"I Feel Like" Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D. at SNBC Sunday Morning Worship

SNBC Spring Revival 2012 Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D

Pastor Noble, Sunday, January 12, 2014.....Psalm 33:20-22

Sounds From Pastor Johnny Ray Noble

Rev. Johnny Ray Noble Ph.D. (Pastor)

First Sunday At Second Nazareth and We Are Preparing For The Lords Supper...

There Were Baptism On First Sunday

Pastor checking on the candidates for baptism

Baptism Candidates Tyeyanna Wise and Trenae Dickerson

Pastor preparing to get in the water

Pastor singing "Take Me To The Water"

Pastor Noble At The Christmas Gala

Pastor Noble, The Photographer

Rev. Robinson, Pastor Noble, & Tim

Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D. Closing His Sermon "Wish Man"

(Lord Do It) Rev. Johnny Ray Noble,Ph.D.

Prayer For Those Who Are Unemployed In These Uncertain Times

Dear Lord, please ease our hearts in this world of uncertainty. As we balance which we desire with our true need. As we look for higher values in the midst of material loss. As we remember the wealth and abundance born of your creation. And know as You move us from fear to love, we will be enriched with the treasures of spirit and peace. Please sustain our spirits as we search for new and meaningful work. Where there has been a lay off or furlough we are asking You to restore in sufficient time. You have blessed us with healthy bodies and keen minds for which we are grateful. We ask You to open paths to seek employment allowing us to support our families and ourselves while serving others and Your Divine purpose. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Loving and Leading Difficult People

Loving and Leading Difficult People Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D I recently attended a pastor’s first appreciation service. The worship experience was great. There were various well wishers from churches all over the area, so many the modest edifice could not hold the crowd and worshippers overflowed into the hallway and in extra chairs in the aisles. Pastors flooded the pulpit and were stationed in the pews. The offering was raised in good spirit and was a treasure any servant of God would be delighted to receive. The preacher of the hour gave a soul stirring message and great words of encouragement from the Holy Writ. It looked liked and felt like an appropriate outpouring of love to honor the servant leadership of such a dynamic, energetic, young shepherd. Gifts, cards, warm words were exchanged and then the pastor takes center stage, stands behind the pulpit, and amidst the “thank you’s” and “I love you’s” the mood changed dramatically and instantly. The next words falling from the pastor’s lips stung like a bumble bee on a hot summer day. He narrowed his eyes gripped the pulpit and aimed his words, “Let me pastor you, and quit fighting me. If you vote me out, I have a home. We need to make this church into what God wants it to be, and the honeymoon is over now. Satan hit me with your best shot. I am ready. I am not scared and I ain’t gonna run.” As I was sitting there taking this all in, I wanted to run up to my fellow pastor, my brother, my friend, and embrace him, because his words emanated from great frustration and resistance to his ideas, plans, changes, and spiritual direction from some of his church leaders. He was experiencing betrayal, hurt, and disappointment. I have known this feeling all too well. For a moment I saw myself when I was young in my pastoral experience at my second church going through the same thing with a contrary deacon chair. I was so demoralized and too embarrassed to ask anyone for help with the situation I was facing, and felt isolated and all alone. I said some things in the “heat of the moment” not to be mean spirited or hurt the people but I was really crying for help, for someone to rescue me, a shoulder to cry on. I knew God was there for me, but at this moment I desired a manifestation of tangible power. The harsh reality is there are pastors all of the country experiencing this type of resistance in their ministry, and either have exhausted their means of help and support or since pastors lead such an isolated life they have few friends they can trust to keep things confidential or who will not give a slanted opinion but good sound spiritual advice. Young pastors (in age and pastoral leadership) need to be taught how to love and lead difficult people. There is an effective way and an ineffective method to deal with personal attacks, wounding words, diabolical schemes, and a myriad of other situations affecting our families and which threaten our ministry. There is no “cookie cutter” approach to loving and leading difficult people, however I will share what I have gleaned over the past two decades of ministry. Refrain From Arguing I have learned when opposition shows its head it is often mean spirited talk done by complainers or mummers. When faced with someone who is seeking direct confrontation with us, arguing and exchanging unkind words is seldom effective. Complainers and opposers are rarely convinced. They are best handled by defusing their attack, and redirecting the situation. We will lose if we respond wrongly in a situation and the circumstance will only get worse. Sometimes we must confront but it has to be carried out in the spirit of smart love laced with Christian behavior above reproach. We must learn to view the other individual as a child of God. This is often easier said than done, but with God all things are possible. The key is to accept the value of the person, while disapproving his/her actions. Control The Temperature of Diversity I have also learned I can manage difficult moments and conflicts by controlling the thermostat (environment or church climate). The pastor is the pacesetter for the social climate in their church. The pastor should set the rules of engagement relating to conflict management in their church. Everyone must be told disagreements are allowed and all people’s opinions are valued and will be given consideration. No one should feel guilty or fear reprisal for voicing a dissenting view. Each person must be allowed to state his/her position with dignity, clarity, and respect. There is nothing unhealthy about presenting dissenting views as long as the person is not inflicting needless, hurt, embarrassment, or disrespect to others. Unless people are told how to disagree and what the grievance procedures are conflicts and opposition will often be prolonged. Individuals tend to avoid the real issues until they feel secure to voice their concerns without risking irreparable damage to the church, themselves, or their interests. See Difficult People Through The Eyes of Christ The natural response is to strike back when we have been attacked. Retaliation is a normal human response, but is not the best response for the pastor as a leader and nurturer of sheep. Now I am not advocating a group of timid pastors/leaders afraid to speak and side step issues affecting their ministry. I am suggesting seeing the person and the conflict through the eyes of Christ. When we are under attack we want to put up defenses to protect us emotionally. We get sensitive and recoil to even the slightest push or shove. Seeing people through the eyes of Christ can help keep us from over reacting and allowing displays of painful unkind words to spoil happy moments and take center stage. When we view people who are gving us a difficult time as “lions”, “bulldogs”, “dragons” etc…the situation seems to grow out of control and insurmountable, however when we view them as “wounded sheep” it takes the ferocity out of the fight. Assume someone who is set on becoming your adversary is a wounded sheep in need of a Sheppard. Sheep are fearful creatures; timid in nature, and many times their resistance is because of the fear of the unknown, especially with a new pastor early on the pastorate. Seeing people through the eyes of Christ does not change them but it does change how we treat and react to them. Don’t Pray About Them, Pray For Them Learn to pray for the person hurting you. When we pray for a person and change talking to God about them, a whole new dimension enters. Samuel was defeated in a “business meeting” and offers us an example of the power of praying for those difficult folks we encounter in our ministries. Sometimes the very folks are trusted leaders can wounded us resulting in devastating injuries. God had appointed Samuel as a judge and unquestioned leader of Israel, but the day arrived when the people turned on him and demanded a king instead. Samuel tried to reason with them to no avail. Yet, he did not resign, leave his post, or become hardened or slack against the people who rejected his authority and leadership. He took his concerns to God and instead he uttered in 1 Samuel 12:22-23, “For the sake of His great name, the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” Even after the business meeting went ary, Samuel resolved God’s people deserve prayer simply because they belong to God. Samuel continued to pray and teach a whole nation through difficulty, the question is, can we continue to preach and teach to a church with a few difficult people? Be Gentle But Firm Pastors must realize authority is on your side. Dr. F.D. Sampson, Sr. (Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, Texas) shared with me what the late Dr. E. Stanley Branch shared with him, “If you stand if front of people expect to get kicked.” I fully understand those words to mean we should expect some opposition when leading people. After all, leadership is providing purpose, motivation, and direction to move people to accomplish goals they would not ordinarily accomplish themselves through coaching, training, and mentoring. There will always be some resistance when we are managing change, implementing systems, and enforcing standards. In these moments and situations people expect a pastor to respond to opposition with factual, decisive, and spiritual guidance. If the pastor expects the opposition in leadership the pastor can respond in a positive way. Pastors can choose rebuke gently and not with fire and “brimstone” to preserve relationships. Don’t attack people openly because others who are not part of the problem will defend a humble pastor versus a pastor who presents a hostile attitude. We listen to the opposition because sometimes they have valid concerns; they just air those concerns in a hostile manner, however we must gently explain we have to make difficult decisions about what the church can and cannot do in regards to their concern. This may not fix what’s wrong, but it being firm gentle but firm diffuses anger. The spirit needed for leading and loving difficult people is not one of fear and withdrawal nor of arrogant power. God calls us as pastors to possess a spirit of love, gentleness, meekness, long suffering, and kindness. We must learn in order to lead them we have to learn to love them.

