The Elder's Corner 2015
This page will be used to display the sermons full text and video where possible.
Sabbath Worship (December 26th 2015)
Speakers : Tiayanna Fraser, Kajun Farrell, Kelsey Appiah
Title : Family, Friendsip, Fellowship: Bilston Church!
Scripture Reading : 2 Corithians 1:8, Romans 12:10-11, 1 John 1:3
It was a very special day for Bilston SDA Church when the Children took over! The Youths had the Sabbath School programme and they did well.
The children provided three speakers on the following theme: Family, Fellowship, Friendship: Bilston Church!
They did brilliantly! the Church was amazed with the singing of the children and most of all the sermons.
Children Choir:
- Thy Word with solo by A. Thomandru
- He Knows My Name with solo from T. Fraser
- I've Got Peace Like A River
- You Are My King (Amazing Love) with Sign Language
If by chance you were not there, heres a short bit of the programme, sadly without the Children choir.
Sabbath Worship (December 19th 2015)
Speaker : Elder R. Scarlett
Title : God's Vineyard
Scripture Reading : Isaiah 5: 1-7
Sabbath Worship (December 12th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Solomon Thommandru
Title : Go, Go, Go!
Scripture Reading : Genesis 31: 55, 32:1-2
Sabbath Worship (December 5th 2015)
Speaker : Natalie Simon
Title : What Does Your Name Mean?
Scripture Reading : N/A
Our speaker is Sister Natalie Simon, wife of Pastor Simon. She was gracefully introduced by our First Elder R. Scarlett. Natalie did an amazing children story that had everyone’s attention. Recuriting two adults, she cleverly illustrated the story (Sister Williams and Brother Crosdale).
Natalie’s sermon was on the meaning of a name, her focus - Israel. In a well modulated voice, she spoke about how names have meanings that are derived from circumstances. Some names she noted have dire consequences for the bearer.
Her narrative of the story of Jacob – the deceiver, and is brother Esau – he who is hairy, set the foundation for her discourse; namely we are given a new name in Christ.
Brother and Sister Williams with the special song.
She explained that name Israel denotes struggle, he who struggled with God. In this case a name change is also an identity change. A name that sometimes we even lay claim too - the Church of today.
She noted that many look down on those that struggle in the faith. Faith struggle has been stigmatised in the Church. We are uncomfortable with each other struggles.
Often those that struggle with God are accused of harbouring great sins, like the people around Job. Faith struggle has been stigmatised. Why is it we think of struggle as a sign of fate, when our name has struggle written into it? We are allowed to say that we are struggling with God. It doesn't annoy Him, it shouldn't annoy you. What's in your name?
Communion Service
Sabbath 21st November 2015
Sabbath Worship (November 14th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Herbert Griffiths
Title : The Controversy Ended!
Scripture Reading : Isaiah 14:13-18
This sermon closes off the week of prayer. Our speaker is Elder Herbert Griffiths who was responsible for programme this year.
He begins with asking a question, how many of us feel that we have had enough? That you want to go home. He wondered if it was the same thing when we got baptised. Did you want to go with Christ at that very moment? Did you think you wouldn't miss anyone? As time goes on, that feeling takes a back seat. He hopes that we can get back that feeling. He spoke of the great controversy between good and evil. He describes how involed we are in this battle, but this very war that began at the beginning of time is coming to an end. We have to decide, decide to choose Good or Evil - Christ or Lucifer.
Listen to this timely sermon below...
Sabbath Worship (November 7th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Herbert Griffiths
Title : Power To Finish The Work!
Scripture Reading : John 14: 1 - 3
Our speaker for the Hour is no other than our very own Elder Herbert Griffiths. In his usual calm and steady voice, he spoke to the congregation of Bilston SDA Church about our duty as Christians to seek the power of Christ and do is Work. He noted, we are all waiting for Christ return, but that in itself is no excuse not to do Christ’s work.
Sabbath Worship (October 31st 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Derek Simon
Title : God's Providence & Provision
Scripture Reading : N/A
Sabbath Worship (October 24th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title : The Law of the Harvest
Scripture Reading : Galatians 6:6-10
Pastor spoke of seven principles to spiritual prosperity. He asks the question what have you been sowing, are you happy with what you have been reaping?
- Give thanks to God.
