Too often- I think, the majority of Christians call the names of only the most popular preachers on the national scene when asked to provide a list of "great preachers".
Recently, I've had the privilege of hearing and hosting two great preachers right here in Arizona. Who are the two you ask? First, Reverend Arthur Lee Jr., pastor of the great Bethlehem Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona. Pastor Lee was our guest preacher at the 7:50AM service for our 3rd Annual Senior Saints Sunday at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Mesa Arizona.
Wow! What a sermon... what a preacher! Pastor Lee has been a long-time preaching personality on the scene here in the 'valley of the sun'. He's served in various capacities with respect to the State Convention, community agencies and the like. But without question one of his greatest gifts is preaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lee took me to school as he preached a dynamic and clear gospel message centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ on the cross. His message was challenging, life changing and encouraging. And, watch this- he didn't take all day to do it.
I thank my God upon each remembrance of this wonderful pastor and his Christ-centered sermon.
For the same ocassion, on the same Sunday morning at our 10:20AM service, Rev. James N. Preston, pastor of the Bethesda Community Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona preached The Gospel of Jesus Christ at CMBC.
Pastor Preston brought a phenomenal message that blessed our congregation in great ways. His preaching was practical, powerful and absolutely carefully crafted. He walked through the passage, breaking down key words and phrases, presenting The Gospel of Jesus Christ with clarity. Then, he closed. Pastor Preston closed the sermon in a great way.
The Lord blessed him to "hit on all cylinders".
These are just two examples of local preachers who presented a wonderful word to us. Men, who like me, may not make the list of the 50 greatest preachers ... according to Ebony Magazine or some other publication. But still great preachers in their own right.
During the Pastor Summit 2009, our chief facilitator, Dr. Fred Campbell, encouraged those pastor's in attendance, to seek the "Amen" of God; as opposed to the "Amen" of men. That said, when I come to the end of my days, (and, quite frankly while I'm walking in this world right now); I want to hear The LORD say "Amen" to what I'm doing... to what I'm preaching... to how I'm living!
I take nothing from the great preachers who have been recognized on the national and international scene, but let's not forget my brothers and sisters, there are preachers who've come and gone, that can out preach any one of us ... on any given Sunday. Some of them preached sermons in back alley's, never in a pulpit. Some of them preached sermons in small country towns, never on large stages or pulpits around America and the world. Most of them, we've never even heard of I'm sure. But believe this, when we get to heaven, there will be some people (some preacher's); walking around with rewards that astound us; while some other, well known, much applauded preacher's will be there too- but with minimal "hardware" if you will.
Let me be clear now, I believe we will all "cast down our crowns"- our rewards and accolades at the feet of Jesus Christ. The point I'm trying to make is be faithful in what you do for The LORD as a gospel preacher. And remember you're doing it for Him, through Him and by Him... so to God be the glory- ALL THE GLORY for the things He has done, is doing and shall yet perform.
Preach On!
Sherman J. Fort
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
JUST JESUS!
District Associations, State Conventions, National Conventions...
This week marks the 89th Annual Session of the Paradise Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona Incorporated.
Upon joining the convention I was asked to serve as President of the Minister's Conference. A job I took on with joy and enthusiasm. At this year's Annual Session, on the "Minister's Conference" night, I was blessed to preach just prior to Rev., Dr., Jerry Carter, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown New Jersey.
My, my, my, what a preacher. He shared a poignant and powerful message that helped me personally. He titled it: "News From Another Network". One of the things he shared that my wife quoted to me today while riding in the car is the idea that hard work must accompany the gifts God has graced us with.
Friday of this week is "president's night". Our new president of the Paradise State Convention is Rev., Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix Arizona. I expect he's going to preach a dynamic and daring message that will challenge the convention to change in a manner that calls for Christian courage.
In addition to being part of the PMBSC (and consequently the National Baptist Convention of America USA Incorporated); I also associate with the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention (part of the national Southern Baptist Convention). I've been impressed for some time by the emphasis they seem to place on evangelism, missions and discipleship.
No matter what convention you're a part of, ... or not a part of for that matter- make sure you're part of the family of God. You can join God's family by placing your faith in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
All conventions have their problems. And most of them have some really good points too. I look forward to the day when we will all gather under the banner of love... God's love. No more conventions, no more presidents, no more cabinets, no more denominations... just JESUS!
Agape,
Pastor Fort
This week marks the 89th Annual Session of the Paradise Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona Incorporated.
Upon joining the convention I was asked to serve as President of the Minister's Conference. A job I took on with joy and enthusiasm. At this year's Annual Session, on the "Minister's Conference" night, I was blessed to preach just prior to Rev., Dr., Jerry Carter, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown New Jersey.
My, my, my, what a preacher. He shared a poignant and powerful message that helped me personally. He titled it: "News From Another Network". One of the things he shared that my wife quoted to me today while riding in the car is the idea that hard work must accompany the gifts God has graced us with.
Friday of this week is "president's night". Our new president of the Paradise State Convention is Rev., Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix Arizona. I expect he's going to preach a dynamic and daring message that will challenge the convention to change in a manner that calls for Christian courage.
In addition to being part of the PMBSC (and consequently the National Baptist Convention of America USA Incorporated); I also associate with the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention (part of the national Southern Baptist Convention). I've been impressed for some time by the emphasis they seem to place on evangelism, missions and discipleship.
No matter what convention you're a part of, ... or not a part of for that matter- make sure you're part of the family of God. You can join God's family by placing your faith in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
All conventions have their problems. And most of them have some really good points too. I look forward to the day when we will all gather under the banner of love... God's love. No more conventions, no more presidents, no more cabinets, no more denominations... just JESUS!
Agape,
Pastor Fort
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