Title: "My Personal Prayer" Matthew 6:9-11
Date: January 15, 2012

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

Give us this day our daily bread. Prayer is more than just having a spiritual relationship or communication with our Heavenly Father. There is power in prayer. What you ask of God in secret can be seen out in the open. You can ask God something in secret with the thought, faith and heart of knowing that He will reward you openly.

Prayer is our most powerful tool to defeat the forces of Satan. We need to ask God to move- not just in our hearts, minds and bodies; we need God to have an active part in our visible lives. Prayer will supply whatever you need. God can do whatever He wants to do. He is concerned with our physical situation. He took two fish and five barley loaves. Jesus thanked Him and asked the Father to bless it. God showed His power through prayer.

Prayer will affect the way things are. God still can make something out of nothing. We all have needs. Jesus reminds us that God knows what we have need of before we ask Him. That doesn't dismiss our responsibility to ask. We don't have a Father that is far from us. No matter where we are, we can talk to Him about what we need. Our asking shows that God is answering prayer, not just in the contentment of our minds, but His power is manifested out and around us each and every day.

God gives us what He has for us today. Daily bread gives us joy every time we get it. It's the freshest; it came right from God. Trust Him enough to give you what you need today.

Pray for and thank God for your daily bread, no matter how long you have been on the journey. That insures the fact that you're going to talk to Him tomorrow- to ask Him to give you your daily bread.

Title: "Some Lessons in Prayer" Matthew 6:8-13
Date: January 8, 2012

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

You ought not pray like hypocrites. They won't pray unless the audience is right. They use the words that will get them accolades and compliments. They thrive off of that kind of prayer. They're not praying so their prayers will be heard by the Father, but so their hearts will be filled with pride at what such a great job they did.

Jesus says there should be a given when you pray. Your Heavenly Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. We have the confidence that we are praying to Our Father. His name holy.

Pray and ask God to have His way. When your plan doesn't line up with His plan, let His will be done. When you pray, you have to give it to God and let God do His thing. When we don't do God's will, it is sin.

The Lord is willing to forgive us for our sins. Jesus tell us to pray that God will forgive us in the same manner as we forgive others. When you forgive, you need to wipe the slate clean, like it was before the incident took place.

Title: "My Father Knows What I Need" Matthew 6:8-10
Date: January 8, 2012

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Worship

Your posture in prayer is not the focal point; you have to have a heart to pray. God does not look at the position first, but at the heart first, when we get ready to pray. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus answered the disciples by saying not to pay attention to those in the synagogue, who SHOULD be an example. He recognized the condition of their hearts. Instead, know that prayer is between God and you. It doesn't matter how you have your words organized, or what you have on, or where you are standing. When you want to talk to God, you can call on Him.

The Jews could only commune with God through the priest. Some of us want others to get a prayer through to God on our behalf, but we can talk to the Father ourselves. Prayer is a personal thing. We don't have to wait for someone else to take our message to Him.

God knows we have needs; before we ask Him, He already knows what we stand in need of. We don't even have to remember everything we want to tell God about. Sometimes we forget that we need something, but God takes care of it. He knows how to bless us before we get in need of a blessing.

Before I ask Him, He has already supplied all my needs; therefore, the reason I don't have it must be that I don't need it.

Title: "Come Unto Me" Matthew 11:20-30
Date: December 18, 2011

In the Old Testament, man could not handle being around a holy God. The Old Testament showed us that we were never good enough to be in His presence. We are sinful people. Sin gets us because it feels good, and we deal with the consequences later. God's nature is Holy. To get into His presence, some cleaning must be done.

God gave us a way to come into His presence. Jesus Himself gave an invitation to everyone who will hear what He has to say. "Come unto Me and I will give you rest." If you want it, come and get it. God is calling you to give up your burdens.

Here, rest is an action word. It will go with you. You don't have to carry your burdens because you who have come to Jesus are also carrying REST around.

When you get rest, you must take His yoke upon you - identify with Him. Our yoke is a yoke of learning more about Him. It keeps us under control. What we cannot handle, God can handle.

Bypass others and come to Jesus. Every day gets rough and tough without God. Jesus will make our burden light.