- Reap what you sow.
- You reap more than you sow.
- Reaping a godly harvest requires patience and persistence.
- We must seize the opportunity before it disappears. Support one another.
- We owe a debt to the world with what God has blessed us with.
- Start with the needs of others close to you.
Watch the sermon here...
Youth Campaign 2015 Is Here In Bilston!
Speaker - Dean Cullinan & wife
The Youth campaign October 2 - 17.
Sermons:
- The Crimson Worm
- Ready Now!
- Run For Your Life!
- Gospel According To Rome
- Who Shall Beable To Stand?
- Will You Leave Too?
- Friend, Why Have You Come?
- Ransom & Reunion
- God's Quiver
- Father of the Fatherless
- Charge that to My Account
Sabbath Worship (September 19th 2015)
Speaker : Sister Kellyanne Clarke
Title : Living Dead
Scripture Reading : St John 5:6
The speaker for the day was Sister Kelly-anne Clarke. She is a member of the Aston Newton SDA Church and is a bible worker of some repute. From my short meeting with her, she is ardent and spiritually keen to share Christ with whoever she meets. She is also very easy to get on with and has a friendly personality.
She can be serious too; her title for her sermon set the pace – the living dead. She began with the death of Robin Williams, speaking about his illness and the fact that this man was able to light up any room and yet none where aware of the private suffering he was enduring – he was living and yet had no power.
I could go on and summarise her sermon to you, but I would not do it justice. She spoke of Christ miracle of the man at the pool in John chapter 4. Although a much discussed section of scripture, she made it come alive. You need to listen to her for yourself. I am sure you will hear Christ talking to your heart too as she entreat you to live, live for Christ and arise, take up your problems and walk with Christ.
Sabbath Worship (September 12th 2015)
Speaker : First Elder R. Scarlett
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : St John 3:14-19
Sabbath Worship (September 5th 2015)
Speaker : Sister I. Johnson
Title : Life's Race
Scripture Reading : 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Sabbath Worship (August 29th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Derrick Simons
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : N/A
Communion Day Sermon
Sabbath Worship (August 29th 2015)
Speaker : First Elder R. Scarlett
Title : Where Can I Find God
Scripture Reading : Matthew 7:13-14
First Elder Ron Scarlett spoke about how many can't find God. He tells us how we may find God for ourselves. He warns that their are those who can be lost in the Church.
Sabbath Worship (August 15th 2015)
Speaker : Naison Chitiyo
Title : Walking In The Footsteps of Daniel
Scripture Reading : Daniel 2
This was a special Sabbath, celebrating the young people of the Church who are leaving for universities this year. The sermon was designed to be a charge for this group of youth to stand fast for the ideals they have made their own in the midst of the whirlwind that is university life.
The speaker was well acquainted with the life of campus university. He had not long ago completed his first degree and had successfully lived a clean lifestyle that was modeled on Daniel and the other Israelite captives who stand for their beliefs in a true and powerful God. He was a testimony that this life style can be achieved today.
The speaker, Naison Chitiyo spoke in clear and concise terms that all could clearly understand the importance of his words. Although he referenced his sermon on a frequently used section of scripture – the book of Daniel, he brought a new light to the text from the point of view of a university student. He attended the University of Leicester and holds a first class degree in Physiology and Pharmacology.
His sermon was brilliantly delivered, simple in meaning and fluent in language. All had a chance to live the life of Daniel as a student of Babylonian university – the Oxford/Cambridge/Harvard of its day. The sermon was most certainly an inspiration to all students listening.
Sabbath Worship (August 8th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor S. Appiah
Title : n/a
Scripture Reading : n/a
Sabbath Worship (July 25th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor D. Simon
Title : Stepping out in Faith
Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 14 : 1 - 8
Sabbath Worship (July 11th 2015)
Speaker : Dr Herbert Griffith
Title : Go away, I do not know you!
Scripture Reading : Matthew 25: 1 - 13
Dr Herbert Griffith, elder of Bilston SDA Church was the speaker of the hour.
Sabbath Worship (June 27th 2015)
Speaker : Adrian Roberts
Title : Has Satan raised a bonnet in front of the Church
Scripture Reading : 2 Timothy 4:3-4
The speaker today is Adrian Roberts. He came to Bilston SDA Church along with his family. He proved to be a dynamic fluent speaker. His message was a warning to the Church, he demonstrated to the congregation that the idea of freedom did not originate in America but outlined that it was actually from God.
