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
Saturday, October 24, 2009
PASTOR'S SUMMIT 2009
GOD IS FAITHFUL ... PERIOD!
First and foremost I want to thank God for His love, mercy and grace. I also want to thank my wife, the incomparable Mrs. Angela Monique Fort for her genuine (that's a big word); support and excitement with respect to the Pastor's Summit 2009. I also have to thank the steady and sweet Sis. Angela Garmon, (a member of CMBC and the person who worked diligently to bring this event to pass); for her kind, consistent and most of all Christian character in causing the Pastor's Summit to take place.
Now then, let me say that the Pastor's Summit was, in my estimation a life changing event. The goal of the "Summit" was to have a "safe place" where select senior pastors could come together and share their hearts with one another where the work of the pastoral ministry is concerned.
From the very beginning my goal was not a numerical one. I wanted no more than twelve pastors for the Summit with the thought that the smaller number would better lend itself to the intimacy, honesty and building of what I hope would be real relationship between brothers of like faith, mind and heart.
From the very beginning my hope was that a time of personal refreshing, revival and renewal would take place in the lives of those pastors in attendance. With the largest emphasis of that refreshing, revival and renewing being of a "Spiritual" nature.
From the time the vision for this Summit was birthed and I began to put feet to my faith (this happened in October 2008)- in terms of contacting the hotel, producing the initial flyers and beginning to share the word, via word of mouth about the event- to the time it all came to fruition much took place.
As a Christian pastor seeking to host this event, out of a need I see for this event to take place and with the approval and leading of our most High God, I wrestled early on with trying to attract senior pastor's with the lure of a nationally known pastor and/or preaching personality as our Summit facilitator. To this end, I initially contacted three men. one of them significantly better known than the other two with respect to being a national preaching personality. Those three men were the inimitable Dr. Charles E. Booth; the inimitable Pastor Harry R. Fort; and the inimitable Pastor Fred Campbell. From here I had flyers produced and mailed out, sharing news of this event; and had the event advertises via the HOPE Ministries website on the world wide web.
Within months of the Summit Pastor Harry R. Fort was no longer one of the facilitators. With weeks to go until the Summit, I decided to cancel the event out of personal frustration and a closer look at my financial obligation. Consequently I shared the news with my wife Angela and contacted Dr. Booth to share the same.
For whatever reason I delayed sharing that decision with Pastor Campbell.
With weeks to go until the Summit, I had a change of heart and was moved to move forward with the event- honestly knowing the entire time that the need for this event and the calling to do it, host it, have it ... was what is most important.
It's Saturday evening now. 6:26PM on October 24, 2009. And let me say this "To God be the glory for the things He has done"! The Summit by all indications was a success. And by "indications" I speak of the spiritual indicators that count most. By "success" I speak to the original goal of having a safe place where senior pastors could come and grow together.
The location of the Summit is the beautiful and secluded Sheraton Wildhorse Pass and Resort in south Chandler Arizona. The location was a very important decision since I wanted to have this event take place somewhere that was accessible yet gave a sense of being secluded... almost isolated. The location was important because I wanted some place that was "excellent" in terms of it being a quality, top shelf, first class- if you please hotel/resort. The Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa is all of those things and more.
The lone facilitator or conversation starter as I like to call it for the Summit was Reverend Fred Campbell, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Redwood City California.
The senior pastors in attendance at the Summit were, Pastor Troy C. Allen, of Phoenix Arizona; Pastor/Dr. Johnny Baylor, of Carson California; Pastor Shawn Buckannon, of Sierra Vista Arizona; Pastor Michael Collier, of Mesa Arizona; Pastor Melvin Foard, of Queen Creek Arizona; Pastor Abram Moore, of Coolidge Arizona; Pastor Claudell Myles, of Phoenix Arizona; and Pastor Welton Pleasant, of Los Angeles California. Counting Pastor Campbell and myself there was a total of ten senior pastors.