Vision

I have declared June is Vision Month at Second Nazareth. During this time I will be casting the vision of our church through biblical principles and the spoken word as God has communicated it to me. As the visionary leader God has shown me we have an awesome future ahead of us and will require workers to bring this vision into fruition. We are enlisting every member’s support of our Capital Campaign to gather the necessary resources to construct and new worship facility. We are motivated by the success of our “Yes, We Can” Revival services where we revealed the phases of our process. We need the members of this family to invest your time, talent, and treasure to continue our season of success. Every contribution and deposit made into our church by the members of our church family moves us closer to the treasures God has laid up for us. That’s why the vision is crucial to our ministry. Our vision clarifies our direction, invites unity, facilitates function, enhances leadership, prompts passion, fosters risk taking, offers sustenance, creates energy, provides purpose, and motivates giving. My responsibility is to communicate clearly the vision so we can move forward without hesitation to carry out God’s will for our church family. Our vision, purpose, and mission statement provide us the framework and biblical basis for carrying out our God given mandates. I believe we should revisit our guiding principles to highlight the path we are traveling. Our Vision statement says: We are members of the family of Christ. Our vision is to experience God through authentic Christ-centered fellowship and study of His Word, to exalt God in heartfelt worship, and extend His offer of personal relationship to those who don't know Him. We believe in teaching and living God’s Word according to His will and plan. Our vision is to spread the Gospel to lost souls, teaching all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, through: sharing, caring, teaching, and preaching. Our Purpose Statement says: Second Nazareth is a “Purpose Driven” church. Our desire is to be a spiritual influence in Edgewood and surrounding communities, our state, our nation, and the entire world. We believe and are committed to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, which will provide growth for our church and the Kingdom of God. Matthew 22:37-40 Matthew 28:19-20 Our Mission Statement says: The mission of Second Nazareth Baptist Church is to be an instrument of the power and love of Jesus Christ, to our congregation and our “community”, while leading those we encounter into a relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit through: prayer, outreach, worship, fellowship, discipleship, sharing, caring, teaching, preaching, , forgiveness, and personal involvement. We have established Five Purpose areas of our church which dictate our activities and ministry tempo: Outreach Worship Fellowship Discipleship

“Enduring The Season of Change”

