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
Friday, March 19, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
CELEBRATING GOD IN BLACK HIStory AT CMBC
"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"
In this age of political correctness, many believe there is no place for celebrations which are unique to a certain culture or people. I disagree. The Bible in many respects highlight the celebrations of a certain people ... the Jewish people. However, it does so without diminishing or doing away with the importance of all people.
To that end let me say as so many have in days past: "I am unashamedly a Christian and unapologetically black". (I know the P.C. term is African American). That said, February is Black History month in America. At Canaan, we have a tradition of "Celebrating God In Black HIStory" at our church each February. That tradition will stay in tact this year.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of February 2010. We will take five minutes and highlight various persons in black HIStory each LORD's day. The dance ministry led by the gifted Sis. Krystylle Richardson and Sis. NaJuana Robinson will share in worship on Sunday, February 21, 2010. The drama ministry of CMBC, led by the incomparable Sis. Tina Sykes will share on Sunday, February 28, 2010. And on the last Sunday of the month, February 28th, we will be blessed to have retired Colonel Toliver, a former Tuskegee Airman, who lives in the 'valley of the sun' as our special guest.
I thank our God for all He has done in the life of the negro, the black man, African American's over the years. It's by His love, mercy and grace that we are saved. He has done so much for us, 'we cannot tell it all' ... we'll nevertheless try to tell some of it this month.
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
In this age of political correctness, many believe there is no place for celebrations which are unique to a certain culture or people. I disagree. The Bible in many respects highlight the celebrations of a certain people ... the Jewish people. However, it does so without diminishing or doing away with the importance of all people.
To that end let me say as so many have in days past: "I am unashamedly a Christian and unapologetically black". (I know the P.C. term is African American). That said, February is Black History month in America. At Canaan, we have a tradition of "Celebrating God In Black HIStory" at our church each February. That tradition will stay in tact this year.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of February 2010. We will take five minutes and highlight various persons in black HIStory each LORD's day. The dance ministry led by the gifted Sis. Krystylle Richardson and Sis. NaJuana Robinson will share in worship on Sunday, February 21, 2010. The drama ministry of CMBC, led by the incomparable Sis. Tina Sykes will share on Sunday, February 28, 2010. And on the last Sunday of the month, February 28th, we will be blessed to have retired Colonel Toliver, a former Tuskegee Airman, who lives in the 'valley of the sun' as our special guest.
I thank our God for all He has done in the life of the negro, the black man, African American's over the years. It's by His love, mercy and grace that we are saved. He has done so much for us, 'we cannot tell it all' ... we'll nevertheless try to tell some of it this month.
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
WHAT A REVIVAL!
To God be the glory for the things He has done!
Our revival began on Sunday morning and ended on Tuesday night. Rev., Dr. Emil M. Thomas, pastor, Destiny Church, Baltimore, MD. and Rev. Louis B. Jones II, pastor, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. were our special guest lecturer and evangelist.
The LORD allowed these men to preach The WORD with power and passion. The music ministry of CMBC shared in great ways as well. The Voices In Praise choir sang on Sunday morning, the Male Chorus on Monday night and the gifted Minister Charlotte Hillman provided music on Tuesday night. Each service was also marked by a solo, sung by a wonderful Saint from CMBC.
But as important as all the preaching and singing are the lives that were changed and challenged as The Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls.
I am grateful to The LORD for a wonderful time in revival. I am grateful to the Canaan congregation for their wonderful participation in this years revival. The CMBC family showed up and took part.
Let's all begin praying now not only for revival next year, but also for revival everyday in each of our hearts.
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
Our revival began on Sunday morning and ended on Tuesday night. Rev., Dr. Emil M. Thomas, pastor, Destiny Church, Baltimore, MD. and Rev. Louis B. Jones II, pastor, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. were our special guest lecturer and evangelist.
The LORD allowed these men to preach The WORD with power and passion. The music ministry of CMBC shared in great ways as well. The Voices In Praise choir sang on Sunday morning, the Male Chorus on Monday night and the gifted Minister Charlotte Hillman provided music on Tuesday night. Each service was also marked by a solo, sung by a wonderful Saint from CMBC.
But as important as all the preaching and singing are the lives that were changed and challenged as The Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls.
I am grateful to The LORD for a wonderful time in revival. I am grateful to the Canaan congregation for their wonderful participation in this years revival. The CMBC family showed up and took part.
Let's all begin praying now not only for revival next year, but also for revival everyday in each of our hearts.
Safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
Friday, January 22, 2010
WHAT DO RAIN AND REVIVAL HAVE IN COMMON?
It's Friday night, January 22nd, 2010. We've been experiencing rain and snowfall (yes, I said snowfall) in Arizona pretty much all week long. I should clarify that the snowfall in Arizona takes place in the northern part of our great State. The city of Flagstaff in particular.