Title: "What Will Your Testimony Be?" 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Date: December 4, 2011

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

Saul was at the top- a Roman citizen and a Pharisee- a religious scholar and a man of means. He was excited about what he was doing, with the authority of the Chief Priest, to persecute and destroy Christians. The law was on his side. When he heard Jesus' voice on the road to Damascus, Saul discovered that he was not living a life pleasing to God. He was following the wrong master- a master that had been defeated at Calvary. As the apostle Paul, he made up his mind that he owed God so much, that he could not do anything else but serve Him for the rest of his life. Paul suffered, but he never gave up the fight. He kept his faith.

As believers, our fight is to defend the gospel when people say, for instance, that Jesus did not get up out of the grave, or that the Bible is not the word of God. Paul knew that God would repay his enemies, so despite his suffering, he did not give up in the middle of the race.

It doesn't matter how fast we start a race, or even how quickly we finish the race. It does matter that we finish. Too many dreams have died because we did NOT finish what we started.

Even when that breakthrough we are waiting for has not come, God is still in charge. Get back on track. Start doing the right thing - what God has told us to do.

Our testimony should be that we fought a good fight, kept our faith in God and finished this race. A crown of righteousness awaits!

Title: "Give Him Thanks" Luke 17:11-19
Date: November 20, 2011

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

"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God." We are sometimes so caught up into how God is blessing us that we forget to turn around and tell God "thank you." We don't deserve any of His goodness, but that doesn't stop Him from being good to us. We have to be taught. It's not in our Adamic nature to say thank you. Sin is in all of us. We think that because God is our Father, He ought to be good to us. When a child learns to say thank you, it's a sign of growth.

Jesus was passing through a certain village on His way to Jerusalem. Ten lepers on the outskirts started crying out for mercy- What is mercy? I've messed up and deserve judgment, but don't give it to me. Have mercy - We have ALL sinned and come short. The 10 lepers were all in the same boat, in need of mercy. No matter where we come from, or what amount of education we have obtained, we all need mercy.

The lepers didn't ask Peter, John, Matthew or anyone else for mercy. They looked past all the other sinners and went to the only One who is holy to give them mercy.

Jesus did not just hear them, but he saw them. He not only hears us, but he sees our condition. He knows that we are in need of Him and can't make it another day without Him. Jesus looked at them and told them to go show themselves to the priests. According to Levitical Law, the priests were the only ones that could declare them now clean.

The outcast among outcast, a leper and a Samaritan, noticed when he came back to the place of wholeness. He went, not to the priest in Jerusalem, but to the One who gave Him everything he needed. Was he being disobedient to Jesus' instructions "Go show yourselves to the priests?" No, because Jesus told him "your faith has made you whole." Where did faith come in? Everything to this point was visible. The leper saw Jesus. He was headed for a city he had seen. He looked at his skin and saw he was healed. Yet, Jesus gave the leper credit for faith. The leper's faith turned him around so that instead of going to the priesthood in Jerusalem, he went to the Great High Priest. The leper realized that what the needed was not in Jerusalem. He had to turn back and give God some glory.

Title: "He is Able to Help You" St. Jude 24-25
Date: November 13, 2011

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Guest Preacher
66th Church Anniversary Celebration
Brookland Union Baptist Church
Washington, DC

We cannot make it without the Lord's help. We mess up when we try to do things without consulting Him. Jude says God is able to keep us from sinning. Even when we work in the church, we need God's help to maintain our holiness because of complainers. Some people don't have to have a reason to murmur, grumble and complain. They have their own agenda when they come to church. It should not shock us. All of us have had to seek forgiveness, but we don't have to carry the guilt around. Nobody will see the skeletons in our closets because God has wiped the slate clean. If you want your life to change, turn to God and take Him at His word. He will create something better in you. He has the power, but it is up to you. Jesus is able to present us FAULTLESS before the presence of His glory.

