"The Changes in the Wind" Matthew 14:25-32

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Early Worship
June 5, 2011

Winds can come into our lives and block us when we are doing what is in the will of God. Peter made the choice to be with Jesus in spite of the contrary winds, and he walked on the water. When the winds became boisterous, Peter imagined that he was in trouble. He focused on the winds instead of on the Savior. Do not panic. Winds change, but Jesus stays the same. He can control the winds in our lives.

Do You Know Where You're Going? Exodus 14:1-3

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
11 a.m. Worship
June 5, 2011

When it looks like you don't know where you're going, learn how to lean on an invisible God and trust Him to direct your path. God's people left Egypt, over 2 million strong, with great wealth. God told their leader Moses what to do, but they lost their way by looking back. They could have looked up at the pillar of cloud that guided them during the day, or at the pillar of fire that protected and warmed them at night and been reassured of God's presence. Instead, they saw mountains on both sides, the sea before them and Pharaoh behind them. God had already worked a plan to take them over on dry land. We too see our problems before we see our solutions. Our salvation is not found between a rock and a hard place. When it looks like you don't know where you're going, stop trying to work out tomorrow and depend on God. Put it in His hands. Walk at God's command and He will move the mountains out of your way.

"Same Sea...Another Storm" Mark 4:35-41

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Early Worship
June 12, 2011

Sometimes storms in our lives are repeated because we did not "get it right" the first time. Jesus' disciples found themselves in another storm on the Sea of Galilee. When the storm arose this time, Jesus did not come walking on the water. He was already in the boat, asleep. His presence among them did not stop the disciples from being fearful. They were still in the learning stage after 3 and a half years with Jesus. When we get past the learning stage and learn how to trust Him and not fear, we will find that stormy weather is the best sleeping weather, because God is at work.

"After a Man Meets God" Psalm 1:1-3

Dr. Maxwell M. Washington, Pastor, St. Matthews Baptist Church
Washington, DC
11 a.m. Worship - Men's Day
June 12, 2011

Nothing can be compared to when a man (person) meets God. His whole life changes for the better. The "straight up sinner" becomes a sinner saved by grace, and he is a new creation. What that person will NOT do is positive: he will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly; he will not stand in the path of sinners; he will not sit in the seat of the scornful. What that person WILL do is also positive. He will delight in God's word. It will rule his life. He will meditate on it, not just read it every now and then. After a man meets God, his conduct changes. His footsteps are ordered by God, not by the devices of wicked or carnal men. He does not keep company with the ungodly. He has no fellowship with those who scorn God and mock the church. The seat of the scornful is very close to the gates of Hell, but a man who really meets God does not have to worry. God gives everything we need: love, peace, joy, salvation.

"It's Not Too Late" Luke 8:40-42; 49, 50

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Early Worship
June 19, 2011

Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, a man of authority. His one and only daughter, a 12-year-old, was dying. Jesus had his attention, and Jairus waited with the rest of the crowd for Jesus to show up. Jairus fell at Jesus' feet and asked for His help. Jesus headed for Jairus' house, with the crowds still pressing against Him. Jairus' position did not insulate him from problems, nor did it make his problem more important to Jesus than the woman who interrupted His journey to touch the hem of His garment. God is no respecter of persons. When we are in the presence of God, all power is in HIS hands. He can do whatever He wants to do. Before he could get home, Jairus got the news that his daughter was dead. We can imagine what went through his mind. There would be no first date for her and no walk down the aisle. She would give Jairus and his wife no grandchildren. Jesus told him not to be afraid, to believe- that his daughter would be made whole. Jesus knows our fears, disappointments and concerns. He knows all about our broken hearts and troubled minds. Don't give up on life. Go to the One who has life in His hands.

"The Complaining Child" Jeremiah 20:7-9

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
11 a.m. Worship
June 19, 2011

Jeremiah, a prophet called and sent by God to take His message to the people, forgot WHOSE he was when things didn't work out the way he thought they should. Jeremiah was slapped and ridiculed for doing what God had told him to do, so he decided it was God's fault. He complained to God that He had tricked him and had taken advantage of him in his weakness. Then Jeremiah decided not to pray anymore. He decided not to even mention His name. When Jeremiah walked outside of what God had created him to do, he discovered that, no matter how bad things were, God was still around. God's word was in Jeremiah and he couldn't keep it to himself. God knows our thoughts, hearts, and motives. We are His by redemption. When trouble comes and you want to blame the person who is causing the trouble, remember that God has a purpose for your life and talk to Him about it.

"He Wants to Do It" Luke 5:12-16

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Early Worship
June 26, 2011

No matter what condition exists in your life right now, Jesus wants to make your life better. There should be no doubt in your mind. He came to give us life more abundantly.

