Community Church Atlanta - The Message: Recent Episodes
Community Church Atlanta
Unfortunately too many people settle for less than God’s best. They start on a journey toward a better life and somewhere on the journey they settle for something mediocre rather than pursuing their best life. They may not die physically, but their dream dies, their vision dies, their passion dies and their zeal dies. Why? Because too many people gave up and did not press into the best that God had for them.
In this season of social unrest due to systemic racism and injustice in our nation, we are witnessing protests led primarily by young people to address and attack these issues. It is our hope that America will abandon unjust practices and live up to its creed is liberty and justice for all. The best path to accomplishing this goal is to stir up love and good works.
When God gets ready to move among His people He always chooses a leader to lead His people according to the biblical models. In each book of the Bible there is a leader celebrated for their integrity, influence or inspiration. Every leader has a following. According to John Maxwell, “If you are a leader and no one is following you, you are just taking a walk.”
Pastor-Select Kevin Earley reminds us that God can arrange and rearrange things in your life so what was not supposed to happen, happens.
Guest Preacher Rev Portia Wills-Lee uses John 3:16 to remind us that love has the power to change.
Jesus is teaching us that we should learn to love God with our all: all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. The tiny word “all” is used 5,675 times in the Bible depending on the translation you are reading. It is a small word that means a great deal, yet we pay so little attention to it. The word “all” can change the entire context of scripture. Where does all stop? How far does it go and what does it include?
As we celebrate Black history month I want to remind you that God loves His people. The Bible records a story of God’s chosen people named Israel, their oppression, their struggles and their triumph. This is a reminder that God is always on the side of the oppressed, the struggling and the weary. In those moments of uncertainty when it seems that we cannot feel the presence of God, nor experience His peace we should be reassured that God loves His people.
Minister Allyson Smith reminds us to remember what God has promised us, show up and do the work with God through the process and praise God for the yes and no's.
Rev David Dillard challenges us to keep the faith and go to God when our belief begins to waver.
At the recent Youth Convention in Pittsburgh, one of the ministers spoke about “The Hope of Heaven.” The theme of the convention was “Family Reunion.” It was refreshing to hear a young preacher talk about the importance of heaven and the family reunion that will take place there. The gateway to comprehending heaven is to understand “The Righteousness of God.” In other words if we don’t get right with God then we can miss heaven.
We often quote this scripture: “This is the day which the Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it. “ (Psalm 118:24) We are not only celebrating a new day but a new week, a new month, a new year and a new decade. The year 2020 is symbolic of God giving us another chance to get things right. Many people are talking about 20/20 vision which means we want to see things more clearly through God’s eyes. 20/20 vision should lead to us to fulfilling God’s mission which is His plan for our lives.
Guest Preacher, Rev Dennis Kidd uses Acts 27:1-8 as text to help us maneuver through the storms of life.
Rev Felecia Pearson Smith and Minister Allyson Smith team up to give us a word for when we can't make sense of God's promises.
In this season of celebrations, we must remember as Christians that all glory, praise and honor go to the newborn King whom we call Jesus. While we are excited about the bright lights, the many celebrations in music and fellowship, we should highlight the star of the Christmas and holiday season.
In this season of giving and receiving many of us focus on the giving more than the receiving. We celebrate that God gave us His Son but few of us think about how we can give back to His Son. The wise men brought Him gifts as a child. Today as children of God we are prepared to bring our Lord a gift. Our text reminds us that “For all things come from You (God) and of Your own we have given You.” We celebrate Christ’s gift.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is not something we can earn or work for but it is the favor that God gives us many times undeserved. Grace is God filling in the gap when we cannot achieve our goal on our own. Grace is God looking beyond our faults to meet our need. Grace like love never runs out because God gives more grace like He multiplies His love.
Generosity is a gift for some and a learned behavior for others. In other words some of us are by nature willing to give generously while others learn the blessings received by becoming generous givers. Giving begins with our attitude which is reflective of the things in our heart. We choose to be selfish or generous. Selfishness is keeping my resources for me unless I can see the benefit of my sharing. Generosity means I am giving expecting nothing in return.
