Tanner-price Ame Church

Our study of the book of Acts is an analysis and application of a collection of case studies profiling monuments of extraordinary courage in both life and ministry. Our prayer is that, as we progress through this book, we derive inspiration and courage from those shown by the disciples, and, as a result, live better, more impactful and God-glorifying lives. Evangelism and outreach are major emphases for this conference year, and the book of Acts provides the blueprint for doing those things to expand God's kingdom. When you’re standing in the perfect will of God and doing exactly what He’s called you to do, His favor will cover you to do anything in His name. Acts 18 shows, through the work of Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, and Apollos, evidenced in favor before officials and power to minister more powerfully and effectively, that the anointing truly makes the difference in a life submitted to Christ.

Preached at the month "Unity Service" at Campbell AME in Chatham, ON

Holiness is not a movement, a denomination, or a set rigid do's and don'ts, and it's certainly not something that simply mattered back in the day, but it is the standard by which God has called us to live our lives, and it matters today. The relevance of holiness in the 21st century is that it's the compass that keeps and directs us in a world ever-changing and decreasingly godless. With the rampant degradation in the world today, we can't afford not to pursue holiness, for if we don't, we'll get caught up in the cares of this world and miss God. Holiness is and always has been mandatory. Our lives depend on it!

Our study of the book of Acts is an analysis and application of a collection of case studies profiling monuments of extraordinary courage in both life and ministry. Our prayer is that, as we progress through this book, we derive inspiration and courage from those shown by the disciples, and, as a result, live better, more impactful and God-glorifying lives. Evangelism and outreach are major emphases for this conference year, and the book of Acts provides the blueprint for doing those things to expand God's kingdom. People’s receptiveness to the gospel of Jesus Christ differs just as widely as does human personality, so preparing oneself for such a wide range of reactions requires much prayer, faith, and courage. Acts 17 provides a vivid illustration of just how great a degree to which ministry can differ from place to place. Examining how Paul, Silas, and Timothy handle themselves in three different cities can instruct us on how to be adaptable in every situation for the sake of the gospel a

Regardless of what anyone says to you, what may happen to you, or what circumstances around you may look like, the promises God has spoken over your life will come to pass. When God says it, that settles it. It's that simple.

Our ability to walk the fine line between change and constancy in our relationship with God is contingent upon our ability to appropriately compartmentalize our past, present, and future. When we can adapt the lessons of our past to the goals of our present and the visions of our future, we can truly move forward into what God has for us, no matter what we've endured previously. Abundance is available to us in 2011, but our eligibility for it is solely based on our pursuit of holiness and righteousness. For the people of God, the best is yet to come!

While may have just lost our beloved sister, Peggy Jackson, God still has a message of hope for us in the midst of our mourning. Realizing we can truly be here today and gone tomorrow can dramatically impact how we deal with the trials and tribulations of life.

What do we mean when we talk about the "Christmas Spirit" are we talking about decorating trees, giving gifts, mailing Christmas cards, singing carols, or watching Christmas movies, or are we talking about something different? We have so many ideals and traditions we consider to be intrinsic to the Christmas holiday, and we typically regard our performing those traditions as expressing the Christmas spirit, but an examination of how Mary and especially Joseph handled the birth of Christ shows us the epitome of the "Christmas Spirit" is obedience. How and to whom are we being obedient during this holiday season?

During a season when everyone gives to be seen, to impress, to garner false adoration, or to get something themselves, let us give this dying generation what they need more than anything this holiday season--the love of Jesus. As we celebrate the advent season, we're celebrating the coming of Christ, but we're doing so with the hope, the expectation of drawing somebody to Christ. What shall I give? How can I show somebody tangibly the love of Jesus during this season? We do so by being Christlike. How are we Christlike? Examine how Jesus encourages an imprisoned John the Baptist. (Matthew 2:1-11)

Our study of the book of Acts is an analysis and application of a collection of case studies profiling monuments of extraordinary courage in both life and ministry. Our prayer is that, as we progress through this book, we can derive inspiration and courage from those shown by the disciples, and, as a result, live better, more impactful and God-glorifying lives. Evangelism and outreach are our major emphases for this conference year, and the book of Acts provides us the blueprint for doing those things to expand God's kingdom. Acts 15 is a vivid illustration, not altogether positive, of the importance of being prepared to handle conflict, both from the community at large and from within. God’s appointed leaders are called to reassess their values and make some tough decisions regarding the direction of their ministries, and in the process, ministerial motivations and stances on pressing doctrinal issues are clarified.

