HE GOT UP…

On Sunday morning, April 12, 2009, Resurrection Sunday was incorporated in the morning worship service.  Although there is much controversy about when Jesus Christ was put in the grave and arose, there is no doubt among the saints that Jesus Christ, died, was put in the grave, and arose after being there three days and three nights.  We further believe that He did this for us (See St. Luke 24:46-49; Acts 20:28).

The service and presentations were truly befitting and commemorative of the biblical recorded events surrounding the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Songs of praise were rendered by the Adult Choir and New Generation Youth Choir.  Scripture recitations were given by Starkeira Daniel, the Primary Sunday school class, “Teach Me” recitations by the Junior Sunday school class and a poem by Bro. Quincy Moore.  The Primary class presentation was entitled “Who is Like the Lord?” The conclusion was “nobody.” This song was presented through movement expressions of hand and dance.  This group ranged in age from 3 to 7 years old and was under the direction of Sis. Kriss Deas.

A short drama presentation was presented, directed by Sis. Qualyn McIntyre, entitled “The Challenge of the Cross,” and the various roles were played by a cross section of the saints.  The main role of the skit was aptly portrayed by Bro. Samuel Berry, as an angel seeking disciples for Jesus Christ and inviting various characters to become disciples of Jesus Christ, take up the cross given to them and bear it.  Many excuses were given for not bearing the cross such as: one wanted to pick the cross that they would bear, one didn’t want to give up worldly pleasures and her dreams, one wouldn’t wear/bear the cross given to her because it was too ugly and bulky, one tried to hide the cross under clothing so that his friends would not see his cross, one wanted to add rubies and diamonds, make it jewelry, and worship the cross as opposed to the one hung on the cross,  and “Precious” who lived in the town of self glory, on conceit street, next door to self righteousness, and in a big house with a big cross on it, didn’t want to give up her boasting and her ways to follow Christ, and lastly one disciple was given the heaviest cross of all, and although he had trouble carrying it, and had to rest along the way and pray for strength, in the end he didn’t give up and decided he would bear the cross for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Along with the drama presentation, the choir (Sisters Dawn Deas, Lucita Alford and Bro. Kenneth Jackson) sang songs appropriate for each scene, such as “Come Let Us Adore Him (Emmanuel), The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, The Old Rugged Cross, and Near the Cross. At the end of the skit, the angel stated that whatever we are seeking can be ours through Jesus Christ, once we establish a relationship with him and others came forth depicting success (sister dressed well with a mink coat); protection (represented by brother wearing armed forces uniform); healing (represented by health care worker in uniform); and salvation (represented by the preacher who will preach the word of God to us). The message of the skit was powerful and so real and blessed all who witnessed it.

Pastor Deas’ sermon topic was “Are You a Jesus Seeker?” The scriptural reference was St. Matthew 28:1-9. Pastor Deas stated that some people are looking for a substitute rather than Jesus Christ, and seek comfort through all the wrong avenues.  By accepting Jesus Christ, He will provide everything we need and we can gain tough faith to help us deal with today’s tough times. Many came to the altar for prayer following the message.