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 Preacher: Rev. Willock, Pastor 

Message: Because God's Care Enough, He Send His Best 

Message Text: Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:5-12 

"Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets." But in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds." 

In today's reading from Hebrews, we are invited to understand who Jesus is, and not to be confused like the Jewish people who  rejected him.  The writer of Hebrews wants to us to know that God speaks to us through His Son Jesus. How are you hearing God's voice today? The question for us today, how are you hearing God speak to you through Jesus today? Did he speak to you this morning as we sang, "His Name is Wonderful?" Did you hear him speak to you from Psalm 8:3,  that says, "Out of the mouths and babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger?" Contrary to what we think, 

God does not only speak to us through songs and scripture. He speaks to us, as our Great High Priest (Heb. 1:14-16), as the one who represents us before the Father; as the One who understands the temptations we experience, and reminds us through the song, "Yield Not to Temptation." In his great High Priestly Prayer (John 17:6-12), Jesus prays that the Father keeps us connected to him so that the devil cannot snatch us from God's hand. But for Jesus to keep us, we first must acknowledge our need for Him and turn to Him in faith. 

In Matthew 3:17, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35, God tells us, "Jesus is his Son, the Beloved. Listen to Him." If you don't know how to listen to him, take a moment to read Roman's 10:8-10 (NLT), where the steps are laid out very simply: "In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." 

As the title of the message suggest,  because "God cares enough for you he sent his best - His Son Jesus Christ to save us. He is the one we call Savior, the redeemer of all men. Some call him Jesus, for He's my dearest friend. If you feel that no one loves you and your life is out of hand. Remember, Jesus is the man who can. 

Listen at this link https://youtu.be/3QtP22BcTPE to the message in it's entirety. 

Preacher: Rev. Maudelin Willock, Pastor 

Message: Maintaining Saltiness. 

Text: Mark 9:49-50 

As Jesus continues to teach his disciples about the importance of inclusion over exclusion, he cautions them and us (today's Christians), that putting stumbling blocks in the way of another person (Christian or otherwise) who seeks to know Jesus and to do work for him, is a no-no. Jesus reminds the disciples that if someone is not against him, they are for him since the Holy Spirit brings fruit from what is done. Jesus wants disciples, who follow him, to allow the flavor of their lifestyle to be what flavors the relationship between people. In other words, telling another they must follow Jesus the way I do is not the point of why Jesus came and died for the sin of the whole world (John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life). In the two last verses of Mark 9:49-50, Jesus says: 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” 

What all this means, especially in these days of division and hate, is a renewed call for Christians and non-Christians to live in peace with one another and to allow Jesus to do the purging by fire. In the text (Mark 9:38-50) Jesus lines up two kinds of fire – the consuming fire of sin and the fire of exclusion that hyper-Christians use to destroy others and so leave them feeling worthless. 

The first type of fire relates to Romans 6:23 – “the wages of sin as death,” while the other type of fire represents our attitudes of hate that deems some people unworthy to speak the name of Jesus that our response is to 'otherize' them to make ourselves feel better. When Jesus tells the disciples (and us) that "Salt is good" he wants us to understand the three purposes salt serves - (1) preservation (2) cleansing, (3) flavoring). As Christians, we tend to pick purpose 2 – wanting to clean up everyone but ourselves and so quickly forgetting our responsibility to preserve the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (Galatians 5:22). 

When we choose exclusion, we easily omit the flavoring properties of salt that is given to us by the grace of God to overpower the tastelessness around us so others can see their worth as people created in the image of God - worthwhile and worthy of a relationship with God. 

My prayer for all who hear this message (Christian and non-Christian alike), is that Jesus’s death on the cross is for you. Jesus’ resurrection from the grace is for you and Jesus’ return is for you if you accept God's grace available to you, through faith in Jesus (Romans 5:1). 

Jesus' death and resurrection have already been accomplished for us, therefore, what we need to do to experience the third and final act in the redemption process is Jesus' return - which has no set date (Matthew 24:30, Revelation 19:11-16). 

Dear Listener, regardless of what you have done in the past, Jesus wants to forgive you and help you, by the Holy Spirit to maintain your saltiness. Jesus did the hard work already. Now he is standing at the door knocking and asking you to let him in (Revelation 3:20) at this moment he invites us to, “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…” (Hebrews 12:2) so by the Holy Spirit your saltiness returns so you can become one of the main ingredients in the flavoring needed in the dish of inclusion, respect, and peace this world needs. 

CCRC will be delighted to walk with you through the process of deepening your belief in Jesus into a deeper relationship with God, as together, we live into Jesus' call to maintain our saltiness. You can email – pastor@ccrcbklyn.org. May God Bless you mightily. Amen. 