Our time together was probing, powerful and precious. I believe that healing and genuine love was shared this weekend. From our initial dinner and session on Thursday, through our three meals and three sessions on Friday, and our breakfast and closing session this morning The Lord worked on us. We shared more than meals these last three days, we shared an experience that can never be repeated.
I've already begun mentioning and setting up meetings with Mr. Merold Porter, my sales representative at the Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa for next years Pastor's Summit. And unless The LORD says otherwise, we will have a glorious time with Jesus and one another.
To my brother pastors who attended this years Summit, let me say: Thank you for coming. Thank you for caring and thank you for committing your time, resources and most importantly yourselves to this weekend. To Pastor Fred Campbell, thank you for leading us as our facilitator for the weekend. We had no "agenda" so to speak, we simply asked The Lord to take control. To my other fellow pastors who said they were coming and did not. Or, who wanted to come and could not. Let me say that I've already begun working on The Pastor's Summit 2010. The weekend has already been determined. It is Thursday, October 21st through Saturday morning, October 23rd. The location has already been decided. It is the Sheraton Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa in south Chandler Arizona. And a numerical cap is being worked out now. With respect to the number of senior pastors in attendance I don't want to exceed 20. And, at this point I am thinking of stopping at 15.
That said, if you are a senior pastor who is interested in coming begin doing a few things: 1) Pray. Ask The LORD if the Pastor's Summit 2010 is for you. 2. Begin putting some financial resources away now to that end.
Then, once you've heard from The LORD, please contact me via the information provided on either the HOPE Ministries website (WWW.HOPEMINISTRIESAZ.ORG); or the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church website (WWW.MYCMBC.ORG); and let me know of your decision.
Now, may the love of God and sweet communion of The Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Sherman J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST
First and foremost I want to thank God for His love, mercy and grace. I also want to thank my wife, the incomparable Mrs. Angela Monique Fort for her genuine (that's a big word); support and excitement with respect to the Pastor's Summit 2009. I also have to thank the steady and sweet Sis. Angela Garmon, (a member of CMBC and the person who worked diligently to bring this event to pass); for her kind, consistent and most of all Christian character in causing the Pastor's Summit to take place.
Now then, let me say that the Pastor's Summit was, in my estimation a life changing event. The goal of the "Summit" was to have a "safe place" where select senior pastors could come together and share their hearts with one another where the work of the pastoral ministry is concerned.
From the very beginning my goal was not a numerical one. I wanted no more than twelve pastors for the Summit with the thought that the smaller number would better lend itself to the intimacy, honesty and building of what I hope would be real relationship between brothers of like faith, mind and heart.
From the very beginning my hope was that a time of personal refreshing, revival and renewal would take place in the lives of those pastors in attendance. With the largest emphasis of that refreshing, revival and renewing being of a "Spiritual" nature.
From the time the vision for this Summit was birthed and I began to put feet to my faith (this happened in October 2008)- in terms of contacting the hotel, producing the initial flyers and beginning to share the word, via word of mouth about the event- to the time it all came to fruition much took place.
As a Christian pastor seeking to host this event, out of a need I see for this event to take place and with the approval and leading of our most High God, I wrestled early on with trying to attract senior pastor's with the lure of a nationally known pastor and/or preaching personality as our Summit facilitator. To this end, I initially contacted three men. one of them significantly better known than the other two with respect to being a national preaching personality. Those three men were the inimitable Dr. Charles E. Booth; the inimitable Pastor Harry R. Fort; and the inimitable Pastor Fred Campbell. From here I had flyers produced and mailed out, sharing news of this event; and had the event advertises via the HOPE Ministries website on the world wide web.
Within months of the Summit Pastor Harry R. Fort was no longer one of the facilitators. With weeks to go until the Summit, I decided to cancel the event out of personal frustration and a closer look at my financial obligation. Consequently I shared the news with my wife Angela and contacted Dr. Booth to share the same.
For whatever reason I delayed sharing that decision with Pastor Campbell.
With weeks to go until the Summit, I had a change of heart and was moved to move forward with the event- honestly knowing the entire time that the need for this event and the calling to do it, host it, have it ... was what is most important.