“Enduring The Season of Change” The winds of change are blowing fiercely in Second Nazareth Baptist Church. Change affects us all in our lives some more serious than others. Moving houses, changing jobs, divorces, losing a loved one, death, relocating to new countries where you experience the culture shock are all types of change that one may face. Dealing with change can be a difficult, stressful, and challenging process. Even positive change requires adjustment of our perceptions or ourselves, others, and the world around us. Even when changes are normal and predictable, there is some level of social readjustment needed. Change need not be a feared or devastating occurrence. When the ingredients for healthy change are employed change can be a blessing and opportunity. Looking at how to deal with change in churches, we can learn from our willingness to accept nature’s changing seasons. Especially if we understand churches also have seasons. Nature’s seasons change before our eyes. Churches change much more slowly, and their seasons are measured more in decades than in months. But the cycles of birth, growth, maturity, decline and death that we see in nature also apply to congregations. No matter how successful a congregation becomes, it will at some point decline. This may happen within 50 years, or a church might go strong for 300 years, but it will decline. And when decline becomes evident, people’s first instinct is to fight to survive. The great irony is the very success that propelled the church for 100 years or more may become its nemesis as people try to preserve how things have always been done. A church with a long history values stability over risk-taking because the people think they’ve already got something that works. A new church has an advantage. A new church finds it much easier to risk seeking the new thing God may be inviting them to. A new church is just beginning its search for its identity, purpose and sense of call. It doesn’t have to break away from “how it’s always been done.” Simply “old” churches can become new churches by being born again and exploring new ideas and concepts leading to new energy and life within the congregation. Even the freedom in a “new” church doesn’t come without challenges. The congregation’s life will become chaotic if the people don’t find some sense of how to function together. They will want church life to become more predictable and less volatile. This is part of a maturing process, of finding stability. Over time, as the congregation adjusts its ministry and structure, it develops habits of relating and making decisions. If done well, this will lead to growth, a well- defined identity in the community and an effective ministry. But eventually the church will find itself in decline. It may have done such a good job of stabilizing it falls into a rut and won’t risk a new path. Churches are much more like gliders than like jets. They depend on fresh winds of God’s Spirit to take flight. Once we begin to lose altitude, the only way out of decline is to be reborn. If a congregation can find rebirth through discovering the place where its gifts and passions intersect with the community’s needs, a new energy and mission can carry it forward. It is our desire to grow into another century of ministry as we poise to take our position in our community, and take on the challenges of this new millennium. In order to do this we must restructure, make plans for the future, redevelop, and add new ministries. I know this is scary. To some, it may be overwhelming as things are changing all around us. I also know some members of the family are having difficulty accepting our changes. To some the equilibrium of the church is being upset. We have restructured our ministries, adopted new procedures, moved to tithing and offering as the way we support the financial stability of the church, consolidated some functions, merged some groups and activities, moved to partner with organizations whose mission line up with the mission of our church. The list goes on, however, change is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when the change is necessary to survive and live out a greater purpose. We should expect some changes in church simply because with new leadership, we have new vision and thus a new direction. Furthermore, we are not changing just to change! We are changing to remain on the cutting edge of ministry and to be effective in the 21st Century. We must realize nothing comes to stay, and everything comes to pass. A departure from the “old” and arrival of the “new” means something has to die, but when something dies it provides a chance for rebirth. Thus, life begins again and a new creation starts to flourish. When we started a new life in Christ, our carnal (natural) man had to die first, but once we died to our trespasses and sins, we were resurrected to a new life in Christ. That is what being born again is all about. Coping With Change When change happens, we have two choices. We can either embrace the change and move forward into a new life or situation or we can stay stuck and stagnant in the past keeping things as they are. Change affects us in different ways and our ability to deal with the issues varies from person to person based on how strong we feel at the time or how weak we feel at the time and what is going on at the time. Sometimes, change occurs so quickly, in fact, we no longer have the luxury of adapting to it gradually. Nonetheless, change is inevitable and we must learn how to become managers of the change. One of the best ways to deal with change is to simply accept the change as a reality. Acceptance is the opposite of rejection or resistance. Acceptance keeps your mind calm and positive. The minute you accept a change has occurred you immediately become more capable of dealing with the change and turning it to your advantage. Instead of resisting change, we have to develop the habit of welcoming and working with it and through it. The future belongs to those who anticipate change, welcome it and have a plan to respond to it positively. We'll never be able to completely control change, but we can manage our participation in it and our reaction to it. The process of change can be both the most exciting and the most stressful experience as sometimes things have to get worse before they get better." This is very true. Think about when going through some stressful times of change. Whether major or minor changes, there is a new sensing in our body, our mind, and our spirit. Although change is constant, it nevertheless presents problems to most of us unless we look at change through the eyes of faith. In general, we don't like change and we don’t want to be put through it. Change involves friction and discomfort but it is also the repositioning to a better state and location where our productivity can be realized. We are often afraid of it just as we are of the unknown. As creatures of habit, we are usually more secure and comfortable with the familiar we don’t want the faith walk of the unseen, we want to stay to what we know. Change may affect our security and expose us to so much anxiety and stress. Our service area, our status, and our personal relationships and our well-established habits and routines are all interfered with and are shaken. Accordingly, it should not be surprising many people have a marked tendency to resist change. It is important you recognize this resistance in yourself and in others. It is perfectly human, natural and to be expected. We can recognize the source of the problems with change. A good attitude shift can minimize and even overcome resistance to change. Shock and Denial Always when we first hear the news something is changing, we go through shock, denial of the truth, confusion, fear, numbness, blame. People say things like "I can't believe this is happening" or "Oh my!" Some exclaim, “Pastor is making a mistake.” or “Pastor hurt our feelings”. They may even deny the thing has happened and ask questions like, "Am I dreaming or is this is real?" When things change, especially unexpectedly without warning, our first and very normal reaction is to deny it; denial is a coping mechanism. We approach change with the attitude if we ignore change and wait long enough hoping it will go away, things will get back to normal. Anger and resistance, follows after the shock. Frustration, anxiety, irritation, embarrassment and shame may move us to take frustration out on someone else or blame someone else for our situation. Then we immediately start dialoging and bargaining with circumstances. When you're ready to move on you are more able to accept what has happened, start to explore new options and put plans in place for the future. Then you can return to "normality." "Normality" may not be possible in some cases, but once you have accepted the situation, moving forward to a more meaningful existence is once again possible and can be realized very easily. Accept Change and Become a Manager of It Accepting change, learning to adapt, to cope, and ultimately to triumph through it, is an underrated thing and most people take it lightly. We are not born equipped to deal with change, but everyone can learn to cope with change, change offers opportunities, each with its own separate pros and cons. When we are confronted with change, explore mentally all the options the change will bring. And we naturally learn to adapt to change. Making a change requires new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. It can take a lot of repetition to master and integrate these new ways of being. Let us look at the limitations we all put on ourselves and how they hold us back from being open to change. Many churches in America are experiencing decline. Congregations are struggling to maintain their viability. I pray Second Nazareth will not meet this challenge with acts motivated merely by a desire for self-preservation. I pray we will have willing hearts to answer God’s invitation to be born anew and to embrace the rushing wind of the Spirit. I am counting on all leaders, ministry directors, and members of our church family to embrace change, and become managers “change” with me. Your Pastor and Friend For Life, JRN

“Remembering the Past, Rejoicing in the Present, Re-Imagining the Future”

