"Thank God for Mothers Who Choose Life" (Leviticus 20: 1-5)

1) Is the life in the womb a person or property

2) Is there a voice for the most vulnerable

3) Is one child able to make a difference.

Men's Day - "There's Work to be Done" (Matthew 9: 37-38)

Men of God Stepping Up to Serve

Guest Speaker: Rep. Erick Allen (GA 40th District)

"The Receipt from Redemption"

(Romans 6:23; John 20:26-29)

Three dimensions of our receipt:

1) The resurrection of Jesus

2) A changed life

3) The receipt is still valid and free.

"Seven Last Words of Christ"

Seven last words brought by various preachers.

"What Should be a Christian's Priority?" (Mark 12: 28-34)

As we live our lives, what is our priority? Is it political, doctrinal or ethical (love)?

"Standing in the Gap" (Mark 2: 1-2)

Guest Speaker: Rev. Charles Dickey

When you stand in the gap, God will always stand with you! Are you standing in the gap, or do you need God to stand for you?

"Deborah, the Beauty of a Godly Woman" (Judges 4: 4-9)

Deborah was a wife, prophetess, and a judge. Three beauty marks of a Godly woman:

1) Her influence

2) Her inspiration

3) Her integrity

The Story of Noah

Satisfied With Substitutes" (Acts 3:1-10)

1) He substituted the place of his best blessings

2) He substituted the source of his best provision

3) He substituted the source of his best nourishment.

“Then Afterward” (Joel 2: 28-29)

Rev. Dr. Corliss D. Heath

"Three Questions from the Human Heart"

(Genesis 3:15)

1) Where did we come from?

2) Why is there sin and suffering?

3) Is there a way out?

"Looking Back to Move Forward" (Joshua 24:15)

First AME Athens - 2/13/2022 Founder's Day -

Three Legs of the AME Church

1) Service

2) Self-help

3) Spirituality

"Together We Can" (1 Corinthians 12:14)

Class Leaders Sunday (1/23/2022) -

1) The body has unique parts

2) The body has mutual dependence

3) The body has to follow the head.

“Remembering Our Source” (Psalm 90:1) MLK Observance 2022

First AME Athens - 1/16/22 - Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr - 2022 -

1. Ruler

2. Refuge

3. Reduplicate God is our source of strength, joy, peace, and love.

"God is Light" (I John 1: 1-10)

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toni Belin Ingram, Presiding Elder

1) It is the responsibility of God's children to profess the goodness of God

2) We must ask God to show us the way and know He is directing our path

3) There is a Great Light in all of us

4) God wants us to understand what it means to be in fellowship with God and others.

“Is it Time to Stop Waiting?” (2 Peter 3: 8-11)

What we should know about God:

1)     God is timeless

2)     God is time-tested

3)     God is timely.

"What's in a Gift"

(John 3:16)

1) Jesus gives the gift of health

2) Jesus gives the gift of help

3) Jesus gives the gift of hope

“The Strength of Joy in Times Like These” (Habakkuk 3: 16-19)

Reminders of God’s Joy:

1)     God’s joy is caused by the spirit of God

2)     God’s joy centers on the character of God

3)     God’s joy climbs over the circumstances of life

"The Gift of Peace - Be Aware of Who Offers It" (John 14:27)

There is a distinction between what the world offers and what God offers regarding peace:

1) The world offers words - God offers truth

2) The world focuses on the outside - God focuses on the inside

3) The love of the world is conditional - the love of God is unconditional

“Hope in the Valley of Life” (I Kings 20:28)

Three reasons for Hope:

1)     God knows

2)     God goes

3)     God shows

Thanksgiving Message 2021

Family & Friends Day – “Gathering with Thanksgiving” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

“A Soulfood Feast” (Psalm 34:8)

1)     Start your meal with grace

2)     Add the confidence of faith

3)     Compliment with audacious thanksgiving

4)     Finish with the sweetness of love

“The Weariness of Life” (Job 10:1)

Three truths we can discover about weariness:

1)     Weariness affects even the godly

2)     Weariness is no respecter of persons

3)     Weary people are invited to come to God.  God welcomes the weary.