It's Saturday evening now. 6:26PM on October 24, 2009. And let me say this "To God be the glory for the things He has done"! The Summit by all indications was a success. And by "indications" I speak of the spiritual indicators that count most. By "success" I speak to the original goal of having a safe place where senior pastors could come and grow together.
The location of the Summit is the beautiful and secluded Sheraton Wildhorse Pass and Resort in south Chandler Arizona. The location was a very important decision since I wanted to have this event take place somewhere that was accessible yet gave a sense of being secluded... almost isolated. The location was important because I wanted some place that was "excellent" in terms of it being a quality, top shelf, first class- if you please hotel/resort. The Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa is all of those things and more.
The lone facilitator or conversation starter as I like to call it for the Summit was Reverend Fred Campbell, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Redwood City California.
The senior pastors in attendance at the Summit were, Pastor Troy C. Allen, of Phoenix Arizona; Pastor/Dr. Johnny Baylor, of Carson California; Pastor Shawn Buckannon, of Sierra Vista Arizona; Pastor Michael Collier, of Mesa Arizona; Pastor Melvin Foard, of Queen Creek Arizona; Pastor Abram Moore, of Coolidge Arizona; Pastor Claudell Myles, of Phoenix Arizona; and Pastor Welton Pleasant, of Los Angeles California. Counting Pastor Campbell and myself there was a total of ten senior pastors.
Our time together was probing, powerful and precious. I believe that healing and genuine love was shared this weekend. From our initial dinner and session on Thursday, through our three meals and three sessions on Friday, and our breakfast and closing session this morning The Lord worked on us. We shared more than meals these last three days, we shared an experience that can never be repeated.
I've already begun mentioning and setting up meetings with Mr. Merold Porter, my sales representative at the Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa for next years Pastor's Summit. And unless The LORD says otherwise, we will have a glorious time with Jesus and one another.
To my brother pastors who attended this years Summit, let me say: Thank you for coming. Thank you for caring and thank you for committing your time, resources and most importantly yourselves to this weekend. To Pastor Fred Campbell, thank you for leading us as our facilitator for the weekend. We had no "agenda" so to speak, we simply asked The Lord to take control. To my other fellow pastors who said they were coming and did not. Or, who wanted to come and could not. Let me say that I've already begun working on The Pastor's Summit 2010. The weekend has already been determined. It is Thursday, October 21st through Saturday morning, October 23rd. The location has already been decided. It is the Sheraton Wildhorse Pass Resort and Spa in south Chandler Arizona. And a numerical cap is being worked out now. With respect to the number of senior pastors in attendance I don't want to exceed 20. And, at this point I am thinking of stopping at 15.
That said, if you are a senior pastor who is interested in coming begin doing a few things: 1) Pray. Ask The LORD if the Pastor's Summit 2010 is for you. 2. Begin putting some financial resources away now to that end.
Then, once you've heard from The LORD, please contact me via the information provided on either the HOPE Ministries website (WWW.HOPEMINISTRIESAZ.ORG); or the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church website (WWW.MYCMBC.ORG); and let me know of your decision.
Now, may the love of God and sweet communion of The Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Sherman J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST
Thursday, October 8, 2009
THANK YOU LORD!
Recently I've had the opportunity to preach for two wonderful brothers.
The first, Rev., Dr. David L. Wade, Pastor of the historic Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Mesa Arizona. I've had the distinct pleasure of knowing this gregarious, generous, giving Pastor since he first arrived in Arizona a few short years ago.
Pastor Wade was scheduled to go out of town on preaching business and asked me to come and share The WORD of GOD with his people at Mt. Calvary. I'm thankful that The LORD gave me clearance to leave my Canaan familly and preach at Mt. Calvary that Sunday ... particularly since Pastor Wade and I pastor different churches in the same city. In truth, our churches are just a few miles apart.
The Calvary Church family proved to be welcoming, warm and friendly. The service was vibrant. The choir (yes, I said choir... not praise team); sang one of my favorite gospel songs from bygone years. Namely, "Uncloudy Day". Dr. Wade's associate Minister and Deacons were kind as well.
