ODC Ministries: Conversations with Pastor ODC: Recent Episodes
Otis Dion Culliver
Pastor ODC is the Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Church in Selma, AL and a graduate of Beeson Divinity School. He is a biblical scholar with social consciousness that challenges society to examine itself in light of the scripture. He also encourages believers to fulfill their divine purpose to the glory of God. His messages are compelling, convicting, and challenging. Learn, love, and live the Word through these inspiring messages that are practical and applicable to every day life.
Dr. Otis Dion Culliver has offered himself to serve as the next president of the Southwest District of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention. During the campaign, Dr. Culliver will share his platform and vision for the Southwest District. In this first episode, Dr. Culliver hopes you will get to know him more personally.
Matthew 6:5-8
Where do you pray? Is it openly in public for others to see you? While there is nothing wrong with public prayer, do not let that be the only time you spend time with God. Today, Pastor ODC directs us to go back to our prayer closets and spend some one-on-one time with God.
John 11:20-22
When things are going well in life, it is easy to have faith. But how strong is your faith? Can it withstand your "even now" moments? Today Pastor ODC talks about having faith, even when we encounter dark moments in life.
I Samuel 18
We all want God's favor in our lives. We want the blessings and the increase. But can we truly handle it? Are we ready for the darker side of favor? Today, Pastor ODC explains the side of favor people shy away from discussing and asks us "Can we handle God's favor?"
When embarking on new ventures, we are often told to start strong; and this is important. But how often do we think about finishing well? Let's think about it In all aspects of our lives. Are we living with the end in mind? Today, Pastor ODC tells us, while it is good to start strong, it's even more important to finish well.
At some point in our lives we need grace. Not in the moments when things seem to be perfect but when we find ourselves in low places. Today, Pastor ODC lets us know that life's messy moments is when God's grace is most sufficient.
John 21:1-3
How do you handle being in dark places in life? Do you seek comfort from those closest to you or do you isolate yourself? Today, Pastor ODC lets us know that when we find ourselves in life's pits, God will provide people to be with us in those moments. Our human relationships are just one example of God's grace toward us.
Sermon Series: Standing at the Crossroads: Making Wise Decisions
Sermon Text: Genesis 25:21-34
Luke 10:38-42
How often do we measure our productivity by how many things we accomplish on our to do lists? This frame of mind causes us to overcrowd our days with activity after activity oftentimes leaving off one very important thing. Examine your to do list today. Is Jesus on it?
Sermon Series: Standing at the Crossroads: Making Wise Decisions
Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 & Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Sermon Series: Standing at the Crossroads: Making Wise Decisions
Sermon Text: Luke 14:25-33
Matthew 15:21-28 Everyone has had either a mother or mother-like figure in their life. There are the women who help shape and mold us to be productive people in the world. Oftentimes, it seems as if the love of a mother can fix everything, but in life, you will encounter situations a mother's love cannot resolve. Mothers, when your child comes to these places in life, go to Jesus out of love, WITH faith. He can reach you child even when it feels like you can't.
II Timothy 1:6-7
Oftentimes we look see other people's gifts and wish we could do what they can do. But have we tapped into the gifts God has given us and used them for His glory? Pastor ODC let's us know we should not let fear stop us from using our gifts effectively for God.
I Corinthians 16:5-9
How do you handle opportunities? Do you create your own way when you don't see one or do you wait on God given opportunities? Oftentimes, we believe those God given opportunities should come easily with little to no problems or oppositions. Pastor ODC tells us that is not the case. When opportunities from God come knocking, we will have to jump over some hurdles; but we must believe we are able to withstand it.
If you've ever seen the show Family Matters, then you're familiar with Steve Urkel and his clumsiness. But have you ever thought of yourself as an Urkel, constantly tripping and falling; not physically but spiritually? Today, Pastor ODC tells us how to handle not only our spiritual clumsiness but also how to help those around us when they have fallen and feel as though they can't get up.
Exodus 14:10-18
We have all reached a point in life where we wanted to give in. We were at our breaking point and felt as though we couldn't take anymore. But what if we just held on a little while longer? Just waited to see what God has in store for us if we trust Him through difficult times. Today Pastor ODC shares how going through that breaking point will lead to a breakthrough.
John 2:1-10
We all have times in our lives when we are exhausted physically, mentally, and spiritually. We feel as though we've reached the end of our rope, our breaking point. Today, Pastor ODC asks the question, "Who do you turn to when you feel as though you're running on empty?" Allow God to take you from emptiness to fullness so you can experience the best days of your life
Do you find yourself in a place where you're wondering when it's your time? When you come to this place, Pastor ODC says be patient during this time of preparation. Just like the colt Jesus rode on Palm Sunday, you're purpose is coming.
Joel 2:25
It has been an entire year since COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic. What started out as something that was supposed to affect us for a few weeks has lasted much longer than anyone could have imagined. There were so many things we had planned to do that were not able to come to fruition. While traveling back in time for those experiences would be nice, it's not possible. What is possible is God restoring that time of struggle to something that exceeds our wildest dreams.
