Happenings on the Jesus Saves Social Network - August 6th

 

Black Clergy, Dems Vow To Restore Voting Rights Act On 50th Anniversary

Calling it a “moral issue,” prominent Black clergy leaders will join President Barack Obama in the push to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which celebrates is 50th anniversary on Thursday.

You may recall that the Supreme Court in 2013 struck down a key provision of the measure that required nine Southern states with a legacy of racial discrimination to procure federal approval before amending their voting laws. The decision made it possible for states such as North Carolina and Texas to adopt restrictive rules requiring votes to bring certain identification to the polls.

The president and other Democrats such as Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz argue that the laws discourage people of color from heading to the polls.

Republicans, who on Thursday are poised to square off in the first 2016 presidential debate, contend that strict ID laws are aimed at reducing voter fraud.

“Today we are witnessing the most vicious and draconian assault that we’ve witnessed in 50 years since the Voting Rights Act was enacted,” the Rev. Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., told NewsOne on Wednesday.

“We must fight to protect the right of every American to end this vicious assault,” he said. “We’re calling on Congress to fix the Voting Rights Act.”  Read more at Newsone.com.

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Rev. LaShonda Fletcher, Drops By With New Book, The Black Church and Mental Health

I could not make it to the book signing on Saturday, but look at God! I have my copy of Rev. Lashonda Fletcher's new book, The Black Church and Mental Health. This is a subject about which I have written and I am glad to see other clergy here locally addressing how the black church can help congregants and their families in this area.

Congratulations to Rev. Lashonda on the release of her new book and grand opening of the Revelation Counseling Center! She stopped by The Life Conference Suite on Monday after her on-air radio interview with Ms. Krystal on 104.7 FM. I enjoyed our conversation and look forward to reading the book and seeing the counseling center soon! The book is available on Ebay. TGBTG!

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Nashville Non-Denominational Church Launches New Church in Louisville

You Can't Hurt God's Property, YCHGP, Praise and Worship Center is officially one church in two locations, Nashville and Louisville with the dedication Sunday, August 2nd of their Louisville location at 2001 W.  Broadway, in The Life Conference Suite.  Bishop Floyd L. Stone, performed the ceremony installing Rev. Richard Smith as Sr. Pastor. The group Men Standing for Christ and songstress First Lady Nebra Smith rendered songs of praise.  Pastor Richard Smith preached from the text, John 6:63, the message entitled, Being Filled With the Spirit..

YCHGP worship services are Sundays at 2:00 pm,  Bible Study, prayer, and choir rehearsals,  Mondays at 6:00 pm; and Health & Wellness Ministry/Dare to Care, 4th Mondays at 6:30. The church meets in The Life Conference Suite,  directly across the hall from the WLOU/WLLV radio studios, 2001 West Broadway,  Suite 10. If you are looking for a church home, or a place to worship and grow in the word, check out YCHGP Praise and Worship Center.

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Jesus In the Building at Cincinnati Music Festival

Jesus was in the building at the Cincinnati Music Festival Saturday, July 25th! The fest featured R&B artists Frankie Beverly & Maze, Jill Scott, Kem, Avery Sunshine, and gospel crossover artist Mali Music.We now have first-hand knowledge of the present-day Cincinnati Music Festival. Mali Music performed his entire set doning a Jesus cap and representing with hit songs, "You're Beautiful,"  and "I Believe" among others. Avery Sunshine took us to church, and her church song had the whole stadium on their feet. Talk about witnessing for Christ, the first three performers, including Kem, did that. And Frank Beverly -at age 69- and Maze were better than I remember back in the day.  Their performance was very positive, and they certainly kept the stadium engaged. They started off with songs, "We Are One," and "Happy Feelings."  The people were singing and dancing when we left the stadium.   We didn't hear vulgar language on Saturday, nothing degrading or derogatory. There was no violence that we saw. My 30-year-old son went on Friday and enjoyed Jennifer Hudson the most.  I can say Jesus and gospel music were part of the Cincinnati Music Festival.  I hope that trend continues.

 

Jesus Saves Ministries Celebrating 10 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
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Celebrate Your Freedom In Christ

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

In this month of outdoor festivities and fireworks, we celebrate freedom and independence. Here on the Jesus Saves Social Network, we celebrate the Christians' freedom in Christ everyday.  Freedom in Christ describes the spiritual liberty, or freedom, we have as followers of Jesus Christ.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the  power and the penalty of sin.  We have been set free from the obligation to obey God's laws in our own strength. The Bible states, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death"(Romans 8:1-2). 

  

Freedom in Christ affords us the power to obey God out of love rather that obligation.  Freedom in Christ allows us by the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and those sins that so easily beset us.   Freedom does not give us the right to do whatever we want, disregarding God's laws, but gives us power to keep His commandments.  Romans 6:1-2 states, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?  Of course not!  Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"

Brothers and sisters, not only do we celebrate freedom in Christ, we celebrate freedom with Christ.  Jesus is alive now at the right hand of the Father making intercessions for us.  Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother!  We live with Christ right now through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:10-11 states, "And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.  And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Isn't that good news!  And when we get to heaven, Jesus has prepared an eternal home for us free from the very presence of sin in our lives (John 3:16). Glory to God!

Brothers and sisters, God has given us freedom to live not only in Christ and with Christ, but for Christ.  Here in the USA, we enjoy tremendous religious freedom. Please don't take it for granted. As the birds sing, and the "Son" shines, take advantage of the freedom you have to share that powerful testimony God has given you, that Scripture He has placed on your heart, that sermon excerpt that in faith will become a rhema word for a weary soul, that upcoming revival, conference or ministry event, that prayer request or praise report, and that birthday greeting or note of encouragement.  Use your freedom to become an instrument of God's drawing and saving power in someone's life. Has Jesus broken every chain that had you bound in sin and shame?  Has Jesus set you free?  We would love to hear what great and marvelous things God is doing in your life today.

We are blessed by your presence here, but we know in faith that the best is yet to come as you celebrate your freedom in Christ. God has given us great opportunities to share our faith.  He has given each of us great and wonderful gifts. Use them to His glory! Tell somebody, everybody, anybody, "I are not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes!" Celebrate your freedom in Christ, and share the good news that Jesus saves!

If you have a passion for Christ and enjoy blogging and witnessing on the internet, join us on the Jesus Saves Social Network and post once daily.  You don't have to re-invent the wheel.  Post whatever you have posted on your website site or elsewhere.  Jesus saves!

Remembering the Charleston Nine

One week has past since Rev. Clementa Pinckney and eight church members at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC were killed in a massacre in a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Thank God, the 21-year-old confessed gunman who committed this heinous act was apprehended quickly. While this nation feels the pain, hurt, and sorrow of this senseless trajedy, we have seen so much hope across this nation as churches have held prayer vigils and rallies in solidarity against racism and for justice and the right of all people, regardless of color, to be treated equally.  And on Monday, South Carolina Governor Haley held a press conference to say that it is time for the Confederate flag, a symbol of hatred and division, to come down from the South Carolina state capitol. Walmart, Sears, and Kmart announced they would ceasing selling merchandise containing the Confedrate flag. It is an important first step toward healing.  I tell you prayer changes things!   Prayer changes things!

It has been inspiring to see the overwhelming outpouring of love and support, the unity of people of various ethnicities connected by faith in almighty God, and to see the thousands rallying peacefully in the streets. It is clear there is much discussion to be had around race and race relations. We ought, as Dr. King said, judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  Sadly, we still have work to do in realizing Dr. King's dream. The church must renew her commitment to saving souls, preaching and teaching righteousness and living virtuously, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. She must lead the discussion on racial matters as well.
As the three men and six women are eulogized this week, I am trusting God that the Charleston nine, the Mother Emanuel nine, good God-fearing people did not die in vain. May they rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.  Jesus saves!

Remembering the Mother Emanuel Nine

One week has past since Rev. Clementa Pinckney and eight church members at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC were killed in a massacre in a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Thank God, the 21-year-old confessed gunman who committed this heinous act was apprehended quickly. While this nation feels the pain, hurt, and sorrow of this senseless trajedy, we have seen so much hope across this nation as churches have held prayer vigils and rallies in solidarity against racism and for justice and the right of all people, regardless of color, to be treated equally.  And on Monday, South Carolina Governor Haley held a press conference to say that it is time for the Confederate flag, a symbol of hatred and division, to come down from the South Carolina state capitol. Walmart, Sears, and Kmart announced they would ceasing selling merchandise containing the Confedrate flag. It is an important first step toward healing.  I tell you prayer changes things!   Prayer changes things!