It is my prayer that our God was pleased with my attempt at preaching His WORD to His people (those Dr. Wade calls "the sweet members" of Calvary.
I thank my God for this preaching privilege.
Most recently, just last week in fact, I was blessed with another wonderful preaching opportunity. Believe it or not, I preached for the inimitable Rev., Dr. Emil M. Thomas.
Pastor Thomas serves as Pastor of Destiny Church in the Washington DC/Baltimore Maryland area. WOW! What an experience. When it comes to Dr. Thomas it has been my distinct pleasure and privilege to know him for better than twenty five years now. When I was a much younger preacher he allowed Pastor Fredrick L. Fairley, Pastor Thomas E. Fisher, myself and so many other
"young preachers" to preach at the Jerusalem Baptist Church, in Palo Alto California- during his tenure their as Senior Pastor.
Not long after I began serving as Pastor of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Thomas preached at CMBC. And, since that time he has become a favorite of both Pastor and people. In fact, Pastor Thomas has now exceeded my friend and brother Rev. Fredrick L. Fairley Sr., as the preacher who has preached most often at CMBC. I believe he's conducted our Annual Church Revival for five years in a row. And, if The LORD says the same he will join Pastor Louis B. Jones II, one Sunday in January 2010 as our special guest lecturer that day.
Let me get back to the point. Pastor Thomas allowed me the privilege of preaching for him last week at Destiny Church. His church is alive, vibrant, kind, friendly, warm and welcoming! The music provided by the Male Chorus was excellent! Not only was Bro. Jones on point with both playing and singing, it was The Holy Spirit active in these men that took service to another level.
And, in spite of Pastor Thomas telling a joke about the Washington Redskins football team, the men presented him with an authentic Philadelphia Eagles/Michael Vick Jersey. They gave him the real thing. The men remembered his making reference to the jersey some time earlier and gave it to him on this their first Annual Men's Day.
Again, I hope The LORD was pleased with my effort to preach His WORD at Destiny church.
Thank you Pastor Wade. Thank you Pastor Thomas.
THANK YOU LORD!
Grateful,
Sherman J. Fort
The first, Rev., Dr. David L. Wade, Pastor of the historic Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Mesa Arizona. I've had the distinct pleasure of knowing this gregarious, generous, giving Pastor since he first arrived in Arizona a few short years ago.
Pastor Wade was scheduled to go out of town on preaching business and asked me to come and share The WORD of GOD with his people at Mt. Calvary. I'm thankful that The LORD gave me clearance to leave my Canaan familly and preach at Mt. Calvary that Sunday ... particularly since Pastor Wade and I pastor different churches in the same city. In truth, our churches are just a few miles apart.
The Calvary Church family proved to be welcoming, warm and friendly. The service was vibrant. The choir (yes, I said choir... not praise team); sang one of my favorite gospel songs from bygone years. Namely, "Uncloudy Day". Dr. Wade's associate Minister and Deacons were kind as well.
It is my prayer that our God was pleased with my attempt at preaching His WORD to His people (those Dr. Wade calls "the sweet members" of Calvary.
I thank my God for this preaching privilege.
Most recently, just last week in fact, I was blessed with another wonderful preaching opportunity. Believe it or not, I preached for the inimitable Rev., Dr. Emil M. Thomas.
Pastor Thomas serves as Pastor of Destiny Church in the Washington DC/Baltimore Maryland area. WOW! What an experience. When it comes to Dr. Thomas it has been my distinct pleasure and privilege to know him for better than twenty five years now. When I was a much younger preacher he allowed Pastor Fredrick L. Fairley, Pastor Thomas E. Fisher, myself and so many other
"young preachers" to preach at the Jerusalem Baptist Church, in Palo Alto California- during his tenure their as Senior Pastor.
