:

Ruth 1:16-18
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Ruth, the Moabite, became King David's great-grandma. Her lineage... extends all the way to Jesus... because of her faithfulness to the Israelites. She was not a Jewish Semite. Moab was a prosperous country. However, the people worshiped false gods.

After the death of Naomi's sons, she was the loyal daughter-in-law who clung to Naomi and followed Yahweh, the God of Israel, giving up her complete heritage and lifestyle .Un like Orpah, the other daughter-in-law who separated from Naomi never to be heard of again. At the end of her book, Ruth becomes wife of the wealthy Boaz' and the mother of Obed's.

The Book of Ruth has four chapters which entails the story of a virtuous woman .It was written sometime after the period of the judges (1375-1050 B.C.). The books of Ruth and Esther have the distinction of being the only two books in the Bible written about women.

The dominant cultural stereotype of the "good mother, said Coll, is a woman who is married and works outside the home in a job that does not take her away "too much" from her parenting responsibilities. She has no more than two children, and they have no handicaps or behavioral problems; she conceived her children and is raising them in a heterosexual relationship; and she and her spouse are older than 20 and are of the same ethnic and racial background.

Mothers who are compromised in their ability to access resources will be vilified, such as welfare mothers, mothers in prison and mothers who are homeless. Other mothers will be the target of political campaigns such as lesbian mothers, working mothers and single mothers.

"The extent of mothers' self-sacrifices and their ability to cope with everything ... from breast feeding a two pound newborn... to raising a child who is disabled or has a difficult temperament ...is astonishing," said Coll. However, just as astonishing ...is society's inability or unwillingness to recognize... the true difficulty of all these endeavors! It has been said,” A mother understands what a child does not say."

I remember visiting the Greensboro, NC Urban Ministry Homeless Shelter. That facility had 132 beds total ...for men and women. There were 116 beds ...occupied by men and only ...16 occupied by women. This pattern seems to hold true all over the country.

Most churches seem to have more women as members than men. There are more African American Female business owners than men. The percentage of individuals in prison is greater among men than women.

It seems that the great common denominator between Ruth and the successful mothers of today is “perseverance.” This character trait seems to be the foundation for all achievement.” I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” said Christopher Reeve.


What can we learn from Ruth and today’s exceptional mothers? The case is clear! God Blesses Diligent and Faithful Mothers.
Consider the following:

Ruth refuses to leave her mother in-law Naomi
Ruth gives up her wealthy country of Moab to stay with Naomi
Ruth gives up her false god to serve the true God of Israel
Ruth is willing to work as a servant in Boaz's fields
Ruth marries the wealthy Boaz
Ruth gives up everything for God and family
Ruth is a “labor of love.”

When Mothers stay with God and Their Families; God Blesses Them!

Trust in the Lord and do well; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)

Esco Yancey,Jr., Ed.D.(ACSI) © 2008 GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#66 Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#65
I call your attention to the book of St John, the 20th chapter, the 24th through the 29th verses:

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus,/ was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples said unto him,” We have seen the Lord.” But he said unto them,” Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails,/and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” And after eight days again his disciples were within,/and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus/the doors being shut/and stood in their midst and said,” Peace be unto you.” Then said he to Thomas, Reach hither thy hand/and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said into him,/"My Lord and my God.” Jesus said unto him," Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed./Blessed are they that have not seen/and yet believeth."

The above scripture deals with a post resurrection incident. The Roman Court and the Jewish hierarchy had put Jesus to death. The disciples that had followed him were confused and frustrated. They had seen their leader put to death.

The disciple Thomas ,who was a rational thinker, had heard some rumors that Jesus was alive. He stated to the other disciples that he did not believe it. He said that he would not believe until he saw for himself! Thomas was the last disciple to believe.

Thomas was trying to base his religion on empiricism. This is based upon what one can see, touch and observe. Many of us are like this today! This form of thinking has many limitations. Faith is greater than reason! Jesus Christ represents ultimate faith! Without faith, it is impossible to please him!

Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our religion! Faith is not just the utterance of words, however, but a firm belief and conviction with one's mind and heart. It is also a commitment to be acted upon. Jesus does not need your senses to communicate with your heart, spirit and soul! Thomas was trying to evaluate this situation based upon facts and what he had observed.

Ultimate faith rose from the grave that Easter Sunday Morning! Jesus rose from the grave that Easter Sunday Morning! Jesus rose that Easter Sunday Morning with all power in his hands!

Then came Jesus/the doors being shut/and stood in their midst and said,” Peace be unto you!” If you have fears ,trouble and problems, I hear him saying,” Peace be unto you!"
Your way could be as dark as night. I hear him saying,” Peace be unto you!” He can come into any situation and say,” Peace be unto you!"