Guest Preacher Rev Dr Kevin Earley takes us through the subject matter of "Quid Pro Quo".
Generosity is a natural behavior for some people and a learned behavior for others. This is why we all should learn “I will give generously.” You can tell more about a person from their checkbook than anything else. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:21) Where our money goes is a reflection of our heart.
Pastors are celebrated, criticized and often misunderstood. They are misunderstood because many people do not understand the depth of their labor. A good pastor will labor in preparing sermons and bible study lessons. The preparation includes prayer time. Pastors are criticized for not spending enough time in the office when they are in the field and for spending too much time in the field when they can be in the office. A good pastor should be concerned about the sheep in their congregation and the welfare of the community.
Guest Preacher Rev Dr Laura Adams King tells us not to be discouraged that it is indeed our time.
Honoring Spiritual Leadership is not being celebrated today as it was when I was younger. People used to respect the office of pastor by supporting the pastor and church with consistent attendance, sacrificing their time to bless others while serving with joy and humility to make God, the church and their leader look good. The church had a passion to witness other lives changed as we are being changed.
Guest Preacher Minister Vickie Keyes tells us that purpose does not have an expiration date as she leads our Women's Day service.
We must remember that the church is made of people who are willing to serve, sacrifice and support the work of the church so that we can fulfill the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is time for Christians to “I will get involved in the church”. Every church member should have at least one ministry in which they are rendering service.
Whenever it is time to build a bridge, there is always a gap. Most bridges are over water so that we can cross to the other side. In modern times bridges are built in cities to expedite traffic flow on the highways. The purpose of a bridge is to connect that which normally would not be connected. We are living in a time when God is seeking a person who is able to connect people.
The church is a place that Jesus established for God to execute His mission on the earth. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 …“upon this rock I will build my church…” which is reflective that the church was not built before Jesus time. The house of worship in Jesus’ day was the temple and the synagogue. Now He introduces the church as the place for Christians to do God’s work.
All around us we see lives collapsing with broken hearts and broken homes and broken hopes—with shattered minds and shattered emotions and shattered bodies. What has gone wrong? The foundation on which the majority of people are building their lives is cracked and flawed. The Bible tells us there is only one foundation for individual or national life that will last, regardless of the crisis or pressure, and it is the foundation of Jesus Christ.
Guest Preacher Rev Andly Odle ministers to us about how the church should and care for all.
Our theme this month is “I will not be a church dropout.” As church attendance continues to decline we must make a conscious choice not to become a church dropout. We must talk about the cause of church dropouts, discover the cure for people leaving the church and align ourselves to the mission of the church. We must stop focusing on the “I” syndrome in the church and begin to focus on the “we can” syndrome. We must be intentional in building the church with Christ.
The church should make a difference in the community spiritually, morally, politically and socially. When members of the church get involved in the community our Christian witness is expanded. Many people want to do good in the community but few want to acknowledge that their work is because of Christ. The church should consist of members who desire to make the community a better place to live.
We are living in a time when people appreciate a church with a great ministry. They want to experience great singing, preaching, greeters and children church. In other words folk desire for everything to look good but few want to get involved in making things look good. Some people prefer streaming the service rather than praying in the service. Somehow we have forgotten that the church can only do what church members are willing do.
Minister Sybil O'Neal uses Psalm 100 to remind us that in being a joyous church member, we also need to celebrate our cheerfulness.
Appointments are a part of the fabric of life. Every day we make an appointment in our daily routine or for a special meeting. Too many people fail to make an appointment with God. That is reflected in their designated time for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with believers.
Today we follow the biblical commandment to honor our fathers on this day that the nation calls Father’s Day. We celebrate dads who have taken care of their families, cheered for us and loved us. We honor our parents not because they are perfect but because it is God’s will for us to do so. Many of us have had issues with our parents as well as our parents have had issues with us. True love and honor looks beyond faults, flaws and failures to seek the best for others.