John 21:20-23
Did you know you're putting yourself in danger by minding other peoples' business? Do you find yourself obsessed with what God is doing in the lives of others? If you are, today Pastor ODC tells us not to let our lives pass us by, by simply minding our own business.
Deuteronomy 6:20-25
Memories can be powerful, beautiful, and even painful. The memories of our heritage are brought to the forefront during Black History Month as we reflect on the joys and sorrows of African Americans through the years. Pastor ODC uses the lyrics of the Negro national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to help us find our sacred narrative in these memories.
Matthew 7:13-14
Everyone wants to be confident. We are attracted to confidence and look to those we surround ourselves with to help boost our confidence. It is easy to project confidence when you have an entourage but what happens when we don't have the confidence to stand on our own? As Christians, sometimes we have seasons of loneliness where we don't have a clique to give us that confidence boost. Today, Pastor ODC asks the question, as believers where do we find our confidence?
Isaiah 43:25-27
At the end of each president's term, they have the power to pardon people of federal crimes they have committed. This frees that person of being punished for an act they have committed. Have you ever thought about how God pardons our sins daily? How He shows us grace instead of giving us what we deserve? Today, Pastor ODC talks about the peace we will find in God pardoning our sins.
I Corinthians 9:24-27
Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the untimely death of Kobe Bryant. Through Kobe's career and even in his retirement, he had this philosophy of having a "Mamba Mentality". This means living to one's full potential and being your best self in all aspects of life. Today, Pastor ODC encourages us to have a spiritual Mamba Mentality and make God a priority in our lives.
I Samuel 12:24
After all that transpired last year, many people have decided not to make new years resolutions for 2021. And while you may not have a new years resolution, you should still have goals for the year. Pastor ODC challenges us to achieve a collective goal this year; be faithful. He gives us two things that are required of us to reach our goal of being faithful to God.
Hebrews 10:24
Who influences you? Did you know that your name is someone's answer to that question? We all influence someone in someway. But how do we use that influence? Are we using it to help others or hurt them? Today, Pastor ODC discusses how we can be good stewards over our influence and how we can use our influence to make our families, friends, peers, and communities better.
In Part II, Pastor ODC talks about the importance of submitting to God, others, and those in authority to pursue our destiny. He outlines two essential characteristics we must possess for God to carry out His purpose for our lives.
Ephesians 5:21
Submit is a word we often overlook in the Bible, however if we want to gain access to all that God has for us, it is something we must do. Imagine how different the Christmas story would be if Mary had followed her mind instead of divine directions. God wants to do great things in our lives but first, we must submit.
Sermon Series: What's So Special About Christmas?
Sermon III
Sermon Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Romans 15:4
The holiday season is usually a time of hope with the joy of Christmas and the coming new year. But 2020 has been so unpredictable that many seem to have lost hope. For those looking for hope in this difficult season, Pastor ODC tells us where we can find it...in the Word.
I John 4:19
Do you believe in love? When asked that question, our minds probably automatically think of a romantic relationship and some may say no. But the truth is we all believe in love because no matter what, Jesus loves us. And that is why we should love others; because He first loved us.
James 1:19-20
How do you respond when someone does something to hurt you? There have been times when our reactions don't match the offense, it happens. We're human. Pastor ODC tells us what the Bible says about anger and how we should handle that emotion without becoming unhinged.
Romans 8:28
Thanksgiving is a day when we reflect on what we are thankful for. The COVID pandemic has taken so much from us, some might find this hard to do. But if nothing else, we should be thankful that God is still working. Even in unfortunate circumstances, we must remember God works all things for our good and His glory.
James 4:13-16
2020...Many of us started with plans and goals we wanted to accomplish. And then a pandemic stopped the world causing us to press pause on much of what we set out to do. Now is the time to start planning for 2021. Pastor ODC gives us five steps to creating our visions as we prepare for a new year.
We've all experienced rejection at some point in life. But have you ever looked at rejection as a part of God's plan for your life? We see this in the works of Stacy Abrams in the state of Georgia after she lost her bid for governor. She found her direction through rejection. Using her most recent accomplishments as an example, Pastor ODC asks, "When faced with rejection, what are you going to do about it?"
Pastor ODC interviews Pastor Brandaun Love who is the senior pastor of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Perude Hill, Alabama, Morning Star Baptist Church in Uriah, Alabama and Greater Love Fellowship. In this conversation, the pastors discuss Pastor Love's journey to becoming a pastor and how to get young people in church and active in ministry.
Psalm 119:71
When we think about experiencing affliction, we automatically see red flags and expect the worse. But what if we looked for the blessings in seasons of affliction? What if we looked at it as necessary for our spiritual growth? Pastor ODC teaches us to take this season of discomfort and use it for our good.
John 5:1-9
It is Election Day and Pastor ODC has one message...GO VOTE. Today is not the day to make excuses, exercise your right and let your voice be heard.