I would like to close by repeating the words of Jesus,” Peace be unto you."

Rev. Esco Yancey, Jr., Ed.D.(ACSI)--Click Press for Audio]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#65 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#64
Dr.James Richmon Shady Hill Baptist Church
Roxboro,NC


A Gift Beyond Description
(2 Corinthians 9:15; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:1:14).

The text is only 8 words long. Paul says, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift or His indescribable gift.” It is the time of year when we are trying to choose the right Christmas gifts for special people in our lives. What kind of gift does it need to be in order to be called "indescribable?"

Is it a gift that will - evoke emotion - cause commitment - engender friendship - promote relationship - create making up - last forever - instill treasured memories?

On "Good Morning America", some ideas of gifts that might be called indescribable were presented. One was a Jaguar 220 automobile that cost $587,000 and they only make 250 of them a year. Now the wax to keep the paint job looking good cost $3,400 for 8 ounces. I guess if the giver can afford the automobile, the receiver ought to be able to buy the wax.If you decide to give your pastor a Jag 220, just throw in the wax to make it truly an "indescribable" gift.

Good Morning America also mentioned a $300,000 gold and silver toilet seat inlaid with precious stones. I guess someone can sit pretty on a seat like that, even if there is no number one or two to do. Of course there were cheaper gifts - an $18,000 frisbee - a $10,000 yoyo - a $12,000 mousetrap - a $27,000 pair of sunglasses - and for the proud grandparent, a $28,000 pacifier!

Such gifts are mind boggling, but they are not indescribable. The manufacturers can and do spend lots of money describing them on TV, and in newspaper and magazine ads. Every human gift is describable by someone (a diamond by its’ carat, clarity, and cut or facets; gold by its’ purity, pressure, and polish; a gem by its’ rarity, richness of color, rendering or supply; clothes by the brand name, even if it made in China, Bangladesh, Mexico or Hong Kong; a person by ones’ family lineage - father and mother - grandfather and grandmother - in-laws and out-laws - and possessions).

In today’s text, Paul begins writing about human gifts. The church at Corinth is taking up offerings to give to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Paul commends them for the eagerness to help, and reminds them that those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly, but those who sow generously will reap generously. Then, the text shifts from human gifts to God’s gift of sending Jesus to earth for us! At this point, words cannot be found to describe the gift of Jesus. The statement simply says, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift."

At this time of year, we do our best to depict and portray God’s gift of Jesus to us. Musicians have composed some of their greatest music on the this theme: Handel’s "Messiah"; Bach’s "Christmas Oratorio"; and the beautiful hymns of "Joy to the World", "Silent Night"," O Little Town of Bethlehem", and the more popular songs of White Christmas, the Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and Fevliz Navidad (I want wish you a Merry Christmas). Poets, painters, and sculptors have used the tools of their trade to pay tribute to Jesus, God’s indescribable gift of love!

”˜There are at least four reasons why the Gift of Jesus is Beyond Description. It is because of His:
1st . Nature (How do you describe - a baby born of a virgin - God with us in flesh - one who is completely and eternally Holy - one who is sinless - one without an earthly father - the Son of God - one who is perfect in the Godhead and humanity - the gift of Jesus to a commercially minded and sinful people?
There something about His - makeup - measure - mind-set - manger---- that’s beyond human and verbal description!

2nd . Purpose (When God looked at us, He knew that our greatest need was not more - wealth - knowledge - government - power - churches - servants - Christians. Our greatest need was the gift of a Savior. So, He sent Jesus to earth that we might be redeemed for sins. There is something about His - plan - position - presence - power ------ that’s beyond human and verbal description!

3rd. Grace (Not from - sales - wrappings - requests - works - seeking - wisdom - hoping - service - preaching - singing - praising - righteousness. It’s free! It’s a gift beyond description. It’s God’s gift through Jesus Christ! There something about His - fulfilling - feeling - future - fortifying or added strength (like bread with added vitamins, minerals and fiber, Jesus was fortified with love, healing power, patience , compassion and sinlessness or purity) ---- that’s beyond human and verbal description

4th. Effect ( This indescribable gift is "the gift of gifts." This gift changes - sinners - hearts - criminals - thoughts - minds - outlooks - directions - lives - traditions - doubters - possibilities (all things are possible, if you only believe) - past - present - people here, there and everywhere! The effect of the gift offers - forgiveness - protection - salvation - eternal life - peace - heaven (a mansion/kingdom).