It has been inspiring to see the overwhelming outpouring of love and support, the unity of people of various ethnicities connected by faith in almighty God, and to see the thousands rallying peacefully in the streets. It is clear there is much discussion to be had around race and race relations. We ought, as Dr. King said, judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  Sadly, we still have work to do in realizing Dr. King's dream. The church must renew her commitment to saving souls, preaching and teaching righteousness and living virtuously, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. She must lead the discussion on racial matters as well.
As the three men and six women are eulogized this week, I am trusting God that the Charleston nine, the Mother Emanuel nine, good God-fearing people did not die in vain. May they rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.  Jesus saves!

Happy Father's Day from Jesus Saves Ministries

We celebrate Father's Day first by giving honor to our Heavenly Father who has been better to each of us than we have to ourselves.  Thank you, Lord for being a father to the fatherless and mother to the motherless! 
We celebrate Father's Day with the theme "Real Men Love Jesus." Join with us in honoring the nobility, elegance, and demands of being a father. Fathers throughout history have had great dreams, offered intercessory prayers, guided us, protected us, encouraged us, loved us, taught us to be strong, to use our imagination and improve ourselves and our communities. We thank the Lord for God-fearing fathers, and for the fathers who represent for Jesus with ministry and social network.
We are grateful for fathers who know Jesus and realize that God's grace, full of mercy and justice, is the force that gives all of us life and men the opportunity to be fathers.
Happy Father's Day, fathers from Jesus Saves Ministries,  Louisville!

Sermon Excerpt: Stepping Out With Authentic Praise!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

The women of St. Stephen East at Dosker Manor here in Louisville, Kentucky culminated Women's Month on Palm Sunday, March 29th waving palm branches in celebration and praise to our triumphant King Jesus Christ. Dosker Manor hosts off-campus services just east of downtown Louisville weekly for St. Stephen Church. This was my very first Palm Sunday invitation and so deeply humbled to bring the morning message, "Stepping Out With Authentic Praise," based on John Chapter 12:1-19. Shout out to Rev. Josie Gilbert, Campus Pastor and team for a job well done. Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, Sr. Pastor

Here is an excerpt from the message, "Stepping Out With Authentic Praise!":

It was Palm Sunday; the people with the palm branches shouted, "Hosanna, Hosanna," meaning, "save us, save us."  They were singing praises to Jesus, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the King of Israel!”  But not all were stepping out with authentic praise.  Authentic praise happens when we step in the Spirit and put our faith in Jesus Christ.  Authentic praise happens when we think and when we thank.  When I think about his goodness and all that He has done for me, my soul shout, “Hallelujah! Thank God for saving me!!!”
This is a sad thing about these inauthentic people because there is power in authentic praise.  We say all the time there is power is prayer, but praise is potent. Your faith is not complete without your praise. Praise combined with prayer and an attitude of gratitude gives you access to God!  Praise wins battles!  Praise defeats the enemy!  Praise encourages the miraculous!  Praise heals the soul and calms the troubled spirit!Some of those same fickle people, who praised on Sunday shouted, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" at the end of the week. Not all who praised Jesus, praised Him authentically.  Can I tell you who was in the crowd?   There were agitators, perpetrators and instigators in the crowd - those who hated Jesus and attempted to stop his ministry. Also, there were imitators in the crowd -  those who placed their faith in Jesus and sincerely desired to be like Himl  Those were the people with Lazarus and believed Jesus because of his witness.
Let me ask you, "If you had been present on Palm Sunday 2,000 years ago, where would you be standing in the crowd?  Would you have been standing with Lazarus, and the imitators of Christ, with the saved crowd?  The Bible says, "Because of him, many believed on Jesus."  Or, would you be standing among the various spectators and haters, those who refused to believe in Jesus?If you are not where you need to be, then press through the crowd!  Touch the hem of His garment.  He will give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Then, step out with authentic praise! We should be stepping out with authentic praise because Jesus came riding in 1) as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, 2) to fulfill prophecy, and 3) to give us abundant life through the Holy Spirit.