Guest Preacher, Rev Dr Kevin Earley uses Psalm 137:7-9 to tackle how we deal with anger.
June could be called the joy month. There are many celebrations that take place this month such as graduations, weddings, anniversaries, Father’s Day, vacations and birthdays. All these celebrations symbolize some type of accomplishment. An accomplishment brings joy and happiness to the one who has achieved their goal and to their family and friends who love them.
When you feel you have been attacked or unjustly criticized the natural response is to defend yourself. There are times when people should defend themselves; there are times when a nation should defend itself, but many fights are avoidable. This nation had to defend itself when we were attacked in Pearl Harbor. The Civil War could have been avoided if the South had recognized the humanity and rights of people of color. Too many times we have reacted when we were attacked or criticized, rather than respond graciously.
Guest Preacher Reverend James Brown Sr takes on the subject of what it means to walk worthy
It is important for us to understand that God loves us unconditionally. He does not love us because of our goodness, righteousness or purity but He loves us when we are messy, rebellious and disobedient. In other words, God does not love us according to our perfections but He loves us in the midst of our imperfections. Just like any good parent, who loves their child in good times and bad times, our Heavenly Father loves us at all times.
Minister Katrina Artison discusses unconventional grace and reminds us that even when it seems hopeless, God still loves and cares for us and wants the best for us.
Last week Tiger Woods stunned the golf world by winning the prestigious Master’s Tournament. Confirming that he won this championship after 14 years of a dry spell the television announcer said, “The Return to Glory.” As I pondered this statement I was a little puzzled. We celebrate the fact that Tiger has won a championship after overcoming many physical and emotional challenges but he does not deserve the glory. Glory belongs to God and to Him alone.
Too many people believe that the Lord should serve us and fewer and fewer folks in this dispensation are trying to discover how we can serve the Savior. When we are sick we want Him to heal us; when we are in trouble we want Him to deliver us; when we are lost we want Him to lead us. God is more than a cosmic bellhop who responds to us every time we ring.
Rev Cory Bridges presents the Maundy Thursday sermon entitled "Let Not your Heart be Troubled".
Jesus had such a great personality and work that people were drawn to Him. Some people flocked to Him to receive something such as a healing, others to witness miracles or to get a blessing. Still others could have followed Him because it was a popular thing to do. There is another group involved in a serving revolution that followed Him because they wanted to serve and support Him.Each of us should examine our motives as we serve and support the Master.
Sacrificial service is slowly fading away. People who volunteer their service make a sacrifice of their time as they utilize their talent. A few years ago there was a popular saying “What would Jesus do?” The answer to that question is dependent on one’s perception of Jesus. If one sees Jesus as a keeper of the law then one is less likely to demonstrate compassion to others. If one sees Jesus as a loving Savior then one is more likely to demonstrate grace and mercy.
Guest Preacher Rev Dr Walter Brown uses Mark 9:14-27 to discuss the topic: How Long has He been like that?
Many churches are not growing today because they have lost their passion for lost souls. The primary business of the church is to win people to Jesus Christ. Jesus’ instructions to His disciples were to make disciples that is, to bring people into the Christian faith. Too many church folk want to serve the church in various ministries (from the pulpit to the pew) but very few want to involve themselves in an evangelism strategy.
One of the things that can make a ministry ineffective is immature Christians. Too many people gather each week to be served but few gather to serve. Ministry is serving others. Not only do we need Bible Study to grow in ministry and prayer to grow spiritually but our involvement in ministry is part of our spiritual development.
The word fellowship simply means sharing together. If a person is in isolation or not part of a group then they cannot participate in fellowship because they are not sharing. We can share
information, aspirations, and inspiration with one another in fellowship. A fellowship group has a common bond, goal or purpose they share.
Rev Cheryl S Benefield challenges us to pursue God's will for our life by Living with Contentment, Loving with Compassion and Liberating with Confession.