There’s a Christmas card with these words: If our greatest need had been information, then God would have sent an educator; If our greatest need had been technology, then God would have sent a scientist; If our greatest need had been money, then God would have sent an economist; If our greatest need had been pleasures; then God would have sent an entertainer. But, our greatest need was for forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

The gift of Jesus was sent out from Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. His - Nature - Purpose - Grace - and Effect made Him an unspeakable and an indescribable gift. Truly, a gift beyond description. You may spent a lot of money selecting the best gift for those you love. God spent a lot of time and planning on the first Christmas gift for us. So, if you want to give the PERFECT GIFT, give the gifts that you’ll never - return - exchange - lose - alter - regret - hate - deny - polish. And "His size fits all, His presence is good for all, His way is good for all" His style looks good on all, His policy accepts all, His credit is extended to all, His love embraces all, and His mercy and grace endures forever for all!

That’s why we can sing: Joy To The World, because it was Away In Manger in that O Little Town Of Bethlehem when He Came Upon A Midnight Clear, As Shepherds Watched Their Flock By Night, that the invitation read Comes All Ye Faithful on this Silent Night, Holy Night; as We Three Kings of Orient came bearing gifts to see laying in a crib in the stable, a baby A Gift Beyond Description, ’Luke 2:1-14.

Isaiah prophesied that unto us child is born, unto us a Son is given, and His name shall be called - Wonderful - Counselor - The Might God - The Everlasting Father - The Prince of Peace - Immanuel (God with us!) . Song: So, Go Tell On The Mountain, Over The Hill And Everywhere, that Jesus Christ is born. Amen.

http://www.shadyhillbaptist.org/

Disclaimer

This sermon was delivered during morning service on December 23, 2007 at Shady Hill Baptist Church, Roxboro, NC 27573 by Dr. James A. Richmond, Pastor. Parts of the sermon are adapted from selected readings and messages from various sources on the Christmas narrative without intent to comprise the work of an original author. Contact me with any concerns deemed worthy. Feel free to use this sermon in your ministry to bless and benefit humanity and the church.
336-599-7454]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#64 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#63
”˜On May 10, 1931, the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, as usual, was packed. There was a buzz in the crowd. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., the pastor, was ill. His son, Adam, Jr., would deliver the sermon. The pulpit hardly frightened Adam Junior. He was raised in this church. The women in the audience had known him since he was an infant, saw him take his first step, and stocked his room with beautifully-wrapped gifts on special occasions: he was theirs. But some of the older deacons were wary of young Powell. To them he was a bad boy, a whistler in the dark. However, his sermons would become as compelling as the works of the great literary giants of the Harlem Renaissance area. Even though he was engaged to a showgirl, he commanded the pulpit that Sunday Morning,’ Wil Haygood.

The period from 1910-1931, represents a very important phase of Black History as well as American History; this period covers the beginning and end of the Harlem Renaissance. The close of that period represents the beginning of the great depression. The Harlem Renaissance was normally characterized by poets and writers, with the likes of Hughes and Hurston; however, religion, church, and particularly the “sermon” defined the modern concept of the “church without walls.”

In a Sermon entitled, "A Hungry God", Powell addressed his congregation about the depth of poverty in New York during the Great Depression. He provided clothing, soup kitchens, help with social, and political issues facing families in Harlem. He felt religion was about compassion, care, and service to his people.

“You and I can add to God's power on Earth. We clothe God by clothing men and women. Jesus interpreted this as meaning to clothe men and women when they are naked. When you give men and women coats, shoes and dresses you are giving clothes to god. If the Bible does not mean this it does not mean anything,” Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

”˜The importance of this "sermon" to this inquiry was that it accomplished far more than pacification of its hearers and achieved much greater than blind obedience to the pastor's word. Rather, as was Powell's essential objective, it enlightened the congregation about the destitute state of many of their brothers and sisters throughout New York. Further, it is a prime example of how Powell kept critically in touch with his community, surveying its expanses and attending to its needs. In a very real sense, he pastored Harlem,’ Eric Deggans.

Our scripture text compares excellent in life and ministry, to a climbing vine. “The son of a fruitful (vine) is Joseph; the son of a fruitful (vine) by the fountain: The daughters (branches) shoot over the wall,” Genesis 49:22.Joseph was the son Jacob the great Patriarch. He was sold into slavery. Joseph worked his way to the king’s court and became a climbing vine, because he went outside of his traditional surroundings to feed his family and care for his country. The creeping vine tends to curl up and not grow very far from its roots. This vine can be contained behind a wall easily. Adam Clayton Powell ,Jr.went far beyond the walls of his church to feed and nourish Harlem during the great depression. He could be considered a climbing vine ,which bore much fruit. He also produced a great church ...without walls.

The word for “wall” is “phragmos” in Strong’s which means a fence, or enclosing barrier. It goes back to “phrasso,” which means to block up, to silence, and to stop.

What has kept so many churches enclosed? What has kept so many pastors enclosed? What has kept so many Christians enclosed? What has kept so many ministries form climbing through the community and world? What has kept us form climbing over these walls to reach God’s people?

”˜I submit to you that the answer to this question lies in the two walls that enclose the church and make us creeping vines, rather than climbing vines. That first wall is denominational. Men have built these buildings and enclosed themselves, with doctrinal prejudice. The ministry or church without walls, should be able to reach into any denomination and preach a sound, and sensible word.

The Bible says there is a fivefold ministry. God is very big .No denomination has cornered the market on God. There is room in ministry for all colors, shapes, and textures of ministries. Even the great Hebrew Levitical order of Priesthood only ministered to one nation or denomination, but Paul preached to the Jew and Gentile. This wall needs to come down! Today,Al Sharpton has a great ministry; his congregation covers the entire United States. We must consider him a climbing vine, but he does not have a physical church.

”˜That other wall that needs to come down is the “herd mentality.” These churches ,ministries ,and leaders would like to round up followers like cattle and bring them inside their walls. And fill them with their style of worship or dogma. They want to build their ministry from the inside out, rather than the outside in. Although, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. had 10,000 members at Abyssinian Baptist Church;his ministry vines climbed all over Harlem and touched the entire city. He ministered from the outside in,’ Kelley Varner.

His ministry vine inspired the NAACP, National Urban League, New City Council, Medicare Legislation, Head Start, and many church coalitions working to help the needed. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Harlem's Pastor, is an example of a climbing vine. This man destroyed many walls that were blocking the progress of his people.

I would like to close by saying that ...Jesus is our ministry High Priest .He is the true climbing vine. He says that we must go into communities and by-ways first before we can bring some of them into the store house. If we prepare a great feast inside our walls and the quest do not come, the good servant will go into the streets, highways and the hedges.

“So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind,” Luke:14:21.

I challenge all believers this Thanksgiving to become climbing vines and good servants of the High Priest. Have a happy and safe holiday.

Esco Yancey, Jr., Ed.D.(ACSI)
© 2007 GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#63 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#62
For all fathers, especially Black Fathers, whose voices have not been heard, I sense your pride, feel your pain and hear your cry! Today is your day! The role of black fathers is one of the strongest and most important traditions in the black community. There is no question that in their earliest years in the New World enslaved African-Americans were concerned about their fathers- Moreover, their loyalty to their fathers.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

The president of the Chicago branch of the Lions’ Club, Harry Meek, is said to have celebrated the first Father’s Day with his organization in 1915; and the day that they chose was the third Sunday in June, the closest date to Meek’s birth date.

Ms. Dodd of Spokane Washington did a lot for father’s Day. Ms Dodd felt she had an outstanding father .He was a veteran of the Civil War. His wife had died young, and he had raised six children without their mother. Her church, then started celebrating Father’s Day.

States and organizations began lobbying congress to declare an annual Father’s Day. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event on the third Sunday in June.

TEXT:

I would like to call your attention to the following text for Father’s Day. This scripture is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago.

The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:21-24)

THE TEXT AND ITS APPLICATION!

The text deals with the parable of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke. This account is familiar to most of us. It's the story of a rebellious son who rejects his father's upbringing. Prideful and strong, the son heads-off to a far-away land, leads a wild life of adventure, and squanders everything of value (literally and symbolically). Not until he's confronted with failure and despair, does he return home, repentant and willing to do anything to win back his father's favor. To his surprise, and the surprise of others, he's welcomed, without question, into his father's loving and forgiving arms. No amount of time, no amount of money, and no amount of rebellion could get in the way of the father's patience and unconditional love for his son. "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24).

Of course, the awesome message of this parable is that God is patient and gracious with all of His children. He is willing to welcome each of us home into His loving and forgiving arms. The Prodigal Son is a reality for many of us. In the journey of life, we soon realize there are no guarantees as Christian parents. No matter how hard we strive to teach our children about God and His Word, and no matter how often we pray for our children to discover Jesus Christ and His message of salvation, some decide to reject it all! Even in those families where God is loved, trusted and glorified, children sometimes rebel and run from their roots!

PRODIGAL SON!

The road to God for each Prodigal Son is different. However, as the two stories above tell us, we should never give up - no matter how far away they seem! God gives us these examples in scripture so that we realize that our children may turn against God. He also gives us instruction on how to dig in spiritually for our prodigal children: Be in constant prayer, always lead by example, and follow through with love and grace, no matter how despairing things get.

WHAT IS A GOOD FATHER!

Remember God's promise to those who raise children in a Christian home: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6 KJV).This is the foundation for fatherhood or parenting period! Great fathers make God the head of the house!