Listen to the message here - https://youtu.be/wAFVZt4B2m4
 

 Preacher: Rev. Maudelin Willock, Pastor 

Message: Servanthood and Humility: Characteristics of Greatness 

Scripture: Mark 9:33-37 

In a culture were greatness cause some to do things that are ungodly, unjust and even criminal, Jesus reminds his disciples that greatness happen when, as disciples, we serve each other. In verse 35, Jesus says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Contrary to what is believed, Servanthood and Humility does not mean we think of ourself as worthless. I like the way C.S. Lewis speaks about Humility. He said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."   The way we are called to humbly serve others for the cause of Christ is to take up our cross and follow Jesus, doing the only thing we have been left to do, "go into all the world and preach the gospel." (Matthew 28:16-20). Let us remember that while it may be tempting to exalt oneself over others, Scripture tells us in Matthew 23:12, "whoever exalts themself will be humbled and whoever humbles themself will be exalted. Friends, Jesus promises us a privileged place of a reward with him but first we must refuse the world's offer of greatness and chooses Jesus example of servanthood and humility. Listen to the recording of this message here - https://youtu.be/NBpvjCdwUTE
 

3 views Sep 17, 2024

Preacher: Rev. Maudelin Willock, Pastor 

Message: What Am I Risking for Jesus? 

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38 

The lesson is the gospel reading from Mark, calls every Christian to "talk up one's cross and follow Jesus." In following Jesus, we sometimes have the mistaken view that there is nothing for us to do; yet, if we follow the logic of what Mark is saying, Jesus tells the disciples then, and all who are his disciples today, there is an element of 'risk and reward' on the journey. The risk is to make the decision and to stay the course - much like investing money and not withdrawing it as soon as the market takes a dip and the the reward is new life that Jesus secured for us when he rose after three days, as  he shared (v.31) before Peter let Satan use him to tell Jesus to save his life. In vv.34-38, Jesus shares that to gain life, there is a need to lose one's life because as written in v.36, "what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul." Friends, there is a lot that we can get from clamoring for status, wealth and a good time in the world, but today, there question before us is clear. "What Am I Risking for Jesus?" Take a moment to listen to the message at this link   • Sunday, September 15, 2024   and then decide to take up your cross, follow Jesus, and so risk it all for him. Here at Canarsie, we will be delighted to walk with you through the process. All you need to do is to contact us here - https://ccrcbklyn.org/contact-us. May God bless you; cause his face to shine upon you and give you peace! Amen. 

Preacher: Rev. Maudelin Willock, Pastor

Message: Breaking From Hopeless Fog

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 146

In the face of hopelessness, it is so easy to believe all is lost. Still, the prophet Isaiah reminded the exiled Israelites, that God had a hopeful end in store for them and God makes the same promise to us whose very existence seems to be overcome by death and decay, weeds and briar, fire and flood. What it takes to be hopeful does not lie within us but requires the active faith James 2 speak of n- faith that calls every child of God to do something for the lame, dumb, and blind; the oppressed and burdened weak and in need of strengthened promised by God.

In Mark 7, Jesus responds to the plea of a gentile woman who dared ask the her daughter be released from demon possession. In response to her request, Jesus tells her, ‘it is not right to give the children’s bread to the dogs.” The woman does not get angry and walk away huffing and puffing. Instead, in humility, the woman responds, LORD, I agree it is not right to give the children’s bread to the dogs, but our situation is that desperate we will take the crumbs that fall from the children's plate.

Dear friend, if you are hopeless and at your wit's end today, start by praising the LORD and commit to letting PRAISE be your new lifestyle of HOPE. Next, “Do not put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there...Buy be joyful are because the God of Israel is your helper, when your hope is in the LORD God,” who created heaven, earth, and the sea and all there is. Most of all, have faith in the LORD who gives justice to the oppressed, feeds the hungry, frees the prisoners, causes the blind to see, and raises all who are down” (Psalm 146).

Whatever your situation may be right now, there is hope in God. Here at Canarsie Community Reformed Church(CCRC), we would be delighted to walk you through the process to hopefulness, and will also pray with you as you are strengthened to grow in grace. Please contact us: 718-649-3759 ( Call only); 570-664-4075 (text)l pastor@ccrcklyn.org (email).

Listen to the full message here - https://youtu.be/XSeTUxDDcJA 

Preacher: Elder Ramesh Singh 

Scripture: Job 14:1 and James 1:2-4 

Trials have tested our faith, our patience, and our sense of community. However, it is during these moments of difficulty that our faith is most vital. In James 1:2-4, the Bible reminds us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

I know it can be hard to see joy in the midst of hardship, but these words encourage us to view our struggles not as burdens but as opportunities for growth. God is with us in every trial, shaping us, and drawing us closer to Him. As a church family, let us continue to lean on each other and lift each other up in prayer. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whether it's personal challenges, health concerns, or any other trials we are facing, individually or collectively, we must trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see the full picture. 

