Posts Tagged ‘Pastor Eddie B Pruitte Jr’God Has Great Things in Store for Me
Thursday, June 6th, 2013
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (I Corinthians 2:9) My wife and I just returned from what she described as her dream vacation. We celebrated our silver wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe, visiting London, Paris and Rome. We had a glorious time as we saw attractions and sites that were breath taking. During a site-seeing trip in London, I noticed an elderly lady who was travelling with her adult children. The mother was not in the best of health and you could easily see that her children, while concerned about her, were determined to see that she had a good time. As I watched this family interact, I thought about my relationship with my not long ago, dear, departed mother. I have said before, my mother was an incredible woman. As I grew into adulthood as a young man, I became more aware of the tremendous impact she had on my life and I wanted to do all I could to show her my appreciation. I remember taking her on site-seeing trips through downtown Chicago. We went to several high end restaurants like, Eli’s, Carson’s and the Pheasant Run. I really enjoyed spoiling my mother because of the tremendous sacrifices she had made for me. As I stood in front of Westminster Abbey in London, I felt a little sad because I desperately wanted my mother to experience something so grand. As I watched those young adults fussing over their mother, I longed for an opportunity to share this experience with my mother. Before I became too carried away with sorrow and grief, the Spirit quickened within me. The Lord reminded me where my mother was. And what He had planned for her far exceeded anything I would ever plan or do for her. The Lord explained to me no matter how much I loved my mother, no matter how great I wanted to bless and take care of my mother, I could never duplicate or compete with His goodness and blessings. No doubt all of us feel indebted to someone. Perhaps a husband remembers how his wife stood by him in the early days of his career. I remember the days when my wife stood with me in ministry, my career and really anything I set my mind to. Perhaps there are some parents who want to do something for their children. You’ve seen your child excel in school or perhaps you haven’t had the resources to do for them as you really desire. I remember seeing a mother brought to tears because she could not afford to get something for her children for Christmas. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we will never be able to do enough for those who have sacrificed and help make the way for us. We can never repay someone for teaching us the Word of God. We can never reimburse someone for praying for us, or laying hands on us and casting evil spirits out and off of us. What is the value of someone witnessing to us? We cannot repay them, but God can and will! Stop and think about what God has in store or us. Have you ever read what the apostle Paul wrote, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18) or the words penned by the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11)? The Lord has great plans for us. He is going to take great pleasure and delight in blessing and rewarding His people for our labor. The more I think about God’s greatness and His ability and intent to bless us, I get both excited and encouraged. When I think about what God has planned for my mother, I am sure she would rather have what He has planned than anything I could ever come up with. Friends of mine – be encouraged. The Lord is soon to return and He has some great things planned for all of us. Our presiding bishop has coined the phrase, “…I see you in the future, and you look much better than you look right now.” And with God’s blessings manifested in our lives, this sentiment is sure to come to pass for us! I bless you in the name of the Lord! Responsibility – June 2K13 WOTM
Wednesday, June 5th, 2013
By Deacon Dr. Napoleon Paxton Recently I began to think back on my childhood with the intention of recollecting when I became a responsible man. This was not an easy task, since in my mind I have always been responsible. I can remember as a child I used to follow my grandfather around on his many adventures. He had a mini farm with a garden of corn, potatoes, peas, and beets. He had several fruits growing like apples, pears, grapes, and plums. He also raised pigs and chickens. All these things required much work to keep them in good condition and when there was work to be done my grandfather would call on me.