What is a good father? The text seems to emphasize three major qualities of a good father. They are “love by example,” patience and unconditional love. I am sure there are many others.

EXAMPLES OF GOOD FATHERS!

Gardner Taylor is now 88 years old. He is considered one of the fifteen greatest English speaking preachers in the world. He was asked who had a major influence on his decision to become a minister. He stated that his father was that person. Rev. Taylor said that his father was not well educated, however, he taught himself by reading in many areas. This is a good example of ...love by example.

I was involved in teaching young children chess in the 1980’s.A young man called me from South Africa who was an outstanding teacher in that area and said he would like to come to Raleigh where I was at the time and do a class. I said sure! He came with his father and brother. His father was a medical doctor and his brother was a medical doctor .I was amazed that his father loved and respected his son the teacher just as much as his son the medical doctor. This is a good example of a father’s”¦ love and patience.

I was very blessed growing up. I had the pleasure of growing up with my father and grandfather. They were both God fearing men. They were both farmers. They taught me great work ethics. I had to work very hard on the farm from the time I was six years old. However, we had a lot of down times. I still can remember the fishing and hunting trips I went on with my father and grand father. There were many times my father could not go with us; my grandfather and I would go fishing or hunting. They were great examples of how to work hard and have quality down time. When I did something wrong they were quick to show me the error of my way. When I got in trouble, they always knew what was best and could lead me in the right direction. My father and grandfather were great examples of ”¦unconditional love.

PRODIGY SON!

My brother George learned much from them! He is a third generation farmer and has carried on their tradition well. I heard him say several weeks ago about his accomplishments as a father. He said”¦ that his two daughters had graduated”¦ from college and”¦ owned their own homes. He also has... two grandsons... to follow after him. What a great accomplishment as a father.

He was the only child of four who built his career in the same town he was born. The other siblings moved away from home. He had the pleasure of being around my father and grandfathers all of his life. He has been successful in farming, mechanical engineering career, personal building and construction. He and his wife have also been successful in the assistant living business. Now, his leadership impacts the lives of hundreds of individuals in the community, on the job, and among family members. He and his wife were invited to the White House to be ...recognized by the... president for being ...successful minority business owners.

THE BLACK FATHER!

Belle Hooks, in her "Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism" (1988), reminds us that "scholars have emphasized the impact of slavery on the black male consciousness, arguing that black men, more so than black women, were the real' victims of slavery." She documents the reality that "sexist historians and sociologists have provided the American public with a perspective on slavery in which the most cruel and de-humanizing impact of slavery on the lives of black people was that black men were stripped of their masculinity, which the psychologists and historians argue resulted in the dissolution and overall disruption of any black familial structure."

BLACK FATHERS WILL OVERCOME! I HEAR GOD SAYING...KEEP THE FAITH...FATHER KNOWS BEST!

Regarding family and personal relationships, today's African-American males are no less sensitive than their forefathers. According to one black physician, "black men come to the psychiatrist's office in large numbers, in pain and genuinely seeking help. They have little or nothing to say about the statistics, myths and other sociological pronouncements so often made about them. Rather, they come in talking about depression, anxiety, frustration, fear, guilt, esteem issues and anger that are most often related to the close, ongoing relationships in their lives," (Henry E. Edward, "Black Families in Crisis: the Middle Class," 1988).

KEEP THE FAITH...FATHER KNOWS BEST! FATHER KNOWS BEST!!

CONCLUSION

God's promise to those who raise children in a Christian home: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6 KJV).This is the foundation for fatherhood or parenting period! Great fathers make God the head of the house!

Of course, the awesome message of this parable is that God is patient and gracious with all of His children. He is willing to welcome each of us home into His loving and forgiving arms. The same way the father did the Prodigal Son.

FATHER KNOWS BEST!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!

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"For you know what our Lord Jesus Christ gives freely, that though He was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich,”( 2 Corinthians 8:9).

”˜Prosperity theology finds its foundation in the interpretation of several passages of Scripture. One of these is in the Third Letter of John, where in the greeting John expresses hope that the readers "may prosper and be in good health that it is well with your soul". The current form of the prosperity gospel says that this is more than just a greeting or a blessing. It is a way out of poverty.

This prosperity gospel has a great attraction to those in poverty. Especially those who see no hope for a change in their status, this seems to be away out of poverty. It appeals to middle and lower income people who have more to loose. It also appeals to individuals on social services and are not highly educated.

Here’s how it is sold: God wants you to be rich (and/or healthy), but He can not bless you unless you first send or give money (also known as a “seed-faith offering”) to whichever televangelist, minister or leader who tells you about this proposition. You put your money in and a blessing pops out,’Bible.org.