The snow and rain we've been receiving is part of a storm that hit my home State of California first and has now moved into the southwest. As a result of all of this rain and snow we've had street closures, flash floods, school closures, highways and interstates shut down, car accidents and the like. But we've also had a refreshing and oh so necessary rush of water drench our State. You will remember that Arizona is located in a desert. I live in a desert place. A place that is not known for it's water, instead we're known for our intense, dry heat. 100+ degree days. But now, in the month of January, the first month of the year our LORD has given us water. He has drenched us with dew. He has saturated and soaked us with water. And we really, really need it in this desert place.
As I think about the rain we've been blessed with, I can't help but also think about the revival that is coming to our church in just a few short days... LORD willing. Like the land that I live in, this desert place- many people who live here are also dry. That is to say many of us are dry spiritually. We're 'parched' if you please. We're in need of some rain. But I don't mean water rain. I mean a righteous rain from heaven. Not droplets from clouds, no, I'm talking about the dew that comes down from The Divine God. We need a revival.
But hold it. Not only are some people in Arizona dry and in need of revival, look around our nation and our world. People all over the globe share our need. The economy is crazy. World leaders are fighting. People around the world are starving. Many folks are out of work. And on and on it goes. We need a revival.
I'm looking forward to Sunday, January 31st when our revival kicks off in earnest. We have two great preachers in our guest lecturer, Rev., Dr. Emil M. Thomas, pastor of Destiny Church in Baltimore, Maryland; and our guest evangelist, Rev. Louis B. Jones II, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. I have no doubt that our God is able to speak to us in clear ways through these "men of God". I've heard The LORD speak through them before. Dr. Thomas is a longtime, favorite preacher and evangelist at CMBC. Rev. Jones has also preached at CMBC before, albeit the last time was some time ago, he nevertheless blessed us in great ways.
That said, in revival as in every case, it's not so much about who's preaching. It's really all about The LORD speaking through the preacher and delivering His message to His people. As we fast and pray this month, we're also fasting and praying about our revival. Even if you're not a member of CMBC will you join us in asking The LORD to do whatever He wants to do during our revival time? Pray that God's will is done. Pray that people are saved, healed, strengthened, delivered and set free.
Well, it's getting late and I've got a counseling appointment and two meetings tomorro... if The LORD blesses me to live. If you don't remember anything else, remember this real revival starts with God. Just like rain comes down from heaven, real revival starts with The GOD who is in heaven. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
What do rain and revival have in common? God.
Begin your revival now. Spend time with The LORD. He's waiting to spend time with you.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
The snow and rain we've been receiving is part of a storm that hit my home State of California first and has now moved into the southwest. As a result of all of this rain and snow we've had street closures, flash floods, school closures, highways and interstates shut down, car accidents and the like. But we've also had a refreshing and oh so necessary rush of water drench our State. You will remember that Arizona is located in a desert. I live in a desert place. A place that is not known for it's water, instead we're known for our intense, dry heat. 100+ degree days. But now, in the month of January, the first month of the year our LORD has given us water. He has drenched us with dew. He has saturated and soaked us with water. And we really, really need it in this desert place.
As I think about the rain we've been blessed with, I can't help but also think about the revival that is coming to our church in just a few short days... LORD willing. Like the land that I live in, this desert place- many people who live here are also dry. That is to say many of us are dry spiritually. We're 'parched' if you please. We're in need of some rain. But I don't mean water rain. I mean a righteous rain from heaven. Not droplets from clouds, no, I'm talking about the dew that comes down from The Divine God. We need a revival.
But hold it. Not only are some people in Arizona dry and in need of revival, look around our nation and our world. People all over the globe share our need. The economy is crazy. World leaders are fighting. People around the world are starving. Many folks are out of work. And on and on it goes. We need a revival.
I'm looking forward to Sunday, January 31st when our revival kicks off in earnest. We have two great preachers in our guest lecturer, Rev., Dr. Emil M. Thomas, pastor of Destiny Church in Baltimore, Maryland; and our guest evangelist, Rev. Louis B. Jones II, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. I have no doubt that our God is able to speak to us in clear ways through these "men of God". I've heard The LORD speak through them before. Dr. Thomas is a longtime, favorite preacher and evangelist at CMBC. Rev. Jones has also preached at CMBC before, albeit the last time was some time ago, he nevertheless blessed us in great ways.
That said, in revival as in every case, it's not so much about who's preaching. It's really all about The LORD speaking through the preacher and delivering His message to His people. As we fast and pray this month, we're also fasting and praying about our revival. Even if you're not a member of CMBC will you join us in asking The LORD to do whatever He wants to do during our revival time? Pray that God's will is done. Pray that people are saved, healed, strengthened, delivered and set free.