Jesus came into the city and came into contact with a leper. The law required that lepers be separated, outside the city, and far from everyone else. They were considered unclean. Yet, because this leper knew that he needed Jesus, he went where Jesus was. Having exhausted his means and recognizing that he could do nothing else, the leper collapsed at Jesus' feet. Like many of our problems, leprosy was a "God problem." It was too big for any man, woman, doctor or lawyer to solve. Sometimes nobody else can help except God, the master source. The leper recognized that God could do anything, that there was nothing too hard for Him. The leper had heard about what He had done for others, how He had changed lives. The leper knew that Jesus was ABLE to heal him, but he didn't know whether or not Jesus was WILLING to make him clean. Jesus' response was "I will: be thou clean." The Lord is still willing today to take us out of our condition. Jesus can turn hate to love. He can put marriages back together. Stop going to those who cannot help you and lay your problem at Jesus' feet.

Nothing is too hard for God - Jeremiah 32:17

Dr. Robert M. Castle, Pastor
Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
Wichita Falls, TX
11 a.m. Worship - Loyalty Month Revival
June 26, 2011

"God Can Make an Impossible Mission Possible." In these trying times, we struggle to survive physically, mentally and spiritually. Only heaven has the answer for the critical times in which we live. The church is to fulfill the mission of Christ in the world: "As the Father has sent me," Jesus said, "I am sending you." We are to GO and to TEACH all nations to observe Jesus' commands.

The prophet Jeremiah was in prison for delivering God's message to the King of Judah. When Jeremiah received God's call and instruction to purchase land, it might not have made much sense to him, but Jeremiah obeyed, down to the last detail. He knew that there was nothing too hard for the God who made heaven and earth.

Success is in God's hand. He made the world from nothing. We don't even know what nothing is. Sometimes we feel like we are doing the impossible. We almost give up. We complain that there is nobody to help us. We use weakness as an excuse not to serve, but God is almighty. Since He created the world from nothing, certainly He can use us. Trust the One who makes the sun to shine.

Get fired up and tell somebody what God can do!

"The Devil's 'If'" Matthew 4:3

Dr. Robert M. Castle, Pastor
Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
Wichita Falls, TX
Loyalty Month Revival - June 27, 2011 - 7 p.m.

It is not a sin to be tempted. We are not guilty because we are tempted. It is only sin when we yield to temptation. The greatest reason for temptation is so that God will be glorified, because a child of God can be preserved from sin. Satan's "if" is to insinuate doubt. Satan did not flat out deny Christ's deity; he said "IF you be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." He uses "if" to try to inject uncertainty that you are a child of God. "IF you are a child of God, why are you having so many problems?" When Satan presents that "if" to you, it's all the certification you need that you ARE a child of God.

"Do You Really Know Jesus?" John 14:9

Dr. Robert M. Castle, Pastor
Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
Wichita Falls, TX
Loyalty Month Revival - June 28, 2011 - 7 p.m.

The disciple Philip's request to Jesus to "show us the Father," illustrates how it is possible, even in the church today, to be called out by God, loved by Him, to be in and around His congregation and still not know who He is. There is no greater teacher than Jesus. Is His teaching familiar to our ears and unfamiliar to our hearts? Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer, was near the Lord, and at the same time so far away. Grace is freely given, and we can know ABOUT Jesus, or we an know Jesus in a personal way. He is concerned about the big things and the little things. No preacher, teacher, book or Bible an make you know Jesus. Knowing Him must come from above. His truth is eternal.

"God Will Not Fail You" Joshua 1:5-7

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Early Worship
July 3, 2011

After a 30-day period during which the children of Israel mourned the death of Moses, God spoke to Joshua. It had been Moses' duty to lead God's people to the land God had promised them, but Moses' disobedience cost him that privilege. The responsibility now fell to Joshua. Unlike Moses who had once been a son in Pharaoh's house, Joshua was a servant. He had been Moses' armor bearer. While Moses was up on the mountain talking to God, Joshua was down below fighting the enemy. The people did not believe Moses when he gave them God's message, and Moses had been a prince of Egypt. How would they believe Joshua, an "ordinary" man? The people had grasshopper mentality. Although they had God's assurance that He would give them the land, they thought they were too small to be victorious against enemies that appeared more powerful than they were. It didn't matter what the people thought about Joshua. He had been faithful to God, and God had anointed him. God would not fail Joshua.

One of the hardest things for Christians to hold onto is the realization that God will not ever fail us. Many Christians feel they are too small, too ill equipped, too uninformed and unprepared to walk in the victory that God has promised them. God does not care what other people think of you. God says you are royalty. Don't go through life feeling defeated. We are not victims, but we are victorious. God always sustains His children. He will never fake you out. You can take that to the bank.

"What You Do Matters" 2 Kings 20:1-6

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
11 a.m. Worship
July 3, 2011

Twenty-five years old when he was anointed King of Israel, Hezekiah followed King David's example and made the choice to do what God wanted him to do. One day, the prophet Isaiah brought Hezekiah a word from God. Get your house in order. You're going to die. Hezekiah had a personal relationship with God so Hezekiah went directly to Him and wept bitter tears as he prayed. Just as Hezekiah knew who God was, God knew Hezekiah. Hezekiah asked God to remember that he had been true and loyal and had done what was right. God heard his prayer and saw his tears. The One who has the power of life and death turned the situation around and healed Hezekiah. What Hezekiah had done mattered to God. Hezekiah was blessed because he lived in a way that was pleasing to God, and it's not over until God says it is.