“Remembering the Past, Rejoicing in the Present, Re-Imagining the Future” There is so much buzz in the air about what we are doing or planning to do with the Bethlehem Center once it is acquired. The Bethlehem Center has been an icon in our community for years, and has provided services in our community for over six decades. Unfortunate events closed the center, and the community has felt the loss, specifically our children. Although the center’s programs were being carried out at another site, the property that once stood as an empowerment tool for African Americans now stood empty and falling in disrepair. Intervention was needed and necessary to get these services back in our community. Who would do it? Whose responsibility was it to reestablish and resurrect the pride and hope of our community? Who cared enough and who had God given the resources to perform the act of breathing life into “dry bones”? I believe God called Second Nazareth for such a time as this! So, here is a sneak preview inside the heart of the Visionary while we remember the past, rejoice in the present, and re-imagine the future. Truly, we are turning a page in this new era of ministry and we are on the cutting edge of new paths breathing new life in our community and moving our church like never before in Kingdom Building. Remembering The Past Historically, the Bethlehem Center was established in September of 1945, during the period of American history when World War II forced women into the workforce in increasing numbers. The demand for women of all races to work created a situation of African American mothers having to devote more work hours to caring for the children of other working mothers. The African American "nannies" literally locked their own unattended children in their homes, then ventured to the homes of the other mothers to care for their children. This way of life caught the attention of Mrs. Julian Webb, a Missionary Woman of the Washington Street Methodist Church of Columbia, South Carolina. Mrs. Webb had a very devoted maid who took care of her twin children, but did so with the same great self-sacrifice. When Mrs. Webb reported this condition to members of her Sunday school class and to the Women's Missionary Society, the women decided something had to be done to alleviate this problem and others like it. Hence, in October of 1945, the Methodist Church National Division of the Missionary Society in New York City, New York, and the Missionary Council of the Methodist Church of South Carolina took action to purchase property and to open services under the name Bethlehem Community Center. For over 60 years the site worked to provide diverse educational and enrichment experiences engaging and empowering children and families of the Edgewood and Waverly Communities. Sadly, services ceased to operate at the 2500 Elmwood Ave site and our community was left underserved. The property stood vacant, as a reminder of what it once was for almost two years, until now… Rejoicing In The Present: The Heart of The Visionary It is no coincidence our Mission Statement reads: “The mission of Second Nazareth Baptist Church is to be an instrument of the power and love of Jesus Christ, to our congregation and our “community”, while leading those we encounter into a relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit through: prayer, outreach, worship, fellowship, discipleship, sharing, caring, teaching, preaching, forgiveness, and personal involvement.” The operative word is “community”. Our Mission Statement we adopted when I became Pastor fully expresses our concern for our community and those outside of the “church”. It is fully in keeping with what Jesus says when He declares the theme of His ministry in Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Jesus basically expresses His concern for His “community” and those affected by stigmas and situations befalling them in life. Since the poor, brokenhearted, captives, blind, and bruised people are a part of our present day society it becomes our duty as followers of Christ to minister to their needs. In so doing we fulfill our mandate and carry out actions pleasing to our Christ. Next, examine our goals. Can you see God moving in our actions to acquire the Bethlehem Center? Before this awesome opportunity presented itself, boldly and prophetically we set our goals. I believe God is answering our prayers and desires as we strive to be a purpose driven church. We are walking in Divine favor. This is truly our season and we have been granted our hearts desire. We can rejoice in the present! Goals of Second Nazareth Baptist Church 1. Meeting the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of people in our region and world 2. Continually providing resources for purposes of outreach, ministry, discipleship, worship, and fellowship 3. Leading members in worship glorifying God and nurtures believers 4. Providing strong leadership resources for the ministries of the church 5. Developing a high degree of positive visibility for Christ and His church within the communities of our region 6. Providing adequate facilities for our ministries 7. Developing faithful Christian stewardship among believers Re-Imagining the Future: A Snapshot of What We Can Expect in the Immediate Future As we enjoy this season of expansion and ministry beyond our four walls we will move forward with all diligent speed to renovate and invigorate this “phoenix” rising from the ashes and pile of discard. We will aggressively and passionately restore the splendor and vitality of the property located at 2500 Elmwood Ave. This new property will become the home and headquarters of the Edgewood Foundation. We will introduce new programs, partner with community organizations, and work tirelessly to restore previous services and guiding principles. Some of our goals will be: Developing new and exciting educational and cultural initiatives for children and families The active participation and cooperation of Edgewood Foundation, Second Nazareth Baptist Church, government, business, education, and the private sector Providing quality management and fundraising efforts to support ongoing services offered through the Center As we pursue our goals, we are guided by six key principles: Guiding Principles Uphold Christ-Centered programming. Place the needs of the local community first. Strengthen public-private partnerships that support our programs. Use our programs to build a stronger, more efficient and more sustainable community. Measure and continually improve benefits of our programs to participants. Build collaborations with other organizations or individuals with similar missions. We plan to restore opportunities for children, youth and their families to participate in programs and services promoting healthy lifestyles and good citizenship through four core programs. 1. Enrichment and Academic After School Program offered to elementary school students who attend Carver Lyon, Watkins Nance and Bradley Elementary Schools. The after school program extends the school day with homework assistance and enrichment activities in the areas of math and language arts. 2. Summer Enrichment Camp designed for children 4-13 years of age. The full-day camp is offered Monday through Friday and provides enrichment and fun experiences for participants. 3. Buy-In-Blocks Project designed for youth 13-17 years of age and promoting good citizenship, community service, and exposure to cultural and civic activities. 4. Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren Support Group providing a mechanism for grandparents to find support and participate in open discussions about parenting skills and relevant issues. We also are exploring of the addition of Adult Day Care Services. I am so excited God has blessed Second Nazareth to have ample resources to bring empowerment and change to the Edgewood Community. Churches over the past generations have been weakened by a failure to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of their communities. Many have adopted a narrow vision, focusing on only one aspect of ministry, but in today’s culture of faith-based opportunities many Christians are eager to start reaching out to their world with both Good News and good works, and therefore they are searching for appropriate ways to integrate both into their ministry. We have discovered the jewel, the “diamond in the rough” where we can make a lasting difference and cement a legacy of being a true “community” church. In essence we are using “church community development” as a comprehensive outreach resource for developing holistic ministry, which is a balance of evangelism and social outreach. Through this project we will share the life-changing vision and biblical mandate for living the whole gospel. Church leaders will be encouraged in their process of developing and maintaining a holistic ministry, and the local church will rediscover a passion for loving the whole person the way Jesus did. With great humility and thanks for what God has brought together I am just elated God would allow us to be a part of His plan. Thank you God for letting Second Nazareth be your living epistle and witnesses personifying Isaiah 58:12 (NIV), “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” With Vision and Love I Remain, Your Pastor and Friend For Life, Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D

