Sunday's sermon: Next Steps

Last Sunday's sermon did not really have a title; it was based on Daniel chapters 7 and 8 as we talked about bullying, especially as it affects those of the gay community.

 

Thanks again to Sis. Eunice White for the inspiration for this message.

 

Now, what are the "next steps" that God will have us take in response to the Word we heard?

 

1. Have you ever been bullied - either as a child or as an adult? How did that make you feel?

2. Are you a bully? Do you ever feel that you need to put others down to make yourself feel better or stronger?

3. Have you ever thought of yourself as committing an abomination? Read the passages in Leviticus 11:7-8, Leviticus 11:10-11, Leviticus 19:27,Leviticus 19:28, Leviticus 15:19-27] and Deuteronomy 22:5.

4. What do you think God will have you do the next time you see someone being bullied, or you try to bully someone?

5. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon? How is God speaking to you now?

 

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessons, Book XII, Chapter 11

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."
Psalm 119:33-34

Pastor Kenneth Q. James

Check out YouTube - Israel Houghton- Moving Forward (w/ lyrics)

Click here: YouTube - Israel Houghton- Moving Forward (w/ lyrics)

This is my inspiration for the day! 

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessons, Book XII, Chapter 11
 

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."
Psalm 119:33-34

Pastor Kenneth Q. James

Spirit Day

Today, as I learned watching The View, is "Spirit Day" - a day in honor of young people who have been victims of anti-gay bullying. To honor this day, people who care about this are asked to wear purple today.

I missed this one, but I want to ask that everyone who can please wear purple on Sunday at church. I had planned to wear purple anyway on Sunday for another reason - it is the fifth anniversary of my mother's death (October 24, 2005) and I always wear purple on that day in memory of my mother as it was her favorite color. But let's do this to show solidarity for those negatively impacted by bigotry and hate.

Interestingly, I was asked by a member last Saturday to do a sermon on the topic of internet or cyber bullying after the death of several young people over the issue of their sexuality (I love that members help keep the pastor informed). This seems like as good a time as any to preach that sermon, and to have us all show our solidarity against any kind of bigotry as a church family. Please join us. Thank you.

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessons, Book XII, Chapter 11

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."
Psalm 119:33-34

Pastor Kenneth Q. James

Next Steps

Good morning, all,

This morning I realized that I had not shared with you our "Next Steps" thoughts for this week. So here we are; what is God saying to us now about what our "next steps" should be after the word we heard on Sunday?

 

Sunday's sermon (10/10/10) was from Daniel 7:13-14, titled, "Thy Kingdom Come."

 

"May we receive the word we hear each in an honest heart

And keep the precious treasure there, and never with it part."

 

1. In Daniel's vision/dream, he sees "the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea" (v. 2). We learn that images of seas or waters troubled means chaos or disruption. Where in your life are there troubled waters or churning seas?

2. Daniel sees four images, and the fourth of these is described with "eyes like human eyes in this horn, and a mouth speaking arrogantly." In what ways has evil or sin become more bold in our time?

3. Daniel describes watching the scene as "thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne...A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him." This is a depiction of God in control, judging the powers of the world. Where do you see evidence of God's "kingdom, power and glory" in your life and circumstances?

4. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon or reading this passage? How is God speaking to you now? 
 

 

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessons, Book XII, Chapter 11

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."
Psalm 119:33-34

Pastor Kenneth Q. James

Next steps

Sunday's sermon (10/3) was from Daniel 6:10, titled, "An Unshakeable Faith in a Shaky World." What are the "next steps" God will have us take in response to the Word we heard?

 

"May we receive the word we hear each in an honest heart

And keep the precious treasure there, and never with it part."

 

1. Daniel is described as having an "excellent spirit" in v. 3, meaning he was not only gifted, he was also trustworthy and loyal. Do you think of yourself that way? Do others think of you that way, or are there areas where you need to improve or change the perception of yourself?

2. Daniel continued praying when faced with the prospect of the lion's dead. How strong is your prayer life? What brings you to prayer, or keeps you from praying?

3. Does it bother you that people are looking at you? Consider this and think about how the "conspirators" (v. 4-7) were looking at Daniel.

4. Do you trust that God is looking out for you in the face of the "lions" (i.e., chaos)?

5. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon or reading this passage? How is God speaking to you now?

 

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessons, Book XII, Chapter 11

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."
Psalm 119:33-34

Pastor Kenneth Q. James