Not long after I began serving as Pastor of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Thomas preached at CMBC. And, since that time he has become a favorite of both Pastor and people. In fact, Pastor Thomas has now exceeded my friend and brother Rev. Fredrick L. Fairley Sr., as the preacher who has preached most often at CMBC. I believe he's conducted our Annual Church Revival for five years in a row. And, if The LORD says the same he will join Pastor Louis B. Jones II, one Sunday in January 2010 as our special guest lecturer that day.
Let me get back to the point. Pastor Thomas allowed me the privilege of preaching for him last week at Destiny Church. His church is alive, vibrant, kind, friendly, warm and welcoming! The music provided by the Male Chorus was excellent! Not only was Bro. Jones on point with both playing and singing, it was The Holy Spirit active in these men that took service to another level.
And, in spite of Pastor Thomas telling a joke about the Washington Redskins football team, the men presented him with an authentic Philadelphia Eagles/Michael Vick Jersey. They gave him the real thing. The men remembered his making reference to the jersey some time earlier and gave it to him on this their first Annual Men's Day.
Again, I hope The LORD was pleased with my effort to preach His WORD at Destiny church.
Thank you Pastor Wade. Thank you Pastor Thomas.
THANK YOU LORD!
Grateful,
Sherman J. Fort
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Marriage Matters!
I recently heard Dr. Ralph D. West (quickly becoming one of my favorite preachers); refer to an article written in the 1920's in a Harper & Rowe Magazine titled: "What's The Matter With Preaching?"
I think of that reference now, the couples ministry at our Church prepare for our next Couple's Fellowship- and I ask myself quietly... "What's The Matter With Marriage?"
Now, before you think too much into this. Two things immediately come to mind here. 1) Marriage in fact matters! 2) In our modern world, marriage is suffering.
This quick blog is not about laying blame for any negative views on marriage at the feed of any person or group. I'm just thinking out loud. Marriage matters! It matters so much to our God that marriage is His idea. God officiated over the very first marriage between Adam and Eve.
It's in marriage and the confines of the Christian family that our God has chosen to build the weight and worth of a society and culture.
Marriage is a merger of two people... a husband (or house-band); and a wife (or help-meet). But Christian marriage is more than the merging of two, it's the merging of three into one. That is to say, marriage is about a Christian man and woman loving Jesus Christ and growing closer to Him and one another at the same time.
Without question, one of the best images I've seen of a Christian marriage is that of a triangle. Go ahead, draw one on a piece of paper. Now, write the word JESUS at the top of the triangle. Now, write the words "husband" and "wife" at each corner at the bottom of the triangle. Go ahead do it. It'll only take a moment or two.
Now, draw a line pointing from the word husband to the top of the triangle where the word JESUS is. Do the same with the word wife on the other side of the triangle.
There you have it. Marriage at its best is a husband and wife each striving to fall in love with Jesus Christ, grow closer to Him, become more like Him... and in the process they grow closer to one another. Eventually meeting at the top where Jesus is.
There is an off chance that a married member of CMBC may read this particular blog this week. If so, join the CMBC marriage ministry this Saturday, October 3, 2009 for a great time of fun, food and faith sharing with one another. We have a fine and faithful couple, Darryl and Jennifer Dorsey who lead our Couples Ministry. They, along with our other couples will be glad to have you join us.
Keep believing in marriage. It matters!
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
I think of that reference now, the couples ministry at our Church prepare for our next Couple's Fellowship- and I ask myself quietly... "What's The Matter With Marriage?"
Now, before you think too much into this. Two things immediately come to mind here. 1) Marriage in fact matters! 2) In our modern world, marriage is suffering.
This quick blog is not about laying blame for any negative views on marriage at the feed of any person or group. I'm just thinking out loud. Marriage matters! It matters so much to our God that marriage is His idea. God officiated over the very first marriage between Adam and Eve.
It's in marriage and the confines of the Christian family that our God has chosen to build the weight and worth of a society and culture.
Marriage is a merger of two people... a husband (or house-band); and a wife (or help-meet). But Christian marriage is more than the merging of two, it's the merging of three into one. That is to say, marriage is about a Christian man and woman loving Jesus Christ and growing closer to Him and one another at the same time.