“Moving Forward”

“Moving Forward” Isaiah 58:12 (NIV) “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We are thankful for the grace God has given the Second Nazareth Baptist Church Family! Truly, God has been good to us as He has brought us through another year of ministry. We have grown spiritually and numerically and we are strong in our commitment to Christ and Kingdom building. Let us move forward into the new year continuing in the spirit of our theme “Eagerly and Enthusiastically Equipping the Saints for Ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12). I believe God has called Second Nazareth to rebuild, repair, and restore our community. In seeking God direction I believe our Purpose Motto should change to reflect our current conviction and concern to win the world for Christ. Evangelism and care for humanity should be the priority of the church and I feel the words of our new Purpose Motto capture and reflect what we are to be about: “The Church in the Heart of the Community, with the Community In Its Heart” These words are the embodiment of who we are and how we feel about the community we minister to. I am excited about our transformation into a true “community church”. When the public thinks of Second Nazareth we want them to feel the depth of our care and concern for the people we serve. It is fully in keeping with what Jesus says when He declares the theme of His ministry in Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Jesus basically expresses His concern for His “community” and those affected by stigmas and situations befalling them in life. Since the poor, brokenhearted, captives, blind, and bruised people are a part of our present day society it becomes our duty as followers of Christ to minister to their needs. In so doing we fulfill our mandate and carry out actions pleasing to our Christ. The great work we are doing through the Edgewood Foundation has extended our reach and is leaving our unique touch on everyone within our borders and sphere of influence. Since Second Nazareth is a “purpose driven church” from time to time we must ask ourselves are we doing what God has purposed for us to do? Then we must ensure our Mission Statement states in simple clear, concise words our priorities as a church family. In retrospect on what God has allowed us to accomplish I believe our newly refined Mission Statement should read: “The mission of Second Nazareth Baptist Church is to be an instrument of the power and love of Jesus Christ, to our congregation and our community, while leading those we encounter into a personal relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to equip them for mission and ministry in the world.” In “moving forward”, while we carry out the “work of the church” by the command of Christ we are guided by several goals this year: Increasing church growth thru evangelism and redirect main focus of church to evangelism and soul winning Cultivating and equipping mature Christians in the church thru prayer, teaching, and preaching Establishing Edgewood Foundation board, bylaws, policies and procedures Actively seek partnerships with sister churches and organizations with like minded goals Developing confident and competent Christian leaders, lay teachers, and ministers Strengthening stewardship through tithe and offering for financial support of the church Finalizing plans for new worship facility Maintaining current facilities inside and out Supporting of home and foreign missions and involvement 10. Providing stability and improvement in all existing ministries and structuring/establishing new ministries to meet the needs of the church 11. Creating a website complete with online store and ability to accept online transactions for donations, tithe and offerings 12. Publishing a policies and procedures manual with job descriptions These are very ambitious goals for the church to achieve, however I am confident with fervent prayer, coupled with a strong faith, we can accomplish everything God has placed in our hearts to do. Thus far we have become repairers of broken walls and restorer of streets where our people live. I thank God for including Second Nazareth in His plans for humanity, and through our response to His call we will find hope and success leading to a bright future as we “move forward” in Christ’s name. With Vision and Love I Remain, Your Pastor and Friend For Life, Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D

A Man Of Sorrows

A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Isaiah 53:3. We are not acquainted with grief in the way in which Our Lord was acquainted with it; we endure it, we get through it, but we do not become intimate with it. At the beginning of life we do not reconcile ourselves to the fact of sin. We take a rational view of life and say that a man by controlling his instincts, and by educating himself, can produce a life which will slowly evolve into the life of God. But as we go on, we find the presence of something which we have not taken into consideration, viz., sin, and it upsets all our calculations. Sin has made the basis of things wild and not rational. We have to recognize that sin is a fact, not a defect; sin is red-handed mutiny against God. Either God or sin must die in my life. The New Testament brings us right down to this one issue. If sin rules in me, God’s life in me will be killed; if God rules in me, sin in me will be killed. There is no possible ultimate but that. The climax of sin is that it crucified Jesus Christ, and what was true in the history of God on earth will be true in your history and in mine. In our mental outlook we have to reconcile ourselves to the fact of sin as the only explanation as to why Jesus Christ came, and the explanation of the grief and sorrow in life.

I'm Often Overwhelmed

I'm Often Overwhelmed My weekly ministry schedule takes up about 50-55 hours of my week. I typically take one day and sometimes an extra half day off each week. Even then, I don't get nearly enough finished. Most weeks my time just gets swallowed by the regular ministry tasks. I'm left with no time to do the extra things that are absolutely necessary. At the beginning of each week I plan out my time. I schedule time to do the “extra” tasks that need attention. But as the week goes by, my time is slowly but persistently eroded by what comes up at the moment and needs immediate attention. I can't ignore people who are admitted to the hospital. I have to address conflict. I can't turn away a person who is in need of counsel. And so, one by one, my hours are consumed with important things – but things that don't really fit into my schedule. This is a constant burden for me, and often overwhelms me. How can I be an effective minister when I can't even address some of the most important tasks set before me? I'm also overwhelmed by conflict in the congregation. Most of the time people just need a little prodding to get back on track. But sometimes conflict in the congregation is severe. “Many well-meaning Christians in [my pastor friend's] congregations ignored the signs of 'battle fatigue.' Instead, congregations overwhelmed my pastor friends with unrealistic expectations, negative criticism and misplaced anger. Some congregations even assumed the perfect pastor was "out there," so their fallible pastor was terminated.” I can't possibly meet everyone's expectations. And I am overwhelmed by people's words and actions that often hurt... sometimes very deeply. Between an overloaded schedule and conflict in the church, I'm often overwhelmed.