On this second Sunday of advent, we are charged to stay focused on what is really important. While everyone is in full holiday frenzy, we the people of God must focus and prepare for the coming of our Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we celebrate the fact that with the coming of Christ comes a radical, life-altering change that will shift the world back to where it needs to be--a reflection of the kingdom of God. Such a change is what the prophet Isaiah prophesies about throughout his book and is such that we can apply to our own lives. (Isaiah 11:1-9)

What do you think of when you hear someone talking about the secret to success? Well, if you're thinking of money or anything material, you're sadly mistaken. The secret to success, as God instructs Joshua while placing upon him the mantle of leadership, is a dependance of the word of God. The older and further in our relationship we get, the more we must realize there is no substitute for holiness, righteousness, and overall strong adherence to the word of God. The secret to success is following the word of God, plain and simple, no glitz, no glamour, no gimmicks.

Rev. Tracey Thomas gives an in-depth teaching on the grace of God and its importance and relevance in our lives as believers. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

"As a man thinketh, so is he." This is not just a well-known, oft-quoted philosophical statement, but it's a theological truth reflecting a vital key to kingdom living. The apostle Paul understood this principle and communicated that both to the Philippians then and even to us now. The secret to enduring the highs and lows of life is having a positive outlook on life and adopting the principles of visionary thinking. The only thing separating a visionary from one not considered one is his/her determination to see every obstacle in life as an opportunity for growth, rather than a reason to give up. Only visionary thinkers grow churches and build the kingdom. (Philippians 4:4-13)

Our study of the book of Acts is as an analysis and application of a collection of case studies profiling monuments of extraordinary courage in both life and ministry. Our prayer is that, as we progress through this book, we can derive inspiration and courage from those shown by the disciples, and, as a result, live better, more impactful and God-glorifying lives. Evangelism and outreach are our major emphases for this conference year, and the book of Acts provides us the blueprint for doing those things to expand God's kingdom. Acts 14 is as much an example of persistence as it is courage, as they show the fortitude to continue preaching and teaching in places where their God was being opposed by other gods and by Jews. Paul and Barnabas show persistence, courage, and faith by continuing in their ministry, and God blesses them with fruitfulness, even in hostile environments.

Your title, your car, your connections, your money, your stuff--none of that makes a difference when it comes down to truly thriving in this Christian life. When the rubber hits the road, when the crap hits the fan, when everything in your life falls apart, it's only your commitment to holiness and righteousness in the face of compromising situations threatening to damage your holiness that will propel you forward to make it through your seasons of trial. No matter what, hang in there, stay committed, and keep pursuing righteousness because that's all God is really looking for out of us. Above all, the anointing makes the difference. (Job 42:1-17)

You have everything you need to be to do everything God has called you to do. It's time out for over-emphasizing doubts, limitations, setbacks, roadblocks, and other challenges that typically get us discouraged because God is so much greater than any challenge that could ever come our way. When we get to a point of maturity in our walk with Christ where we can start praising God for our challenges and embracing the opportunity they give us to grow, rather than complaining about them, we can truly thrive in any situation. The life, leadership, and testimony of Nehemiah serves as great encouragement to us, as he overcame every imaginable challenge threatening to discourage him and led the biggest rebuilding project of all time. Don't concentrate on what you can't do; be encouraged by what you can do. You can do it! (Nehemiah 2:11-20)

Why are we so afraid to step out on faith & take the road less traveled to pursue God's will? Why do we care so much about public opinion? Perhaps the greatest challenge to holiness is the fear of individuality. To live like Jesus, we must be determined to go against the grain. At some point, simply going along to get along, being the peace keeper, staying on everyone's good side, and refusing to ruffle any feathers has to get old. If we really have a heart to serve God and we claim we're willing to do what it takes to be pleasing to God, we must relentlessly pursue individuality and be ourselves in every situation. (Joshua 24:1-28)

Our study of the book of Acts is as an analysis and application of a collection of case studies profiling monuments of extraordinary courage in both life and ministry. Our prayer is that, as we progress through this book, we can derive inspiration and courage from those shown by the disciples, and, as a result, live better, more impactful and God-glorifying lives. Evangelism and outreach are our major emphases for this conference year, and the book of Acts provides us the blueprint for doing those things to expand God's kingdom. Acts 13 records Paul's "coming out party" in ministry, as God blessed him and Barnabas to speak the truth to power in environments not conducive to the word of God going forth. Through every obstacle, God blessed them.

We all have a tendency to maximize our wiggle room, the space between what we say and what we do, what we profess and what we practice, what God says and our level of obedience to it. It is time to evaluate the areas of our lives where we seek to take shortcuts and make excuses because it is in those areas where we learn more about ourselves and where we are with respect to our relationship with God.