Join us as we celebrate Jesus as all that He has done in our lives on the Jesus Saves Social Network!  Let's step out with authentic praise today and every day telling the world, "Jesus saves!" 

Jesus Saves Ministries celebrating 10 years of lifting up Jesus Christ!

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The Dean of African American Preachers, Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor Goes Home to Be With the Lord

BCNN -The Homegoing of Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor

The Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) Inc. mourns the passing and celebrates the life of the Rev. Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor.
Dr. Taylor, who passed on Sunday, April 5, Resurrection Sunday, was Pastor Emeritus of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn, New York, President Emeritus of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., and widely known as “the Prince of Preachers.” He was also one of Time Magazine’s most influential pastors and the dean of the African American prophetic preaching tradition.
PNBC President Dr. James C. Perkins said, “The world has lost a giant of man, who transformed America and the world for the better. How appropriate it is that God called Dr. Taylor home on Resurrection Sunday. In both life and death Dr. Taylor gave a clarion call to the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Perry A. Smith, III a longtime friend and former PNBC pastor said, “We’ve lost a legend. One of the world’s greatest preachers, the last of a kind.” Dr. Smith also said that Dr. Taylor was a living embodiment of PNBC’s core principles of Fellowship, Service, Progress, and Peace, but he was that and much more.
Dr. Tyrone S. Pitts, former PNBC General Secretary said, “Dr. Taylor was the greatest preacher of the 21st Century. He was really was one of the people who helped to frame the Civil Rights movement and he was the soul of PNBC. He also was key in helping us to understand and appreciate the transformative and prophetic art of Black preaching.”
Source: BCNN

When Praises Go Up, Blessings Come Down!

In the post "Stepping Out with Authentic Praise," I said praise wins battles and praise defeats the enemy...

Herein is the rest of the story...Praise does more than that because when you praise sometimes you won't have to fight the battle at all! Isn't God good! So while you're at work, why not offer up a sacrifice of praise.  While you're on your lunch break, lift holy hands during Holy week.  Offer up authentic praise, praise that is heart-felt, consistent and genuine.  Hebrews 13: 15-16 state, "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.…"

In 2 Chronicles 20, the text says beginning at verse 21, "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever."

God loves it when you fast, pray, and seek His face, and He loves it when you praise Him. Jehoshaphat takes the people's advice and he orders men to sing to the Lord. When they did that, God set ambushes against the three nations and they turned on each other, and destroyed each other!

This is almost identical to what happened in the war Gideon's army did not have to fight in Judges Chapter 7. God sent 300 men against a vast army of 30,000 Midianites. God confused the enemy with trumpets, torches, and timing! The army prepared for war, processed to the battlefield, and positioned themselves, but they did not fight! And God got the glory! When praises go up, blessings come down!
Share with us how you are stepping out with authentic praise during Holy Week. Log on to jesussavesministries.ning.com and post a comment! 

A Thankful Life!
By:  Maurice Jackson, Kansas City, MO
Consistent with words of thankfulness is a lifestyle that reflects the same.
Our LIVES should exhibit appreciation to our Lord Jesus Christ who is the one who SAVED our LIVES.  We can say 'Thank You, Lord' with our lips while in our living, we actually dismiss Him.  Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 that some come near to me with their words but their hearts or very distant from me.
Jesus also said that IF we love Him, we WILL keep His commandments.  Our conduct and HOLY lifestyle tells our HOLY GOD that we are grateful to be His children.  Our entire Christian existence should be a constant praise and thanks to God!
  

Our natural children make us proud parents when they have followed the precepts and directions that we have given them throughout the years.  And once they have put these things into practice and they become upstanding, productive and respectful citizens, it reflects upon their adherence to the teaching and training they received from us.  This is to the praise of the parents themselves.  The implementation of these precepts demonstrates gratitude towards the source from which they were received.  

And we as children of God, in the very same manner, conduct our lives to the honor and praise of our Heavenly Father,  showing our gratitude through obedience to Him.

  

The Word tells us in Ephesians 5:1 to be imitators of God as dear children!

Notice that is says "DEAR" children.  Now some offspring don't quite turn out to be DEAR children because of their constant disobedience.  Though, as parents, we still absolutely love them unconditionally,  they may not always follow in the way we presented to them and often take an opposite path.  It is our hope that they eventually turn toward the right path.