Without question, one of the best images I've seen of a Christian marriage is that of a triangle. Go ahead, draw one on a piece of paper. Now, write the word JESUS at the top of the triangle. Now, write the words "husband" and "wife" at each corner at the bottom of the triangle. Go ahead do it. It'll only take a moment or two.
Now, draw a line pointing from the word husband to the top of the triangle where the word JESUS is. Do the same with the word wife on the other side of the triangle.
There you have it. Marriage at its best is a husband and wife each striving to fall in love with Jesus Christ, grow closer to Him, become more like Him... and in the process they grow closer to one another. Eventually meeting at the top where Jesus is.
There is an off chance that a married member of CMBC may read this particular blog this week. If so, join the CMBC marriage ministry this Saturday, October 3, 2009 for a great time of fun, food and faith sharing with one another. We have a fine and faithful couple, Darryl and Jennifer Dorsey who lead our Couples Ministry. They, along with our other couples will be glad to have you join us.
Keep believing in marriage. It matters!
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thankful for preaching opportunity!
I was honored just a few weeks ago by Rev. Ottley Holmes and the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Mesa Arizona. Pastor Holmes and his church family invited me to be the guest speaker at one of the Pastor Appreciation Service's this year.
The afternoon celebration took place a few Sunday afternoon's ago. Several guest churches were invited and shared in song. A number of preachers and pastors were present as well. Including at least two associate ministers from Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.
I attempted to preach a sermon titled: How To Treat The Pastor. The text was First Timothy 5:17 & 18. Again, I wanted to be short, considering it was an afternoon program and one with several guests no less. Also, once again, I'm making an attempt to deal with smaller sections of Scripture in my hope to be more thorough.
I'm thankful for The Lord blessing me in spite of myself. I still need to work on my "close". I have a personal conviction about always closing every message with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That's not what I'm talking about here however, now I'm just talking about style and flavor in closing. Any way, that's not what I wanted to write about.
I really wanted to say that I'm grateful to Pastor Ottley Holmes for the invitation and I'm encouraged when I see churches encouraging their Pastor with words and gifts of thanksgiving and appreciation for a job well done. Indeed, the pastor who "rules well"; especially those who "labor in preaching and teaching" are worthy of "double honor".
While I haven't heard Pastor Holmes preach every Sunday morning, I'm convinced he's a solid Bible preacher. In fact, he hosts a weekly radio show on one of our local AM stations here in the valley of the sun. I'd encourage you to check him out when you have the chance. I listened to part of a broadcast recently, he was teaching from the book of Acts.
If you're interested you can check him out online. Their church website address is: www.smbcmesa.org
May our God continue to bless us with preachers and pastors who preach The gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for the opportunity to preach The Word at Shiloh M.B.C. pastor Holmes.
Preaching The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility. Thank you Jesus. Please make me the preacher You want me to be.
Shalom,
Pastor Fort
The afternoon celebration took place a few Sunday afternoon's ago. Several guest churches were invited and shared in song. A number of preachers and pastors were present as well. Including at least two associate ministers from Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.
I attempted to preach a sermon titled: How To Treat The Pastor. The text was First Timothy 5:17 & 18. Again, I wanted to be short, considering it was an afternoon program and one with several guests no less. Also, once again, I'm making an attempt to deal with smaller sections of Scripture in my hope to be more thorough.
I'm thankful for The Lord blessing me in spite of myself. I still need to work on my "close". I have a personal conviction about always closing every message with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That's not what I'm talking about here however, now I'm just talking about style and flavor in closing. Any way, that's not what I wanted to write about.
I really wanted to say that I'm grateful to Pastor Ottley Holmes for the invitation and I'm encouraged when I see churches encouraging their Pastor with words and gifts of thanksgiving and appreciation for a job well done. Indeed, the pastor who "rules well"; especially those who "labor in preaching and teaching" are worthy of "double honor".