As scholar James R. Goff noted, God is “reduced to a kind of ”˜cosmic bellhop’ attending to the needs and desires of his creation.” This is a wholly inadequate and unbiblical view of the relationship between God and man and the stewardship of wealth.

”˜The immediate context of what Paul wrote in our text, however, is very clear. He was trying to get his fellow Christians to give money for the sake of other believers who were materially poor in the Jerusalem area. Paul was telling them to give what material wealth they could, so that those who were poor could be helped. The poor would be able to get the things they needed. Does this sound like he wants them to claim wealth for themselves? Paul was not saying "claim it", he was saying "give it", as an act of love. Be careful here, many prosperity preachers acknowledge the Bible's call to give freely, but turn it into a call to give to their ministry’ (which really means 'give it to me’, Apologetics Index.

“So I took the word “prosper” apart in the Greek and found out it’s made up of two words—the first word means good or well and the second road. It’s a progressive word, so it’s like a journey. So, here’s John saying, basically,”Beloved, I want you to have a good journey through life as your soul has a good journey to heaven.” It was a greeting! It did not have any thing to do with money,” Jim Baker.

Love is spiritual prosperity. In the two greatest commandments, Jesus encourages us to love God and love your neighbor. He said all the commandments are based upon this principle. He also taught his disciples, that if they desired to become great-then ,they should be the first to provide love and service to those in need.

”˜In a prosperity gospel, I am what it's all about: my needs, my wants, my wealth, my success. I me mine. The only 'blame' I have is not from my behavior, but from the act of not withdrawing from the unlimited bank account that God has given me. Push the Gimme Button and expect it to come. The desperate and the gullible get suckered into it, especially with such limited-time offers such as the "hundred-fold blessing", the Ginsu Knife of the prosperity crowd, where you put your money down on a 100-to-one bet on God ”˜(or the preacher), Spirit Home.

But critics, from Bible-quoting theologians to groups devoted to preserving the separation of church and state, abound. At best, they say, such a theology is a simplistic and misguided way of living. At worst, they say, it is very dangerous.

Michael Scott Horton, who teaches historical theology at the Westminster Theological
Seminary in Escondido, Ca, calls the message a twisted interpretation of the Bible — a “wild and wacky theology.

“Some of these people are charlatans,” Horton said. “Others are honestly dedicated to one of the most abhorrent errors in religious theology.

“I often think of these folks as the religious equivalent to a combination of a National Enquirer ad and professional wrestling. Its part entertainment and very large part scam.”

Sociologist William Martin of Rice University said that most people who follow TV religious leaders put so much trust in them that they want them to thrive. Martin is a professor of sociology at the university, specializing in theology.

The preachers’ wealth is “confirmation of what they are preaching,” Martin said.

”¦prosperity-tinged Pentecostalism is growing faster not just than other strands of Christianity, but than all religious groups, including Islam. Of Africa's 890 million people, 147 million are now "renewalists" (a term that includes both Pentecostals and charismatics), according to a 2006 Pew Forum on Religion and Public life study. They make up more than a fourth of Nigeria's population, more than a third of South Africa's, and a whopping 56 percent of Kenya's

“TBN is a very successful and wealthy Christian broad casting company. This organization supports the doctrine called the "prosperity gospel," which promises worshipers that God will shower them with material blessings if they sacrifice to spread His word.

This theme — that viewers will be rewarded, even enriched, for donating — pervades TBN programming.

"When you give to God," Crouch said during a typical appeal for funds, "you're simply loaning to the Lord and He gives it right on back."

Though it carries no advertising, the network generates more than $170 million a year in revenue, tax filings show. Viewer contributions account for two-thirds of that money.

Lower-income, rural Americans in the South are among TBN's most faithful donors. The network says that 70% of its contributions are in amounts less than $50.

Those small gifts underwrite a lifestyle that most of the ministry's supporters can only dream about,” Los Angeles Times September 19, 2004.

”˜Most Christian leaders condemn the "prosperity gospel," the idea that God will reward the faithful with health and wealth. Yet observers say it is enjoying new popularity in this economically tenuous time, when many people are not prospering. What's come to be known as the prosperity gospel began as a staple of fire-and-brimstone preaching in early 20th-century revival meetings. It surged in popularity with television preachers in the 1980s, until scandals revealed that some preachers used money donated for ministry to support their own lavish lifestyles.

Now observers say the prosperity gospel is spreading among churches large and small, denominational and independent, as well as through the ministries of televangelists such as Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Paul Couch and Kenneth Copeland. These pastors, critics say, encourage their followers to "sow a seed" of faith by spending money - often in the form of a donation to their ministries - in order to reap prosperity in the future.