Title: "Rise Up; It's Time to Walk" St. John 5:2-9(a)
Date: November 11, 2011

Dr. E.R. Pierson, Revivalist
Annual Fall Revival - Carron Baptist Church
Washington, DC

In the fifth chapter of St. John, a multitude of people hung around the pool of Bethesda waiting for a blessing. Despite the fact that Jesus was healing all manner of diseases and making people whole in the area, the sick chose to gather and wait, as they had been waiting year after year, at the pool. They never thought to get up and go somewhere else. Nobody thought to ask Jesus to have mercy. Like the lame man, are you waiting for your ship to come in? It has already sailed. Rise up. Jesus has getting up power. Don't ignore the help Jesus offers and spend your money on oils and books and supernatural remedies. The supernatural and unexplained won't come to your rescue. Do you want to be made well? Rise up. Change your perspective. Learn to put God first. If you want to be delivered, after you rise up, take up your bed. Get out of your secure place and away from the people who are helping you remain comfortable in your sin. They don't love you. The people hanging around the pool didn't care about anyone but themselves. Then walk. It's an intimate walk. Jesus will walk with you.

Title: "The Sower" Mark 4:3-9
Date: October 23, 2011

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

Like the sower who scatters the seed without paying attention to where the seed goes, we should do good without regard to what will happen. The sower didn't give up because of the birds, the stony ground or the thorns and thistles. He kept sowing. We shouldn't let Satan or hard headed people, or ungodly people who would discourage us keep us from sowing. There's nothing wrong with the seed. The problem is the soil. Our job is to spread the gospel, to love everybody- not to be caught up into how people receive what we have to give. Don't give up because of where the seed falls. Galatians says be not be weary in well doing for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not. God's job is to give the increase.

Title: "Be Still" I Corinthians 15:58
Date: September 4, 2011

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

In this day and time, it's hard to identify individuals who are strong, who are the backbone in the work of God. People are moving from one place to another place. They're either hot or cold, up one time and down another. They are not consistent in character or conduct.

It's hard to find folks who will start a job and stick with it. That same mindset has started to run over into the church. People might start in a ministry, and for any reason at all, they will stop doing what they were doing. If you're doing a good work, you ought to be still.

It's not going to be easy, but the Lord doesn't want us to be wishy-washy, to love one moment and to hate the next. If you don't show love with action, then you show hate by inaction. The faithful individual stays in and doesn't move when the time gets rough along the way.

You should be able to find a house full of faithful individuals in the church. People come and go all the time. They have no reason why they are not being faithful. It's sad to have a group of unfaithful individuals who say I love a faithful God- who is always consistent, who always shows up.

The winds of change are always blowing. It's not always popular to be at s place when nobody else follows, but you need to be steadfast. When it becomes difficult, you need to plant yourself down. You make the decision whether or not you're going to stop the good work that you started. Being unmovable means nobody else is going to influence you to stop doing what God has told you to do.

Many of us want trouble to pass us by, but you cannot determine whether you're going to be faithful until the storms come. You won't be able to determine whether you will trust in God only in the sunshine or also in the storm until AFTER the storm. Then, you will be able to say I will be steadfast and unmovable. I won't be a spectator, but I will always abound in the work of the Lord.

God is active in our lives. It's a shame that we worship God and claim that we love Him, but we sit still and never do anything for our God. Love is an action word. You have to work to show it.

Love doesn't come easy. You shouldn't turn your back on God, even when you can't get a prayer answered. Be still. Get lost in the work of God. Always be what God called you to be.

You need to be consistent- always in the place where God wants you to be. Paul reminds the Corinthian church that it won't be long before the Lord's return. God is not slack concerning His promises. He will come back for us. Death will be swallowed up and we will be out of the body and present with the Lord. You don't want to stand God and tell Him you were unfaithful.

If you're loving like God tells you to love, be still. There is nothing better than working for God. It gets tough sometimes, but serving the Lord will pay off. Don't let the weather determine whether or not you're going to serve God.

Title: "A Reasonable Exchange" Philippians 3:7-11
Date: September 4, 2011

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

Paul was not empty when he started the race. He had means. He had income, land and notoriety. He had a career, friends, family and popularity. He was well educated. He had authority, a Pharisee with a prime seat in the synagogue. Then he met Jesus.

Paul looked at all he had going on and realized what he had was nothing to be compared to what he could gain if he went after Christ.

There is no way to get what Christ has to offer unless we let go of what we had before we met Him. To get to know Him better, you have to make the conscious decision to let go of what is in the way. There has never been a time that God has offered anything and not come through on a promise.