Well, it's getting late and I've got a counseling appointment and two meetings tomorro... if The LORD blesses me to live. If you don't remember anything else, remember this real revival starts with God. Just like rain comes down from heaven, real revival starts with The GOD who is in heaven. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
What do rain and revival have in common? God.
Begin your revival now. Spend time with The LORD. He's waiting to spend time with you.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
THANK YOU PASTOR CARR AND CMBC ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
During the month of January 2010, I have asked our church to fast and pray. Specifically seeking our LORD on behalf of our biological families, church family, our Christian family around the world and our human family of every race, creed and color. More specifically, I've asked our church to pray for the Spiritual and physical health and healing of the same.
But that's not all. During this same month of January I have set apart each Tuesday night for a special time in "Mid-Week" worship. Tuesday is our normal night for Bible study at CMBC. But instead, we've been spending each Tuesday night in worship. From 7:00PM until 8:10PM we've been in worship together.
During this mid-week worship time some of our very own Associate Ministers have been preaching The WORD of God. And may I say, I've been encouraged and helped by their preaching. Not only has our God blessed me to pastor a church with some good people, I've also been blessed to pastor a church with some really good Gospel preachers. So far this month, we've heard from Pastor Eddie Reese (a retired pastor and transplant to the 'valley of the sun' from the great state of Alabama); Min. Otis Williams, Min. Raymond Berry, Min. Marcus Blunt, Min. Kimberly Collison and Min. Kevin Swindle. They didn't just preach sermons at random either. I asked some of them to preach on a specific word in our motto, or on one portion of our ministry theme for 2010 and beyond. The LORD has blessed us with some terrific Tuesday's as they've declared The Word of God... from The Bible. Thank you preachers.
Not only has The LORD blessed us with great preaching on Tuesday nights, He has also blessed us with wonderful preaching on Sunday morning's. On the second Sunday of this month, I was blessed to preach out of state. In my place, that Sunday my friend and brother, Rev. Milton Pleasant, pastor of the Abundant Life Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona preached The Gospel of Jesus Christ at our early service. And what a job The LORD blessed him to do. The saints at CMBC are still talking about the message he shared. Min. Raymond Cook, an associate minister at CMBC preached the late service at CMBC. Once again, I heard nothing but great things about that sermon as well.
Then, on the third Sunday of this month, the one and only Rev., D. Previn Carr, pastor and founder of Ekklesia Christian church in Phoenix, Arizona preached both services at CMBC. My, my, my, ... and preach he did. Pastor Carr walked through his selected preaching passages with with what seemed to be "ease"; after arresting our attention in his introduction with practical and pointed application. I was there on this Sunday and was blessed to see people come forward during the invitation at both services.
To God be the glory for the things He has done, is doing and shall yet perform. Thank you gospel preachers for preaching The Word of God.
Thank you Canaan family for being a church that appreciates the preaching of God's Word.
Most of all, THANK YOU JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH... for being my Savior, LORD, God and friend.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
But that's not all. During this same month of January I have set apart each Tuesday night for a special time in "Mid-Week" worship. Tuesday is our normal night for Bible study at CMBC. But instead, we've been spending each Tuesday night in worship. From 7:00PM until 8:10PM we've been in worship together.
During this mid-week worship time some of our very own Associate Ministers have been preaching The WORD of God. And may I say, I've been encouraged and helped by their preaching. Not only has our God blessed me to pastor a church with some good people, I've also been blessed to pastor a church with some really good Gospel preachers. So far this month, we've heard from Pastor Eddie Reese (a retired pastor and transplant to the 'valley of the sun' from the great state of Alabama); Min. Otis Williams, Min. Raymond Berry, Min. Marcus Blunt, Min. Kimberly Collison and Min. Kevin Swindle. They didn't just preach sermons at random either. I asked some of them to preach on a specific word in our motto, or on one portion of our ministry theme for 2010 and beyond. The LORD has blessed us with some terrific Tuesday's as they've declared The Word of God... from The Bible. Thank you preachers.
Not only has The LORD blessed us with great preaching on Tuesday nights, He has also blessed us with wonderful preaching on Sunday morning's. On the second Sunday of this month, I was blessed to preach out of state. In my place, that Sunday my friend and brother, Rev. Milton Pleasant, pastor of the Abundant Life Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona preached The Gospel of Jesus Christ at our early service. And what a job The LORD blessed him to do. The saints at CMBC are still talking about the message he shared. Min. Raymond Cook, an associate minister at CMBC preached the late service at CMBC. Once again, I heard nothing but great things about that sermon as well.
Then, on the third Sunday of this month, the one and only Rev., D. Previn Carr, pastor and founder of Ekklesia Christian church in Phoenix, Arizona preached both services at CMBC. My, my, my, ... and preach he did. Pastor Carr walked through his selected preaching passages with with what seemed to be "ease"; after arresting our attention in his introduction with practical and pointed application. I was there on this Sunday and was blessed to see people come forward during the invitation at both services.
