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

Check out Do You Know the Most Dangerous Person in Your Church? by Erik Raymo

Good afternoonI am sharing this article with you, as well as with my colleagues in ministry. I'd like to hear your feedback if you are inclined to share.

 

Click here: Do You Know the Most Dangerous Person in Your Church? by Erik Raymond -SermonCentral.com

 

 

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

Check out CONFESSIONS OF A CHURCH DROP OUT - Greater Centennial A.M.E. Church

Click here: CONFESSIONS OF A CHURCH DROP OUT - Greater Centennial A.M.E. Church Blog - Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church o

 

This is a good read, food for thought from my friend, Pastor W. Darin Moore.

 

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

Check out Are You a Preacher or a Motivational Speaker? by Sherman Cox -Sermo

Greetings, all,

I thought this was an interesting follow-up to our discussion in Bible study (especially last night). Something to think about.

 

Click here: Are You a Preacher or a Motivational Speaker? by Sherman Cox -SermonCentral.com

 

 

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

Thought provoking!

If you want to see what worship has become in our time, cut, paste and take a look at this clip.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I&feature=player_embedded#!

 

 

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

The DNA Update for United Methodists - Mid-July 2011

Greetings, Members of Memorial:

I thought to pass on this article and hope to inspire some thought and discussion. I want to direct your attention to the section on "What is the Future of the Small Membership Church?" Though this article does not seem to speak directly to the concerns of Memorial (we don't fit the statistics of what he describes here as a "small membership church"), there are some issues raised in this article that should particularly catch our notice: declining attendance, youth moving away or uninvolved, tight finances, aging congregation. The question is: what are we going to do about it? I mean, other than talk and complain about declining attendance, youth moving away or uninvolved, tight finances and an aging congregation.

I'd welcome your comments and ideas and feedback. Thanks.

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 11

Check out Five Significant Facts about First-Time Guests by Rick Ezell -Sermo

Click here: Five Significant Facts about First-Time Guests by Rick Ezell -SermonCentral.com

 

This is something we should all think about as it pertains to our church. How are we doing on this? I'd like to hear your comments/feedback.

 

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