First AME Athens Celebrates Veterans Day 2021

“Steps for Successful Service” (Isaiah 6: 1-8)

Isaiah provided a living example:

1)     Conviction – Elevate your view of God

2)     Confession – An encounter with the impurity of your sin

3)     Cleansing – Embrace God’s forgiveness

Celebrating Connectional Church School Day The Wreck on the Side of the Road - Part 3 (Luke 10:33)

When we show compassion in the lives of others we must:

1) Be interested

2) Be able to identify the needs

3) Be involved

The Wreck on the Side of the Road - Part 2 (Luke 10:32)

Our service should be motivated by the needs of others:

1) You can be chosen but not consecrated

2) You can be clean but contaminated

3) You can be curious but no compassion.

“The Wreck on the Side of the Road” (Luke 10:30)

Believers must:

1)     Participate in the lives of wrecks

2)     Recognize some wrecks have hidden damage

3)     Remember wrecks can be salvaged.

“Women of Color Doing God’s Work” (Psalm 90:17)

1)     Follow God’s plan

2)     God provides us resources

3)     God provides us the ability to follow His plan

“A Preview of Coming Attractions” (Revelation 13: 16-17)

1)      The coming of the rapture

2)      The choosing of sides

3)      The certainty of God’s word

A Question Answered:  Is Anything Too Hard For God?  (Genesis 18:14)

1)      God’s power is unique

2)      God’s power is unlimited

3)      God’s power is universal

College Day 2021 with Dr. Ron Walcott

“Praying as You Press Your Way” (Philippians 3:13)

Pray for:

1)     Discernment

2)     Direction

3)     Determination

“What Does Jesus Want in God’s House” (Matthew 21:13)

Jesus wants:

1)     Prayer

2)     Personal needs

3)     Power

4)     Praise

“Whose Will Will Win” (Luke 22:41)

Three things about the self-willed person:

1)     Not spirit-filled

2)     Strays if they don’t pray

3)     Resist instead of submitting

“There is Power in Praise” (Psalm 100)

What makes a church great:

1)   A praying church

2)   A pastor who preaches the Word

3)   Giving all praises to God

4)   A church full of love for one another

“Zacchaeus – The Man Who Went From Sycamore to Sick No More” (Luke 19:10)

1)    Jesus Seeks Us

2)    Jesus Transforms Us

3)    Jesus Loves Us

"How Faith Turns to Fear" (Matthew 14: 28-31)

1) Distraction

2) Doubt

3) Despair

"Being in Dependence on the Lord" (Hebrews 4:14)

1) Don't think He's not available

2) Don't think He's not aware

3) Don't think He's not able

“Love is a Test of Maturity, Talk Like It”

Three signs of a false or immature love:

1)      Being judgmental

2)      Being selfish

3) Being unforgiving

"Fathers Remind Your Family They're Free" (Psalm 145:4; Proverbs 30:11)

1) To have independent thoughts

2) To not depend on government

3) To not be a victim

"Growth: Growing in the Lord and Growing With the Lord (John 15:26)"

“Jesus Loves Even Me” (John 13:1)

Three characteristics of Jesus’ love.

1)      A liberating love

2)      A loyal love

3)      A lasting love

“The Choice is Yours” (Matthew 27:22-23)

Wake Up and Come Forth (John 11: 20-23; 40-44)

As you wait for God to show you your purpose:

1)      You must believe that God has heard your prayer

2)      God is calling you to come forth

3)      Let God unbind you and set you free.

"God Is Not Through" (Jeremiah 18: 1-4)

1) Potential

2) Purpose

3) Power

A Mother’s Mixed Message (Judges 17: 1-6)

When you have a mixed message, you have a mixed-up home:

1)      You must be consistent in your speech

2)      You must be consistent in your spiritual values

3)      You must be consistent on your standards.

“If Loving You is Right, I Don’t Want to Be Wrong” (I John 4: 10-11)

1)      It is right to believe God loves you

2)      It is right to love God

3)      It is right to love one another

“Don’t Sell Your Purpose for Your Potential” (John 6: 14-15; 18:36-37 & Proverbs 19:21)

Bro. Ammishaddai Grand-Jean

( www.agjspeaks.com )

“Pain, Prayer & Power” (I Chronicles 4:9)

Three encouragements:

1)      The pain of the past

2)      The prayer of the present

3)      The power of the eternal.

“What Do We Learn When We Worship?” (Genesis 22:5)

Worship is more than an act, it is an attitude and a lifestyle.

What is worship?

1)      An obedient response to God

2)      A submission to God

3)      An act of sacrifice to God.

“The Greatest Comeback Gives Us Hope” (John 20:19-23)

Three assurances that Jesus’ appearance gives to us:

1)    Peace with God

2)    Peace of God

3)    Peace from God

7 Last Words of Christ

Palm Sunday’s Path to Victory (Rev. 12:11)

1)      The wonder of the Blood

2)      The witness of the Word

3)      The willingness of self-sacrifice

Men's Day 2021

"Challenges of Christian Men in Pandemic Times" Guest Speaker - Bro. Stan Smith, President Sons of Allen of the Sixth Episcopal District

"Be Down With DEB" (Judges 4: 8-9)

Be:

1) Deliberate in helping a male to fulfill his purpose

2) Empowered enough to inspire others

3) Bold enough to leave a trail for other women

“Had It Not Been For the Storm” (Mark 4:39)

1.       The disciples would not have learned about the Lord’s presence

2.       The disciples would not have learned about the Lord’s provision: promise and protection

3.       The disciples would not have learned about the Lord’s peace

“When Trying to Do God’s Will – Part 3”  (Matthew 4: 8-11)

1)      Deliberate deceptions will await you

2)      Direction of duty will challenge you

3)      Devotion to the Great High Priest will strengthen you.

"When Trying to do God's Will - Part 2" Matthew 4: 5-7

1) Devilish attacks will happen anywhere.
2) Discernment attitude will assist you.
3) Demanding action from God is wrong.

“When Trying to Do God’s Will”  (Matthew 3:16 – 4:4)

1)     The principal attack that Satan uses is temptation

2)     The physical cravings need food for the soul

3)     The period of dependence must be endured.

“Recommitting to the Roots of Our AME Mission and Values” (Joshua 24:15)

1)      The value of self-help

2)      The value of service

3)      The value of spirituality

"Prayer in Time of Need" (Psalm 27: 7-12)

Three components of David's prayer:

1) Recognition of God's favor. Seek the Lord

2) Reliance on God's faithfulness

3) Request for God's fortification

“Don’t Let Your Past Blackmail Your Future” (Luke 15: 20-21)

1)      Action is needed.

2)      Acceptance is near.

3)      Accountability is necessary.

“Spiritual Insight From a Tree” (Prov. 3: 18-20)

God does exist and is alive.  He takes care of His creations.  Like a tree, we must:

1)      Go deep with the roots to create a strong foundation

2)      Go towards the light for growth, energy and life

3)      Go out on the limb and be bold for the Lord

MLK Observance 2021-“Remembering Our Source”  (Psalm 90:1)

1.       Ruler

2.       Refuge

3.       Reduplicate

God is our source of strength, joy, peace, and love.

“What is the Key to Grace Giving?” (2 Corinthians 8:5)

Grace can be defined as kindness and generosity.  Do you have the grace of giving?

1.        We should give in spite of our circumstances

2.       We should give enthusiastically

3.       We should remember to give as Jesus gave

First A.M.E - “A 2020 Retrospective”

Music, prayers, scripture, photos showing First AME meeting the challenges of 2020.

“Learning to Turn the Page” (Acts 9: 26-28)

1.       People might not believe you

2.       We ought to put someone in our lives who believes in us and believes in God

3.       Press forward in Jesus’ name

“Your Current Situation Is Not the End of Your Story – Hope in the Year 2020”

I Peter 5: 7-8

It’s good to be dependent upon God.  We must remember:

1.       God cares about you.

2.       God will restore you.

 Because He cares, there’s still hope and even more hope as we press on into the future.

“The Certainty of God’s Love”

(Romans 8:38)

God's love -

1) makes difficulties work for us and not against us

2) cannot fail us

3) is manifested through Christ.

“Joy in a Barren Land”

(Luke 1:17)

What gives us joy in God?

1)      God is still answering prayer.  With him through prayer, we can rise above our circumstances

2)      God is still welcoming His people

3)      God keeps His promises with grace and faithfulness

We must be:

A)      A sanctified servant

B)      Spirit led

C)      Salvation focused

Peace for Troubled Times (John 14:27)

He gives peace:

1)      For the soul

     He saves us and offers us fellowship

2)      Against Satan.  The word of God gives us victory over Satan

3)      In the storm.

"How to Rejoice In Spite Of" (Phil. 4: 6-7)

The closer your relationship with God the more you are able to rejoice.

Rejoicing is:

1) a command

2) a challenge - we must pause and see the greatness of God

3) a cure - the peace from God, with God, of God

First AME - Athens Thanksgiving Video Testimonies of the blessings and goodness of God. Happy Thanksgiving

“Thanking God for What’s In A Name” (Psalm 69:3)

God favors people by revealing Himself by several names which offer insight into Him.  Three names about who God is are:

1.       Jehovah Jirah – The Lord will provide

2.       Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is my banner, in Him we find victory

3.       Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is my peace

He is the Great I Am, our Creator and Redeemer.

Youth Sunday

"Who Inspires You?" (Prov. 13:10)

Guest Speaker:

Sis. Adoria Jones of First AME

“Even in a Pandemic” (Ruth 1: 14-22)

1)      Even in a pandemic we still need someone to cling to us.

2)      Even in a pandemic we can still lead people to trust in God

3)      Even in a pandemic God reminds us to look at the season

 God is always able to save, set free, and deliver….even in a pandemic.

"What is Missing in the Church"

The presence of the Lord is missing. He should be standing in the middle of the church. If we are obedient we will find forgiveness.

1) There is no real praise if Jesus' is not present

2) There is no real prayer if Jesus is not present

3) There is no real power if

Jesus is not present John offers

1) Advisement (faith, righteousness of God and need for the Holy Spirit)

2) Admonition (Jesus wants to correct our behavior, we are disciplined because He loves us)

3) Appeal (Jesus is standing at the door and He is ready to enter into our presence, take on our challenges and bless us with our needs.

“After I’ve Tried – Then What?” (Luke 5:5)

Three lessons Simon learned:

1) The unusual request

a.  Sometimes God asks us to do unusual things.  Our job is not to question God’s request but to be obedient

2) The blessing

a.  There are blessings in obedience.  Your obedience can bring blessings to others

3) The assurance

a. Jesus gives us the assurance that bruised spirits will be healed and broken spirits will be mended.

After I’ve tried – I can trust in Jesus!

The Valley – A Temporary Inconvenience Toward a Permanent Improvement  (Psalm 23:1)

• God does not stop being God just because we are in a valley.

• It is in the valley where the most significant growth will happen.

•   In a valley we always pray to God to change our circumstances. 

• God wants the circumstances to change us.

• We must put action behind our faith talk. Now is the time to make certain our relationship with God is as close as it has ever been.

  • We must hit CTL-ALT-DEL

  • Control ourselves Alter our thinking

  • Delete all negativity

• The permanent improvement is to remain steadfast and unmovable knowing that our labor is not in vain.

“In A Crisis the Lord Will Stand With You” (II Timothy 4:17a)

When we go through times of crisis: 1)   We need spiritual material

a. When we are in crisis, we need to spend time in the Word to feed, warm and clothe our souls.

2)  We need spiritual maturity

a. With spiritual maturity bitterness and resentment will not control your spirit.  

3)      We need spiritual manifestation

    a.  Spiritual manifestation does not come by looking with our sight, but by looking with our faith.  This gives us the presence of God.  

"Your Life - Clean Up or Cover Up" (Pr. 28:13)

God expects us to live a clean life. We are incapable of living a clean life on our own. We must do an inventory of our sin.

1) Cover - If we conceal our sin, we will not prosper.

2) Confess - Confession is agreeing with God. Unconfessed sins are heavy burdens to bear and cause a hinderance in your walk. Confession is more than spouting words.

A) We must be convicted in our confession

B) We must be specific in our confession

C) We must seek change through our confession

3) Compassion - God gives us mercy because of His compassion.

“Everybody’s Got A But…”  (2Kings 5:1)

With God all things are possible if you only believe

We must be obedient.  When we are obedient, we can receive the blessings of the Lord.

When we feel like giving up – but God!

When we are not able to go on – but God!

When we are lied on – but God!

Don’t give up, don’t give in.  The Word from the Lord comes to all who are weak and heavy laden.

Making It On Broken Pieces (Acts 27: 39-44)

1.        God’s personal concern is an encouragement

2.       God’s provision supplied is an encouragement

3.       God’s promises kept is an encouragement

We must know Him for ourselves.  His greatest promise is the He will never leave you or forsake you.

Image is Nothing – Thirst is Everything – Obey Your Thirst

(Psalm 42; John 4:15)

There is something inside of humans that God has created that can never be satisfied unless it finds its satisfaction in God.  Obey your thirst, because there is something inside of you telling you that the only thing that satisfies is God.

1.  A chance – God gives us all a chance to turn our lives around.

2.  A choice – God gives us all a choice to follow Him

3.  A change – After the chance and the choice there comes a change in your life

Jesus is That Kind of Friend (John 11: 11; 32-44)

Three friendship traits in Jesus that is needed for us today:

1.  Jesus is the kind of friend that sees our needs

2.  Jesus is the kind of friend that seeks our needs

3.  Jesus is the kind of friend who supplies our needs

This & That (Luke 6: 46-49)

Scholarship Day

Guest Speaker: Rev. Devonte Harris

Honoring Bro. Ambrose C. McDow and the scholars of First A.M.E. Church - Pre-K through Graduate School.

Learning to Let Pharaoh Go (Exodus 6:11; Psalm 106)

1) How did the children of Israel sin?

- Blatant unbelief

- Broken philosophy

- Blasphemous disposition

2) Why did they sin?

- Self-preservation

3) What did God do after they sinned?

- He continued to give them mercy The children of Israel were instructed to leave Egypt for the Promised Land.

They learned that Moses told Pharaoh to let the people go. What they didn’t learn was how to let go of Pharaoh.

Three lessons of letting go of Pharaoh:

A) God gives personal attention

– the government doesn’t. We must know God personally because He knows us.

B) God gives a hand up

– the government gives handouts. God uses the hands of other Christians to give us a hand up. We as Christians, can lift up others and not pull them down.

C) God gives us spiritual food

– the government doesn’t. Our hope cannot rest on political. We must learn how to let Pharaoh go. Learn how to depend on God and hold on to God’s hand.

Jesus Will Bring You Over - Not Under (Mark 4:35-41 NKJV)

1. Jesus is cognizant of your storms

2. Jesus is concerned about your storms

3. Jesus is in control of your storms

The man who can calm the wind and the waves is the same man who will bring you over - not under.

Courage to Live (Psalm 27:13-14)

What is our response to life’s challenges?

