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What Are the Beatitudes?

The word Beatitude comes from a Latin word meaning “blessed” or “deeply happy.”

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“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us…”

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Black History Month should not be the only time we talk about our story.

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The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s) was one of the most transformative periods in Black History. It was not just a political movement, it was a spiritual, social, economic, and cultural awakening that reshaped America.

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TRUTH TOLD: Faith, History, and the Black Experience

John 8:32 – “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

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• One of the greatest misunderstandings is that Black history starts with oppression. Biblically, Black history begins with creation, dignity, and divine purpose.

• Black history and the Bible are far more connected than people are often taught. Especially in Western classrooms and churches.

• Black History and the Bible intersect in History, identity, theology, and liberation, and who’s telling the story, the emphasis can look different.

(Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

How many of you know that our direction determined our destination.

“Father God, we come before You humbly tonight. As we fast and seek You, search our hearts, cleanse us, and draw us closer to You. Remove anything that is not like You and prepare us for what You want to do in us and through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

We thank God for bringing us into a new year. As we begin this year, we want to begin it Your way. Teach us the power of fasting, discipline our flesh, and sharpen our spirit so we can hear Your voice clearly.

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Every year the world celebrates Christmas lights, gifts, decorations, food, and family gatherings. But in all the excitement, the true meaning often gets lost. Tonight, I want us to return to the truth: Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season.

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Reflection is the spiritual practice of examining our hearts, attitudes, motives, and actions in light of God's Word. It is how believers grow, avoid self-deception, and stay aligned with the Holy Spirit. Many Christians read the Bible but never stop long enough to reflect on what it means for them personally.

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 • Ephesians 5:1–4

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God is calling us not just to desire righteousness or obedience, but to do His will. Good intentions without action lead to spiritual stagnation.

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Biblical Truth: “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20)

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(Ephesians 4:11–13)

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

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The United States and the world seem filled with confusion, division, moral decline, and uncertainty. Many believers ask, “What should we do?”

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Theme: Becoming Instruments Fit for the Master’s Use
Key Text: (2 Timothy 2:20–21)

“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work.”

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(1 Chronicles 12:32) – “From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”

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God desires more than lip service or outward religion. He looks for hearts that are surrendered to His will. Obedience without willingness is force compliance, and willingness without obedience is empty intention. The Lord wants both a willing heart and an obedient life.