The Prevailing Word of GOD

Welcome and Acknowledgments

Introduction and Guest Recognition

• The speaker expresses joy in being present, acknowledging the congregation and guests with appreciation.

• Special guests are introduced, including family members La Quenta, Robert, Christina, and grandson Sabian.

• Minister Bernard Stevenson is recognized for coming from Palmdale to perform a special song.

Personal Testimony

Sharing Life Experiences

• The speaker shares their personal testimony of survival, emphasizing gratitude for life despite past challenges.

• They describe themselves as a "living testimony," highlighting the importance of resilience.

Family Importance

Family Dynamics and Support

• La Quenta takes the stage to discuss family significance, encouraging attendees to appreciate their loved ones present.

• She emphasizes that family serves as one's tribe and roots, especially during challenging times.

Collaborative Family Project

Writing a Book Together

• La Quenta introduces a collaborative project where the family wrote a book based on discussions with their father about life experiences.

• She highlights the organization required for families to work together effectively on projects like cooking or writing.

Rebounding from Challenges

Definition of Rebound

• The concept of "rebound" is explained as overcoming setbacks through support and communication within the family.

• La Quenta stresses the importance of parents staying involved in their children's lives to help them navigate difficulties.

Book Insights and Legacy

Celebrating Family Legacy

• The book encapsulates various familial struggles such as divorce, loss, and disappointments while focusing on resilience.

• La Quenta expresses pride in her father's legacy and how it has been documented through their written work.

Introduction and Acknowledgments

Importance of Community and Family

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the presence of the audience, emphasizing their importance in his life. He acknowledges his father and siblings, highlighting familial love and support.

• An applause is given to honor God, indicating a communal spirit of worship and appreciation.

Prophetic Message for 2025

Vision for the Future

• The speaker shares a prophetic word received from God regarding the year 2025, which he describes as a time when faith will come alive and lives will thrive. This message is framed within a poetic context.

• Key phrases include "we will not put up with the devil's jive" and "the Lord is on our side," suggesting resilience against adversity through faith.

Personal Testimony

Connection Through Music

• The speaker reflects on his long-standing relationship with Pastor Mike, noting their shared background as graduates of Dorsey High School and their mutual passion for music ministry. They have supported each other throughout their journeys in faith.

• A personal anecdote about starting a church together under Dr. Floyd C Miller’s guidance illustrates community building in ministry work.

The Prevailing Word of God

Scriptural Foundation

• The theme scripture discussed is Acts 19:16-20, focusing on how God's word prevails over circumstances for those who believe. This serves as a foundation for the church's mission and teachings.

• The story of the seven sons of Sceva highlights the dangers of attempting spiritual authority without true understanding or belief, leading to dire consequences illustrated by them being beaten by demons.

Family Resilience Through Faith

Overcoming Challenges Together

• The speaker recounts personal family struggles, including loss and divorce but emphasizes unity through prayer and communication among family members during difficult times. This collective effort led to healing and growth within the family unit.

• A book titled "Rebound" was written as an outcome of these experiences, showcasing how they transformed challenges into testimonies of faith and resilience.

Black History and Personal Reflection

The Importance of Black History

• The speaker reflects on their past pride, emphasizing the significance of recognizing one's heritage during Black History Month.

• Citing Morgan Freeman, the speaker asserts that Black history is not confined to a month but is an everyday reality, highlighting Africa as the cradle of civilization.

• The speaker stresses the importance of knowing one’s history and acknowledges the contributions of people of color to society's development.

Pride in Heritage

• Echoing James Brown's sentiment, "I'm Black and I'm Proud," the speaker encourages embracing one's identity without diminishing others.

• The speaker shares a personal message about conveying heartfelt truths rather than just preaching scripture.

Acknowledging God's Glory

• Reference to Acts 12:22-24 illustrates how pride can lead to downfall; a king who failed to give glory to God faced dire consequences.

• The speaker emphasizes humility before God, contrasting personal achievements with divine greatness.

Power Through Faith

• Encouragement for congregants to recognize that all glory belongs to God, regardless of personal accomplishments or struggles.

• A call for collective acknowledgment that everyone has faced challenges but stands by grace through faith.

Prevailing Word and Spiritual Strength

• Discussion on building faith upon God's word as a source of strength and resilience against life's adversities.

• Emphasis on having power through belief in God's word, which provides guidance and sustenance in life’s journey.

Power of Healing and Faith

Personal Testimony of Illness

• The speaker shares a personal experience with pneumonia, initially downplaying symptoms before seeking hospital care.

• After being hospitalized for eight weeks, the speaker reflects on their previous belief in invincibility due to good health and work ethic.

• Emphasizes the importance of allowing God's word to prevail in times of trouble, referencing biblical healing promises.

Biblical References and Healing

• Cites Isaiah and Peter regarding healing through faith, highlighting that God's word is true regardless of circumstances.

• Invites those in pain within the congregation to raise their hands for prayer, affirming the power of God’s healing.

Call for Authenticity in Faith

• Critiques insincerity among churchgoers, urging a return to genuine worship and support for one another.

• Stresses that God's will is for believers to prevail over challenges through faith.

Reflection on Hospital Experience

• Describes the emotional toll of an extended hospital stay, including surgery and recovery challenges faced during this period.

• Shares physical scars from surgery as reminders of suffering but emphasizes reliance on God’s grace throughout recovery.

Conclusion: Power of God’s Grace

• Conveys feelings of impatience during recovery but acknowledges that God's grace sustains them through ongoing struggles.

• Expresses gratitude for freedom after hospitalization while encouraging others who have faced similar experiences.

Reflections on Faith and Personal Struggles

Personal Journey Through Divorce and Health Challenges

• The speaker shares their experience of going through multiple divorces, emphasizing the emotional impact and current state of being single after a 20-year marriage.

• They express that living by faith is challenging but essential, referencing James 1:2 about counting joy in trials as a test of faith.

• The speaker highlights that the devil targets one's faith, which is crucial for overcoming life's challenges and connecting with God's word.

• Acknowledging past family issues, they stress the importance of authenticity in relationships and reconnecting with loved ones after personal struggles.

• The speaker recounts a serious car accident that led to hospitalization, reinforcing the idea that everyone faces difficulties regardless of their public persona.

Embracing Healing and Community Support

• They reflect on how suffering can lead to growth and obedience, sharing their testimony as evidence of resilience through faith.

• Expressing gratitude for life after near-death experiences, they encourage others to appreciate their health and relationships.

• The speaker invites those in need of healing or prayer to stand up, demonstrating community support through collective prayer.

• They emphasize God's omnipotence in addressing various needs—spiritual salvation, physical healing, or deliverance from struggles.

• A declaration follows where participants affirm their identity as believers empowered by God’s word against adversity.

Affirmations of Faith

• The speaker leads an empowering affirmation session where attendees declare positive statements about themselves based on biblical truths.

• Participants are encouraged to recognize their strength as children of God who are victorious rather than defeated.

• Various affirmations highlight attributes such as wisdom, maturity, strength against negativity, and commitment to righteousness.

Standing Tall Through Challenges

Embracing Faith and Victory

• The speaker expresses resilience, stating "I'm Standing Tall through it all," emphasizing the importance of faith in overcoming life's challenges.

• They proclaim victory over adversity, asserting that "Satan is under my feet" and highlighting a sense of divine support with "by God's grace."

• An invitation is extended to those who may not know Jesus Christ, offering an opportunity for personal salvation or rededication.

• The speaker encourages attendees to consider making the church their home, reinforcing community support and spiritual growth.

• A personal testimony is shared about past struggles in preaching without authenticity, leading to a deeper connection with the audience through vulnerability.