While I haven't heard Pastor Holmes preach every Sunday morning, I'm convinced he's a solid Bible preacher. In fact, he hosts a weekly radio show on one of our local AM stations here in the valley of the sun. I'd encourage you to check him out when you have the chance. I listened to part of a broadcast recently, he was teaching from the book of Acts.
If you're interested you can check him out online. Their church website address is: www.smbcmesa.org
May our God continue to bless us with preachers and pastors who preach The gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for the opportunity to preach The Word at Shiloh M.B.C. pastor Holmes.
Preaching The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility. Thank you Jesus. Please make me the preacher You want me to be.
Shalom,
Pastor Fort
Joy ... No Matter What!
Four Sundays ago I began a new sermon series in the book of Philippians.
It's been a wonderful journey so far.
I titled the first sermon: Joy And The Single Life. In this message I attempted to set up the context of the book and emphasis the Apostle Paul's repeated use of the words "all" and "my" in the opening verses. I wanted to communicate the fact that Paul was inclusive in his addressing "all the Saints with a particular emphasis on the fact that he ultimately had a single goal in mind.
Consequently, joy can be the reality of every beliver when we seek a single focus on The Lord Jesus Christ, His will, Word and way in our lives.
I titled the second sermon: Paul's Prayer for his People". The text here was Philippians 1:3-6. In this sermon I talked about being thankful, being thoughtful and closed on the fact that our God is thorough. A quick look at the passage reveals this simple but profound outline.
I titled the third sermon: Paul's Prayer for his People Part 2... Abounding Love. The text for this sermon was Philippians 1:7-11. In this message I tried to emphasize the matter of affection, association, abounding love and approving those things which are "excellent".
It's friday night now and Sunday morning will be here soon. I'm looking forward to it too. And what a great passage of Scripture Philippians 1:12-17 is. I don't know that I'll be able to cover all of those verses this week. I've made a commitment lately to focus on smaller pieces of Scripture. This is for two reasons. First, there's just so much in each verse that it's hard to get through too many verses at one time. Second, I'm trying to be more thorough in my preaching. This goal lends itself to considering smaller portions of Scripture at a time.
Well here's what I really want to say.
No matter what you or I are dealing with today. No matter what we may face tomorrow. And, in truth, no matter what we've had to deal with in our past, that still seeks to lay hold on us in our present... you can have joy no matter what.... if you trust The Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior.
Shalom,
Sherman J. Fort
It's been a wonderful journey so far.
I titled the first sermon: Joy And The Single Life. In this message I attempted to set up the context of the book and emphasis the Apostle Paul's repeated use of the words "all" and "my" in the opening verses. I wanted to communicate the fact that Paul was inclusive in his addressing "all the Saints with a particular emphasis on the fact that he ultimately had a single goal in mind.
Consequently, joy can be the reality of every beliver when we seek a single focus on The Lord Jesus Christ, His will, Word and way in our lives.
I titled the second sermon: Paul's Prayer for his People". The text here was Philippians 1:3-6. In this sermon I talked about being thankful, being thoughtful and closed on the fact that our God is thorough. A quick look at the passage reveals this simple but profound outline.
I titled the third sermon: Paul's Prayer for his People Part 2... Abounding Love. The text for this sermon was Philippians 1:7-11. In this message I tried to emphasize the matter of affection, association, abounding love and approving those things which are "excellent".
It's friday night now and Sunday morning will be here soon. I'm looking forward to it too. And what a great passage of Scripture Philippians 1:12-17 is. I don't know that I'll be able to cover all of those verses this week. I've made a commitment lately to focus on smaller pieces of Scripture. This is for two reasons. First, there's just so much in each verse that it's hard to get through too many verses at one time. Second, I'm trying to be more thorough in my preaching. This goal lends itself to considering smaller portions of Scripture at a time.
Well here's what I really want to say.
No matter what you or I are dealing with today. No matter what we may face tomorrow. And, in truth, no matter what we've had to deal with in our past, that still seeks to lay hold on us in our present... you can have joy no matter what.... if you trust The Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior.
Shalom,
Sherman J. Fort
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