1. Don’t faint when challenges come

2. Don’t focus on your challenges

3. Don’t forget to wait on God during your challenges

God is a shelter in the time of the storm

What is Love? (Matt 22:36-40)

1. When love reaches up then adoration is given.

2. Love that reaches across is affection granted.

3. Love that reaches down is amazing grace.

This is the Season to Be Blessed: You Can't Steal My Joy (Habakkuk 3: 17-18)

We have to praise God in spite of our predicament and have the power to know joy.

First AME Athens July 19, 2020 - "Respect: God, Ourselves, and Others" (Eccl.12:9-14)

Why Should I Sacrifice To God? (1 Chronicles 21: 24)

1. Because I love God

2. Because of His mercy

3. Because He sacrificed for me

God is worthy of our sacrifice.

Who Moved Our Boundaries (Proverbs 22:28)

Our Fathers teach us

1. Relationship with God

2. Respect for women

3. Responsibility for self

That Great Day (Rev. 16: 17-21)

1) When God speaks. God’s word is sure and true.

2) When the world shakes. God is putting forth His judgement.

3) When the people shriek.

God is our only hope in this world. Give God the praise and glorify His name.

Go Forth and Make Disciples (Matt 28:16-20)

1. We don’t go alone, Jesus is always with us.

2. We know Christ has all authority and power and as disciples we too, have that authority an power.

3. We must look to Christ to make certain we use the authority and power given in the right way.

In the Meantime

1. It’s a MEAN time

2. It means time

3. The means to endure the time

We have the power to be a witness first at home, then in the community, then to the world.

What To Do When Jesus Comes Aknockin'! (Luke 10: 38-42)

1. Do not let anything pull us away from Jesus.

2. Do not let what others have going on take our focus off the Master.

3. Take the time to spend with Jesus.

After Failure - Focus on Following Jesus (John 21: 15-22)

Does your failure define you? Don't worry or concern yourself.

1. Take your eyes off the past

2. Take your eyes off the future. Focusing too much on tomorrow will rob you of today.

3. Take your eyes off others.

We must learn to stop our busyness and spend time with the Lord.

The Slow Decay of a Rock Solid Faith (Matt 26: 26-35; 69-75)

1. Too much boasting

2. Too little praying

3. Too far following

   We all need a rock solid faith! Do we love Jesus enough to be identified with His suffering? God can’t use us when we are full of pride, out of the pathway of prayer and too far from Him. God can use us if we have a contrite and remorseful spirit.

The Unintended Blessings of Satan (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

1. We are driven to pray

2. We discover the message of grace

3. Demonstrate that God can use weak things.

Three aspects of our lives: physical, mental and spiritual. Where is your focus?

Don’t Let Your Past Blackmail Your Future! (Luke 15: 20-21)

1. Action is Needed

2. Acceptance is Near

3. Accountability is Necessary

   When you cry out to God do you say “give me” or “make me”? Does your soul have satisfaction, joy and peace? Ask God to “make me”.

How COVID Brings Us Hope (John 20: 28-29)

1. Jesus Seeks

2. Jesus Searches

3. Jesus Saves

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Thanking God For The Red Cross (John 12:32)

1. Redemption

2. Exchange

3. Delivered

   PALM SUNDAY

Faith (Exodus 14:13-14)

1. Faith is as strong as the object you have your faith in.
2. Faith is the enemy of fear.
3. Faith is for others to see.Is your faith in God?

Founder's Day at FAME....

"Reshaping the AME Church to be Relevant" (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

1) Have a heart of service.
2) Return to self-help.
3) Be spiritual again.

Just a closer walk with Thee!

First Sunday

Do You Want To Be Holy? (1 Peter 1:15 -16)

1) Am i available to God?
2) Does God want me to live any kind of way?
3) What is my response to holiness?

“David - How I made it Thus Far: The Lord is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

1) God is powerful.
2) God will provide.
3) God is personal.