Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Rev James Gibson, Pastor of Chesterbrook Baptist Church, McLean, VA, guest preacher, 10-09-17, Warner Baptist Church 136th Anniv Service

Article 9 Volume 7                                                                        October 10, 2017                                    
                                          Date of Service:  Monday, October 9, 2017

The theme for this year's anniversary is, "Oh Happy Day!"  So, for this anniversary, the opening hymn for each service is "Oh Happy Day"

The preacher, zeroed in on the theme and tailored his message to the art of being happy.

He cited an occasion where he was asked, "Why are you Happy?"  In his sermon he made it clear why he is happy.

Before I go to the sermon, there are three songs, by Afro-American singers, that are ranked in the all-time top 20 songs about happiness.

On the religious front,  the song, "Oh Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1969 peaked at No. 4 on the charts.  It was a favorite in churches as well as in secular music circles.
It is ranked No. 12 All-Time for happy songs. The hymn book version is okay, but I believe most of us get more perked up with this version. 

How can we forget Bobby McFerrin song in 1988, "Don't Worry Be Happy".  It was released in July 1988 and quickly became a worldwide hit.  It is ranked No. 2 on the All-Time chart for happy songs.

In 2014, Pharrell Williams' "Happy" rose to the top of the chart.  It is ranked 17 All-Time and still trending upward.

So, there is something about the expression, "Happy" that touches, I believe, virtually all people.

Reverend Gibson's text was, "Hold on to your happiness".  He cited several scriptures, from the Old and New Testament.  Included were Psalm 37:4 and 32:11.

He encouraged the congregation to hold on to their joy. Walk by faith and not by sight.  Do not let nobody steal their joy.

Also, do little things to Bless other persons.  In so doing you will be blessed.

Rev. Gibson shared with the congregation, about the time in his childhood, when the doctors  predicted that he may be unable to walk at an early age.  But through faith God blessed him not only to walk but to run and run some more.  He was able to receive a football scholarship and play college football.

Rev.  Gibson delivered a very good message about joy and happiness.  

The listeners, I believe, were prepared to stay and hear more about happiness and joy from this dynamic speaker.  But he had to conclude at some point.

Prior to the sermon, Sister Carolyn Curseen, WBC's historian, spoke about the history of Warner Baptist.

            Copyright 2017. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All Rights Reserved.



    People who visit this website also visit:  www.nvbss.blogspot.com
                        and,  www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com
                                                                      



Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady E. Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

No comments: