Greetings Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

As always, I hope this midweek note finds you well and giving thanks in all things. Bro. Dan reminded us from his journey shared last week that no matter what we face in this life, we should "give thanks in all circumstances for this the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". (1 Thess. 5:18-ESV) Despite a week of unexpected challenges and attacks, I am still thankful for God's faithfulness. We as a church should be grateful as well because this Sunday marks the kick-off Sunday, celebrating 95 years of God's faithfulness to us as a community of faith.

How fitting then is it for us to hear from the one who served faithfully as Pastor of this great body of believers for 40 years, our very own Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr.. He has joined our "I BELIEVE" campaign, and when I asked him to give his testimony, he shared as only he can:

Christianity is a corruption of the religion of Jesus when it entices persons to become members just for the sake of earthly and heavenly benefits. Take another look at Job and see if Satan did not suggest to God that Job was worshiping God just for the blessings, benefits, and bounties that God has bestowed upon Job.

The faith of Job was not in his possessions. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and had numerous servants. Job had a large family of seven sons and three daughters. But Job lost his possessions. Job was a power broker. But Job's faith was not in his power. As a power broker, according to Eliphaz, Job had helped the helpless. Listen to Eliphaz speak to Job:

Think how you have instructed many,
how you have strengthened feeble hands.
Your words have supported those who stumbled;
You have strengthened faltering knees (Job 4:3, 4, NIV).

But Job's power to help others and Job's power to get things done were gone. Hear Job speak of his powerlessness:

I have become a laughingstock to my friends (Job 12:4, NIV).

Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me. God has turned me over to evil men and the clutches of the wicked (Job 16:10, 11, NIV).

Job truly said, "I used to have power, but God has taken my power. I am a broken and beaten man now."

All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target; his archers surround me. Without pity, he pierces my kidneys..." (Job 16:12, 13b, NIV).

Job's faith was not in position, possessions, or power. He had lost all of these blessings. He had even lost the respect of the younger generation.

But now they mock me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs (Job 30:1, NIV).

Worse than losing the respect of the younger generation, Job was less than the lowest of the homeless underclass. He was worse off than a bagwoman.

He throws me into the mud, and I am reduced to dust and ashes (Job 30:19, NIV).

His precious children dead, his position stripped, his possessions taken, his power lost, his pride among peers gone, Job was reduced to mud and ashes. What kind of faith did Job retain?

Job's faith enabled him to say:

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10, NIV).

Tell us a little more about your faith, Job. We want to know what you got from serving God after you had lost everything. Give us your testimony, Job. We want to listen and learn from you, Job.

Well, this is Job's personal testimony:

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my foot on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God
(Ps. 40:1-3, NIV)

Thank you, Brother Job, for your testimony. It will help us on our journey.

Do we have time for one more testimony? Is the witness a reliable witness?

Yes, your honor. His name is J. Alfred Smith, Sr.

If that is the case, bring J. Alfred Smith, Sr. before the court and swear him in so that we can hear his testimony. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., do you promise to tell nothing but the truth, so help you God?

I do, your honor.

Proceed with the testimony.

Your honor, I have been crucified with Christ.

Wait a minute, witness; how could you testify if you have been crucified with Christ?

Your honor, you are partially right and you are partially wrong. I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Thank you, witness! What is in it for me? Now I know that it is not position, possessions, power, or pride, but it is Christ, Christ in me. Christ with me. Christ for me. Faith is living in Christ!

Nothing else to be said.

God has spoken..Let the Church say, Amen!

Blessings to you,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor