I've just returned (early I might add) from the E. K. Bailey International Expository Preaching Conference in Dallas Texas.
The conference was held at the Fairmont hotel in downtown Dallas. It was well attended and a real blessing to me. The teaching and preaching were wonderful. While I suspect that there was a good deal of consistency with respect to the quality of information shared in each class, I can offer personal testimony from the class I took with Dr. Ralph D West. I believe this is my third time sitting a class taught by Dr. West. Each time, this time especially the class was helpful.
On this ocassion Dr. West taught a class that dealt with planning for "series preaching". Among other things Dr. West shared some insight with respect to his personal sermon/series preaching preparation method. He listed some of the pros and cons with respect to planned preaching. He ended the class by answering questions from the ministers in the class. It was a real blessing.
Dr. West and Dr Joel C. Gregory are two Gospel preachers I am listening to quite a bit right now. Their preaching is encouraging, inspiring and most of all Biblical. I thank our God for these two great preachers.
The E. K. Bailey Conference also afforded me my first opportunity to hear Rev. Craig Oliver, pastor of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Georgia. Wow! What a preacher. I was blessed by his message. Dr. Duduit opened the conference with the first evening lecture. What a presentation. It was challenging and Christ centered.
I could go on and on about each speaker. I truly enjoyed the conference. I hope to attend again next year. I encouraged the associate ministers at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church where I serve to go. None did this year. Let me encourage all gospel preachers who desire to gather in one place with other Gospel preachers to prayerfully consider attending this conference. It's a great place to hear a number of really good preachers, attend great classes and get involved in good fellowship.
Moreover, your wife can attend as well, as Dr. Sheila Bailey (the widow of Dr. E. K. Bailey) hosts the S.T.A.N.D. Conference at the same time and location as the preaching conference. So brothers whhile you're attending the one piece, your bride can be in attendance at the other piece.
Agape,
S. J. Fort
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
i am grateful
GOD IS AMAZING AND HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.
I HAVEN'T WRITTEN ANYTHING IN A WHILE. MUCH HAS HAPPENED IN MY LIFE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. I HOPE TO WRITE AGAIN SOON WHEN I HAVE USE OF BOTH HANDS.
FOR NOW I WANT TO THANK PASTOR R G MOORE, PASTOR LOUIS SPEARS, PASTOR MILTON PLEASANT, PASTOR WESLEY JONES SR., HE'S PREACHING AT CMBC RIGHT NOW... ON THAT NOTE I WANT TO THANK MINISTER KEVIN SWINDLE, BRO. ARZALE SMITH AND OUR A/V MINISTRY FOR MAKING THE SERVICES AVAILABLE, LIVE ONLINE. I WANT TO THANK MY TWIN SISTER AND GOSPEL PREACHER, REV. SHERMAINE N. FORT. DEACON BILL WARREN, BRO. EZRA WILLIAMS, CHAIRMAN GLENN DOTSON, DEACON KEVIN L. MCCLELLAND SR., DEACON LARRY DAVIS, DEACON EMERSON TURNER AND THE OTHERS WHO PAID TRIBUTE TO SIS FORT AN I DURING OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
THANK YOU CMBC FAMILY FOR YOUR PRAYERS, CARDS AND WELL WISHES.
THANK YOU TO A TRULY REMARKABLE WOMAN, WIFE, MOTHER AND MORE SIS ANGELA M. FORT. THANK YOU YO TWO PRICELESS DAUGHTERS KIARA AND KENNEDI.
BUT MOST OF ALL I'M GRATEFUL TO THE LORD GOD MOST HIGH, THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST MY SAVIOR AND LORD. TO THE PRECIOUS AND EVER PRESENT HOLYSPIRIT... THANK YOU LORD.
I HAVEN'T WRITTEN ANYTHING IN A WHILE. MUCH HAS HAPPENED IN MY LIFE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. I HOPE TO WRITE AGAIN SOON WHEN I HAVE USE OF BOTH HANDS.
FOR NOW I WANT TO THANK PASTOR R G MOORE, PASTOR LOUIS SPEARS, PASTOR MILTON PLEASANT, PASTOR WESLEY JONES SR., HE'S PREACHING AT CMBC RIGHT NOW... ON THAT NOTE I WANT TO THANK MINISTER KEVIN SWINDLE, BRO. ARZALE SMITH AND OUR A/V MINISTRY FOR MAKING THE SERVICES AVAILABLE, LIVE ONLINE. I WANT TO THANK MY TWIN SISTER AND GOSPEL PREACHER, REV. SHERMAINE N. FORT. DEACON BILL WARREN, BRO. EZRA WILLIAMS, CHAIRMAN GLENN DOTSON, DEACON KEVIN L. MCCLELLAND SR., DEACON LARRY DAVIS, DEACON EMERSON TURNER AND THE OTHERS WHO PAID TRIBUTE TO SIS FORT AN I DURING OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
THANK YOU CMBC FAMILY FOR YOUR PRAYERS, CARDS AND WELL WISHES.
THANK YOU TO A TRULY REMARKABLE WOMAN, WIFE, MOTHER AND MORE SIS ANGELA M. FORT. THANK YOU YO TWO PRICELESS DAUGHTERS KIARA AND KENNEDI.
BUT MOST OF ALL I'M GRATEFUL TO THE LORD GOD MOST HIGH, THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST MY SAVIOR AND LORD. TO THE PRECIOUS AND EVER PRESENT HOLYSPIRIT... THANK YOU LORD.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Reconsider The Invitation!
"Reconsider The Invitation". These words make up the title of a wonderful sermon preached by the legendary Rev., Dr. Fred G. Sampson.
Pastor Sampson preached this sermon many years ago from a passage in the book of the Revelation. In his introduction he told a story about an invitation he'd received to preach somewhere. He went on to say that he'd mistakenly discarded the invitation only to re-discover in the trash bin later. He then re-considered the invitation.
I've just come back from a walk around the hotel where I am staying here in Carson California. The walk was good. The weather is beautiful. I like walking in part because it gives me an opportunity to reflect and reconsider some things.
This afternoon I'm reconsidering the love, mercy and grace of our God toward me. God is so gracious, merciful, loving and kind... and I love Him. The LORD has given me several opportunities to preach His Word to His people. Lately, (as I've said in a previous 'blog'- I'm more convinced than ever before that I (that is all of us Gospel preachers); should not accept every invitation that comes our way.
As preachers and pastors we receive invitations to pray at community and political functions. We receive invitations to serve on boards and committee's. We receive invitations to preach here and there. However, I can't help but wonder just how many of those invitations really come from The LORD. That is to say, how many of the invitations we receive do you suppose really are 'God approved'?
I remember meeting Dr. Mason many years ago in Los Angeles California. I was told that Dr. Mason was known not just as a preacher and pastor, but also as a man of prayer. I was told that often he would meet a young preacher and say to them: "Let me pray for you". He'd then commence to praying at that very moment. That was my experience when I was introduced to him in a hotel lobby by another Pastor. He greeted me, we shook hands, then right there in lthe lobby, in front of the elevators, he bowed his head and prayed for me. Wow. What an experience.
In addition to hearing that Dr. Mason was a man of prayer, I also heard that he wa a man who prayed specifically about invitations he received to preach at various places. I'm told that it was not uncommon for him to respond to an invitation with words that went something like this: "Let me pray about it and I'll get back to you". I'm told he was known on ocassion to follow-up that response with words that went something like this: "I'm flattered, but I have to refuse the invitation. The LORD hasn't given me clearance to come. And if I come I'll be blocking someone else from coming... perhaps the very one The LORD has chosen".
I heard Dr. Mason died just a few short months ago. I hope that his prayer habit hasn't died with him. On a personal note, I'm committed to praying about invitations before I accept them.
All that said, let me say this to you now- If you are not in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ right now. Know that He is standing with His arms wide open inviting you to join Him. If you've considered His invitation before and declined, let me beg you to reconsider His invitation. He loves you.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
Pastor Sampson preached this sermon many years ago from a passage in the book of the Revelation. In his introduction he told a story about an invitation he'd received to preach somewhere. He went on to say that he'd mistakenly discarded the invitation only to re-discover in the trash bin later. He then re-considered the invitation.
I've just come back from a walk around the hotel where I am staying here in Carson California. The walk was good. The weather is beautiful. I like walking in part because it gives me an opportunity to reflect and reconsider some things.
This afternoon I'm reconsidering the love, mercy and grace of our God toward me. God is so gracious, merciful, loving and kind... and I love Him. The LORD has given me several opportunities to preach His Word to His people. Lately, (as I've said in a previous 'blog'- I'm more convinced than ever before that I (that is all of us Gospel preachers); should not accept every invitation that comes our way.
As preachers and pastors we receive invitations to pray at community and political functions. We receive invitations to serve on boards and committee's. We receive invitations to preach here and there. However, I can't help but wonder just how many of those invitations really come from The LORD. That is to say, how many of the invitations we receive do you suppose really are 'God approved'?
I remember meeting Dr. Mason many years ago in Los Angeles California. I was told that Dr. Mason was known not just as a preacher and pastor, but also as a man of prayer. I was told that often he would meet a young preacher and say to them: "Let me pray for you". He'd then commence to praying at that very moment. That was my experience when I was introduced to him in a hotel lobby by another Pastor. He greeted me, we shook hands, then right there in lthe lobby, in front of the elevators, he bowed his head and prayed for me. Wow. What an experience.
In addition to hearing that Dr. Mason was a man of prayer, I also heard that he wa a man who prayed specifically about invitations he received to preach at various places. I'm told that it was not uncommon for him to respond to an invitation with words that went something like this: "Let me pray about it and I'll get back to you". I'm told he was known on ocassion to follow-up that response with words that went something like this: "I'm flattered, but I have to refuse the invitation. The LORD hasn't given me clearance to come. And if I come I'll be blocking someone else from coming... perhaps the very one The LORD has chosen".
I heard Dr. Mason died just a few short months ago. I hope that his prayer habit hasn't died with him. On a personal note, I'm committed to praying about invitations before I accept them.
All that said, let me say this to you now- If you are not in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ right now. Know that He is standing with His arms wide open inviting you to join Him. If you've considered His invitation before and declined, let me beg you to reconsider His invitation. He loves you.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
Sky Harbor Airport
I am in the famed Phoenix Internaitonal Airport. It's Saturday, April 24, 2010. I'm on my way to Carson California to preach for the inimitable Dr. Johnny Baylor.
I am personally indebted to this preacher and pastor. It was Dr. Johnny Baylor who organized and led the very first trip to Israel. Needless to say the trip was life changing, sermon altering, awe inspiring and just plain wonderful... that is to say it was "full of wonder".
I've made a decision to not go everywhere I'm invited. The fact is that every preacher of The Gospel should ask The LORD whether or not He wants us to go where it is we've been invited. We should ask The Lord for permission, should we go without His approval we may be blocking another brother The Lord intended to be at that church, convention or event- and in so doing block the very message The LORD wanted that congregation to hear.
That said, I don't know just how I got this invitation to preach for Dr. Baylor? Nevertheless I am grateful to my God and to Dr. Baylor for the opportunity.
Something else that is on my mind as I sit in this Phoenix International Airport are Biblical sermons and The Holy Spirit.
What a name we have for our airpot here in the valley of the sun... Sky Harbor. I don't know who thought of it, but it's a great name. The picture of ships docking at a harbor after coming in from a trip on the ocean. Or of ships raising their anchor preparing to go out into deep water.
As believers in Jesus Christ we too have a Harbor in the heavens. But our harbor is not for ships, it's for "The Old Ship of Zion". Our harbor in heaven is connected to our relationship with our God. Our harbor can be reached through prayer as we commune with The Father and talk to Him about what's going on in our lives. Even though we're here on earth, through the ministry of The Holy Spirit we have a harbor in heaven that we can connect to right now.
Moreover, one day we'll check in permanently to the harbor and spend all of eternity with The LORD.
Hallelujah.
Pastor Fort
I am personally indebted to this preacher and pastor. It was Dr. Johnny Baylor who organized and led the very first trip to Israel. Needless to say the trip was life changing, sermon altering, awe inspiring and just plain wonderful... that is to say it was "full of wonder".
I've made a decision to not go everywhere I'm invited. The fact is that every preacher of The Gospel should ask The LORD whether or not He wants us to go where it is we've been invited. We should ask The Lord for permission, should we go without His approval we may be blocking another brother The Lord intended to be at that church, convention or event- and in so doing block the very message The LORD wanted that congregation to hear.
That said, I don't know just how I got this invitation to preach for Dr. Baylor? Nevertheless I am grateful to my God and to Dr. Baylor for the opportunity.
Something else that is on my mind as I sit in this Phoenix International Airport are Biblical sermons and The Holy Spirit.
What a name we have for our airpot here in the valley of the sun... Sky Harbor. I don't know who thought of it, but it's a great name. The picture of ships docking at a harbor after coming in from a trip on the ocean. Or of ships raising their anchor preparing to go out into deep water.
As believers in Jesus Christ we too have a Harbor in the heavens. But our harbor is not for ships, it's for "The Old Ship of Zion". Our harbor in heaven is connected to our relationship with our God. Our harbor can be reached through prayer as we commune with The Father and talk to Him about what's going on in our lives. Even though we're here on earth, through the ministry of The Holy Spirit we have a harbor in heaven that we can connect to right now.
Moreover, one day we'll check in permanently to the harbor and spend all of eternity with The LORD.
Hallelujah.
Pastor Fort
Friday, April 2, 2010
GOOD FRIDAY 2010
I hope each of you had a good "Good Friday".
What makes Good Friday good is that the following Sunday was Great! This week is commonly referred to as "Passion Week". The word 'passion' here speaks of the 'suffering' of my Savior and LORD, Jesus Christ.
Have you stopped to really consider all that Jesus Christ went through that the world might be saved? Jesus died that He might reconcile the world back to Himself. He died in our place. He died in our stead. He died on our behalf. Jesus Christ is "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".
It's Good Friday evening now. It's after eight o clock PM. My eldest daughter is spending the evening with her Grandmother and Aunt. Her aunt, a gifted cosmetologist is scheduled to "do her hair" prior to her taking pictures that will go into her announcements for her High School graduation. My youngest daughter is with her Mom, attending a Good Friday play at church in town.
I've spent the day, really the week at CMBC. We had our lobby, administrative office, conference room and sanctuary painted this week. That activity along with other regularly scheduled activities have kept me busy in a different way this week.
This morning I left home about six o clock AM. I left the church in the late afternoon. Since coming home I've made it my business to get to "my lesson". To give more time than I have earlier this week to praying over, brooding over, thinking through the sermon I hope to preach this Rsurrection Sunday morning. I'm excited about it.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and LORD, you can know Him right now. First acknowledge that you are a sinner who needs a Savior. Next, believe the Scriptures concerning The LORD Jesus Christ; believe that Jesus Christ is who the Bible claims Him to be. Namely the "only begotten Son of God". Finally, confess your sins to God. Ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior and LORD.
He'll come into your heart today. He'll come in to stay.
Tomorrow is our Annual Church picnic. Our location is the same, Kiwanis Park in Tempe Arizona. I hope we have a good crowd and a great time with one another and getting to know each other outside of the four walls of the church.
Our annual "Bake-Off" and "Barbecue-Off" are on tap. As are competitions in domino's, spades, various board games, basketball, etc. Activities are planned for the children. There's a playground and an indoor wave pool. But more important than food and games is the presence of The Savior. That's really what Resurrection Sunday is all about. It's about the fact that God came near. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins. WOW! Amazing love.
I pray you have a blessed and beautiful Resurrection Sunday weekend. In all you do, do it to the glory and honor of God.
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
What makes Good Friday good is that the following Sunday was Great! This week is commonly referred to as "Passion Week". The word 'passion' here speaks of the 'suffering' of my Savior and LORD, Jesus Christ.
Have you stopped to really consider all that Jesus Christ went through that the world might be saved? Jesus died that He might reconcile the world back to Himself. He died in our place. He died in our stead. He died on our behalf. Jesus Christ is "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".
It's Good Friday evening now. It's after eight o clock PM. My eldest daughter is spending the evening with her Grandmother and Aunt. Her aunt, a gifted cosmetologist is scheduled to "do her hair" prior to her taking pictures that will go into her announcements for her High School graduation. My youngest daughter is with her Mom, attending a Good Friday play at church in town.
I've spent the day, really the week at CMBC. We had our lobby, administrative office, conference room and sanctuary painted this week. That activity along with other regularly scheduled activities have kept me busy in a different way this week.