You will discover that what you thought was good was rubbish, if you take the time to get what God has to offer. The individual who sits and listens to God's word every Sunday and never makes a change is ignorant. If God is offering you something better and you choose to hold on to what you have, shame on you to not wanting what God has to offer.

The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell what he had and give it to the poor, then come and follow Me. The young man walked away, sorrowful. He had too much in his pocket that was weighing him down.

Riches will leave. People and fame will turn on you. Youth will leave you. What Jesus has to offer is much more than riches can ever buy; more than fame or people can ever provide; more than what youth can give. David decided to go with God's crowd. He said he had never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.

Be honest with yourself. Take a good inventory. Look at what you do have. If it doesn't line up with what God has given you, you need to let go of it. You won't be empty. It's just a reasonable exchange. Wouldn't it be marvelous to let go of some of the friends you have just to get the friend that Jesus is? Wouldn't it be marvelous to let go of all of the joy that the world and the parties gave just to get the joy that Jesus has to offer?

Letting go is not an easy thing. There might be some friends or loved ones or habits that you might need to let go of. If you let go for Christ's sake, you will find that your life is better.

Paul had to let go and look at his motives and his intent to know Jesus for himself. He had to suffer some things. Many of us don't know what it is like to be in God's presence. We don't know Him. The Holy Spirit indwells us. Some of us don't listen to the Holy Spirit. Our own rightness is no good. We need to let go.

The only way God will be pleased with us is if we remind Him of His son. We have to do it God's way. Why would you give when your money is short? Because you're giving by faith. Why would you love when your enemy is slapping you across the face and stabbing you in the back? Because if you want to be more like Jesus, you will have enemies. But just like they crucified Jesus, you will be able to say that you know Him in the power of His resurrection.

Paul also desired to know Jesus in he fellowship of His suffering. We have to face whatever trials come today, Jesus has had to deal with trials. If you leave everything, He will even be with you in your suffering.

There is no joy like having someone who can understand what you're going through like Jesus can. Before you weep and cry, let it go. He will give you everything you need.

Title: "Unforseen Consequences" Matthew 20:20-23
Date: August 21, 2011

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

We as Christians should treat Jesus like the king he really is. This woman worshiped God at the moment she saw him. That's what we should do.
The mother of James and John pulled Jesus over and He simply said what do you want. He hadn’t seen her in a long time so something must be wrong. We have the same mind set; we only come when something goes wrong.
This woman was very confident in her sons, and asked Jesus when you build your kingdom may my sons be on your right and left? But she should have been thinking I want to do all you want me to do and if I’m wrong please correct me; don’t change your plan.
After this was said, Jesus looks to the James and John knowing that this desire is really from them. Do you know what your asking for? The sons replied we are able. That’s the problem we want the authority and power but we want to bypass the hard part which is the suffering. We always want skip the work and get the pay but we need to know that we can't skip the work.

Title: "He Came for Me" St. John 4: 3-4, 7-18
Date: August 21, 2011

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

Jesus came all the way from heaven to save us. We should be able to say we were in sin and He came for me.
Jesus had to pass through Samaria in the afternoon so He went through. On his way He saw a woman going to the well to get water and He asked her to give Him some water. Throughout their conversation she finds that He knows she had 5 husbands. She didn’t realize how bad of a situation she was in until He came and told her. Sometimes we need God to tell show us how bad of a situation we're in.
Now when Jesus asked this woman to give Him some water she gave Him attitude and questioned Him. In spite of that, He offered her everlasting life. God doesn’t give us fair trades. He always gives us better.
Then Jesus said go and get your husband. She replied I don’t have a husband. He answered you didn’t lie for you have had five husbands and the one you have now is not your husband. Now she looked at Him with amazement and said I believe you are a prophet. That’s the way we should look at God every day. Since He died, was buried and He even rose all for our sins!

Title: "Remember What God Has Done" 2 Samuel 17:34-37
Date: August 14, 2011

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

God has already proven Himself to us, so we should not be caught up in worries. We have faced challenges that only God could bring us out of.

David was facing such a challenge- Goliath, the towering giant and champion of the Philistine army. David explained how the Lord was with him when he slew a lion and a bear to protect his sheep.

