Greater Twogether

Pericope: Eccl 4: 9 – 12 9 Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. 10 If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble.

11 Also, on a cold night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Sermon Text: Eccl 4: 9 (a) Two are better than one…  

Sermon Title: Greater Twogether

Point 1: Two Pays vs. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil   Study Tools

Point 2: Two Lifts vs10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow [friend] But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Point 3: Two Warms vs 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

Point 4: Two Wins vs 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken

Life Application:

1.  Volunteer to be on the return to worship task force

2.  Return to worship as the Lord leads you

3.  Give more as Covid/CDC request things we never budgeted for.

4.  Stay connected – lifegroups – leadership zoom – serving group gatherings (choir, helps, pastoral teams, etc)

Men Matter...Black Men Matter Too - A fathers day message. Bishop Dudley

Pericope: Gen 1: 26- 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Sermon Text: Gen 1: 27a So God created mankind in his own image...

Sermon Title: Men Matter, Black Men Matter Too

Point 1: God made man and gave him Power. Vs 1: 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over … every living creature that moves on the ground.” Quite often we see 

Point 2: God made man and put him in a Place.  Vs 2: 11, 15. 

11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 15 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  

Genesis 10:7 - 7 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.

Genesis 2:11 - 11 The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.

Point 3: God made man and gave him a Purpose. Vs 2: 19-20 19 … He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; … So the man gave names to all…

2:18 and 20 - 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. .  

Point 4: God made man and gave him a Position. Gen 2:22 …God made a woman…he brought her to the man.

From slavery to now Satan with the help of society has tried to move man out of position and black men in particular.

·      Slavery 

o  Not allowed to have a family

o  Bred to have chattel

o  Denied the place of protector provider progenitor

o  Manifest destiny

·      Post Slavery

o  Vagrancy laws passed 

o  Jim Crow codified 1896 Supreme Court until 1956 Brown versus Topeka KS

o  101 out of 120 Southern Congressman manifesto 

o  GI Bill – Red Lining FHA

§  no home ownership no equity 

o  War on drugs

§  Incarceration ($17B cost for housing - $19B prisons)

·      25 years $350K - $2.3M

·      Move than apartheid in South Africa

·      1 out of 14 Black men – 1 out of 106

·      DA prosecutors 2^nd offense drug

·      Offense 1% whites 16% blacks

·      Philando Castille stopped 49 times in 13 years 

1.   Take a seat in heavenly places Ephesians 2:6 - and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

2.   Strive not only to be the exception but change the laws policies and rules that authorized this system

3.   Embrace your power, place, purpose and position 

LoveTrumpsHate

Pericope: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 13: 13 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Sermon Title: Love Trips Hates

BP: Move the hearers to live

Introduction:  

Point 1: The Brand of love.  Vs 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Shift (generation) your sons and daughters

-       Not Rude… Vs 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Shift (generation) your sons and daughters

-       Not Self Seeking… Vs 5 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

-       Not easily angered… Vs 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

-       Keeps no record… Vs 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

-       Does not boast… Vs 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Point 2: The Battle of Love. Eph 4:15  15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Point 3: The fruit of love. Gal 5: 22! 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Point 4: The life of love. John 13: 35 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Controlling the Narrative

Pericope: Acts 2: 14-16 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel…

Sermon Text: Acts 2: 14 (c) let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 

Sermon Title: Controlling the Narrative

         Images help tell the narrative.  Luke did the same when he used the word “like” Act 2:2 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Luke used imaginary to control the narrative. Luke knew if you can’t control your narrative you cant get your message to change the lives of people.  The other narrative of that day was Acts 2: 13 13… “They have had too much wine.”

Acts 2: 8 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 

Point 1: It’s a Millennial moment Vs 17.  17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young menwill see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

-       Shift (generation) your sons and daughters

-       Sharing Vs 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.    

-       Shaping Vs 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.     

-       Shaking Vs 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to bloodbefore the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

Point 2: Jesus reinterpreted Vs 22-24 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossiblefor death to keep its hold on him.

Point 3: Jesus reigns! Vs 32-33 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God…

-       Reigns Vs 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand

-       Reoders Vs 37 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles… 

-       Restores Vs 40 40… “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

Life Application:

2. Call out quiet people in your circle

3. Stand with the right of Jesus

The World is Watching

Pericope: Acts 2: 1-12 - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[g] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Sermon Text: Acts 2: 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

Sermon Title: The Whole World is Watching

Point 1:  There was an Event over 2,000 years ago– vs. `1 When the day of Pentecost came…

Point 2:  Encounter – vs. 2-3 - 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

What they experienced was an encounter that theologians still grapple with today.  The most conservative theologians do not deny this event.  It needs no deep and profound explanation.  Let me read the Philips translation to help you.  1-4 Then when the actual day of Pentecost came they were all assembled together. Suddenly there was a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were seated. Before their eyes appeared tongues like flames which separated off and settled above the head of each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them power to proclaim his message.

2 Cor. 12:2-4 - I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

Everyone should strive to have an encounter with God. I’m not talking about your daily devotion.  I am talking about an encounter that is borne out of:

a) Pain

b) Problem

c) Prayer

d) Posture

Point 3: The language and encounter was/is inclusive of Everyone – vs. 5-6 - 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

Diversity – 1:14; 2: 9-11 - 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (America is still afraid of diversity and differences.  Many want to kill anything and anybody that has a different opinion, political party or color of skin

2) Language vs. 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”  – the wonders of God in our own tongues God was comforting them with a new message but it took the Holy Spirit to have the new message of hope.  Church we have the message of hope not the world.

3) New Authority – vs. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.– Peter said this day was revolutionary because it was a shift in the status of power.  Servants – women would now be positions of authority.

There will be push back but we have to push forward.  vs. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy

Life Application/Conclusion

6 PowerPoints in a Pandemic

Sermon Text: Acts 2: 4 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

Sermon Title: 7 PowerPoints in a Pandemic

Point 1: Power of togetherness. Acts 2: 1 2 …, they were all together in one place…John 15: 12 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Galatians 5:13 6:1-3, 10 NLT - 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer[a] is overcome by some sin, you who are godly[b] should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Romans 12: 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

1Thessalonians 5: 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

a)  Check on one another! 

b)  Connect with the life group! 

c)   Respond to the communication from the church 

Point 2: Power of Prayer. Acts 1: 14 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

the prayer call Wednesday 7:15 to 7:30 – new one number -559-671-2083. 

Point 3: Power of the word. Acts 2: 42 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching …

1)  Read a book

2)  Read a topic

3)  Read a word

4)  Reflect in prayer

5)  Review – write down what you hear

6)  Regurgitate – meditate day and night

7)  Remember - quote

Point 4:  Power of being out of your comfort zone. Acts 10: 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.

Point 5: Power of praise. Acts 16: 25 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Point 6: Power of declaring. Acts 13: 8-11 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.”