He spoke Lucifer’s lust for power and hatred for Christ Church. He noted that Lucifer is using our very own freedom of choice as his main weapons of enslavement. His arguments suggest that democracy has become an illusion due to Government’s restrictions on our privacy, for our own safety.
He spoke of the Koran and what it states how Muslims are to treat the unbeliever (which actually means everyone not a Muslims). Scary stuff that bit of information was!
His message was direct and to the point. The state of affairs in the world today is as prophecy denoted it would be and the Church is silent.
He said that Satan sees that the Church is silent and he wants to destroy the Church. We, he notes are the salt of the earth, a light unto others that is the power of God which is mighty. We need to remember the reason we are here. Everyone has a purpose, that’s why God bought us here; to point others to Christ.
Sabbath Worship (June 27th 2015)
Speaker : Andre Picart
Title : The Heart Of The Matter
Scripture Reading : 1 Samuel 16:7
The speaker for the divine hour was Andre Picart. He began his sermon with a statement made by someone – “Holy people scares me.” He spoke of a teenage girl with mixed Muslim parents growing up in the US. He describes how the daughter grew up more American than the parents were able to accept. She was one day given an ultimatum to follow strict adherence to Islam, she declined and was murdered by her parents. He noted that the father told the police that they were just trying to teach the daughter good Muslim morals. Andre posed the question to the Church, how can you profess good morals and you can take the life of your daughter, someone God has untrusted your life with?
He continues with an overview of the life of Samuel. He noted how the people of Israel asked for a king. The Lord told Samuel that they rejected Him not Samuel. He went on with coronation of Saul.
Saul he noted was a very handsome man and he won battles and had great victories. Andre noted that with great responsibilities come great temptations. Saul he noted was blessed with a superior mind from God. This blessing used for good would be great but used for evil would be terrible.
He went on to speak of the rejection of Saul and the anointment of David as the next King of Israel. In this process, he observed that man looks on the outside appearance but God on the inside, in the heart. He observes that David wasn’t without his faults but what sets him aside from others was his heart, his character.
You know what sin is keeping you back, he noted. That sin is keeping you out of the kingdom. Don't let it hide you like Adam and Eve. Set time in prayer to look on your sins and lay it out to God. Spend time in payer. The Church, he notes is a hospital for the sick, not a museum for the saints.
You really need to listen to the full sermon to understand the appeal Andre is making here to you. He is asking that you make time for God, that you know your sins that are keeping you back. Your heart can only have one occupant – Self or Christ. There is not room for both, its either one or the other.
Sabbath Worship (June 20th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Nathan Gray
Title : n/a
Scripture Reading : Matthew 28:18-20
Elder Gray spoke of the rebellion of Korah against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16). He describe how Aaron ran among the people dying from the plague, making atonement for the living (Numbers 16:46-50).
The Elder noted that we need to run to save people, we have the power of God with us and we should be using it to save others.
He also said that we need to spend more time with our Bibles so that we can know God for ourselves and be effective witnesses of His love.
It is our duty to go out and witness, to teach others about Christ. We need to love people more than ourselves he said.
He noted that if you don’t love others you can’t love God, we have to love people. This, he observed is a race – similar to Aaron’s dash among the dying Israelites, to safe the people (his opening remarks). Do what you can for Jesus Christ, Jesus will not ask you to do more than you can do, where his closing remarks.
Sabbath Worship (June 13th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Ron Scarlett
Title : n/a
Scripture Reading : Genesis 15:1
Elder asked what was so wrong with this world? He had answers such as selfishness and fear. He refers to the rousing hymn song earlier to lead him in – Great is His Fatefulness. He observes that God is fateful.
He went on to speak about prayer. He noted that we must pray for each other. We all need prayers he said. The times is serious times we are living he said.
He spoke about Abraham and his relationship with God. He spoke of God saying to Abraham that God himself is his shield. He elaborated on this subject, noting that God is our shield too.
His sermon covered the subject of fear to faith, using Abraham’s faith as his subject matter. He made it clear that no problem is too big for God.