I'm Far from Perfect I'm Not the Spiritual Giant You May Think I Am

July 14, 2011 at 8:37am I'm Far from Perfect I'm Not the Spiritual Giant You May Think I Am “I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.” (Philippians 3:12 NLT) It's a little scary to admit, but I need you to understand I am far from perfect. I know you already know this, but I'm not sure you fully understand just how tainted with sin I really am. I am not drifting away from the Lord – I am growing daily in my relationship with Him. But I fear when I teach and preach I give the impression I have everything mastered – at least to a degree better than anyone else. But this is just not true. I live in a sinful world and sin on a regular basis. I sin by getting angry, wasting time, indulging in things God hates, being selfish, allowing pride to creep in to my relationships. Sin is a constant battle in me. I do what I hate and don't do what I should love. This is important for you to know because I don't want you to think I'm looking down at you or judging you. We are in this together. My role in the Christian life is to be your pastor. But that certainly does not mean I am somehow free from the dangers of temptation. I fall many times a day. I get back up, ask forgiveness and keep on going. But please know, I am no spiritual giant. I am your pastor I struggle like you do. I make mistakes. I fall. I'm Far from Perfect I'm Not the Spiritual Giant You May Think I Am.

I Love Being Your Pastor

I Love Being Your Pastor “I am grateful to the One who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” (1 Timothy 1:12) I can still remember the moment I sensed the call of God to be a pastor. I was 16 years old sitting in a pew listening to my pastor preach. As I listened, a sense of God's presence came over me. I sensed a voice inside me say, “I want to preach like that.” At that moment I knew God set me apart for pastoral ministry. It is this calling that gets me out of bed in the morning. It is the reason no matter what happens, I won't be fulfilled unless I'm pastoring. There's a wonderful feeling when you know you are doing what God called you to do. Things just seem to make sense. That doesn't mean the journey is easier. It means whatever the circumstances I can retreat to my calling and remind myself why I am in ministry. God called me to it. My gifts and abilities match what is needed in ministry. But beyond that, God put me here, and that gives me incredible staying power. Not only do I love being a pastor, but I also love being your pastor. You are a blessing to me. I count it a privilege to be your pastor. God could have called any pastor to serve you and this congregation. But He chose me. I am grateful every day that I am your pastor. I don't want to do anything else, anywhere else. I love being your pastor.

"This sickness is not unto death."

"This sickness is not unto death." — John 11:4 From our Lord’s words we learn that there is a limit to sickness. Here is an "unto" within which its ultimate end is restrained, and beyond which it cannot go. Lazarus might pass through death, but death was not to be the ultimatum of his sickness. In all sickness, the Lord saith to the waves of pain, "Hitherto shall ye go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not the destruction, but the instruction of his people. Wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace mouth, and regulates the heat. 1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of him who numbers the hairs of our head. 2. This limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the end designed, and to the grace apportioned. Affliction comes not at haphazard—the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in balancing the clouds and meting out the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which compose the medicine of souls. We cannot suffer too much nor be relieved too late. 3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." A mother’s heart cries, "Spare my child"; but no mother is more compassionate than our gracious God. When we consider how hard-mouthed we are, it is a wonder that we are not driven with a sharper bit. The thought is full of consolation, that he who has fixed the bounds of our habitation, has also fixed the bounds of our tribulation.