Reasoning that David could not go into battle unprotected, Saul offered his armor to David. Saul's armor did not fit David. It would not have fit even the tallest man in Saul's army.

David rejected the armor. Because David remembered what God had already done, he had the confidence to know that God was with him. To David, the Philistine Goliath was soon to become nothing more than another victim of God's power.

What God has done in the past removes all kinds of doubt regarding the future. Just like the lion and bear prepared David to meet Goliath, what we have faced in the past has prepared us for the giants in our lives. God is greater and bigger than any giant, and He indwells us who are in the body of Christ.

Peace is knowing and having the confidence that whatever you face, God has already proven that you can handle it. Praise God. You've got it covered! Forget the failures, and hold onto the victories.

Finally, witness about what God has done, and live as a testimony of what God will do.

Title: "You Ought to Seek God First" Matthew 6:31-34
Date: August 7, 2011

Dr. E. R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Worship

We are living today and facing monumental problems, things we never thought we would see in our lifetimes. One thing seems to come after another, with no let-up. The message of hope and better days ahead seems to have become a broken record. We are turned off by the message "trouble don't last always." We are dull to the thought "hold on; help is on the way."

We need to refocus. Our concerns should not be wrapped up in how we're going to get clothes, food or money. We don't have to worry about some things because of who we are. We have to trust God. Nothing else works. The unregenerated have to be concerned about where these things are coming from because their gods can make nothing. Our Father knows what we are going through, and He has blessings on the way.

If you take the time to get past the things that other people worry about and begin to trust God, it will show on your countenance. You can sleep well, knowing that God is going to take care of tomorrow.

Jesus is talking in Matthew 6:31-34. Instead of worrying about what the Gentiles are worrying about, you ought to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Where do I find the the kingdom of God? Where do I find His righteousness?

Every believer should wake up in the morning and and try to find something else about God that you didn't know yesterday. What does He want? What is he doing? Let me find out about Him. Let me experience His character. Let me find out how it is to dwell in His presence. Let me find out what it means to be around Him. Let me find out what He is doing. The only way to find out is not to ask others, but to seek God and ask God Himself.

Maybe you need to re-channel your nosiness. Re-direct that "got to know" mentality: what's going on in the world- the latest gossip. Find out what His plan is for your life. Find out about the way God does things- what He calls right.

You ought to seek God every day of your life. What does God have on the agenda for me today? Whatever He wants me to do, I'm going to head out on my journey doing it.

It you're wondering why your blessing has not happened, have you trusted God? Have you sought His kingdom and His right way of doing things? Are your blessings on hold? When the Lord corrects you, will you change and do what He has told you to do?

There is nobody like Jesus. He'll stick closer than anybody else. He will keep His promises.

When you seek after His righteousness you will find that He is perfect, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent. He is always love; He is always merciful. In Him there is grace.

When I walk and talk like He wants me to, there is nothing He withholds from me. He gives joy in sorrow, peace in the midst of turbulence. Every day is sweeter than the day before.

Title: "Afflictions" 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Date: August 7, 2011

None of us wants to be afflicted by anything. We do not want to volunteer to suffer or go through anything that's going to hurt us. It makes the community ready to receive the preaching that something must be wrong with you if you have to go through bad things. The erroneous doctrine that you should not have to go through bad things contradicts both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

If you are saved and believe you are living the way God wants you to live, you will have some difficult days that you will have to deal with. Trouble lasts longer than you think it ought to, but it's really not long at all, if you're looking at it the way God is. Afflictions are part of our lives. We should know that they are nothing, "our light afflictions," compared to what God has prepared for us throughout eternity.

All of us have trouble. You're not the only one that's struggling. We all have troubles. No matter how good you are, trouble is in your life. When you accept Christ as your Savior, you will have some bad days. Although you signed up for joy, love and peace, in order to get the joy, love and peace, you have to deal with the sorrow, hatred and afflictions that come along with it. You're not the only one going through something. We should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, because we gather strength from others who have learned to lean on God.

From God's point of view, you belong to Him. God does not deal with time the way we do. To God, suffering just lasts for a moment, when you compare trouble to eternity. God has great things in store.

