Up North at Northside

The Northside Church of Christ, in Rochester, New York, is a great place to preach indeed. I had a splendid time preaching for their Winter Gospel Meeting. The hospitality, kindness and acceptance was only outdone by their readiness to hear the Word. They love to be taught the Word, and I love teaching it.

Brother Walker, the Minister of this great work, was a gracious and conscientious host. I look forward to our fellowship continuing to blossom. He has an awesome task with a historical church. Their location could only be called a church campus. The church sits next to their Senior Assisted Nursing Home, which sits next to their School. They are representing Christ well. I was thrilled to hear him talk about a future greater than their great past. That’s visionary talk.

Northside has one of the most attractive buildings I’ve ever preached in.

Special thanks to Joan and Brother Rustin for name dropping. Commendations to all the cooks and cake bakers. You shouldn’t have. No really. You shouldn’t have. Thanks to Brandon for the pix.

Funny Fact - . When people in Rochester talk about us in the city, they call us New York. A brother said “Ive been in Rochester all my life but I’ve never been to New York.” Tripped me out.

Hopefully, our time together will help them to not be so afraid of a visit to the Big City.

Psalm 63 - The Message

God—you're my God! I can't get enough of you!
I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.
So here I am in the place of worship,
eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises!
If I'm sleepless at midnight,
I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
Because you've always stood up for me,
I'm free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life,
and you hold me steady as a post.

Those who are out to get me are marked for doom,
marked for death, bound for hell.
They'll die violent deaths;
jackals will tear them limb from limb.
But the king is glad in God;
his true friends spread the joy,
While small-minded gossips
are gagged for good.

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“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more 'manhood' to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.”

Alex Karras

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small (Prov. 24:10)."

Should there be a Black History Month?

Black History Month began as Black History Week in 1925. Instituted by educator and historian, Carter G. Woodson, it celebrated the accomplishments and achievements of African-Americans. it was celebrated during the second week of February, to coincide with Fredrick Douglass' and Lincoln's birthday. In 1976, Black History Week became Black History Month.

Some have put forth that it should not be recognized or celebrated. Believe me when I tell you that this is a hotly debated topic. Surprisingly, even among Blacks. I was shocked to hear Morgan Freeman say it ought to be abolished!!! Then when I heard his reasoning, I became thoughtful. He had a good point.

What do you think? I would like to know what my spiritually minded readers have to say. Chime in. Let's hear some thought provoking, purposeful, enlightening pros and cons.

Thanks Dr. Maxwell

We had a great time of celebration, recognition, education and inspiration this past weekend. Our Black History Program was a solid success, thank God.

Jamilla Lyiscott did her poetical spoken word thing with her characteristic relevance, cultural experience and intellectual excellence. She’s one of the best in the business. Thanks sis.

Then we saw a dramatic soliloquy by Jeremy Manzay, (aka – J. Kyle, aka – the dude that Denzil Washington threw water on and who later was jacked up against the window and arrested for selling heroine out of the cleaners in “American Gangster.”) http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=78095680 He helped us think about the cultural clash within an individual embracing Christo-centricity over ethno-centricity.

And then Dr. James Maxwell brought the key-note address. He is Minister Emeritus at the Roswell Avenue Church of Christ in Kansas City, Kansas and Vice President for Institutional Expansion at Soutwestern Christian College. His subject was the History of the Black Church. He helped us see the connection from Scripture, through the Renaissance, Slavery and the Reformation movement till now. We went from the Ethiopian Eunuch to Marshall Keeble and G. P. Bowser. Excellent!! His book, “Don’t Know Much about Church History” is a great resource.

On the next day, we had a discussion on the Charismatic Movement. Dr. Maxwell is one of the Brotherhood’s best apologists, and he showed it on Saturday afternoon. For over 2 ½ hours he presented the truth and answered questions concerning the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Miraculous Gifts, Prophetic Word and such like. It was an awesome revelation from the Word of God. A true “Spirit-filled time”.

Amen and Amen


Go to http://www.jamesomaxwell.com/index.htm for more info on Brother Maxwell and a book display.