As Bishop closes out the series, “Are You The Light?” Pt 4, he pulls a few examples from the book of Esther and invites three modern-day Esthers to share their experiences on how God is using them for His glory in their everyday, professional work. Guests are Jessica Chandler, (former foster youth) of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Gail Winston of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services Housing Division, and Nancy Harris of the Faith Foster Families Network (3FN). Bishop Ed ends by challenging us to commit to serving others in the community in equally meaningful ways.
“Are You The Light?” Pt 3. Bishop invites three special guests that serve children, youth and young adults to discuss ways the church can offer support outside of the church with the goal of being light in dark spaces. Guests are Regeanie Corona of Nehemiah Project LA, Michael Freeman of Elevate Your Game, and Dominique Robinson of the faith-based division of the LA Department of Children and Family Services.
Bishop Ed Smith continues the series, “Are You The Light?” Pt 2. Bishop takes a closer look into Nehemiah’s journey and how he responds to crisis. He encourages us to find our pathway to serving communities in need. Will Crossley, President of Piney Woods Boarding School in Mississippi, shares the story of the founder who started the school teaching just one child.
Bishop Ed Smith begins his October special series, “Are You The Light?” Pt 1. In Part 1, he addresses the current youth homeless crisis and reminds us that older generations still have a role to play. As God’s people, we must allow God to take us wherever He wants us to go and shine our light into the darkness.
Dr. Joshua closes the series, “I Don’t Want To Talk About This” Part 6. Here, he dives into the story of Margaret Sanger, the founder of the birth control movement, and the influence of the Comstock Law on her life. Dr. Joshua goes in on the role of an individual and the role of the church on the abortion issue, stressing the difference. In the Word, Dr. Joshua explains how God’s law plays out in our lives and in the world, highlighting the need for us to seek God first in our every decision (a theme throughout the series) and then, listen to people’s stories before jumping to judgement.
In the past few sermons in this series, Dr. Joshua has described, in depth, Jesus as Lord, Jesus as joy, and in the this, Part 5 of “I Don’t Want to Talk About This”, he discusses Jesus as life. He does this by offering three reasons why we don’t see His life: God’s justice, the world’s corruption, and Satan’s works.
Dr. Joshua Smith continues the series, “I Don’t Want to Talk About This” Part 4. Dr. Joshua talks about joy and how without sorrow, there is no reason for joy. Following Jesus comes with a cost and that is our earthly desires. When we decide to follow Jesus, we automatically declare war on the flesh.
Dr. Joshua Smith continues the series, “I Don’t Want to Talk About This” Part 3, laying foundation for the topic of abortion. Dr. Joshua reminds us to lean into God's righteousness in light of His Lordship. If we decide He is our Lord, we can trust Him with our lives and with our decisions. When we establish Jesus as the Lord of our life, we can move forward with clarity as He speaks to us through His Word and as we seek His will for our lives in our personal circumstances. When we do this, personal decisions about abortion become clearer.
Dr. Joshua Smith continues the new series, “I Don’t Want to Talk About This” Part 2. Here, he interviews two representatives of Living Well, an organization dedicated to men and women in their pregnancy, or pregnancy termination, journey, fostering hope and healing. Dr. Joshua then, discusses trust in the lordship of Christ versus pride and trust in self, a sobering word for us all who claim to be followers of Jesus.
Dr. Joshua Smith makes his return from his sabbatical by kicking off a new 6-part series called, “I Don’t Want to Talk About This” which tackles the difficult subject of abortion. He begins by excluding the actual topic of abortion directly, and instead, lays critical foundation consisting of foolishness, wisdom, free will, rightness, truth, sacrifice, and the basic need to first, surrender and trust Jesus.
Ameer Elahee speaks on how easy it is for us to get lost and encourages us to focus on the plan and purpose that God has in store for us; while also working on making disciples and building God’s kingdom instead of making buildings.
Minister Perilla Woodard continues the Five I Am’s series with, “I Am to Have the God Kind of Life.” She demonstrates how to live a God kind of life by covering three building blocks, Salvation Through Jesus, Embracing the Holy Spirit, and Commitment to Jesus through a Life of Service.