Doing the right thing is not doing what you want to do, but what God wants you to do. Making wrong decisions matters. Not paying your bills today might cost you a job opportunity tomorrow. We are notoriously guilty of blaming others for what happens to us. "They fired me because they don't like me." No. They fired you because you do not come to work on time. When you have the ability to say no to sin and don't say no, it will matter later on.

What you do for God will matter in the end. Live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

"Knowing Who You Are" Ephesians 1:1

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Early Worship
July 10, 2011

Many of us fail to examine what the Bible says about who we are in relationship to God. We have no idea what God has done in our lives. Paul identified himself to the church at Ephesus. He didn't identify himself as "Saul." That was the old name that his parents had given him. He told the Ephesians he was Paul because God had changed him and given him a new name. If you believe that God has changed you, you ought to see yourselves as new. What other people think is not important.

God called Paul to be an apostle, a privilege not given to many. He had specific things for Paul to do and gave him gifts to accomplish those things. We are privileged in our own walk as members of His royal priesthood, called out from the muck and mire. Salvation is a privilege because not everyone can go boldly to God's throne.

Many go through life without realizing a purpose for living. God has a call for you to do something special, because you are in the body of Christ. He does not ask us to do anything, but he tells us what to do. Spend private time in fellowship with Him. Know who you are and that God has a plan for your life.

This was Paul's testimony to the faithful saints at Ephesus:
I am Paul - by the will of God
I am an apostle - by the will of God
I am in Christ Jesus - by the will of God
I am here - by the will of God

You are where you are, by the will of God. There is no better place to be than in His will.

"The Gifts of God" Ephesians 1:1-2

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
11 a.m. Worship
July 10, 2011

One thing that is really clear is that God is a giving God. Regardless of what we are going through, God is still good. He blesses the wicked and the righteous, because that is His nature. In John 3:16, Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son..." We have to trust in Him, that He is still good, no matter what area we live in and whether or not we have money in the bank. God is still a giving God.

There was at time when our people could not read and could not go to school. We can do it now. Even with today's racism, recession, thieves, drugs and diseases, God is still good. He has given us the title of "saint," meaning we are called out, born again believers. We are a work in progress, but saints to God.

You cannot continuously live like a sinner and expect the world or the church to look at you as a saint. Paul was talking to the faithful saints, those who had put their trust in God. It's easy to trust Him when everything is okay, but when all Hell breaks loose, do you trust Him?

When we deserved justice, God came along and gave us grace, His unmerited favor. Grace is still amazing, and it's found in the eyes of God. It holds us fast in the storm.

Paul also greeted the saints with peace, another gift from God - something to calm your nerves. You cannot get peace from a man or a woman, from a TV show or from medication. You must find it in Christ Jesus.

Lessons from the Book of Jonah - Chapters 1-4

Rev. Lester Allen, Sr. Pastor
Carron Baptist Church
Washington, DC
11 a.m. Worship
July 17, 2011

Jonah was a prophet with a problem. God told him to do just one thing, to preach against the great city Ninevah. Ninevah was great in terms of status, it was of great size and it was great in sin. Jonah ran. He paid money and boarded a ship to flee from the Lord, as if that were even possible. He made a deliberate choice to disobey God. As a result, Jonah caused trouble for everyone on the ship. He was aware of his sin, but he was unaware of the effects of his sin on others. The storm raged and threatened to break up the ship, but Jonah was asleep.

Sometimes everybody else can see the havoc you are reaping; yet you are insensitive the the consequences of your sin.

The crew threw Jonah overboard and he found himself in the belly of a fish, a place that would make him feel like he was not in God's presence. Death, dying and decay were all around him. He prayed to God and God had compassion on him. The fish vomited Jonah up onto dry land.

God told Jonah to do the same thing he told him to do the first time, to preach against Ninevah. This time Jonah obeyed. God had not changed.

God can tell you to do one thing: to give, love our enemies, study His word, attend Sunday School, attend prayer service, serve Him - but you do another. Every time you intentionally disobey God, things go from bad to worse. You feel separated and isolated. You will have to call on the same God you ran from because you will need His presence. And He will tell you to do the same thing you failed to do in the first place.

Jonah became angry because the people of Ninevah listened and repented of their sins. A compassionate God forgave them and spared the city as Jonah sat by and waited for God to judge them.

There is great sin in most great cities. God has given us a message of hope deliverance and salvation. Our source is Someone greater than Jonah; our source is the Messiah. Are we sharing the Gospel or watching for God to pass judgment on sinners? John 3:17 - God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him. We should not be quick to condemn and slow to share the message of salvation.