From the Pastor for June 1, 2008

From the Pastor: Passing over the brook Kidron.
2 Samuel 15:23 “... the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron,...”
In our next lesson from the book of John we will see these words recorded: (John 18:1) “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron”. Jesus walked the same path as did King David. Like David, Jesus was leaving Jerusalem and would be soon followed by His enemies. Like David, Jesus would have the victory over His enemies. Like David, Jesus knew what it was like to be betrayed by a friend.
Have you ever passed over the brook Kidron? Have you ever been persecuted? Have you ever had the victory over those who sought your life? Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? If so, dear reader, you are in good company. Jesus was tempted in all ways like as we are yet without sin. He has tread the same path as you and I and this makes Him our perfect intercessor and also our perfect judge. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He understands for He has made us and was himself made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
The brook Kidron was at the lowest point in the valley between Mount Olives and Jerusalem. When you, like David and like Jesus reach the valley of the shadow of death know that you can and will be victorious as were they, when you, are “a man after God's own heart.” Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Jesus Christ the righteous is our salvation. Those who put their trust in Him will never be ashamed.

Sermon for Sunday May 25, 2008

This Sunday we will recognize our graduates and also say good bye to Bro. Josh Bazar. Below is a brief outline of the sermon I have prepared for Sunday. Hope to see you there.


Daniel 1:1-21 “Where You Go From Here”

Introduction: Today is indeed the first day of the rest of your life. Graduates leave high school behind and the question fills their minds “Where do I go from here?” When one leaves home behind to pursue a new career they often face an uncertain future asking the question “Where will I go from here?” In our text today we shall learn how to answer these questions and find strength and assurance as we face life's journey which lies before us.

Where you go from here is allowed by God. Vs. 1-2
Where you go from here will depend on how you have been where you are. Vs. 3-4
Where you go from here can be a hazardous environment. Vs. 5-7
Where you go from here may cause you to take a stand for right. Vs. 8
Where you go from here depends on God giving you favor and blessings.
Where you go from here may require you to put God to the test. Vs. 10-16
Where you go from here depends on God's gifts. Vs. 17-20
Where you go from here depends on your faithfulness. Vs. 21

Sunday Sermons

I am considering publishing the Sunday Morning Sermons on this blog. This would give those visiting here a preview of what to expect on Sunday. Bro. Harold Davis use to share his sermons with me every Tuesday night after visitation and it made me look forward to the Sunday morning services. I will give this a try. God bless you.

Here is a brief outline of the sermon for Sunday May 18, 2008

John 17:20-26 “Jesus prays to the Father about the Outcome of his work”

Introduction: I have divided this chapter and prayer into four parts as follows:
Jesus prays about His ONGOING work. Verses 1-3 (That being to bring Glory to His Father)
Jesus prays about the OBEDIENCE of His work. Verses 4-8 (Obeying the Father)
Jesus prays about the OBJECT of His work. Verses 9-19 (The household of faith)
Jesus prays about the OUTCOME of His work. Verses 20-26 (Unity, Glory, Love, Us)
Jesus has been speaking to His disciples as they have walked from Jerusalem to the brook Cedron. He has told them that they should pray to the Father in the name of Jesus and the Father will grant their requests. Jesus would no more say to them “I will pray the Father for you...” He has encouraged them with many words and given them what they will need to help them through the hours and days to come. In our text today Jesus has paused at the brook Cedron and in full view and hearing of His disciples continues His prayer. Let us remember an important fact; Jesus is praying to the Father audibly not for the Father's benefit nor for His own. He prays allowed for the benefit of His disciples and of us today. He wants them and us to know about His work and ours. He wants us to know that we have been chosen by the Father, we belong to the Father, the Father has given us to the Son and we are safe in Him.
In this section of His prayer we shall look at the outcome of His work. Let us define the term “the outcome of His work.” Webster defines the word outcome as “a final product or end result.”

Let us learn that the final product or end result of Jesus' work was:
1. The end result of His work would be A people who would win others to Christ.
2. The final product of His work would be a people of faith.
(20) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
3. The end result of His work would be a people that are at one with God.
4. The final product of His work will be an opportunity for the world too believe in Jesus.
(21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
5. The end result of His work is a glorified people.
6. Final product of His work is a unified people who love each other.
(22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
7. The end result of His work is a people who have Christ living in them.
8. The final product of His work is a complete and beloved of God people.
(23) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
9. The end result of His work is a time when all of God's children will live with Him in Glory.
10. The final product of His work will be a revelation of the full glory of Jesus Christ.
(24) Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
11. The end result of His work is a people who know God.
12. The final product of His work is a people who understand that the love of God sent His Son.
(25) O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
13. The end result of His work is a people who have been taught the nature of God.
14. The final product of His work is a people loved of God showing the love of Christ to the world.
(26) And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Conclusion: Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
We, who have been saved, are the workmanship of God. We are created in Christ Jesus and God has ordained, commanded, that we should do His Good work in this world. Jesus prayed for his disciples and for those who would believe through their words. He has prayed for us and for those who hear and accept our words about Jesus. His prayer is that all of His people, redeemed by His blood, will be kept safe, will be united, will be with Jesus where He is, and will see His glory. This prayer of Jesus for us was heard and answered by the Father.

From The Pastor for Sunday May 18th

Isa 40:11 “He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom.”
The He of this verse is without a doubt THE GOOD SHEPHERD. Why would this shepherd carry the lambs in his bosom? Is it due to the love and compassion he has for the sheep? Does their infirmities, wounds, and helpless state cause His heart to melt. Their weaknesses, lack of understanding, and fears bring out in Him great compassion. It is the office of our Lord, as a faithful High Priest, to consider the weak. He is not a hireling for He is the owner of the sheep of His pasture. Having purchased them with His blood, they are his property. It stands the test of reason that he must and will care for that which cost him so much. He is bound by a covenant not to lose even one of them. They are all a part of His glory and reward.
In what sense or in what way does He “carry them?” He carries them by keeping them from enduring excessive trials. He carries them by providing a way of escape for them through His strength. He carries them by providing for their immediate and urgent needs. When their knowledge is limited yet they can say with the formerly blind man “one thing I know...” and that one thing will sustain them through any trial. Often He “carries” them by giving them a very simple faith, which takes the promise just as it stands, and with full trust runs at every sign of trouble straight to Jesus.
“He carries the lambs in his bosom.” That we may lean on the bosom of Jesus and be accepted in the beloved even though we are but dust, “a worm and no man” shows forth the great depth of His love for us. The Good Shepherd holds His dear one so near to Himself that nothing can separate them. When held thus by our loving Lord we are in perfect safety and none can hurt us there.
By what means can one come to this place of perfect peace? By what means can one be so tenderly protected in the bosom of the Lord and Shepherd? The means is GRACE and the way is Faith.

Walnut Street MBC has a blog

I have started a blog for our church which will contain information about our church and its various services and ministries. We will not post pictures of people without permission. It is my hope that someone will volunteer to maintain this blog and keep its information current. You will want to visit this sight to read about up comming activities and to see articles contained in our church bulletin. It is our prayer that this blog be a blessing to all those who visit here. God bless you. Paul Clark, Pastor, Walnut Street Missionary Baptist Church.