Sunday, July 2nd, 2006

From Rags to Righteousness

 

"Something Stinks! Is it me, God?" (Part 2)

(James 1:19-22 and Proverbs 6:16-19)

Pastor Dix explained how God detests sin. He used an illustration during part I of this series where he described the aroma of sin as a repugnant smell similar to that of sweaty armpits (excuse the expression). We as Christians must ask ourselves, what do we smell like in the nostrils of God? Do we smell like a bouquet of roses? or do we smell like the trash that’s been left in the house after a week’s vacation?

Pastor said bathing ourselves in the word of God is the only remedy for ridding ourselves of the reeking stench of sin that longs to separate us from a closer relationship with God! As believers, we must understand that God has a standard of excellence and He expects us to rise to that standard through the power and authority of the Holy Spirit!

As we prepare for the afterlife (because there really is life after death) we must clearly understand that nothing we do should be centered around us or as though we are here forever. Pastor said that if we want to live life to the fullest, the way God intended, we need to know what pleases Him and we definitely need to know what God hates!

As Pastor Dix walked us through the Word of God, he read Proverbs 6:16, which reveals the seven abominations. The first of the seven sins is "a proud look". Pastor reiterated to us that these sins are listed to ensure that we as brothers and sisters in Christ are showing each other unconditional love, and most importantly that we love thy neighbor as thy self (Matthew 22:37-39).

Quote of the sermon:

“Man’s righteousness is what he does. God’s righteousness is who He is!” -Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, July 2nd, 2006

• Revelations 3:19-22 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Velinda Wims-Davis)
• James 1:19-22 - "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness...."
• Proverbs 6:16-19 - "The 7 abominations..."
• Romans 10:1-3 - "...being ignorant of God's righteousness..."
• Matthew 22:37-39 - "...love thy neighbor as thyself..."

Sunday, July 9th, 2006

From Rags to Righteousness

 

"Something Stinks! Is it me, God?" (Part 3)

(James 1:19-22 and Proverbs 6:16-19)

Are you an aroma or an odor? …Are you a fragrance or a stench? As a body of believers we must know that our life discharges a scent in the nostrils of God. As Pastor Dix put it, He smells our life! Isaiah 64:6 reads: But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags. So no matter how many good deeds we do, if it’s not out of love for God, it’s just like filthy rags. Every random act of kindness should be driven by divine purpose, which is why we should be very careful how we live and who we live for. Romans 14:11 reads: "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God".

Pastor George said that is important that we know what pleases God and equally important to know what God hates. Pastor shared the seven deadly sins as listed in Proverbs 6:16-19.

1. A proud look (Arrogance)
2. A lying tongue (Liars. eg. "I can drive from Gainesville to Atlanta in two hours!")
3. Hands that shed innocent blood (Not just killing; but bothersome to others, and violent)
4. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (Schemers and exploiters)
5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief (an eager spirit to do wrong, a "johnny-on-the-spot")
6. A false witness that speaketh lies (Saying you saw or heard something that you really didn’t see or hear)
7. He that soweth discord among brethren (Those who plot and pick on others, a busybody).

Quote of the Sermon:

“It’s one thing to agitate people, and it’s another thing to agitate God!” - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, July 9th, 2006

• Phillipians 3:3 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Theresa Gaither)
• James 1:19-22 - "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness...."
• Proverbs 6:16-19 - "The 7 abominations..."
• Romans 10:1-3 - "...being ignorant of God's righteousness..."
• Isaiah 64:6a - "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags"
• Romans 14:11-12 - "...every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
• Matthew 12:36 - "...That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

Sunday, July 16th & 23rd, 2006

"Do You Know What's Under Your Feet?" (Parts 1 & 2)

 

(Deuteronomy 11:22-28a and Psalm 8:6 )

As God's chosen people we must realize that it is detrimental for us to hear God's Word and then act as if it was intended for someone else. There are three important qualities about God that Pastor George reminded the congregation of:

1. I am the Lord thy God and I change not.
2. I am the same yesterday, today and forever.
3. God's convenants (ie. promises) are sure and forever.

As we walk in obendience, God will surely grant us dominion authority over all things, and shower us with divine blessings, for as the Word declares: "Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be." (Deuteronomy 11:24)

However, Pastor Dix forewarned us to be careful about where we take our feet, and where we allow our thoughts to take us. As we walk in faith, we should remember that nobody and nothing (not flesh, nor somebody else, nor the Devil, nor the demons in Hell)---NO ONE has power over us unless we submit ourselves to the Devil and reject God! Don't give up your territory to the Devil! Pastor said we must be on our guard against the enemy because the enemy is searching for uncharted territory, where he can kill and destroy. If we resist the Devil and submit ourselves in all righteousness to God, the Devil will "flee from thee".

Lastly, Pastor shared the key to unlocking divine blessings:

1. Love God -not other gods (i.e. money, sex, drugs or anything that we pursue above God).
2. Walk in my ways (ie. live a godly and righteous life).
3. Cleave to me (cleave means to adhere to like glue and not let go).

Quote of the sermon:

"If your prayers don't make a connection with God, then you don't need to pray that prayer."
"God's promises in the Old Testament are brought to fruition in the New Testament through Jesus." - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, July 16th & 23rd, 2006

• I Corinthians 10:16 - Prayer & Scripture (Associate Pastor Phillips, July 16th, 2006)
• Deuteronomy 8:1-3,18 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Margaret Harris, July 23rd, 2006)
• Lamentations 3:22-23 - "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not..."
• Deuteronomy 11:22-28a, 30:19 - "...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life..."
• Psalm 8:6 - "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands"
• Joshua 24:15 - "...choose this day whom ye will serve... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
• Psalm 139:14 - "I praise thee for I am fearfully & wonderfully made..."
• Deuteronomy 28 - "Blessings for Obedience & Curses for Disobedience"
• Luke 1:37 - "For with God, nothing is impossible."