Every church has a unique personality. You may find similarities in their worship experience however there can be a difference in the people’s attitude and response, their love or liturgy,their hospitality and fellowship. There are no perfect churches but there is a church that fits your faith or personality. God has designed a diversity of churches for a diversity of personalities so that we can discover our perspective on worship.
The greatest division in the church stems from the approach to worship. Many people’s choice for a house of worship and even their ability to worship is contingent on style. If a church is too quiet some people feel they cannot worship. If a church is too noisy another group may feel that they cannot worship.
For many Christians, other activities are primary while the worship service has become an optional afterthought. Corporate worship should not be an option but it should be a consistent and persistent practice of all believers.
True worship manifests itself in the individual‘s response to the majesty of God. In other words no one can worship for you. True biblical worship manifests itself in the experience with other believers. We call that corporate worship. In the Christian context some call it “going to church.” You can go to church and not worship. True worship springs from the heart and soul.
Minister Allyson Smith reminds us to support our call, our love and peace because God has never stopped supporting us.
We are living in a time when people want the church to serve them but they are not willing to serve the church. Let me remind you that it takes people to serve in the church and if people are not willing to serve there would be no church.
Guest Preacher, Dr. Shawn Adams teaches on how the power of the living word can helps us in our attitudes.
Our text is about a people who had survived the devastation of a burned city called Jerusalem. The city laid in ruins for years because the survivors were overcome with grief that they could not muster up the energy to rebuild the city. But God gave one man a vision to rebuild the city and restore its glory.
Minister Shawn Howard deals with our complaints to God, and that God is telling us "I got it", "Do you get it", now "Get Going".
Minister Allyson Smith continues to look at the birth narrative in Luke Chapter 2, this time through the story of the Prophet Anna as we look to hold on to our hope.
Executive Pastor, Rev Felecia Pearson Smith takes a look the Gospel of Luke and the birth narrative through the eyes of Simeon and how this story can encourage us to wait on God.
David had a desire to help his son Solomon to build a house for God and called it a temple. He led the way by giving his resources so the project could begin. God’s son Jesus was not warmly received in the temple (the house of worship) so Jesus announced to His disciples that He would build His Church which is another house of worship. (Matthew 16:18) His disciples sold their possessions and laid them at the apostles’ feet to enhance the church.
While we are thankful for the blessings we receive, we are preparing to receive more blessings or give more during the Christmas season. It is in the holiday season that we witness the ways in which God will provide. Those who are hungry are being fed, children sit in anticipation of their desired gifts, and agencies like Habitat for Humanity provide homes for people who cannot afford to buy one. It is in this season of giving and receiving that we observe how God can provide for people through people.
Prosperity and blessings are synonymous in the biblical context. Blessings and prosperity mean that we are receiving the favor of God. Generosity is a stepping stone to our prosperity. There is no better indicator of growth in the life of a Christian than in the area of giving. We should give cheerfully, not grudgingly. When giving is cheerful it will be generous. God is not overly concerned with the amount of the gift, but with the motive that lies behind the giving.
The things that we possess are the things that God has given to us to manage. Stewardship is how we manage the possessions assigned to us. When we manage our resources and assets well we are called faithful stewards. Unfaithful stewards are persons who do not manage the possessions assigned to them. Our possessions can be material, spiritual or emotional.
If you could choose to do anything without worrying about the resources to get it done, what would you do? Your answer to this question is your passion. Your passion can be anything you enjoy doing without receiving compensation.
One of the final sermons of Rev Dr James Earl Massey from our archives. Dr Massey blessed on May 15, 2016.
If you have been journeying with us in our Bible study, you will have discovered that some ministers are in ministry to enhance their own reputation rather than develop people into the character of Christ. When you find a pastor that loves their people and a people that love their pastor it should be celebrated. It is God’s desire for the pastor to love His people and the people to love their pastor.
Guest Preacher Bishop Timothy J Clarke takes a look at Psalm 138:7-8 as the text for his message.
Guest Preacher Rev Khaliah Williams, Ph.d, takes a look at I Corinthians 15:1-10 as the text for her sermon.