Sabbath Worship (June 6th 2015)
Speaker : Lulu Greaves
Title : "Are you a woman that God can use?"
Scripture Reading : N/A
Woman Emphasis Day
Elegant, soft spoken and wearing a sparkling lovely smile are the mere words to describe our speaker for the day; Mrs Lulu Greaves. She asked the question, are you (women only please!) a woman that God can use? Although the sermon was targeted on women, she said that the men would also learn from the message.
She laid out the lives of five women of the Bible: Hagar, Naomi, Elizabeth, Priscilla and Elijah’s widow. She spoke most notably of Hagar’s trials, her treatment at the hands of her mistress. She noted that Hagar had the staying power to survive the hardship that came her way and spoke of the relationship Hagar had with God.
She then went on to speak of the other women of the group interjecting current situations and analogies. She spoke of how God revealed His mercies and redeeming power in the lives of these women.
She noted that God is not gender specific, quoting Psalms 1:1; she noted that God is referring to both male and female. She noted Galatians 3:28 neither Jew nor gentle, male or female, all are one in Christ.
Another point that stays in the mind is her comment – God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called.
Listen to the sermon here:
This video is no longer available. The speaker has requested that it be taken down.
Sabbath Worship (May 23th 2015)
Speaker : Grace Walsh
Title : Comprehensive Health Ministry
Scripture Reading : Isaiah 58:6 - 10
Grace Walsh is the Health Ministries & Community Services Director for the North England Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church (NEC). Grace is trained teacher ad psychiatric nurse and was instrumental in organising the CHIP programme at Bilston SDA Church some time ago.
She firmly believes that the method to win souls for Christ is to extend the practical ministry of Christ to our local communities. This was her message to Bilston SDA Church.
She described the NEC vision – rebuilding people, restoring relationships, inspiring excellence.
She spoke of Comprehensive Health Ministry, of meeting the needs of the people in a practical way that will demonstrate the love of God and His compassion.
Listen to the sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (May 23th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title : I Am from the Gospel Of John Series
Scripture Reading : John 8:12
Pastor Samuel Appiah spoke about the difficulties of following others. He noted that we have to be very careful when doing so. Jesus he said, is asking that we follow him.
Pastor spoke on the light of this world, a light that preceded the very creation of man himself – that light which is Jesus. He spoke of the darkness around us. He observed that we cannot survive without the light of Jesus.
Listen to the sermon here:
Sabbath Worship (May 16th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Christopher Prabhudas Pitta
Title : "How Readest Thou?"
Scripture Reading : Luke 10:25 - 28
Special Song - The Road To Zion Is In You, song by Bobby Christopher. Link.
Pastor Christopher spoke about the lawyers who practised the law of God in the time of Jesus. He referred to the incidents when they tried to test Jesus on how much he knew the law of God.
He pointed out how Jesus answered these questions – “How readest thou?”
He asked how you would answer the questions. What in fact do you believe? He asked what about the other doctrines taught in our Church. How readiest thou? He asked.
We, he notes, all have our own opinions and interpretations. He notes that this is one of the reasons why there are so many different churches, all due to how individuals read and understand differently.
How do you read, he asks, do you understand, he queries. Many have different methods of reading the Bible. Some do serious study while others just the occasional reading.
He spoke about a man that used chance to search the scriptures for answers to personal issues. This he observed is not what God intended. God wants us to know His word with prayer and serious consideration.
He asks are you reading the Bible correctly, are you letting the Holy Spirit guide you? The Holy Spirit needs to guide you when you are studying God’s Word.
Man, he notes, needs no priest to break the bread of life for him. Everything is in the Bible to make man a spiritual being. It is not in the councils of ministers that man finds God, but only in the eternal God Himself.
We apologise for not having the full sermon available as it was requested not to be posted - Webmaster.
Sabbath Worship (May 9th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Derek Simon
Title : Belief Counted As Righteousness
Scripture Reading : Genesis 15 : 1 - 6
Pastor spoke about Abraham and Sarai. He begins with a description of Abraham’s status among the people he lived with, even Kings came to speak with him. He noted that Abraham was a very rich man, he had everything but with one exception – an heir of his own, a son. This was a man that family meant everything to him and he had no child of his own.
Pastor continues with his description of Abraham. This was a man well on in age, long past child bearing age, the same was a fact for his wife Sarai.
Even so, he had God with him. Pastor spoke about the great promise God make to Abraham.
Genesis 15 New King James Version (NKJV)
God’s Covenant with Abram
15 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
2 But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”
5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Pastor spoke on two key points – Abraham’s faith was counted unto him as righteousness and the other, trusting God. He spoke about Abraham and Sarai trying to help God by plotting with Hagar to give birth to a child fathered by Abraham.
From there, Pastor noted, everything went downhill. Abraham now had two wivies which created conflict in the home. This led to a lot more problems, the soltion led to the eviction of Hagar and her child. All this happend, Pastor explained because Abraham and Sarai did not trust God to fulfill His word.
Pastor ended his insightful sermon on these two main points: belief is counted as righteousness and that we should take God at his word and trust Him.
Sabbath Worship (May 2th 2015)
Speaker : Deacon Billy Thomas
Title : When Will He Come?
Scripture Reading : Matthew 24 : 34-39
The speaker of the day was none other than our deacon Billy Thomas. This Sabbath was to be his first sermon preached since his completion of the preacher’s training course.
He spoke with a firmness of voice associated with a first time preacher. He was direct and focused with the message of the day, which was in fact a question; when will He come?
The preacher spoke of children, noting what happens when children delay doing their chores and parents turn up expectantly. He uses this metaphor to expound on the people of Noah’s day growing weary of Noah’s preaching, not seeing anything happening, returned to their ways. Only to be caught out when the Flood came.
He spoke of Christ second coming. Drawing comparisons with Noah’s days and even his own childhood experiences. He noted that God is a God of love, He doesn’t want to see any of us lost to sin but we all have to choose for ourselves to accept Him.
He closes with the question: Are you ready? (For Christ second coming?)
Sabbath Worship (April 25th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Ron Scarlett
Title : Maintaining Spiritual Fitness
Scripture Reading : 1 Corinthians 9:25
Elder Scarlett spoke of the training athletes do. He noted that they know what they are training for. He observed that Christians should be just as dedicated to train for fitness in spiritual matters.
He read 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and spoke of training for a godly life. He said for this life and the future. He laid lots of emphasis on spiritual training.
Sabbath Worship (April 18th 2015)
Speaker : Sam Walter
Title : Prayer
Scripture Reading : Luke 11:1 - 13
Elder Sam Walters spoke on the subject of prayer. He based his short sermon on Luke 11:1-13 on the disciples asking Christ to teach them how to pray.
He makes a number of points on this and clearly notes that prayer is communing with God in a relationship. Listen to the sermon to learn just how important it is to build a relationship with God.
Sabbath Worship (April 11th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Derek Simon
Title : Salt and Light
Scripture Reading : St Matthew 5
Sermon preached this Sabbath was done by Pastor Derek Simon, our new assistant pastor and also elder of the Church. His sermon was prefaced with a warm introduction of him and his fiancé.
Pastor spoke of the highly connected society that we live in today. A society that has become complex to live in. He noted a saying that live is simple but we just make it complex.
He observed that we need to embrace the simple things, a mantra that he off repeated in his sermon. He also observed that architects make a big thing about the look of a building but for him the foundations is what is important. It gives the building stability. Hence he will be speaking on the foundational aspect of Christianity – Matthew Chapter 5.
He spoke of Matthew Chapter 5, 6 and 7 – the Sermon on the Mount. He said that this was Christ’s Sabbath school. He noted that Christ was speaking to his disciples, teaching them and we should all pay very important attention to what Jesus said.
He continued speaking about the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes. This, he observed is how you need to be, he said; to be before doing.
He spoke of the simple metaphors that Christ used in his teachings – salt and light. He noted the historical importance of salt in the ancient world and today. He note too how Christ used light to emphasise the lessons he taught.
He noted three points of salt
- It makes you thirsty
- It preserve things
- It adds flavour
He pointed out that we are to make people thirst for God’s Word (have a spiritual thirst), we are to preserve – hold back moral decay, prevent family disintegration and defend the defenseless.
He noted that Christians are not to be dull boring people, it’s not a blank faith. As salt adds flavour we are to be the spice among those around us.
He observed that for salt to be active it needs to be close to its material, so we should be rubbing shoulders with those around us, influencing others to God. We, he said need to embrace the simple things of life and be the salt among our communities.
Salt, he noted must be potent. It must not lose its flavour. This flavour comes from our relationship with God and strong connection with Christ. Let’s be salty by spending time with Christ, we need to embrace the things, without the complexity.
We he said are the light of the world. Light makes a big difference, God is light. Christ is the light of the world. God lets His light shine on the World.
Hence we are to illuminate the light of God to others. Sharing the gospel message in words, living out the teachings – been salt. We are to make an impact on our very communities – Salt and Light.
The Sermon
Sabbath Worship (April 5th 2015)
Speaker : Dr Herbert Griffith
Title : Are You A Changed Barabbas
Scripture Reading : Luke 23: 13 - 24
Dr Herbert Griffith took to the podium on the Easter weekend Sabbath. While the rest of the world is busy on their preparations for the Easter Sunday, the Elder ponders on the nature of the released Jewish anti-Roman terrorist Barabbas (or Jesus Barabbas) whom Pontius Pilate tried not to free at the Passover feast in Jerusalem, instead of Jesus.
Portrait of Barabbas by James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Elder gave thoughts about the efforts of Pilate in his deliberations on Jesus’s trial and then on the convicted Barabbas that the priests and mob cried for. This very cercumstance is duplicated in our lives today - been wrongly accursed for an action not committed. The Elder notes that in such cases you have nothing to fear.
The Elder went on to speak about Barabbas. He wondered just what went through this condemned man’s mind. A convicted terrorist, murderer of Romans, just why would a sinless holy man such as Christ would take his (Barabbas) place at the Roman Cross? Such must have been the question in Barabbas’ mind when he witnessed the death of Christ the Elder pondered.
Hence the conclusion the Elder considered – with such a miscarriage of justice, the sinless nature of the one who stood in his place (Barabbas) and the silent, majestic carriage of the man who bore his own sins, the Elder would like to believe that Barabbas changed is life.
So he questions you, are you a changed Barabbas?
Sabbath Worship (March 21th 2015)
Speaker : Clarence Crosdale
Title : Reclaim! - God Wants You Back
Scripture Reading : N/A
Clarence Crosdale - Bilston SDA Church Youth Leader did the reading for the day which was set by the Youth Ministries Department, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist. He included in the reading experiences that related to the reading and the Church at large.
The authors for the readings for the Youth Week Of Prayer are Dr. Balvin B. Braham and Mrs. Anett Braham. Both are from Jamaica. Anett is a teacher and nurse who works with youth and young adults.
Dr. Braham served the Church in the West Jamaica Conference as school teacher, principal, district pastor, Youth Director, Education Director, Communication Director and President. He also served as Youth Director of West Indies Union Conference and Associate Youth Ministries Director of the Inter-American Division. Overall, Dr. Braham has more than 27 years of experience working with young people.
The reading: Second Sabbath of the week of prayer; title - Living By Grace
Link to the reading here.
Youth Week Of Prayer 2015 page here.
Sabbath Worship (March 14th 2015)
Speaker : Jairaj Kanakaraj
Title : A Mighty Masquerade
Scripture Reading : Isaiah 14:13 - 14
Raj spoke of a great counterfeit – the counterfeit of God’s very own religion. He spoke of how the devil carefully counterfeited each aspect of service to God.
Watch the video and learn just how well Satan has counterfeited the true Church in an effort to deceive God's own people.
The photograph above is Jairaj (Raj) and his family at Bilston SDA Church.
Sabbath Worship (March 7th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Derek Simon
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : Ephesians 1:3-14
Pastor D. Simon spoke on the subject of predestination. He spoke of Ephesians 1:3-14 as a song of praise to God. He notes that the reading points out that we chosen to be with God, but you need to chose to be with Him.
This is one sermon that a summary wont do justice. You will have to listen to the sermon itself to understand the subject - predestination.
Sabbath Worship (February 28th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Ralston Smith
Title : The Little Maid
Scripture Reading : 2 Kings 5:1 - 14
Pastor Ralston Smith was our man of the hour. On the short side he maybe, his sermon on the little maid of Naaman the Aramean, General of the armies of King Ben-Hadad II more than made up for his height.
