Solutions to Life's Issues

This is a sermon Pastor Holmes delivered on racism. Last summer it was George Floyd among others. This spring's our Asian communities are under attack. Scripture reference Revelation 7:9-12. Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Rev 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

This is a message taken from a sermon Pastor Holmes preached to his members. This is a message of reconciliation and how it is impacting the church. Biblical References Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. God's Judgment and the Law Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. 1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes asks the question, "Can love conquer hate"? Using the Bible as his spiritual guide Pastor Holmes goes to Matthew 5:44 and Matthew 22:39. Our Country is in need of healing. Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

In this issue Pastor Holmes takes a look at when politics enter into the church how the church's mission can become skewed. Although we are to perform our civic duties those duties should never override the Scriptures. Mat 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Mat 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Mat 22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. Mat 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? Mat 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. Mat 22:22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. Support the show (https://checkout.square.site/pay/a6c42a0f070c4fb3921c3e8fdf7f85e1) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes gives some bullet points on the various things that have gone on during this year. Racial Division Political Division Economic Division Pandemic Division Spiritual Division In Pastor Holmes' opinion on what is the cure. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14, KJV). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes uses this title as a means to seeking that we should live our lives to obtain significance. When we are young we are in a discovery mode. It's when we get older that we gain wisdom. Moral of this is start to seek out your significance at an early age. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes shares an article by Kristen Rogers discussing racism and using our sphere of influence to help mend our relationships with one another. When we remain silent Pastor Holmes calls this the "Sin of Silence." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes muses over the loss of integrity on a individual and national level. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Jim Martin and I had a discussion on racial reconciliation in the Body of Christ. Jim has served in various capacity over the 30+ years. In addition to numerous volunteer roles, He has served as pastor of six congregations. Prior to joining ABCS. Jim was the Associational Director of Valley Rim for five years. In addition to supervising the staff and programs, he focused on resourcing pastors and helping them connect with one another. Leader Care exists to provide hope and care to pastors, church staff and their families through Christ-centered support. The facilitators of Leader Care seek to proactively facilitate spiritual, emotional and relational health among pastors, ministry staff members and their families by providing quality and affordable counsel, encouragement and opportunity for renewal. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes discusses the terms of Church vs the Body of Christ. Why they are the same and why they can be different. Pastor Holmes refers to Mathew chapter 16:13-19. Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Musings of a Ride-share Christian Driver. What the Holy Spirit may whisper to your heart as you are picking up clients. I view it as a ministry on wheels. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

With all the vitriol rhetoric against people groups, how can this Nation become a Nation one and under God? How can this Nation dowel out liberty and justice for all when discord fueled by hate and systemic ridicule seemingly the order of the day? For me, there is a greater question that I have in mind. Where is the Church in all of this? When ever I grapple with life's issues I turn to the Word of God. As I have said that the only way this Nation becomes one is to turn back to God and not the god of our own making. Here's what I mean. We have even divided our Christianity into two major platforms (liberal and conservative). The Bible says in Pro 27:17, Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. So ideally, I don't have a problem with the grouping, what I have a major issue with our attitudes that stem from them. 1Jn 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 1Jn 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 1Jn 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

The Bible gives us great insight on how to cure this systemic issue of racism. We can continue to blame one another or we can turn to the Word of God for the answer. Matthew 22:34-40 (KJV) 34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Using the vernacular of the day, Pastor Holmes talks about how the church will possibly change after this pandemic is under control. He uses John 4 as the backdrop for this episode. John 4:20-26 (KJV) 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

As we continue in this pandemic the question is what is the churches role during this time? People are suffering with depression, anxiety, financial loss, death of friends and family. Our Frist Responders are suffering with PTSD, seeing an extraordinary amount of death in short periods of time. Having to comfort patients as they are transitioning from life to death, all while their families can't be with them. 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes uses King Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20) as an example of what to do when facing insurmountable odds, National prayer and fasting would be the order of the day. 2Ch 20:3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 2Ch 20:4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. 2Ch 20:5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 2Ch 20:6 And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 2Ch 20:7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 2Ch 20:13 And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 2Ch 20:14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 2Ch 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2Ch 20:16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 2Ch 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 2Ch 20:18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes uses John 10:28-29 explaining our stability and security is only in Christ. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Pastor Holmes muses over the fact that so much of the information regarding the pandemic is conflicting. So what do we do, where do we go in order to bring about some sort of normalcy and steadfastness to our lives? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Leviticus 19:11 (KJV) 11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Romans 12:2 (KJV) 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support

Man, Struggles— Suffering: the glorious message of Romans is that God assures deliverance (freedom) from struggling and suffering—through Christ. This is the whole point of all that has been written before. Man desperately struggles against the pressures and forces both within himself and alien to himself. He struggles against the weight and discouragement of trials; against the pollution and corruption of life. Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - Romans. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ottley-w-holmes-jr/support