Every group of people needs a leader. We find good examples of leaders in the animal kingdom. Bees have a queen. Wolves have an alpha male. Geese fly in a formation that allows the leader
to fall back and be replaced when tired. The lion, not Tarzan is considered the king of the jungle. Leaders see more, think ahead and possess wisdom that others note and decide to follow. A leader is a step ahead of their followers. His/her task is to unite the people to
accomplish a goal.
Many people look to a particular person as a leader. Biblically speaking God always chooses a leader when He is ready to move His people or move among His people. Every book in the Bible celebrates the personality of one or more leaders that God chose to lead His people.
Guest Preacher Rev Kevin Earley D.Miv, takes a look at II Kings 4:1-7 as the text for his message.
In the evangelical churches there is much emphasis on personal salvation. Some churches’ strength is the social gospel which is salvation of the community. There are scriptures to support both theological positions. God’s church should proclaim personal salvation and community salvation.
The church was designed to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of people. She recruits people to serve other people. Most of us serve voluntarily while some persons serve involuntarily to fill a gap. We voluntarily serve because we believe in the mission of the church...
Guest Preacher Rev Harold Moore reminds that while the cave can be a place of solitude it is also a place where we can become strengthened.
We were created to serve our God, our family and one another. Unfortunately, too many people are serving themselves and neglecting to serve God. As Christians the God we serve is Jesus Christ. Many people want God to serve them but they choose not to serve God.
Minister Sybil O'Neal reminds us that Real Fellowship involves us showing sympathy, mercy and peace to others.
The church mission should be twofold: 1. Winning souls to Jesus Christ to build the church and expand the Kingdom of God; 2. to make a difference in our world by upholding a moral conscience as we proclaim truth and righteousness while we assist the least, lost and left behind. In other words the church is in the business of evangelism as well as the social gospel.
Rev Cheryl S Benefield explores II Kings as we take a look at "Fellowship for Restoration"
God created us to live together in a community. He told Adam, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2: 18) When two or more persons gather together in the spirit of agreement it is called fellowship. The first community or fellowship we encounter is the family.
One of the key takeaway's that Minister Dow reminds of is that Living in the Light of God is greater than being in the absence of trouble.
Friendship is one of the most valuable assets that one can possess. If you find one good friend with whom you can share your heart, you have found a treasure. Celebrate your friendship because it is truly a blessing. Some people discover friends in their family including their spouse or siblings. A true friend will celebrate your achievements and stand with you in your crisis.
Guest Speaker Apostle Oscar Hoffmeester explores II Kings chapters 5, 7 & 8, showing us how God can take our mistakes from setbacks to comebacks.
Too many relationships have broken up due to a misunderstanding. Clear communication is a difficult task for many of us. We choose friends because initially we believe they understand us and we understand them. The strength of a relationship is working through the conflicts and misunderstandings.
It has been noted that good friends are hard to find. Most of us have acquaintances but few of us have close friends. Every day our paths cross with people but very seldom do we meet a new friend. We might discover a friend through a mutual friend, on our jobs, in school, at a social event or church. Every now and then God allows us to meet someone who is like minded and shares our values.
Reproduction for plants and animals begins with a seed. The human carrier of the seed is a man. Reproduction in the human body requires the seed of a man to connect with the egg of a woman. All of us have a daddy but not all of us have a father. A daddy is involved in the
reproduction of a child; a father is involved in the care, concern and compassion for his child.
Rev David Dillard reminds us that even when storms come our way, God is still with us and preparing us to bear fruit.
Every fruit comes from a seed. Seeds are expected to reproduce their own kind. Vegetables produce vegetables, fruit produces fruit and animals produce animals. Production gives a sense of accomplishment. All of us want to feel that we have accomplished something. Today we celebrate persons who have accomplished their goal of academic achievement.
Family can be described as persons who share the same genealogy. You cannot deny members of this family because we are related by blood. When family is not blood related it means that a person is adopted. Adoption is manifested in two ways: legally and by love.