With each new job my grandfather counted on me to get the previous jobs done (minus chasing the chickens and baby pigs). He knew that based on my level of maturity I could be counted on to complete certain tasks and that I would be responsible for them. As I continued to recall my thoughts to this present time, I began to realize that my level of responsibility is and has always been based on my level of maturity. As a grown man with a wife and children I should not have to be told to get a job or to do everything I can to provide for my family. I should be mature enough to know that is my responsibility. As a man that has been a part of ministry for nearly 5 years, I should not have to be told to pay my tithes or do my part to help the ministry grow. Even if I am unsure of what to do, my level of maturity should point me in the right direction to find out (the Pastor). My grandfather only had a 3rd grade education, but he knew enough to understand that once a maturity level had been reached, a new level of responsibility could be birthed in me. To answer the question of when I became a responsible man, I have to say it’s ongoing. While I do believe I work hard every day to get better, there is always room to mature and with that growth in maturity there is room for me to become more responsible. We Are Not Alone – Great Northern District Meeting 2013
Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
For the week of May 13-17th Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ rallied in Manassas, Virginia to celebrate the 46th Annual Great Northern District Meeting, held at “Yeshua” Church Of God In Christ. As is the church custom, the second night of the meeting celebrates the district Assistant Superintendant, Holiness Tabernacle’s own Pastor Eddie B. Pruitte, Jr. So in due form, Pastor Pruitte came ready to present God’s Word before a listening audience. Pastor Pruitte preached a familiar message: “We’re Better Together.” It’s a message that has stirred within him for quite some time. It’s a message that all Christians, and even our government, have yet to learn. He began in Ecc. 4:9-12: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Pastor Pruitte explained the importance of believers spending time amongst each other and getting past trivial differences. He continued by telling the audience that even Christ believed in working cooperatively, having sent the disciples out in pairs. Pastor Pruitte further emphasized Jesus’ own personal experience of needing a helping hand. “Even Christ had Simon of Cyrene carry His cross!” he reminded the church. Following Pastor Pruitte’s message of mutual cooperation amongst believers, on Wednesday night, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr. preached the message of divine power within believers. Bishop Thomas pleaded with the congregation to receive and accept the promises of God, most importantly, the promise of the Holy Spirit. Coming from Acts 1, Bishop Thomas expounded upon verses 5 and 8, where Jesus declares that His disciples will receive a new baptism in the Holy Spirit and receive power. “The Holy Ghost is a gift. You receive Him. Come expectantly,” Bishop Thomas urged. He also reminded the audience that God reveals Himself through His written Word. “Some people say God doesn’t talk to them,” Bishop Thomas continued, “but it says ‘In the beginning was the Word.’ The Bible IS God talking.” In both of these sermons there is a consistent thread: we are not alone. We have God the Father, through the atoning sacrifice of God the Son, here with us. And in His foresight and wisdom, He has given us a new family to run this race alongside us. All the while, He sanctifies us through the presence of God the Spirit who lives within and seals without. We are better together! Relationship – May 2K13 WOTM
Wednesday, May 8th, 2013
By Brother Michael Benjamin “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10b
In our verse, we have our Lord Jesus discussing his willingness to give us life through relationship with Him. It is a life that many of us may not have even realized we needed. I can only imagine the thoughts that came from the audience as Christ spoke these words in their ears. The Lord is proclaiming the same thing into our ears today. He longs for an active relationship with us. God bless! The Passion of the Christ(ian) – Spring Revival 2013
Saturday, May 4th, 2013
Under the allure of freshly bloomed cherry blossoms and springtime warmth, Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ celebrated its annual Spring Revival, April 17-19th. The guest revivalist and speaker was Elder Robert Chambers, assistant pastor of the St. George Beth El Church Of God In Christ in Flint, Mich.
“However”, Elder Chambers continued, “What does Jesus then say to them? I have an issue with you!” After reading on, he pointed out that Jesus wanted passion from the church at Ephesus. “When people lose passion, they lose drive and quit”, he said. Passion – affection, love, and care – was of the utmost importance to Jesus. While He commended their deeds, He could not overlook their loss of love. In that same respect, the Lord still calls for His people to love today. The Lord calls His children to both love Him and love those around them (Matt 22:35-40). With a shift to Revelation 3:14-16 and 19, Elder Chambers described what can happen when people attempt to hide their loss of passion. They either become hard-hearted or lukewarm, refusing to simply ask God for help. Elder Chambers counted this as a mistake because “Jesus tells them ‘I know your deeds!’. You cannot hide from God in the crowd.”