II Corinthians 10:12
Do you ever scroll through your social media feeds and see your "perfect" life happening for someone else? God does not intend for us to compare ourselves to the accomplishments of others. Pastor ODC shares the dangers of comparing ourselves to other people.
Psalm 97
During election season, we often see people place signs of the candidates they support in their yard. This year, a new sign has emerged that reads "Jesus 2020". Listen to Pastor ODC's thoughts on what this sign means and how it can affect our political decisions.
I Thessalonians 5:6
I Peter 1:13
In today's world, the African American community is constantly fighting for social change. From community led marches to the Black Lives Matter Movement, we are all looking for reform. Last week, Pastor ODC gave us one way to accomplish this; to stop snoozing. This week, he challenges us to approach social change with a sober mind.
I Thessalonians 5:6
As we prepare for a very crucial election in our country, it is imperative that the African American community wake up. Listen to Pastor ODC's thoughts on the first presidential debate and what we must do if we want to see change.
I Corinthians 9:24-27
Everyone wants to be a winner. We all want to be successful in both the temporal and spiritual aspects of our lives. Pastor ODC shares the key word to achieving the success we all desire to attain.
In part two of this series, Pastor ODC discusses grief from a Biblical perspective. Based on the encounter with two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, we will see how to cope with grief in a way that honors Christ.
We are all living in a difficult season right now and experiencing many forms of loss. It can come in the form of the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a lifestyle. And with loss comes grief. Pastor ODC gives us practical ways to deal with grief from a Christian perspective in part one of this series.
It's Pastor ODC's birthday!! As he celebrates, he reflects on his life and the relaunching of ODC Ministries on this day two years ago. Listen to what caused him to go back to what the Lord placed in him and use his example to recast your vision.
John 9:4 As Pastor ODC's birthday approaches, he reflects on his life's purpose. Listen as he explains the importance of knowing and following your purpose.
II Chronicles 20:5-12
COVID 19 has impacted us greatly. We have lost the sense of control we thought we had over our daily lives. We're now forced to live with limitations. Listen as Pastor ODC guides us through how we should work through feelings of powerlessness and how to live with limitations.
Luke 13:6-9 Do you feel as though you didn't reach your full potential in 2019? Are you striving to fulfill your purpose in life? Start now to maximize your potential this year.
Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Pastor Byron Jackson
Greater Thankful Missionary Baptist Church
Anniston, Alabama
We all come to seasons in our lives where God is asking us to step out of our comfort zone, do something we've only dreamed about, not knowing where it could lead us. Do you trust God in the uncertainty of the outcome? In this week's episode, Pastor ODC encourages us to take a leap of faith as we go into 2020.
Genesis 15:1-6 Have you ever been in a place where you trusted God but needed reassurance that He will do what He said? Pastor ODC uses the promise God gave Abram to help us navigate through this place in life as we prepare to enter a new year.
John 11:20-22
When life gets hard can you trust God? We all know it's easy to trust Him when things are going well, but do we have the faith to trust Him when things seem to be falling apart?
Galatians 6:7
"You reap what you sow". We hear this phrase but do we actually apply it to our daily lives? In this week's devotional, Pastor ODC discusses how what we sow affects outcomes in our lives.
Romans 5:1-2
It's the time of year where we count our blessings. Oftentimes, we limit this to material things. As we go into this season of thanksgiving, let us remember the spiritual blessings God has bestowed upon us.
Acts 22, 24, and 26
When it comes to sharing life experiences, we are eager to share those that make us look good, but what if we took the time to share those not so good experiences; the ones where the only way we made it out was by the grace of God? While we may find these embarrassing, it is a story of redemption that could lead someone else to Christ.
Pastor ODC interviews Rev. Colin Lett who is the choral director at Selma High School choir in Selma, Alabama and a member of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church on how to incorporate hymns and contemporary gospel in worship service.
Luke 5:1-11 There are times in life when things get difficult to the point where you want to give up but God says it's not time. You have to take that chance, launch out and try again.
3 John 1:2
We all desire to be prosperous in one way or another but is spiritual prosperity a priority? Make it one by using the three keys to spiritual prosperity outlined by Pastor ODC.
Life can become overwhelming and affect us physically, mentally, and spiritually but we have been given a guide on what to do when anxiety plagues us.
I Samuel 16:10-13
It might seem like God is taking you on the scenic route to get to what He has promised you but if you will give Him full control, you will get there...in His time.
Pastor ODC interviews Pastor Brandon Blake and Anita Watkins-Stevens who serve as the Senior Pastor and Minister of Music at the New Sunny Mount Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri on how they describe their partnership in leading worship at their local church.
Ruth 1:19-22
Get ready for everything God has in store for you as you relinquish the disappointments of your past and embrace the promise of your next season.
Romans 4:17-21
Do you feel frustrated, angry, or anxious while waiting on God? Are you worried that God won't fulfill His promises toward you? This week's devotional will help you deal with all of those feelings while you wait on God.
Has God ever called on you to do something you didn't think was possible? Are you fearful of how things will go once you answer God's call? Join Pastor ODC in this week's devotional to learn how to trust God's heart toward you.