Afflictions come with a purpose. God sees things in us that only tribulation will bring out of us. God is working on us. Some of us would never pray until we're going through; we would never call on Him or trust Him for the next meal until we have nothing at all; we wouldn't call Him friend until all our friends turn their backs on us.

It is no secret that God loves us and He only wants the best things for us. He sends tribulations and afflictions in our lives. Whatever you're going through right now, God is working on you. Our "light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

God wants to give us something that will mean something in our lives. God knows how to get our attention. He could enlarge our territory or make a way out of no way. Sometimes he will leave us in our afflictions to we will learn how to lean and depend on Him.

If you are born again, if you want to be more like Christ, change your mind about how you see afflictions. You may have to cry some times, but know in your heart that God has not forgotten about you. Give Him glory because He is concerned about your well being. The best way to get the gold out of you is to put you in the fire.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three men when then they were threatened with being thrown the fire, but there were four in the midst of the fire, One standing and three who had learned to bow and worship Him in the midst of the fire.

Title: "The Pilgrim's Joy" Psalm 122:1
Date: July 24, 2011

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

When David made it past the hills and mountains and arrived at God's house, he was GLAD. It had been tough on the outside, but his struggle was over.

Sometimes we are battle weary and can't wait to get to God's house. God's house is different than your house. The ownership is different. It's God's house. Things go on outside that should not take place inside. Strife? Complaining? Recognize that it's God's house. Be GLAD that we even got an invitation to come in, as we were liars, adulterers, murderers...

David did not find the mountains and struggles inside the house of the Lord when he arrived. We should not face mountains and struggles inside God's house. Swords should be left on the outside. When we come inside, we should find a place of peace, where we can get our praise on; yet we know that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.

The Lord's house at Jerusalem was built to withstand every storm. Jesus made His way to Calvary, through 42 generations. There He purchased the deed with His own blood. The church belongs to Him.

The Lord's by Ownership
The Pastor's by Stewardship
Ours by Membership

There should be peace for the weary traveler inside God's house.

Title: "The Pilgrim's Help" Psalm 121:1-2
Date: July 24, 2011

Dr. E. R. Pierson, Senior Pastor
8 a.m. Worship

Many of us forget that we are not meant to stay here. The Lord has called us out of darkness. Our destiny and our destination is heaven, to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

David, the psalmist, was on his way to Jerusalem. He saw mountains ahead of him. He came through valleys, only to see more of the hills and mountains that surrounded Jerusalem. David faced a sense of emptiness and helplessness with the realization that he could not make it by himself.

David asked the listener "from whence comes my help?" Then he identified his only help- not his parents, not the terrain, but his help came from God- God who has a proven track record - 100% success. David was on his way to the Lord's house- on his way to higher ground in the desert heat. Before he got to Jerusalem, he looked and saw mountains. He had to depend on the Lord, the creator, keeper and sustainer of the mountains and valleys to keep him from stumbling.

We are pilgrims who don't belong here, but we are not alone. When you're about to look at your problem, remember that your help comes from God; He has the power to handle it.

Title: Lessons from the Book of Jonah - Chapters 1-4
Date: July 17, 2011

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

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.

Title: "The Gifts of God" Ephesians 1:1-2
Date: July 10, 2011

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

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.

Title: "Knowing Who You Are" Ephesians 1:1
Date: July 10, 2011

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

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.

Title: "What You Do Matters" 2 Kings 20:1-6
Date: July 3, 2011

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

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.

Title: "God Will Not Fail You" Joshua 1:5-7
Date: July 3, 2011

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

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.

Title: Nothing is too hard for God - Jeremiah 32:17
Date: June 26, 2011

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

"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!

Title: "He Wants to Do It" Luke 5:12-16
Date: June 26, 2011

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

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.

Title: "The Complaining Child" Jeremiah 20:7-9
Date: June 19, 2011

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

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.

Title: "It's Not Too Late" Luke 8:40-42; 49, 50
Date: June 19, 2011

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


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.

Title: "Same Sea...Another Storm" Mark 4:35-41
Date: June 12, 2011

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


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.

Title: Do You Know Where You're Going? Exodus 14:1-3
Date: June 5, 2011

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


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.

Title: "The Changes in the Wind" Matthew 14:25-32
Date: June 5, 2011

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

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.