As he preached on, Elder Chambers spent the rest of the night exhorting the church to take notice of whether lukewarmness applied to any of them, reminding the membership that Jesus gives a solution: repentance. “If it’s you, repent. Repent and rediscover your passion for God,” he urged. “God is so powerful that He can give you a taste and fill you up with just the taste.” On the next night, Elder Chambers transitioned from the topic of passion to spiritual maturity. He reminded the church that everything evil, everything sinful, and everything unholy is a result of the curse. In so doing, Elder Chambers made an appeal for more believers to recognize that those who continue to live in sin are not beneath believers, as all have fallen short.
Being greatly aware of the hardships that come with opposing the status quo, Elder Chambers urged the congregation to pursue faith. “Seek faith to deal with the persecution that comes with going against the culture.” Elder Chambers then moved into a time of prayer. “I want to pray for the young people. I don’t want to forget about them”, he said. As he communicated with the Father, Elder Chambers prayed that the young people of Holiness Tabernacle would know God in their youth. Upon finishing the prayer, Elder Chambers praised Pastor Eddie B Pruitte’s continued hospitality. He also praised the Holiness Tabernacle congregation for being a house of prayer, a direct reflection of Pastor Pruitte’s personal commitment to upholding God’s command to pray continually. Although some time has passed since Elder Chambers headed home for Michigan, the words he spoke on behalf of the Lord still remain: Rediscover Your Passion for God. Committed
Wednesday, May 1st, 2013
Committed: to be bound to or obligated toward Greetings to the most special and extraordinary people in the world–the people of God! As you are aware, our theme this year is “Continuing and Upholding the Legacy of True Holiness.” The other week the Lord placed this thought on my heart: people today struggle with commitment. My parents were married for more than 60 years. I never witnessed my father lifting his hand against my mother. When times were tough financially, he did not walk away; he got another job. I saw my mother labor alongside of my father in the home, at church and anything else he decided to do. As her health declined, I saw my father become her primary care provider – he cooked for her, cleaned the house and he even limited his travel and ministry outside of the home because my mother required 24-hour care. They were truly committed to one another. Unfortunately, today’s generation has left this legacy. Are you aware that fewer than 50 percent of our African American males will graduate from high school? And an even smaller percentage will finish college or obtain an advanced degree. Have you noticed people are now more likely to declare bankruptcy than live within their means? There was a time when people worked at the same job for 30 to 40 years and retired with a pension. Today we find employees are less likely to stay with the same company for more than five years. Employers, as well, are more concerned with increasing the profit margin (often eliminating experienced workers who demand higher wages) and prefer a younger workforce. It is so sad to see the divorce rate in the church equal that of the world. At one time, couples took their marriage vows seriously: “…for richer or for poorer, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health…” But now we divorce and remarry as if we are playing a dating game. There was a time when people committed to a church and ministry. Today we have become so undisciplined and weak-minded, we bounce and hop from church to church, but declare we are filled with His Holy Spirit. Every week I see people come to church and fill up the pews. As the power of God is poured out, I see tears rolling and I see them rejoicing. Yet when I open the doors of the church and make an invitation for membership, they stay glued to their seats. It is as if they want the benefits of membership, without committing to the church. There are several examples in the Bible of people who did not want to commit to God: Lot’s wife looked back (Gen. 19:26); Peter denied Jesus (Matt 26:69-74); and many disciples left Him (John 6:66 and Matt 8:18). We even read about the great falling away (II Thes 2:1-3). If you’ll note in the scripture text (Luke 9:57-62), Jesus makes the call for discipleship. Immediately He began to receive excuses:
Why is it that God can commit to us, but we are hesitant to commit to Him? Why is it that God will be faithful to us, but we are not faithful to Him? My brothers and sisters in Christ, I implore you today to rebuke the spirit of giving up and quitting on God. Let me encourage you to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Let me encourage you to forsake all and commit to Him. His rewards are immeasurable. Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, neither has it entered into the hearts of man the good things He has in store for us. If we stay committed! I leave you with a song my mother used to sing: Put your time in, payday is coming after while! I bless you in the name of the Lord! The Celebration of Jesus Resurrection – A Holiday Or A Change? – April 2K13 WOTM
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013