This morning I left home about six o clock AM. I left the church in the late afternoon. Since coming home I've made it my business to get to "my lesson". To give more time than I have earlier this week to praying over, brooding over, thinking through the sermon I hope to preach this Rsurrection Sunday morning. I'm excited about it.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and LORD, you can know Him right now. First acknowledge that you are a sinner who needs a Savior. Next, believe the Scriptures concerning The LORD Jesus Christ; believe that Jesus Christ is who the Bible claims Him to be. Namely the "only begotten Son of God". Finally, confess your sins to God. Ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior and LORD.
He'll come into your heart today. He'll come in to stay.
Tomorrow is our Annual Church picnic. Our location is the same, Kiwanis Park in Tempe Arizona. I hope we have a good crowd and a great time with one another and getting to know each other outside of the four walls of the church.
Our annual "Bake-Off" and "Barbecue-Off" are on tap. As are competitions in domino's, spades, various board games, basketball, etc. Activities are planned for the children. There's a playground and an indoor wave pool. But more important than food and games is the presence of The Savior. That's really what Resurrection Sunday is all about. It's about the fact that God came near. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for our sins. WOW! Amazing love.
I pray you have a blessed and beautiful Resurrection Sunday weekend. In all you do, do it to the glory and honor of God.
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
Friday, March 19, 2010
RESURRECTION SUNDAY 2010 IS COMING!
Resurrection Sunday 2010 is but three Sunday's away.
This is the day, this is the event that sets the Christian faith apart from all others. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hallmark event of the Christian faith. It is because of the literal, real, proven, resurrection of Jesus Christ that we know Jesus Christ IS The only begotten Son of God!
There are many theories that skeptics of Christianity offer on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some say that Jesus "swooned". That is to say He simply blacked out from the beatings and loss of blood that He endured. And that He later was roused back to conciousness, once His body came in contact with the cold stone in the tomb.
Still other skeptics argue that the body of Jesus Christ was stolen by His disciples. They make the argument that somehow this team of disciples, who were most likely weary in faith and worn out physically, somehow over-powered Roman soldiers who were standing guard at the tomb of Jesus Christ, then stole His body and hid it away. These same skeptics go on to say that the disciples of Jesus Christ then went on to make up the story of His resurrection.
Here's what really happened. Jesus Christ was crucified. He died. He was buried. He got up on third day with all power in His hands. He is "the only begotten Son of God". He is who He claimed to be, ... The Holy One of Israel. He is God in the flesh! He is our Savior, LORD, Redeemer and Friend. And because He lives we live.
As Resurrection Sunday approaches let's remember the sacrifice of our Savior. Let's remember His love for us was demonstrated at the cross. Let's remember that God The Father, gave us His only Son that we might live. Let's remember that we have The Holy Spirit as our Godly guarantee ... Jesus promised to "be with us always" ... He is with us in and through the power of The Holy Spirit.
God is better than good. All hail the power of Jesus' name. Let angels prostrate fall, bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him LORD of all!
Sherman J. Fort
This is the day, this is the event that sets the Christian faith apart from all others. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hallmark event of the Christian faith. It is because of the literal, real, proven, resurrection of Jesus Christ that we know Jesus Christ IS The only begotten Son of God!
There are many theories that skeptics of Christianity offer on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some say that Jesus "swooned". That is to say He simply blacked out from the beatings and loss of blood that He endured. And that He later was roused back to conciousness, once His body came in contact with the cold stone in the tomb.
Still other skeptics argue that the body of Jesus Christ was stolen by His disciples. They make the argument that somehow this team of disciples, who were most likely weary in faith and worn out physically, somehow over-powered Roman soldiers who were standing guard at the tomb of Jesus Christ, then stole His body and hid it away. These same skeptics go on to say that the disciples of Jesus Christ then went on to make up the story of His resurrection.
Here's what really happened. Jesus Christ was crucified. He died. He was buried. He got up on third day with all power in His hands. He is "the only begotten Son of God". He is who He claimed to be, ... The Holy One of Israel. He is God in the flesh! He is our Savior, LORD, Redeemer and Friend. And because He lives we live.
As Resurrection Sunday approaches let's remember the sacrifice of our Savior. Let's remember His love for us was demonstrated at the cross. Let's remember that God The Father, gave us His only Son that we might live. Let's remember that we have The Holy Spirit as our Godly guarantee ... Jesus promised to "be with us always" ... He is with us in and through the power of The Holy Spirit.
God is better than good. All hail the power of Jesus' name. Let angels prostrate fall, bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him LORD of all!
Sherman J. Fort
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)