His illustration of the loyalty and sense of duty the young slave from Israel for her owner and captor caught everyone’s attention. His detailed description of this mighty soldier’s disease – leprosy brought a sense of horror and pity to those listening for this great man had so much – all that money could buy, as noted by the preacher, but had so little due to the crippling health and social conditions of this disease.
The pastor painted these vivid pictures and the minds of his audience. Then he spoke of what an ordinary person might of done, if in the position of this little Hebrew maid – wish for her captor’s sudden death and flee for freedom. This he noted was not the case, the faithful maid knew someone, who also knew someone that knew the prophet Elisha.
The little maid had compassion on her master. This was the subject matter that Pastor Smith brought to the Church of Bilston. He noted that the Church today needs compassion.
Such was the example of the little maid that we all should exercise compassion to everyone. He challenged the Church to be compassionate and seek Him that has to power to forgive.
Which the video below to see the full sermon, don’t miss Pastor’s practical example of been compassionate – it was very amusing to see him swap shoes!
Sabbath Worship (February 21th 2015)
Speaker : Elder Maxwell Thompson
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : 1 Peter 5:8
Elder Maxwell Thompson is from the Wednesfield SDA Church. He was the speaker of the day. This was his first sermon at the new Bilston SDA Church. He attended with his wife and mother-in-law.
He began his sermon by reviewing the news of the day. He noted the prevalent nature of evil in the world. He spoke of the origin of sin and its battle in heaven and how it came to the earth and lead to the flood.
He noted that Satan is fully aware that he is finished, hence his fierce battles to devour any and all in his way. He spoke of Satan origins; Lucifer. He told of the of Satan’s desired to crave for what was not his. How Satan exalted self, forever craving more and finally leading to his expulsion from Heaven.
This spirit, the elder noted is in the Church today. Satan is using it to destroy the Church. Watch the video below and listen to the sermon and note the points the Elder makes on how Satan is causing discord and promoting self interest in the Church today.
The Elder implores that you hold on to Jesus. He gives encouragement, reading Philippians 2:1-5.
Philippians 2:1-5New International Version (NIV)
Imitating Christ’s Humility
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
He said that Bilston Church should build up one another and finally ended with the statement: Let this mind be in you that is in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5 KJV).
The Sermon
Sabbath Worship (February 14th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Richard Jackson
Title : Hoping For An Answer
Scripture Reading : Luke 17: 11 - 19
Pastor Jackson was the speaker for the hour. He gave thanks for the work of Pastor Appiah and his family has done over time for Bilston Church.
He based his sermon on text of the Ten Lepers. He discussed the reasons for the nine lepers ingratitude and why the one leper returned thanks to Christ for his deliverance.
Pastor noted that this ingratitude persists even today, that we are to give God thanks for all He has done for us. Pastor questioned just how many give God thanks for what He has done for us.
He said that God dislikes ingratitude. He spoke about the many people who have helped us over time and yet we are ungrateful. In closing he spoke the words of Andre Crouch; With His blood He has saved me, to God be the Glory.
The Sermon Video
See the report of the weekend here.
See pictures and videos of the Thanksgiving service here.
See pictures and videos of the Dedication service here.
Sabbath Worship (January 31st 2015)
Speaker : Elder Ron Scarlett
Title : Forgiveness
Scripture Reading : Genesis 50
Elder Ron Scarlett was the speaker of the day. He told the children about God's forgiveness. He spoke of the grace of God to all, unmerited favour to all. We he said didn’t do anything to get justify it. Yet God was willing to give us forgiveness of our sins, Romans 5:8, 9.
Forgiveness seems easy when it is received, but it is hard when to give it the Elder noted. Forgiveness is not an option for the believer he said. It is imperative to forgive. We should forgive each other as often as is necessary. He spoke about the life of Joseph. He noted that he had searched the Bible for someone closest to Jesus and that person was Joseph.
He spoke of seven aspects of forgiveness:
- Forgiveness is for our sake
- Forgiveness is a choice to cancel the debt
- Forgiveness precedes healing
- Forgiveness holds the offender accountable
- Forgiveness does not mean forgetting
- Forgiveness may not lead to reconciliation
- Is Forgiveness possible?
This was a good sermon on how forgiving we are to be to others. View the full sermon below:
Sabbath Worship (January 24th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Solomon
Title : N/A
Scripture Reading : N/A
Pastor Solomon was the speaker of the day. Please watch the video below for his sermon.