by Deacon Jeffrey Howard We recently celebrated Passion Week, as we remembered the final days of Jesus work here on earth. We have felt the sorrow and sympathy of Jesus being in excruciating pain from terrible beating, flogging, mocking, and ridicule as He made his way to be nailed on a tree between two thieves–all for our sins. Did we simply go through the motions and celebrate Resurrection Sunday as just another holiday on the calendar? The celebration of Jesus victorious defeat over Satan, death, and sin should inspire us to lift up Jesus even higher in our daily walk with Him and to live a holy life. In John 12:32, Jesus reminds us, “If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” When Jesus departed earth in His physical body, he gave his disciples (and believers) the great commission. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all of Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” We should now be refreshed and more motivated the share the gospel of Jesus Christ to our unsaved family members, friends, co-workers, and strangers. Are we seeking to be baptized with the Holy Ghost if we have not been filled or are we just content to stay at the same level in God? Jesus ministry on earth was only about three years. He did not waste a moment of time as He left us with many teachings in parables, words of life, and His Spirit to help us carry on the great commission on earth. Jesus was always about His Father’s business at all times. As with believers in Christ, we only have a window of opportunity to spread the gospel and draw sinners to Him. In John 9:4 Jesus states, “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” We do not know how long the window of opportunity to win souls will be in our lives. Death will be an imminent experience for us all. Every believer should desire to hear this from God when our lives on earth have ceased: “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21. So as you ponder on the great Passion Week and the aftermath of Resurrection Sunday, think about how you can change to serve the Lord even greater. Our church was blessed by a Sunrise Service profound message from 1st Lady Vivian Pruitte as she shared with us, “We will never be the same.” We cannot go back to the old things in our life before Christ saved us, nor should we go back to the shortcomings we had experienced in our Christian walk. There is only one way to go; to a higher spiritual level in God! Resurrection Sunday celebration should be a refreshing change in our lives. Now let’s go and be about our Father’s business! Let’s All “Spring” Into Revival!!!
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
Join Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ in our Spring Revival 2013 April 17th – 19th starting promptly at 7:00pm. Our guest revivalist is Elder Robert Chambers of Flint Michigan, assistant pastor of the St. George Bethel COGIC. You do not want to miss the rebirth of Azusa Street right at your doorstep.Elder Robert E. Chambers was born in Kansas City, Kansas on August 13, 1955. He was brought to Flint, Michigan in 1956 where he was educated in the Flint Public Schools. After graduating from the 12th grade, he attended Ferris State University.
Elder Chambers loves the Lord and the people of God. He followed his pastor and father in the gospel (The founder, Bishop Author George Burrell) very closely. Upon serving faithfully as a Deacon, he was later promoted to Chairman of Deacons Board. Elder Chambers filled many roles in the church, where he was the Choir Director, Lead Singer, and Sunday School Teacher, and also lead the 12:00 Noon Prayer. Elder Chambers is a true student of the Word. He attended the Agape Bible College in Saginaw, Michigan. As Superintendent of the local Sunday School for over 25 years and the District's Sunday School Superintendent, Elder Chambers encourages the teachers and the students to not only come to class, but come prepared . . . that means study the lesson. He also services as the District Platform Chairman. Having a heart for the Youth Ministry and the wisdom to know the children are our future, Elder Chambers believes in “no youth left behind” or any member of the church or visitors throughout the city of Flint. Whatever his hands find to do in the Local, District and State, he does it all for the glory of God. During the Installation Service of our Pastor, Elder George Kiel in 2004, Pastor Kiel asked Elder Chambers to serve as the Assistant Pastor of St. George Beth-el COGIC. The Northeast Michigan Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop P. A. Brooks and the people agreed. Elder Chambers is a true family man. He has been married to Missionary Brenda Chambers for 34 years. They have one son, Robert Jr. and one daughter, Missionary Quenna Brown who is married and has given them three beautiful grandchildren. His favorite quote: TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT BETTER!
Pilgrimage To Pentecost
Monday, April 1st, 2013
Join the Church Of God In Christ during the 50-Day
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Since a few months ago, the Lord has been dealing with me on the subject of relationship. It does not take long in a person’s life to realize that everything done under the sun is based upon some form of relationship. Every place of business knows that their success is dependent upon a good relationship with the consumer. Without the Earth, the seed will not grow into a tree. Without the tree, oxygen will not be given to us humans. The law of relationship is one that no man or woman can live without.