Conversely, as DEAR children, we are to imitate our Heavenly Father and reflect His holiness in our thoughts, behaviors and character.  Consistent with words of thankfulness is a lifestyle that reflects the same.  Obedience to The Father should be our gratitudinal priority.

Share with us how you are stepping out with authentic praise during Holy Week. Log on to jesussavesministries.ning.com and post a comment! 

Family Matters Blog Series Pt. 6: Family Ministry Shift Conclusion

For the past six weeks, we have been looking at one strategy for introducing children to the gospel and keeping them involved in church, family ministry. Today we conclude the "family" matter.  I hope this blog series was a blessing to you and has presented you with an option for your ministry, church, or family. Family ministry equips parents to become the primary disciple-makers of their children.  Proponents believe the 21^st century church is failing congregations by not partnering with parents to equip them to share in ministry to the next generation.  The goal is to accurately pass on the gospel to the next generation through the family.  There are at least four types of family ministry strategies, family based ministry, family equipping ministry, family intergrated ministry, and the traditional programmatic, segregated approach.  Although young adults are highly educated, they are largely “unchurched,” and rarely to they read the Bible or meet with others to study the Bible.  Approximately 70 percent of young adults agree that the American church is irrelevant, and only 24 percent attend church weekly.  This means that the church must disciple young adults differently, parents and mentors must be involved with the church in the discipleship process, and the church must prepare to disciple a more ethnically diverse congregation.  Recent research found that Millennials are very close to their parents and thrive on relationships. Family ministry as a long range plan, and not a quick fix, might be the answer.

 

Related Posts:

Family Matters Blog Series Pt. 5: Strengths & Weaknesses of Family Ministry Models

Family Matters Blog Series Pt. 4: Active Churches In Family Ministry

Family Matters Part 3:  Contemporary Approaches & Leading Voices in Family Ministry

Family Matters Part 2:  Biblical Basis for Family Ministry

Family Matters Part 1:  The Historical Roots of Family Ministry

Introduction:  Blog Series, Family Matters, The Family Ministry Shift

 Bibliography

Baucham, Voddie Jr. (2007).  Family Driven Faith, Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk With God, Wheaton:  Crossway
Floyd, Ronnie  When the Bible Meets Life Sampler, biblestudiesforlife.com
Haynes, Brian (2009).  Shift, What It Takes to Finally Reach Families Today, Loveland:  Group Publishing, Inc.
The Holy Bible, (1984).  New International Version.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan Publishing

Jones, Timothy Paul (2011).  Family Ministry Field Guild, How Your Church Can Equip Parents to Make Disciples, Indianapolis, Wesleyan Publishing House.
Mercadante, F. (2008). The Millennial Generation, Postmodernism, and the Changing Face of Catholic Youth Ministry.
Rainer, T. S. (2011). The Millennials, Connecting to America's Largest Generation. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group.
Stinson, Randy and Jones, Timothy Paul (20 Trained in the Fear of God, Family Ministry in Theological, Historical, and Practical Perspective
Younts Jones, Christine,  A Blueprint for Family Ministry,  Retrieved December 5, 2013 from Childrensministry.com: http://childrensministry.com/articles/a-
blueprint-for-family-ministry

SURPRISE!!! Thanks for Birthday Greetings, Surprise Birthday Bash!

Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude to all who posted Birthday greetings on my Facebook wall. I feel so blessed, loved, and appreciated. I want to thank my husband, Bill for the awesome surprise birthday party, my family and all who dined with us on Monday, March 16th. Oh yes, I was so surprised to see all the friends, radio staff, and church members, and family on Monday evening.  I thought we'd just go out for a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant.  Instead, the restaurant, complete with servers, came to us!  And no, it was not quiet! We had awesome weather, a delicious meal, catered by Donald's Catering, and great guests for the occasion. Once I got over the shock, I had a blast.  There is a Happy Birthday song (Stevie Wonder style) video.  Hopefully, I can get it posted. Thank you and may God bless you, each and everyone who said a kind word, extended a courtesy, gift, or $3.16 contribution (put the decimal where ever you like) to Jesus Saves Ministries.



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