S.O.S. Save Our Sons

S.O.S. Save Our Sons Inspired By Events From Trayvon Martin Shooting/Murder Exodus 1:15-21 15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. 18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? 19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. 20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. [1] In popular usage to this day, the letters SOS (no periods) are commonly believed to be an acronym for: Save Our Ship Save Our Souls Sink Or Swim. In the simplest terms, SOS is a ‘SIGNAL’ indicating distress and the need for help, and not an acronym or abbreviation. I want to use it as an acronym today as I preach one of the most difficult sermons I have ever preached “save our sons”, but I also want to use it as a distress signal saying we need help, someone needs to come to the aid of our sons, for if we don’t we will lose them. I am sick to my stomach and grieved when I think about what transpired last month in Sanford, Fla., a 17-year-old African-American named Trayvon Martin took a walk to the corner 7-Eleven for a bag of Skittles and some iced tea. On his return walk home, a neighbor, George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old white man of Latino descent, apparently decided a young black man walking alone at night wearing a grey hoodie, jeans, and white tennis shoes must equal trouble, so he made a call to the police. Somehow, not long afterward, Martin lay dead on the grass of a gunshot wound to the chest. Some say it was racially motivated because of the attire Trayvon was wearing. Some say the laws need to be revisited and guns are a problem. However I want to focus our attention on the real issue. No matter what your position is on [race or guns], nobody believes your rights extend to the right to kill innocent and unarmed children on public property! That’s the real issue! Mr. Zimmerman should have been arrested and charged with something and processed to follow a meandering path through the judicial system to determine his innocence or guilt. Why didn’t this happen is the real issue? This unfortunate incident furthermore highlights a deeper problem in America. I believe it reveals when African American won their civil rights only the branches and leaves of hatred, bigotry, and racism we trimmed, pruned, and cut back, however the trees are full and robust are in full bloom now, and the roots of racism are firmly planted and singing the song, “I shall not be moved…like a tree planted by the water…I shall not be moved!” Racism has been here for as long as black people have been in America. Racism remains the greatest cancer of American society, and has been since the founding of this nation – by men who owned slaves. Slavery was racism at its practical best. Now that slavery is 'outlawed', racism has a covert new face. Sometimes racism hides behind police badge who profile black drivers and passengers. Sometimes racism takes on the form of business owners who make you very uncomfortable when you shop in their stores, managers or bosses who single out black employees and treat them differently because they don't like how we speak, wear our hair, walk or dress, members of communities who don't want blacks anywhere near their homes. These are the NEW racists, which are offspring from the good ole boy system! The justice system is NOT in our favor, especially black men, and is really the new legal slavery in America. This country's laws were not set in place with black people in mind because, you have to remember, we were never meant to be free Americans in the first place. We the people meant some other people, if it didn’t 17-year-old Trayvon Martins wouldn't have to be harassed when they go through communities that have different skin color. Trayvon didn't die because of what he was wearing. And even if he did, that's not his fault, anymore than a rape victim could be blamed for a short skirt. I think a lot of people agree minority children are being unfairly stereotyped by their clothes, but the appropriate response is not to tell children to change their clothing - the appropriate response is to flip it and tell our culture, hey, pull your head out, stop making deadly assumptions about people based on what they wear and what they look like! American racism is not merely a distortion of human psychology teaching the George Zimmermans of our nation to see Trayvon Martin as nothing more than a criminal; it is also the debilitating disease allowing us, on the one hand, to denounce the alleged atrocities of in faraway Africa we've seen in that viral video, and on the other, to overlook the Trayvon Martins, just as we ignore the routine stop-and-frisk harassment of legions of black and Latino young males. It is American racism that constrains our leaders, like President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder, and pastors and religious leaders from speaking forcibly and publicly about this destructive cancer for fear of alienating "regular" folks. We need to send a strong message to statehouses all over the country we will not tolerate our sons being taken from us anymore. We are sick of the killing, we are sick of racial prejudices, racial profiling, and symbols of hatred and monuments erected to demoralize our sons. You know what I am sending a message to our governor, Niki Hailey thank you for finally signing the bill for South Carolina to officially observe Black History Month…36 years after President Gerald Ford signed it into Federal law, now if you really want to do something to make me feel better…while you are at it get that confederate flag from in front of our statehouse! I send a stronger message to our own people right here in Columbia, SC to come together. Pastors should be more outspoken black and white, churches should stand with their pastor’s, we should insist on church not being the most racist time in America. We should be united in our efforts to save our sons! We can no longer overlook, what I deem in my humble opinion as being set up for failure. I believe the pattern is by design. I truly believe there are some sick folks who plan the failure of our young sons. Genocide is defined as "the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG). Article 2 of this convention defines genocide as "any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life, calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group children of the group to another group." I believe there are some who have through their actions have set the destruction of our sons as their agenda and have pegged them dangerous and enemies the state. It would not be the first time either. I shouldn’t seem far-fetched. In our text we find ourselves enthralled in the middle of an insidious plot of Pharaoh, King of Egypt. His first plan of annihilation of Hebrew male children having failed, found it necessary for him either to give up his purpose, or to devise something else. Can I tell you a secret? Satan never gives up. He is a roaming around out of control as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is a lonely soul and always wants company! He is always recruiting and always enlisting others to become team players in evil. Persevering and tenacious, Satan has a hold of Pharaoh and he prefers to find a way to continue his evil treachery. He hatches a wicked plot of murder and deceit. When devilish minds get to cooking in hell’s kitchen they will stoop to any means to accomplish fickle deeds. He thought himself a stop might be put to the multiplication of the Israelites by means of infanticide on a large scale. Infanticide was no doubt a crime in Egypt, as in most countries except Rome; but the royal command would legitimate almost any action, since the king was recognized as a god. It was strange he did not rather pick a fight with the grown men, against whom they might perhaps find some occasion: but directs his bloody aims towards innocent infants. There is more cruelty in the corrupt heart of man than one would imagine[2] Evil people don’t care who they hurt, who they kill, who they character assassinate, to accomplish their insidious acts. It does not matter if you are a president, a governor, a mayor, a city councilman, a police chief, a judge, a preacher, pastor, deacon, trustee, mother, father, sister, brother, family relation, trusted friend, babe, bae, boo or sweetheart. When folks decide they are going to hurt someone by any means necessary it doesn’t matter who they hurt and how they do it. The steps by which men go down the road to hell are easy; each is in advance of the other, a little further on in guilt; there is no startling transition; and so, by little and little, advance is made, and the neophyte becomes a graduate in the school of crime. Grown and shameless, Pharaoh openly avows himself, a murderer, takes these two midwives, who attend to the Hebrew women in between the labor and birth of their sons, compels them, so far as he can, to be a accomplice murderers, and extends his genocidal and homicidal project to all the sons of Israel. Pharaoh approaches the two midwives in our text Shiphrah (shif’-rah) = He garnished; fairness. Beauty; (roots = [1] beauty; brightness; [2] to be bright). Prolific; to procreate.[3] Puah #2 (pu’-ah) = Exodus 1:15; Splendor; splendid; light; child bearing; i.e., joy of the parents.[4] They are “superintendents,” head nurses, who were expected to give their orders to the rest of the midwives because certainly they could not be at every birth for they numbered in the millions. “Choke the life out of all of the boys and let the girls live”, was the death warrant and edict issued by Pharaoh. It was no doubt well known midwives were not always called in; but the king supposed they were employed sufficiently often for the execution of his orders to produce an important result. Simply kill the seed and allow the incubators to survive to carry whatever they are given to produce whatever comes to them after their seed is gone. Modern Day Pharoah That’s what modern day Pharaoh has done. Modern day Pharaoh is alive and well. He has since been long dead, but there is always another Pharaoh in succession to the throne. There are powers that be working against our males right now in this society. The 4.5 million African American men ages 15 to 29 represent 14% of the U.S. male population of that age and 12% of all African Americans in the U.S. Fewer than 8% of young African American men have graduated from college compared to 17% of whites and 35% of Asians. The unemployment rate for young African American men is over twice the rate for young white, Hispanic and Asian men. In addition, fewer African American men between the ages of 16 and 29 are in the labor force compared to white, Hispanic and Asian men in the same age group. Over 20% of young African American men live in poverty compared to 18% of Hispanic, 12% of Asian and 10% of white men. African American men are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. The percentage of young African American men in prison is nearly three times that of Hispanic men and nearly seven times that of white men. While African American men represent 14% of the population of young men in the U.S., they represent over 40% of the prison population. This figure does not include the number of young men on parole. Young African American men die at a rate that is at least 1.5 times the rate of young white and Hispanic men, and almost three times the rate of young Asian men. While the death rate drops for men ages 25 to 29 for most groups, it continues to rise among African Americans. For young African American men, more deaths are caused by homicide than any other cause. Additionally, HIV is the sixth leading cause of death for young African American and Hispanic men, yet for other racial groups, HIV is not among the top 10 causes of death. Nearly 4 out of 10 young African American men lack health insurance. High rates of death, incarceration, and unemployment, and relatively low levels of college graduation rates raise concerns in my humble opinion Pharaoh is still alive and has said don’t let the males survive! Killem all! And Pharaoh has issuing the nurses to do it! Oh I hear women saying I can’t find a good black man. They all thugs. They all in jail. They ain’t worth anything! Negro please! And here you go strutting around with Pharaoh and his kind on your arm while your seed is dying! Wake up!!! Pharaoh doesn’t want your seed to live, and he is using you to belittle, to discourage, to bash, to label, to tear down, to choke the life out of the male seed! Notice these were Hebrew midwives enlisted to snuff the life out of their own people! Yet they stood up and defied the law, broke the status quo and said we will civilly disobey the unjust killing of these sons! They stood up and said for God I will live and for God I will die. They were as determined as Joshua when he said as for me and my house we will serve the Lord! We have got to stand up and save our sons. All of us…I am sending out my distress signal…save our sons! For the sake of Trayvon Martin, and the Trayvon Martins who never had this sort of mass outcry, something must be done. We must send an S.O.S. out…save our sons. This is a call to action! Someone must do something and we are the somebody. But if we choose to turn our ears and hearts away from his parents and his community, then Trayvon Martin's blood will be on the hands of this entire nation. Will we ignore that call for help, as Trayvon's went unheeded? The Bible says, but the midwives feared God! And the narrative implies he had not miscalculated. It was the disobedience of the midwives (ver. 17) that frustrated the king’s intention, not any inherent weakness in his plan. The midwives, while professing the intention of carrying out the orders given them, in reality killed none of the infants; and when asked by the Pharaoh with disobedience, made an untrue excuse (ver. 19). Thus the king’s second plan failed as completely as his first—“the people” still “multiplied and waxed very mighty” (ver. 20).[5] Thank God these midwives decided to save our sons. They had a duty of opposing authority when its commands are against God’s Law. Wrongful commands of legitimate authority are to be disobeyed. Vers. 20, 21.—Therefore God did well to the midwives. Literally, “And God did well,” etc. (vs. 21). Because they feared him sufficiently to disobey the king, and take their chance of a punishment, which might have been very severe—even perhaps death—God gave them a reward He made them houses. He blessed them by giving them children of their own, who grew up, and gave them the comfort, support, and happiness which children were intended to give. There was a manifest fitness in rewarding those who had refused to bring misery and desolation into families by granting them domestic happiness themselves.[6] In other words when we do what God commands us to do, the very thing we fear we will lose is the very thing God blesses us with and no one can take away. There is a blessing when we save our young sons. Everytime infants and children trapped in the well of hunger and poverty simply because they were born in black America…we are saving our sons. Everytime we rescue youth trapped in the grip of poor education and mis-education because they were born black in America…we are saving our sons! Everytime we come to the aid of a young man trapped in the well of unemployment and lack of opportunity simply because they were born black in America, and we are saving our sons. Everytime we tell our sons folks will not like you for who you are. Everytime we tell them to run away from trouble… Everytime we tell them you will have to make allowances for other people’s racism. That’s part of the burden of being black. We can be defiant and dead or smart and alive. Everytime we tell them to be aware of their surroundings we are saving our sons! Is there anybody here that everytime opportunity you get you will think S.O.S.! Save our sons! That’s just what Jesus did! Everytime we share the gospel message we are saving our sons! God sent his son, Jesus to answer the distress signal…S.O.S. Jesus came to save our sons! Jesus died for our sons and the whole wide world! I am so glad Jesus got up with all power in His hands! I hear God saying if we want to save our sons, if you are willing I am able. I will save your sons! I will save your sons: I am able to make obstacles disappear. I will save your sons: I am able to rebuild broken-down bridges. I will save your sons: I am able to restore the washed out roads. I will save your sons: I am able to open locked doors. I will save your sons: I am able to neutralize hidden dangers. I will save your sons: I am able to stem the floods which threaten to take them out I will save your sons: I am able to calm the storms in their lives I will save your sons: I am able to rescue them Is there anyone that knows He can…knows He will…. say yes! The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2009 (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version.) (Ex 1:15–22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Ex 1:15–22). Peabody: Hendrickson. Smith, S., & Cornwall, J. (1998). The exhaustive dictionary of Bible names (223–224). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos. Smith, S., & Cornwall, J. (1998). The exhaustive dictionary of Bible names (198). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos. The Pulpit Commentary: Exodus Vol. I. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (16). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. The Pulpit Commentary: Exodus Vol. I. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (17). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

I'm Far from Perfect I'm Not the Spiritual Giant You May Think I Am

“I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.” (Philippians 3:12 NLT) It's a little scary to admit, but I need you to understand I am far from perfect. I know you already know this, but I'm not sure you fully understand just how tainted with sin I really am. I am not drifting away from the Lord – I am growing daily in my relationship with Him. But I fear when I teach and preach I give the impression I have everything mastered – at least to a degree better than anyone else. But this is just not true. I live in a sinful world and sin on a regular basis. I sin by getting angry, wasting time, indulging in things God hates, being selfish, allowing pride to creep in to my relationships. Sin is a constant battle in me. I do what I hate and don't do what I should love. This is important for you to know because I don't want you to think I'm looking down at you or judging you. We are in this together. My role in the Christian life is to be your pastor. But that certainly does not mean I am somehow free from the dangers of temptation. I fall many times a day. I get back up, ask forgiveness and keep on going. But please know, I am no spiritual giant. I am your pastor I struggle like you do. I make mistakes. I fall. I'm Far from Perfect I'm Not the Spiritual Giant You May Think I Am.

Rev. Johnny Ray Noble, Ph.D. Closing His Sermon

Save Our Sons