Sunday, November 5th, 2006 - (8:00 AM, Morning Worship Service)

“A New Light: A Star Is Rising ”

(Matthew 5:14-16)

Pastor George Dix Jr. began our first 8:00 AM Morning Worship Service by reminding us that the more serious we are about God, the more people we can reach. The more people we can reach, the more God is glorified. God honors those who honor Him.

We need to pause in our daily life and encourage ourselves. Do not be dismayed by our current circumstances. God is working a miracle on our behalf.

There are numerous physical and spiritual miracles in the Bible. We must understand that the miracles of the past are a foretaste of the miracles to come in our lives. However, no miracle comes close to being as amazing as the miracle of our salvation. No matter what we're faced with, God is doing something bigger.

When those who have fallen away come to the salvation offered them by the blood of Jesus, when God's word goes forth and those enslaved by sin can step out of where they are and into that salvation, it makes God smile. People need to have hope. In the midst of their hopelessness, they need to walk away knowing that God is the Creator. Satan has disguised himself as things to distract us. Rest assured, God is going to unveil Himself in a greater way.

Jesus called us a "faithless and perverse generation" (Matthew 17:17). Jesus is the light that will break the darkness. Wherever we go, we should give off the bright light of Jesus. Remember, God is doing something that Satan can't stop.

The new light is the spirit of God working through us. The more we identify with that light, the more we'll see that star. We are the rising star. For it is written:

"Ye are the light of the world... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

God wants to bring the light of his son through us so that it may touch the hearts of others. There's no work that is more important than the work of Jesus (which is the work that brings salvation).

Quotes of the sermon:

"Jesus is the light that will break the darkness. Wherever we go, we should give off the bright light of Jesus.” - Pastor George Dix, Jr.

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, November 5th, 2006

• Psalm 118: 23-24 - Prayer & Scripture (Associate Pastor Alvin Gaither)
• Matthew 5:14-16 - "Ye are the light of the world... "
• Matthew 17:17 - "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you?"

Sunday, November 19th, 2006 - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

Bind Him or Be Bound (Part 2): “You are stronger than you think!”

(Matthew 16:19, Philippians 4:13)

When the fire is hottest we must not draw back!  It is when we are most vulnerable that the Devil chips away at our faith and determination to weaken our resolve to persevere!

Pastor Dix encouraged our hearts as he instructed us to encourage ourselves.  We cannot afford to become weak in the middle of the battle by allowing the Devil to whip up on us with trivial things.  We must know that because God is “God”. He will bring us through every test and trial. However, Satan wants to bind us so that He can blind us.  This crippling effect often times allows us to forget what God has said, especially when adversity comes.  The binding and blinding also keep us from growing in God’s words and recognizing blessings that God has already given us, but we have to remember God’s track record! 

When we move beyond the distractions, we can then ask God to allow what we display on the outside (the straight walk) to match the peace and joy that He desires to give us in our hearts.  Lastly Pastor Dix said we have the same will as the Apostle Paul who said in Philippians 3:14:

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Quote of the sermon:

“Some of the reasons we’re in the holds and grips of Satan are because we lose hope.” - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, November 19th, 2006

• John 3:16-20 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Cheryl Green)
• Matthew 16:19 - "...and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven... "
• Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Sunday, November 26th, 2006 - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

"Have You Met My Friend?"

(John 15:12-15 )

Imagine flying 6,000-feet in an aircraft over the Florida Everglades when all of a sudden the plane runs out of fuel.  There’s nothing below you but marshland full of hungry gators and venomous snakes.  Now imagine being 16-feet under water in the Ichetucknee River and entangled in weeds.  No one knows you’re down there and you’re all alone. You cry for help but no one can hear you—but Jesus!

These are Pastor Dix’s testimonies.  He walked away from the first incident and swam away from the second.  In both cases Pastor George clearly remembers calling on the name of Jesus and was immediately delivered from near death experiences!  Sounds like we all need a friend like Jesus, who will answer our most urgent calls!       

Unfortunately, we live in a time when people choose their friends based on what they do or do not have.  But a true friend is one who looks at the good, bad and the ugly and still loves you for who you are; as a matter of fact a true friend won’t even consider your "haves" and "have-nots."  This true friend is Jesus!  He doesn’t care if the glass is half full or if the glass is half empty, He just wants to pour His spirit into us (the glass)!  He’s there when our earthly friends can’t be contacted or when they’ve let us down… Just remember that we can always count on Jesus!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

Pastor Dix continued to encourage the hearts of worshippers as he reiterated Jesus’ promise to never leave us or forsake us, regardless of what we may or may not possess.  Pastor Dix said we all need a friend like Jesus who is just to rescue us from the quicksand in life. All of us need someone who will be there when the going gets rough and when the going gets tough.  We need a friend that we can call on who can respond with “I hear you.”  

In closing, Pastor Dix admonished the congregation to hook up with the only true friend who will sustain us when all else fails (doctor’s report, plane engines, divorce, bankruptcy and various addictions etc.).

Quote of the sermon:

“Know who your friend is, who Jesus is.” - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, November 26th, 2006

• James 2:23 - Prayer & Scripture (Pastor Eugene Phillips)
• John 15:12-15- "...Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends... "
• Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."