Walking with Jesus: Embracing Faith and Community
Summary
On this blessed Palm Sunday, we gather to celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a moment that marks the beginning of Holy Week. We are reminded of the profound significance of walking with Jesus, the King of Kings, who offers us divine protection and companionship. This relationship with Jesus is not about perfection but about His presence in our lives, shielding us from the enemy and guiding us through life's challenges. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to share our testimonies of how God has been with us, even in our darkest hours, providing comfort and strength.
Today, we are honored to have Bishop George D. Crenshaw with us, a man of God who has dedicated his life to expanding the reach of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church across the globe. His journey from Alabama to various international missions exemplifies the power of faith and dedication to God's work. Bishop Crenshaw's leadership and commitment to spreading the Gospel have brought countless souls to Christ, and his presence here today is a testament to the impact of a life lived in service to God.
As we enter Holy Week, we are called to deepen our spiritual practices through fasting and prayer, preparing our hearts for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This week, we fast from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., drinking only water, as a way to draw closer to God and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ. We anticipate miracles, breakthroughs, and divine interventions as we approach Easter, expecting God to move powerfully in our lives.
For those seeking a relationship with Jesus, today is an invitation to come forward, to confess and believe, and to experience the transformative power of salvation. Whether you are coming to Christ for the first time or rededicating your life, know that your past does not disqualify you from a future with God. The doors of the church are open, and we welcome you to join our community, where you will find love, support, and a place to grow in faith.
As we continue in worship, let us remember the power of prayer and the importance of community. We lift up those who are grieving, those who are sick, and those in need of God's touch. We trust that prayer changes things and that God is faithful to meet every need. Let us give generously, knowing that our gifts support the work of the kingdom and that God will bless us abundantly in return.
Key Takeaways:
1. Walking with Jesus provides divine protection and companionship. It's not about being perfect but about having the King of Kings by your side, shielding you from the enemy and guiding you through life's challenges. [01:38:10]
2. Salvation is available to all who confess and believe in Jesus. Your past does not disqualify you from a future with God. Embrace the opportunity to start anew with Christ, who offers forgiveness and a fresh start. [01:40:23]
3. Fasting and prayer during Holy Week prepare our hearts for Easter. As we sacrifice and seek God, we anticipate miracles, breakthroughs, and divine interventions, trusting that God will move powerfully in our lives. [01:52:32]
4. Sharing your testimony of God's faithfulness can inspire and encourage others. Reflect on how God has been with you in difficult times, providing comfort and strength, and be willing to share your story with others. [01:46:54]
5. Generosity in giving supports the work of the kingdom and brings blessings. Trust that God will meet every need and that your contributions will have a lasting impact on the lives of others and the growth of the church. [01:55:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:38:10] - Walking with the King
- [01:40:23] - Invitation to Salvation
- [01:46:54] - Power of Prayer
- [01:52:32] - Holy Week Fasting
- [01:55:05] - Generosity in Giving
- [01:56:00] - Announcements and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 10:9 - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
2. Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
3. Matthew 21:9 - "The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"
Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 10:9 say about the requirements for salvation? How does this relate to the sermon’s invitation to salvation? [01:40:23]
2. In Psalm 23:4, what assurance do we have when walking through difficult times? How does this connect to the sermon’s message about divine protection? [01:38:10]
3. How did the crowds react to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem according to Matthew 21:9, and what significance does this have for Palm Sunday?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of walking with Jesus as the King of Kings provide comfort and protection in our daily lives? [01:38:10]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of sharing personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness? How can this impact others? [01:46:54]
3. How does fasting and prayer during Holy Week prepare believers for Easter, and what are the expected outcomes of these spiritual practices? [01:52:32]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God’s protection in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who might need encouragement? [01:46:54]
2. The sermon invites individuals to start anew with Christ. Is there an area in your life where you feel the need for a fresh start? How can you take steps towards this renewal? [01:40:23]
3. As we enter Holy Week, what specific steps can you take to deepen your spiritual practices of fasting and prayer? How do you anticipate God moving in your life during this time? [01:52:32]
4. Consider the role of generosity in your life. How can you contribute to the work of the kingdom in a way that aligns with the sermon’s message on giving? [01:55:05]
5. How can you actively participate in your church community to support those who are grieving or in need of prayer? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:46:54]
6. Reflect on the significance of Palm Sunday in your faith journey. How can you carry the spirit of this celebration into your daily life?
7. Identify one person in your life who might be seeking a relationship with Jesus. How can you invite them to explore faith or join your church community? [01:40:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Companionship in Life's Journey
Walking with Jesus is not about achieving perfection but about experiencing His divine presence and protection in our lives. As we navigate through life's challenges, having the King of Kings by our side offers us a shield against the enemy and guidance through difficult times. This companionship is a source of strength and comfort, reminding us that we are never alone. Reflecting on this truth encourages us to share our testimonies of God's faithfulness, inspiring others with stories of how He has been with us in our darkest hours. [01:38:10]
Psalm 121:5-8 (ESV): "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's presence and protection during that time, and how can you share this testimony with someone who might need encouragement today?