”˜Many Christian leaders have long condemned prosperity gospel as aberrant theology, but most did so quietly. No more. In the past year, African-American pastors met at a national conference to discuss a problem they see spreading in their denominations. Mega pastor Rick Warren declared the prosperity gospel is wrong, and he challenged evangelical Christians to focus less on themselves and more on the poor and needy. Critics have even questioned the ministries of such nationally prominent mega pastors as T.D. Jakes — whose Potter’s House does extensive outreach to the poor -- and Joel Osteen -- pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest mega church in the country -- saying their brand of divinely assisted self-improvement is just a vamped-up version of the prosperity gospel,’ Christianity Today.

But when prosperity still does not come, and for nearly all it won't, eventually they walk away in bitterness, believing that Christianity is a con job. This undermines the true Christian witness .Christianity, the way it was taught by Jesus, is not and economics system. But the impact of prosperity gospel preachers is undeniable, is found everywhere, and is highly visible. It's also damaging, as the number of people who are embittered keeps rising. The followers, of prosperity preachers, give from their modest incomes, only to see these preachers and their ministries prosper.

There is a difference between the prosperity preachers and the prophetic minister. Most of the prosperity preachers have not had seminary training. Professional pastors, such as- Martin Luther King, Calvin Butts, Otis Moss, Jr., James Forbes, and Vashti McKenzie preach the whole counsel of God. These individuals graduated from qualities schools with graduate degrees in divinity and earned doctorates in ministry from accredited programs. They have an understanding of the humanities, philosophy, Bible History, and are even teachers on the college level. They are qualified to explain Biblical concepts as they were intended by the original writers. They can also explain how these principles apply today.

The pulpit has been the basic institution for the cultural education of the Black Ccommunity for years. It has also been the force behind civil rights, social justice and community concerns for Blacks Americans. In a real sense, the minister educates the community. Our children are influenced by our pastors. The greatest role model is Martin Luther King, Jr.

The prosperity gospel offers false hope and a short cut to success. In the real world, there are no short cuts. This prosperity approach undermines the true Christian doctrine and old fashion work ethics. It is hard to get a blessing when you need a high school diploma. Your money could be better spent on more education. We need to stick with the principles that have made the Black Community successful. Success is not an easy process; it requires discipline. Here are some recommendations:

Adults can be trained in trades to earn more
Develop and support Black Businesses
Educate our children
Fight racism in your community
Make sure our pastors are educated
Mentor young people in the community
Pastors must combat the prosperity doctrine
Read and be informed
Register to vote
Work with progressive community leaders.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said that a sermon should appeal to the heart, imagination, and the intellect .His sermons appealed to all educational levels. In his message, he included a variety of disciplines: economics, history, science, philosophy, literature, and much more. Most people felt inspired, educated, and they also felt the need to research or read further into those concepts mentioned in his message. His messages forced us to read and study more. This is a good thing for children and adults. This is a good thing for society. One of the major problems with the prosperity preacher is that they do not have a command of the humanities and the correct knowledge of the Bible. These ministries do not model knowledge of educational theory nor do they promote education as the primary tool of success. Education is the major tool, for an ethic group ,to improve in society... not false hope.

Your odds at getting a big financial blessing, by giving a prosperity preacher your money, is probably worse than playing the lottery. Jesus taught love for your brother. He also said that the greatest person in the kingdom of God is the least among us. The greatest among us should be the servants of the poor. There is not a Biblical example where Jesus or his disciples took money from the poor so they could live rich and plush life styles.

In closing, the worse problem prosperity gospel is creating for Christianity and the world is its syncretism or topological approach to scripture interpretation. This approach has been condemned for years. These ministers will take a scriptural verse and interpret it according to what it means to them. Even though, it could sound logical; it is not sound. Rules of higher criticism require ministers to interpret scripture in the context of the history, sociology, and culture of the time. Your job is to understand what the original writer intended in the text.

Most scripture compares a pastor to a good shepherd who takes care of his flock. This is pretty much the example Jesus established himself. However, the prosperity ministers have reversed the concept. They are trying to accumulate wealth by taking money from the flock .They would like for the poor flock in many cases”¦ to provide for all their needs.They are fleecing the flock.

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The text gives us a great paradigm of a woman who goes beyond the norm as a wife, widow and mother .I call your attention to the following verses:

Ruth 1:16-18
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

Ruth, the Moabite, became King David's great-grandma. Her lineage... extends all the way to Jesus... because of her faithfulness to the Israelites. She was not a Jewish Semite. Moab was a prosperous country. However, the people worshiped false gods.

After the death of Naomi's sons, she was the loyal daughter-in-law who clung to Naomi and followed Yahweh, the God of Israel, giving up her complete heritage and lifestyle .Un like Orpah, the other daughter-in-law who separated from Naomi never to be heard of again. At the end of her book, Ruth becomes wife of the wealthy Boaz' and the mother of Obed's.