Then we celebrated with joy Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the pinnacle of every Saint’s life, on Resurrection Sunday. So what now?
On December 24, 1975 at the age of 20, Elder Chambers gave his life to the Lord in the 6:30 a.m. Prayer Service at the St. George Beth-el Church of God in Christ. | April 10th – April 19th | April 20th – April 29th | April 30th – May 9th | May 10th – May 19th |
| Fast until 12 noon | Fast until 1 pm | Fast until 2 pm | Fast until 3 pm |
I Think I Forgot Something
Hebrews 2:1; Psalm 103:1-2; Luke 2:41-49
Hello my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I shared this thought with the saints at Reconciliation and Holiness Tabernacle the other day, and I thought you might enjoy it as well.
As you may or may not be aware, our theme this year is, “Continuing and Upholding the Legacy of True Holiness.” I was reminiscing recently about how my mother used to pray and minister in church – she was awesome! As I thought about her, my mind led me to remember other saints that have made an impression on my life: Mother Emma Lee Green, Deacon Richard Lowrey, Pastor Geno Thomas, Pastor Frank Smith and many more.
As I thought fondly about these great trailblazers, the Spirit prompted that I needed to pick up where these saints left off. It wasn’t enough for me to recall how the Lord used them mightily, but God expected you and me to continue this great legacy. I fear that too often, we fall into one of two categories of spiritual amnesia.
The first category is forgetting these mighty people of God and the great works the Lord performed through them. Just think about it: when we are faced with a dilemma, such as getting furloughed or losing our jobs, what is our first reaction? Do we look to God for a way out? Do we thank God for the way He is going to work, before He even makes the way? Or do we panic and fall into depression? Many of us even let our circumstance affect our praise and church attendance. Not the saints of old! They would believe God for everything. When it seemed as though they were going down for the last time, they would just get that more determined. That’s why Bishop C. H. Mason could build the largest black owned building in the world (during that time) with steel that was donated during WWII – even though there was a ration on steel for the war effort!
Did you ever read how Bishop L.H. Ford prayed and asked God to send him a sign that he was to remain in Chicago, Illinois after migrating from Mississippi? The story says after a long period of suffering financially, he was ready to give up. He asked God for a sign if he should stay and a lady he did not know walked up to him and said, “…young man, the Lord told me to give this to you…” It was fifty cent. From there he went on to start Saint Paul Church Of God In Christ and eventually became not only a bishop, but the presiding bishop in the Church Of God In Christ! The saints of old seemed to have a “not giving up” spirit that we have forgotten!
Still others of us suffer from a second form of spiritual amnesia – we forget who we are in God. We fail to remember the same God that empowered our spiritual ancestors has not changed! The same God that healed people through Peter’s shadow is alive and accessible to us today. We forget that the same Holy Spirit that anointed Rahab, Esther and Ruth is yet in the anointing business today. I believe we get in a predicament and sometime forget the power and authority God has bequeathed unto us.
The Holy Scriptures remind us we should pay attention lest we let things we have heard and been taught slip. The psalmist encouraged us to bless the Lord at all times and forget not all of His benefits. That’s why I echo the Word and encourage you to testify to yourself as often as possible – this reminds you of the great feats God has performed for us! That’s why praising God is so important, because it puts us in a mindset to remember God’s greatness and not focus on our problems. But do not take this lightly, it is easy to forget.
The account in Luke tells us Mary and Joseph were travelling with their family and friends to Jerusalem and when they left, they assumed Jesus was in the crowd with their other things. They travelled two days before they realized He was not with them. Thank God they had the wisdom to go back and look for Jesus. And where did they find him? They found Him in the church! My friend, I want to encourage you – don’t forget who you are in God. Don’t forget God’s awesome delivering power. Don’t forget where God has brought you from. Don’t forget what God spoke in your life. Don’t forget the promises of God. Don’t forget the authority God has given us. Don’t assume Jesus is in your plans – make sure. And, if you discover He is not, if you discover you have not been walking in the power and authority God has destined, go back and get Jesus – you’ll find Him in the Church!
Don’t forget!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!