Day 2: Embracing a New Beginning with Christ
Salvation is a gift available to all who confess and believe in Jesus, offering a fresh start regardless of past mistakes. This transformative power of salvation invites us to embrace a new beginning with Christ, who provides forgiveness and a future filled with hope. The past does not disqualify us from a future with God; instead, it becomes a testimony of His grace and redemption. Today is an opportunity to step into this new life, knowing that the doors of the church are open to welcome us into a community of love and support. [01:40:23]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace the new beginning that Christ offers? How can you take a step today to live in the freedom and forgiveness that comes with salvation?
Day 3: Preparing Our Hearts Through Fasting and Prayer
As we enter Holy Week, we are called to deepen our spiritual practices through fasting and prayer, preparing our hearts for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This time of sacrifice and seeking God is an opportunity to draw closer to Him, anticipating miracles, breakthroughs, and divine interventions in our lives. By fasting from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and drinking only water, we align our hearts with the sacrifice of Christ, trusting that God will move powerfully as we approach Easter. [01:52:32]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your daily routine this week to prepare your heart for Easter? What specific breakthrough or divine intervention are you trusting God for during this time?
Day 4: The Power of Sharing Your Testimony
Sharing your testimony of God's faithfulness can inspire and encourage others, offering hope and strength in times of need. Reflecting on how God has been with you in difficult times provides a powerful witness to His presence and love. By being willing to share your story, you become a vessel of encouragement, reminding others that they are not alone and that God is faithful to meet every need. [01:46:54]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing your testimony of God's faithfulness? How can you share your story with them in a way that offers hope and encouragement?
Day 5: Generosity as a Blessing
Generosity in giving supports the work of the kingdom and brings blessings, both to the giver and the receiver. Trusting that God will meet every need, we are encouraged to give generously, knowing that our contributions have a lasting impact on the lives of others and the growth of the church. As we give, we participate in the work of the kingdom, experiencing the joy and blessings that come from being a part of God's mission. [01:55:05]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What is one way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or talents? How can you trust God to meet your needs as you give to support the work of the kingdom?
Quotes
"Tell them how he's held you in the midnight hour. That when your body was racking with pain, he still walked with you. When everybody else left you, he was right by your side. I thank God today that I can testify that I'm walking with a king each and every day. And the reason that the enemy can't get close to me is not because I'm perfect, but because of who's walking with me. Because I'm walking with the king. And when the enemy sees Jesus, he can't come near you. He can't come near me because I'm walking with a king, the king of kings. The Lord of lords. Is he anybody's everything? Is he anybody's all in all?" [01:37:05] (58 seconds)
"You cannot walk with the king if you don't know the king. You don't get the benefits of divine protection if you don't have salvation. You don't get the benefits of not worrying because you know Jesus will fix it if you don't know the king. This morning, I have great news for you. I can introduce you to the king. I don't need to lay hands on you. You don't need to spin around seven times. You don't even need to fall out. The Bible says all you have to do is confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead." [01:38:58] (59 seconds)
"It said anybody that calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Your past does not eliminate you from a great future with God. So maybe this morning there's one that after hearing this powerful word says, I want a relationship with Jesus. I need to give my life to him for the very first time. That's you this morning. I invite you to come give me your hand. But you'll give your heart to God. There's one this morning that would come and say, Pastor, after hearing this, I yield. Just tell me what I have to do to be saved." [01:40:10] (47 seconds)
"And maybe there's somebody who here this morning that says, now, Pastor, I've given my life to Christ. but see what happened was and i backslid but i want to rededicate my life to christ i want to get back on the right track because i want the king to walk with me if that's you you can come give me your hand but give god your heart then finally this morning the doors of god's church are open there may be one this morning who looking for a church home you don't have a pastor praying with you at congregation loving on you we would absolutely love for you to be here at greater centennial you can come just as you are we don't care we'll love you through it that's you you can come this morning" [01:41:06] (56 seconds)
"Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you god we thank you this morning for those that have come we thank you for the families we thank you for the young men we thank you for these young ladies that have come this morning and saying god i'm sick of being sick i'm tired of being tired i'm fed up for taking one step forward and twelve steps back god i need you in my life i realize now god that i cannot make it without you i've tried everything else and everybody else and so now god i yield to you this day here i am lord not perfect but i'm here here i am lord i i have trials but i'm here here i am lord i have some issues but i'm here and so god i turn it all over to you right now god in the name of jesus and so god i pray now that you save those who need to be saved rededicate those that need rededication and god bless those that need a blessing for god i know you can do anything but fail so god thank you for the lives that have come to you today and god i pray now in the name of jesus that now that they're in your hand that they would remember that nobody or nothing can snatch them out of your hand that from this day forward they belong to you and you alone and so god in the name of jesus bless them and keep them in jesus name amen amen you're going to follow these young ladies right there they're going to get some information and they're going to bring you right right" [01:43:33] (114 seconds)