Please know that you are not alone. We are here for one another, and I encourage you to reach out if you need support - prayer, or simply someone to talk to. Our strength lies in our unity and our faith in God's unfailing love. Let us continue to meet together, whether in person or by the Spirit, to  encourage one another as we press on toward the prize that God has set before us.  

Dear Reader: please know that God grace is sufficient for you too. If you have not yet made the choice to give God first place in your life (Matthew 6:33), Canarsie Community Reformed Church would be happy to walk you through this process and walk with you on your journey to faith and trust in Jesus. Please reach out to our pastor, who will be delighted to speak with you. The contact email is - pastor@ccrcbklyn.org. 

May God’s peace and comfort be with each of you during this time. 

Listen to the message here: https://youtu.be/sMHgsS9PYgY

Preacher: Elder Michael Schroder

Message Title: Making the Choice To Serve The Lord In Sincerity and Truth” 

Scripture  Scripture: Joshua 24: 1-2a, 14-18  

Joshua understood his responsibility to lead the children of Israel and told them that there were two choices before them - (1) to serve the false gods their forefathers worshiped, or (2) to serve the Lord God. In doing so, Joshua declared to them, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15. We have the same choice to make in our lives. We can choose to serve the false "gods" of this world: wealth, possessions, popularity, etc.,  the things Satan uses to entice and draw us away from serving God, or we can choose like Joshua to serve the Lord and make Him first in our lives?  When we think of all God has done for us - especially choosing to give His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins, paying our sin debt, and gifting us with His Holy Spirit, to lead us into all truth. He is our Lord God who has been good to us in the past, and will always be  there for us when we choose to give him first place in our lives. Because of all God has done and will continue to do, our only choice is to gladly serve God in sincerity and truth; remembering to teach our children to so the same. May the choice we make today be our testimony to the goodness of God, as we daily share our gifts, encourage and pray for one another, so our children and everyone may join with us in singing, How Great is Our God!  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may you dear listener, "Make the Choice to Serve the Lord in Sincerity and Truth."

listen to the message here - https://youtu.be/32fus6xI72Y

Preacher: Pastor Maudelin

Message Title: Redeeming the Time in these Evil Days

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Paul's message to the Ephesian Christians is instructive for today's church who sometimes get caught up with the chronological time (Greek Chronos) over the opportune time (Greek Kairos) time God gives to us to make every minute of our lives count where we live as wise disciples of Jesus - sharing the love of God and his Word with those living in darkness. Paul's admonition to "redeem the time" is the Christian's invitation to make use of every moment we have been given count as we think less of ourselves and more about those we are to influence for God's Kingdom Listen to the message here: https://youtu.be/tvNZyJ6oq5o 

Speaker: Missionary Teresa Scotland (GMCC, COGIC Malabar Trinidad) 

Scripture: John 6:35,41-51 

Title: What is Life? 

Reminder of John 10:10 - "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but Christ comes to give life more abundantly." 

Some points from the message: "Having life is not the same as being alive." "Being awake does not mean we just open our eyes." "We speak life into existence when we pray." "Whatever is distant from God will die (cf. James 1:7) "God spoke life into all he created and invites us to bear fruit." 

Listen to the message here: https://youtu.be/csJFiiyVmAY

Preacher: Pastor Maudelin

Scriptures: John 6:24-35 

Title: Jesus The Bread of Life for You. 

In a world where so many people hunger for physical food, Jesus tells us he is the bread of life but so often we seek bread in places that will not satisfy. In Exodus  God told Moses to tell the complaining Israelites that no one should hunger. As the bread of life, Jesus secures life for us through his death on the cross. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:7-8), Jesus taught that whenever we ask, it will be given to us. When we seek we are able to discover. That is why we are invited to open our heart to the Holy Spirit and allow Jesus to fill you with the bread of life that is eternal. 

Listen to the message here: https://youtu.be/JkUPvk-xoQg

Preacher: Pastor Maudelin

Scriptures: 2 Kings 4:42-44; Ephesians 3:-14-21; John 6:1-21 and Psalm 145:10-18

Title: Let the Church BE the Church

As Christians, we are to represent the church to the world by welcoming all who come. We are to trust that even when we cannot see a way out, God who makes the impossible possible is there to feed everyone and have some left over.  Paul says that to be the church, we are to build on Jesus who is the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2) and follow his example of inviting the people to sit down knowing that God will feed those who are hungry (physically and spiritually).

Listen to the message here: https://youtu.be/FWxzFvHSOcc?si=BrOhQCujrHDVLNoJ