December 30, 2018

"Waiting For God"

Luke 2:25-33

Responsive reading: Psalm 37:25-29; Isaiah 40:31

Messenger: Pastor James A. Donald

December 23, 2018

"The Baby Jesus"
Isaiah 7:14; Galatians 4:4
Responsive Reading: Luke 2:8-14
Messenger:
Rev. James D. Spencer

December 16, 2018

"The Good News Announcement"

Luke 1:26-32

Responsive Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 7:14

Messenger: Rev. James A. Donald

"The Reason God Sent Jesus"

Philippians 2:5;9-11

Responsive Reading: Psalm 8:1-9

Messenger{ Pastor James A. Donald

December 2, 2018

"The Door Is Closing"

(Luke 13:24-30)

Responsive Reading:

(Matthew 7:12-14 NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.  (13)  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  (14)  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Messenger: Rev. James Spencer

November 25, 2018

China Grove Church Anniversary

Theme: "God's Church--142 Years and Still Standing"

(Matthew 16:18 KJV)  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Responsive Reading: (2 Chronicles 7:11-14 KJV)  Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.  (12)  And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.  (13)  If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;  (14)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

November 18, 2018

"You Are More Than Conquerors"

Sermon text: Romans 8:35-39

Responsive reading: Psalm 27:1-5

( Psalms 27:1-5 KJV)  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  (2)  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  (3)  Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  (4)  One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.  (5)  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

November 11, 2018

Weekly Sermon & Gospel Message

Subject: "The Days of Our Lives"

     Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Messenger: Rev. James D. Spencer

(Perilous Times)

Responsive reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-3

(1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV)  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  (2)  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;  (3)  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

October 28, 2018

"The Best is Yet to Come" 

Scriptural Text: Isaiah 2:2-4

Responsive reading: Zechariah 8:20-22

Scriptural Text:

Isaiah 2:2-4 KJV  And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.  (3)  And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  (4)  And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Devotional Reading:

Zechariah 8:20-23 KJV  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:  (21)  And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.  (22)  Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. 

 Additional Preparatory Reading:
Micah 4:1-5 KJV  But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.  (2)  And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  (3)  And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.  (4)  But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.  (5)  For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

OCTOBER 21, 2018

"God's Spirit Inside of You"   

(1 John 4:1-4)

Outline:

1. God's Spirit Confesses Jesus Is Lord (v.2)

2. Spirit Inside of You Validates your salvation (vv.3-4)

3. God's Spirit Is Greater Than Satan (v.4c-d)

Scriptural Text:

(1 John 4:1-4 KJV) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  (2)  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  (3)  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  (4)  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Devotional Reading:

(1 John 5:1-5 KJV) Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.  (2)  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  (3)  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.  (4)  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  (5)  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Presenter and Messenger: Pastor James A. Donald

Sunday, October 14-2018

"Show-up, God Has Won Your Battle" (2 Chronicles 20:14-17;24-26a)

Sermon Text Scripture:

(2 Chronicles 20:14-17 NIV) Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.  (15)  He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.  (16)  Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.  (17)  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"  2 Chronicles 20:24-26 NIV  When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.  (25)  So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.  (26)  On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. 

Sermon Outline:

I. The King and People are encouraged by Jahaziel's Prayer (vv.14-15)

II. Jahaziel Encouraged Them to Face Their Fears and the Enemy (v.16)

III. Jahaziel Gave Them Wonderful News (v.17)
IV. Israel Claimed God's Victory Over Their Enemy (vv. 24-26a)

Responsive Reading:

(2 Samuel 5:22-25 NIV)  Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim;  (23)  so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the mulberry trees.  (24)  As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army."  (25)  So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Messenger and presenter: Pastor James A. Donald

September 5, 2018

Messenger and presenter: Rev. James Spencer

Sermon text and subject: "Grace, It's Amazing" (John 9:25)

(John 9:25)  He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
Responsive reading: Psalm 25:14-18
(Psalm 25:14-18) The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.  (15)  Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.  (16)  Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.  (17)  The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.  (18)  Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Sunday September 30, 2018 

Messenger: Pastor James A. Donald

Sermon Title: "Believe God for Your Victory!!!"

Scriptural Background: 
1 John 5:1-5

Responsive reading: 1 John 4:1-4 (ESV)

Sermon reflection:

Practically everyone we know, claims he/she knows something about God, also, claims a legitimate relationship with God. We find the Muslims, Buddhists, Agnostics, Hindus, Alt-right and the Ku-Klux-Klan, all claim some kind of belief in God, according to the leanings of their understanding. However, we as the called out of God, born again Christians, signed, sealed and delivered from Satan's control by the blood of Jesus, must as Jesus commands us, 

(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  (20)  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 

Sermon Outline:

1. Believe Who Jesus is (v.1)
2. 2. Obey and Live God's Commandments (vv.2-3
3. God Has Already Won Your Victory (v.4)

Sunday September 23, 2018 

Messenger: Pastor James A. Donald

Sermon Title: "Seek Jesus for the Right Reason(s)"

Scriptural Background: John 6:25-29

Responsive reading: Proverbs 8:17-21

Sermon reflection:

There seems to be an inclination among Christians and churchgoers to show up to God's houses of worship for reasons many times other than God worship. Some have been led and influenced by false professors of God's Word, into believing in a name it and claim it type of religion. That is, just showing up every Sunday, having not studied at weekly Bible study, never attending Sunday school, and no personal daily devotion. However, just showing up praising pulpit profiteers, not God, duped into believing they will become wealthy by honoring those who have a form of godliness, according to Paul, while having  no real understanding of who God really is. This position however is contrary to what Jesus says in these words: (Matthew 6:33 KJV)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Printed scripture text:

(John 6:25-29 NIV)  When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"  (26)  Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  (27)  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."  (28)  Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"  (29)  Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

Sermon Outline:
1. Man's Spiritual Need for Jesus (John 6:25)
2. Motives for Seeking Jesus (John 6:26-27)
3. Right Reason(s) for Seeking Jesus (John 6:29)

Definition(s):

Rabbi. A title of respect signifying master, teacher, given by the Jews to their doctors and teachers, and often addressed to our Lord.

Eternal life. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal.