Sunday's sermon: Next steps

Good morning, all,

 

First, I want to ask for your continued prayers as I travel on the campaign for the Episcopacy. And I want to send out a special "thank you" to Sis. Alma Hogan for connecting me with her family here in Memphis, Tennessee as I traveled here for the West Tennessee/Mississippi Annual Conference. I met several of her cousins last night, received a very warm reception and I was left with the impression that if they get elected delegates to the General Conference and don't support me, there is going to be some trouble in that family! Thanks so much for your support.

 

Now, I also want to have us think more and again about the worship Sunday. It was an excellent worship experience. I said on Tuesday at Bible study (evening session) that I felt that everyone came with the real intent to worship. From the start to the finish, the Spirit of God was present and felt among us. I am still reflecting and basking on the experience.

 

Let's look at the "next steps" now that God might have us take in reflection on Sunday's sermon, "Unprepared."

 

1. Are you "prepared" for the Kingdom life?

2. Are you "prepared" for the Lord's return?

3. How do you see where your life reflects the story Jesus tells in Matthew 25, i.e., virgins, lamps, oil?

4. Do you find it difficult not to "fall asleep" - that is, to pay attention to what it takes to remain focused as a believer? Why or why not?

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?

 

I hope that we will all take the time to think about this. As for me, "I just want to be right" (still singing that song!).

 

Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10