National Baptist Convention USA Inc.

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Comment by Apostle D Tyler Brown on March 28, 2013 at 8:45pm

Comment by Raymond E. Watson, Jr on March 28, 2013 at 12:38pm

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  James 1:13-14 KJV

When we do something that is wrong and get caught we shift the blame to someone else.  We like to say that it isn’t our fault that we messed up.  At times we take it a bit farther and make the claim of: “If God didn’t put me in this position I wouldn’t have done it.”  or “If God didn’t put that choice in front of me I wouldn’t have taken it.”  These statements do not make sense because how can a caring God, who loves us, give us anything that would harm us?  For if that was the case He wouldn’t have given His only Son to die on a cross for a choice He put before us.

God does not tempt Man, but it is the wicked one that does.  The wicked one takes our desires and twists them to make them appealing.  Much like he did in the garden were took God’s Word and twisted it.  The end result is that we are led away by the twist into sin.  Sins that will consume us with guilt and shame.  To avoid this we must look within ourselves to find what makes fall to temptation.  When we come to the answer we then must ask the Lord to strengthen us so that we don’t fall.  For it is written: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 HCSB).  Don’t give in, but remember God doesn’t lead us into temptation, but He does deliver us from evil. 

Comment by Raymond E. Watson, Jr on March 27, 2013 at 6:54pm

But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. Acts 3:6-7 HCSB

The church attempts to offer different ministries and programs to those that are hurting.  Slick programs are produced and publicized and large crowds come out.  Teachers and speakers that are authorities on the certain problem are presented, and everyone is excited about what is happening.  However after a few weeks the excitement fades and the crowds shrink.  To top it off many of the people that came are leaving the same way they came in.  The leaders of these programs start to wonder about where things went wrong.  The sad thing is that many do not find the answer to that question.  They do not find the answer because they believe that the slick program, the talented teachers and speakers should be enough.  While these things may be good they might lack the main thing, which is Christ. 

When Peter and John went to the Temple they did not have anything visible that would help anyone.  These two men were just going to afternoon prayer, when they crossed paths with the beggar at the gate.  The beggar was in need, he had to be carried to the gate, no job no income, and because he could not walk no forward progress on his own.  This sounds like many that we know in life.  They may have whole bodies but they are crippled.  The beggar looks at Peter and John for cash to help his situation, but money was not going to change him.  Our programs may be slick and “with the times”, but they do not change people.  That is what Peter and John were showing when they offered “Jesus Christ of Nazareth”.  It was Jesus that transformed the crippled beggar into a healed and whole man. A whole man that was able to walk for the first time in his life.  It is Christ and Christ alone who is able to change a person.  A program or ministry that does not offer Christ is an empty one.  An empty program is an empty fountain that leaves people empty.  Therefore let all the of endeavors of the church offer Christ first so that those in need are filled and changed.

 

Comment by Raymond E. Watson, Jr on March 27, 2013 at 12:02am

Comment by Apostle D Tyler Brown on March 23, 2013 at 2:56pm

Comment by Michael Thompson on March 20, 2013 at 10:00am

Comment by Raymond E. Watson, Jr on March 11, 2013 at 12:57pm

There is not a lot of talk about sin.  It seems that every church confronts a list of sins that go on the outside of the church.  Folks like to position themselves on the right side of the issue.  However in talking about them they are not called by name, what is used are labels and cute names to describe sin.  The sad result in doing that is that sin is not confronted and what is on the outside of the church creeps in to the inside. 

We do not like to face it, but sin has crept into the one vehicle that is supposed to change the world.  We turn away from it, we cover it up but it is still sin.  It is sin that is killing the power of the church.  In turn sin is killing the church’s witness.  Sin is killing the church because sin separates the people from God. 

We like to cover it up or say that it is not happening, but how many “saints” do you know that are engaged in sinful activity?  It might be the sister that is doing all she can to hold on to a relationship.  What about the brother that conducts business on the corner.  Think about the mother whose phone is like the National Enquirer hotline.  Consider the trustees that slide a few coins off to make the count even.  All these things are sin.  God knows about them and judges accordingly.  The Lord withdraws His power from the people. Without God’s power miracles cannot be worked through the church.  Without God’s power lives cannot be transformed through the church.  With God’s power the church cannot stand up against the enemy. 

The other effect is not only God knows, but those that do not believe know of our “secret sins”.  They know because the ripple effects show up in our daily lives.  It is these ripple effects that destroy our testimony and turn them away from the Living God.  It does not matter how we talk to them or how long they will not be changed, because the power to change them will not be felt (Acts 1:8). This is why it is important to stay away from sin.  Jesus only died once for sin and rose so that we can walk in a new life.  So let us walk in it not looking back to the sins that separated us from it, lest we crucify the Saviour again.

Comment by Michael Evans on March 9, 2013 at 10:26pm

http://youtu.be/TSdsKHSkLxk

I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT. Try saying, “I trust you, Jesus” in response
to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power
and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of my love for you.

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My
sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective
- through the Light of my universal presence - fear loses its grip on you.
Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in
Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow
directly from my hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will
strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me. PSALM 63: 2 ; ISAIAH 40:
10-11 ; PSALM 139: 7-10.

Comment by Michael Evans on March 9, 2013 at 9:32pm

Good morning family: Are U into gifting?

Comment by Apostle Andre De' Barnes on March 9, 2013 at 6:26pm

THANKS FOR FELLOWSHIP

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