"There's nothing you're going through that God can't work out. There's nothing you're facing that God says, oh, that's too hard for me. The text that Bishop preached to us, that even the haters said, ain't nothing we can do now. The whole world has gone after. And so now God can do something about your situation. Father, in the name of Jesus, I want to thank you. I want to praise you. I want to magnify you. I want to glorify you today, God. God, because you're excellent." [01:47:00] (44 seconds)
"God you're just so so good to each and every one of us And so Father I pray now in the name of Jesus That you begin to move around this sanctuary God move and touch every soul that is standing across this sanctuary Even right now God in the name of Jesus God I pray in the name of Jesus That you would move upon their life God And that you would meet every need that they have right now Lord In the name of Jesus God I pray that somebody's deliverance would come this week God In the name of Jesus That God I pray the breakthrough would come this week in the name of Jesus That God I pray that the backlog would be broken up this week in the name of Jesus God I pray for a positive doctor's report this week in the name of Jesus I pray God that every need is met this week in the name of Jesus I pray food on the table I pray clothes on people's back God I pray for enough gas in the car to get back and forth to work I pray God in the name of Jesus That there's lunch money in the bank account God I pray that there's dinner on the table God I pray that there's peace in the house God I pray for peace in the street God I pray that that business deal would come to pass this week God I pray dear God that the business plan would come together this week God God I pray in the name of Jesus That positive steps would be made this week That God that you would rain down anointing this week That this week somebody will say yes to you all over again That this is the week dear God that you fix it This is the week that you turn it This is the week that you open a door Or close a door that needs to be closed This is the week somebody's going to get clarity This is the week that they'll have understanding of how you're going to fix it And when you're going to fix it Father in the name of Jesus Move around this sanctuary That as we go into Holy Week We expect miracles That God we're not going into Holy Week just to go through another Holy Week We're going through this Holy Week expecting miracles Expecting deliverance Expecting breakthrough Expecting healing Expecting you to do great things this week For this I pray In Jesus name Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen Amen" [01:47:56] (147 seconds)
"It is good to see all of you this morning. I do solicit your prayers this morning for those whose hearts are heavy because of the loss of a loved one. We continue to pray for the Bowman family as we prepare to celebrate and say farewell to Brother Roderick Bowman. His wake will be on Monday tomorrow at the Macedonia Baptist Church here in Mount Vernon at 530. We'll celebrate his life on Tuesday morning, viewing at 9, service at 10. We ask that you pray for those on our sick list, our shut -in list, our prayer list, because what we do know is that prayer changes things. Amen? Amen. It is holy week." [01:52:07] (45 seconds)
"As we get closer to the cross, closer to the sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for us, we now make a bigger sacrifice. That starting tomorrow morning, we're going to be fasting from 6 a .m. No, not 6 p .m. I'm kind. I wouldn't do that to you again. We'll be fasting from 6 a .m. to 4 p .m. 6 to 4 on tomorrow. Water only. Those of you who are on medication, make sure you eat something to take your medication. Don't get sick. Now, when I say eat something for your medication, I don't mean like steak and potatoes." [01:54:33] (44 seconds)
"But if you have to eat to take your medicine, make sure you're eating. I don't want anybody to get sick. And we'll fast this week from 6 to 4. And then I would ask on Sunday morning, resurrection Sunday morning, that you would break your fast after worship. So after worship on Sunday morning. So if you come to sunrise service at 6 o 'clock, you're going to be eating at 8. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen." [01:56:21] (29 seconds)
"now all of you know i don't mind no babies it's crying in the church that mean the church has a future and so i don't mind y 'all leave them babies alone don't be trying to keep them quiet leave them alone amen and then uh we'll be here friday good friday at seven o 'clock westchester one and praise verband damon mack is going to be our preacher and then saturday morning we'll be at our third checkup meeting at the mount hope amy zion church checkup meeting starts at 10 a .m and then we'll be here for resurrection service at uh 6 a .m for sunrise 9 30 regular service there will be no sunday school next week no sunday school next week uh and if you get here you're a little late next week you're gonna be downstairs in the overflow amen so don't argue with the usher say i see a seat right there amen uh uh what else i need to do our class and cluster leaders are getting ready for their training class and cluster leader training will be held friday april 25th 26th sister uh mckitty i'm sure our leader of leaders is giving all of our class leaders that information we're looking forward to it uh then all of our scholarships are online now uh high school students you can um apply for the emma gruber scholarship those in continuing education you can apply for the shirley v jackson scholarship and those of you who are seeking theological studies you can apply for the bishop w darren moore scholarship all of those online i believe next week the mildred r faulkner scholarship will be online as well amen we're preparing for the thomas and desa community bible school this summer uh this summer uh open registration is now for children uh beginning at five years old i think it's five to eleven and then summer job applications for the thomas and desa cold bible community bible school are in our office our zion court one of our housing units we have a few apartments available uh you can scan that qr code to apply for an apartment amen now i can't help you get it" [01:55:05] (133 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?