Sabbath Worship (January 17th 2015)
Speaker : Pastor Samuel Appiah
Title : Get Up
Scripture Reading : Joshua 7:6 - 10
Pastor Appiah spoke of standing up for our faith – hence the title of his sermon, Get Up. He said that he wants to tell those of low faith, those that are discouraged that they need to get up. He decided to use Joshua as an example of what low spirit can do and what can happen when it’s raised up.
He noted that any success not rooted in Jesus will lead to us forgetting God. When everything is going smoothly we are susceptible to forgetting Jesus. Success not based on God will breed carelessness.
He gave five lessons in his sermon using the life of Joshua as his example:
Lesson 1
Success not based in Christ leads to carelessness. Joshua many victories lead to his arrogance. Pastor noted that when everything is going well that you think you are untouchable.
Lesson 2
He reads verse 7. Joshua calls to God. He questions God’s character in his defeat. He has forgotten what God has done for him. Pastor noted that we all begin to question God when bad things happen. We need to trust God in good times and bad.
Lesson 3
He reads verse 8. Joshua can’t see any hope. Pastor said that there are some friends that are dream killers. Their negativity leads to discouragement. This leads Joshua to focus on his defeats. Pastor noted that we are to focus on the many blessings God has given us. We, he said can thank God that we are here today.
Lesson 4
Verse 9. Joshua is worried about what others will think about God. Pastor noted that God can take care of Himself. We are not to think of what others think of us. It’s what God thinks of us is important. God is not seeking public opinion; all He wants is our trust in Him.
Lesson 5
Verses 20-22. Joshua had to do a self-assessment and found a thief within the camp. Sin had been found in the camp. It was been covered up – hidden. Pastor noted that many are covering up sin. We need to let it go or else we will never be free. He said that God will forgive us.
He noted that the thief had to publicly confess his sin. The transgressor’s sin affected the entire nation. Such is sin in the family, the church pastor noted. It can affect all.
Lesson 6
Verse 22, 23. Joshua had to give up the sin before he could move forward. The same in our lives today Pastor noted. We are to let go of that sin, that friend or job, that baggage in our lives. Let go the things that leads us astray.
Pastor reads Joshua 7:19. He notes that we should learn from this verse. We are to give God the glory but we can’t because of what is hidden in our hearts. We have to confess our sins.
Pastor noted that going through a bad experience will lead to negativity, but God can turn everything to good. Hosea 2:15. The same defeat, God can turn it to joy. You just need to confess your sins, surrender to Him and He will turn your defeat to victory.
Sabbath Worship (January 10th 2015)
Speaker : Horatio Lawrence
Title : New Year, New You
Scripture Reading : N/A
Our speaker today is the Church’s very own Head Deacon – Horatio Lawrence. He is of considerable youth yet strong in faith, resilient, hard working and always ready to help and lead. His first time before the congregation; his New Year message queried our motives for 2015.
Horatio spoke about the love of Christ. He queried are we sharing that joy and peace we gain from Christ to others. He spoke of the woman at the well that Christ spoke to. He noted how she went and told everyone of her experience of Christ.
He spoke of Paul and his passion in what he was doing before he met Jesus. Then of the new Paul after his conversion, that passion, that conviction to speak of Christ even in the midst of adversity.
He noted that we are to be like Samuel - Speak Lord for thy servant hearth. Listen to this new voice for yourself:
Sabbath Worship (January 3rd 2015)
Speaker : Michael Dantzie
Title : Is Jesus better than Reality?
Scripture Reading : John 17:17
A charismatic young preacher, it was clear no one was going to be "not listening" to him this mid-day.
He begins with a definition of what reality means. He defines it as real, facts, the now and truths. John 17:17 is a claim, he says. "Santify them through your truths, thy Word is Truth. " He argues that the Bible speaks about this world 's reality. He states that if the Bible didn't speak of today's reality then it's not speaking truth.
His sermon covered the natured of reality of today and the relivance to the prophecies of the Bible. He spoke about the family and young people today. A lively and forceful preacher, he spoke in clear strong terms in a manner that was clearly seen was understood by the young people of the Church who answered his altar call.
Michael's family: wife and children.
Not to be missed, and a good start for the new year!
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