To God be the glory for the things He has done, is doing and shall yet perform. Thank you gospel preachers for preaching The Word of God.
Thank you Canaan family for being a church that appreciates the preaching of God's Word.
Most of all, THANK YOU JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH... for being my Savior, LORD, God and friend.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
Monday, January 4, 2010
DAY 4 OF OUR JANUARY 2010 FAST!
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper, and be in good health, even as thy soul prospers". These words from the Apostle John, found in 3rd John, verse two have a lot to say to us.
Essentially the Apostle John shares that it is God's desire that we would "journey well"- that is, that we would "prosper". Moreover, John teaches us that the prosperity he's speaking about is spiritual at its base. Too much of the time we hear people speak about prosperity in material terms. Wrapping the idea around things like cars, cash, creature comforts, cribs and other "things" of this world. However, in this passage we learn that true prosperity is directly related to our journey with The LORD GOD.
That said, the CMBC family is still on a journey this month. A journey of fasting and prayer. I've been blogging a bit about my personal diet this month. So let me update you all a bit. Still no meat for me this month. On Saturday and Sunday, January 2nd and 3rd, I continued eating brown rice, broccoli and lentils as my primary food. I also snacked on popcorn. My only drink has been water. Today however I changed up my diet a bit. I had fruit this morning, an apple and orange to be precise, some vegetarian chips, and later some vegetarian pizza today. Again my only drink has been water.
In addition to eating watching my diet in terms of food, I'm also watching my diet in terms of prayer. I'm continuing to pray for the CMBC family at large, and the specific matters I've asked us all to pray for with respect to our God-given goals and vision for 2010 and beyond.
We had great attendance at church again yesterday. Indeed our God is better than good. We had people come forward to join the church at both the 7:50AM and 10:20AM worship services. We really need to move to another location or build another facility where we are. For those of you reading this who are not members of CMBC, but are Christians- let me solicit your prayers to The LORD JESUS CHRIST on our behalf as well. Ask The LORD to lead us in the way He wants us to go.
Safe in CHRIST,
Pastor Fort
Essentially the Apostle John shares that it is God's desire that we would "journey well"- that is, that we would "prosper". Moreover, John teaches us that the prosperity he's speaking about is spiritual at its base. Too much of the time we hear people speak about prosperity in material terms. Wrapping the idea around things like cars, cash, creature comforts, cribs and other "things" of this world. However, in this passage we learn that true prosperity is directly related to our journey with The LORD GOD.
That said, the CMBC family is still on a journey this month. A journey of fasting and prayer. I've been blogging a bit about my personal diet this month. So let me update you all a bit. Still no meat for me this month. On Saturday and Sunday, January 2nd and 3rd, I continued eating brown rice, broccoli and lentils as my primary food. I also snacked on popcorn. My only drink has been water. Today however I changed up my diet a bit. I had fruit this morning, an apple and orange to be precise, some vegetarian chips, and later some vegetarian pizza today. Again my only drink has been water.
In addition to eating watching my diet in terms of food, I'm also watching my diet in terms of prayer. I'm continuing to pray for the CMBC family at large, and the specific matters I've asked us all to pray for with respect to our God-given goals and vision for 2010 and beyond.
We had great attendance at church again yesterday. Indeed our God is better than good. We had people come forward to join the church at both the 7:50AM and 10:20AM worship services. We really need to move to another location or build another facility where we are. For those of you reading this who are not members of CMBC, but are Christians- let me solicit your prayers to The LORD JESUS CHRIST on our behalf as well. Ask The LORD to lead us in the way He wants us to go.
Safe in CHRIST,
Pastor Fort
Saturday, January 2, 2010
FAST & PRAY DAY 2
Yesterday, in keeping with our church-wide period of fasting and prayer at CMBC I ate no meat. Today, I have the same to report. It's just after 3:00PM. This morning I had another green apple. After returning from an appointment at the church I had a bowl of broccoli. I just finished eating brown rice and beans with yellow onion mixed in. I expect to eat again a little later today.
I also spent time today praying for my CMBC family. Praying for my biological family, my Christian family and praying for my human family. I'm praying that pastor and people of CMBC will catch the vision of "One Voice, One Vision, One Victory" that is our ministry theme for 2010 and beyond. I'm praying for the literal, physical healing of those who are sick and seeking The LORD for a miracle in their body. I'm praying in all things that GOD's will is done.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
I also spent time today praying for my CMBC family. Praying for my biological family, my Christian family and praying for my human family. I'm praying that pastor and people of CMBC will catch the vision of "One Voice, One Vision, One Victory" that is our ministry theme for 2010 and beyond. I'm praying for the literal, physical healing of those who are sick and seeking The LORD for a miracle in their body. I'm praying in all things that GOD's will is done.
Agape,
Pastor Fort
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