The Book of Ruth has four chapters which entails the story of a virtuous woman .It was written sometime after the period of the judges (1375-1050 B.C.). The books of Ruth and Esther have the distinction of being the only two books in the Bible written about women.

The dominant cultural stereotype of the "good mother, said Coll, is a woman who is married and works outside the home in a job that does not take her away "too much" from her parenting responsibilities. She has no more than two children, and they have no handicaps or behavioral problems; she conceived her children and is raising them in a heterosexual relationship; and she and her spouse are older than 20 and are of the same ethnic and racial background.

Mothers who are compromised in their ability to access resources will be vilified, such as welfare mothers, mothers in prison and mothers who are homeless. Other mothers will be the target of political campaigns such as lesbian mothers, working mothers and single mothers.

"The extent of mothers' self-sacrifices and their ability to cope with everything ... from breast feeding a two pound newborn... to raising a child who is disabled or has a difficult temperament ...is astonishing," said Coll. However, just as astonishing ...is society's inability or unwillingness to recognize... the true difficulty of all these endeavors! It has been said,” A mother understands what a child does not say."

I remember visiting the Greensboro, NC Urban Ministry Homeless Shelter. That facility had 132 beds total ...for men and women. There were 116 beds ...occupied by men and only ...16 occupied by women. This pattern seems to hold true all over the country.

Most churches seem to have more women as members than men. There are more African American Female business owners than men. The percentage of individuals in prison is greater among men than women.

It seems that the great common denominator between Ruth and the successful mothers of today is “perseverance.” This character trait seems to be the foundation for all achievement.” I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” said Christopher Reeve.


What can we learn from Ruth and today’s exceptional mothers? The case is clear! God Blesses Diligent and Faithful Mothers.
Consider the following:

Ruth refuses to leave her mother in-law Naomi
Ruth gives up her wealthy country of Moab to stay with Naomi
Ruth gives up her false god to serve the true God of Israel
Ruth is willing to work as a servant in Boaz's fields
Ruth marries the wealthy Boaz
Ruth gives up everything for God and family
Ruth is a “labor of love.”

When Mothers stay with God and Their Families; God Blesses Them!

Trust in the Lord and do well; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)

Esco Yancey,Jr., Ed.D.(ACSI) © 2008 GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#60 Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#59
I saw a diagram recently that really got me to thinking about our youth, but at the same time it made me sad. Too often youth are written off as society’s hopeless and hapless, but they are neither. Young people are in dire need of guidance, encouragement and the tools necessary to build a successful future. These same youths are the ones who will sit in our chairs, run the businesses and make vital decisions as to what will happen to the prior generation — us. We must take a proactive part in their welfare now.

Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr. said it best during his visit to Ocala. He challenged us that the state of our youth is not one group’s problem, but everybody’s. If we train, teach and invest in them, the less money we will spend to rehabilitate and resuscitate them; either we participate on the preventive end or pay later at the penal end.

The below statistics were provided by the Department of Children and Families from a study conducted in 2006. Outlined were common factors involved of families whose children who had been removed from their homes during some part of 2006.

Ӣ 90% were un-churched or had no faith involvement
Ӣ 88% were from single parent homes
Ӣ 86% came from families with no high school or college education
Ӣ 79% had unemployed parents
Ӣ 71% had no formal childcare setting (latchkey kids)
Ӣ 75% were not involved in the community

40 years ago Jack Eckerd, the founder of the Eckerd Drug store chain and Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. sensed a need to help at-risk youth tap into their inner strengths and talents. He began by putting them in a wilderness outdoor therapeutic environment. The organization has evolved into a continuum of care with more than 40 programs nationwide. You may have heard of the Hi-Five program in Marion County, but not sure of its purpose. The Hi-Five program is an early intervention and prevention program that teaches 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students empathy, conflict resolution, problem solving skills, and anger management.

The Eckerd Mentoring Program is the latest effort of responsibility to youth. This mentoring program is unique in that it provides children of prisoners educational and relaxation opportunities outside of the classroom. The youth is matched with an adult who will model positive behavior. The mentor will spend a minimum of one hour per week for one year with the youth. I am touched by the solid response from the community. Teach a young man how to fish, or another woodworking skills, share your passion for model cars or airplanes; perhaps a young lady could learn how to quilt, explore a higher education; the sky is the limit, because all of us have so much to teach.

If you are unable to mentor, please give the information to your local church or civic group. We must find a common ground and build on it. Please call (352) 445-1410 for more information.]]> http://gospeltimes.org/news.html#59 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700 - GOSPEL TIMES MINISTRIES - Sermons