By Delanda S. Johnson/Special To HCN
As 2015 comes to an end, the Henderson County Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance held its “One Night Revival” on Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Church of the Living God, PTG in Athens, where Eldress Mary Henderson is the proud pastor.
The Henderson County I. M. A. under the leadership of Rev. Oscar Verdell throughout the year help people in the community, minister to those who are incarcerated, and most of all spread the Good News about Jesus Christ.
This revival centered around Thanksgiving made you wonder what you were most thankful for.
Rev. Lurna Cumby, Co-Pastor of the Behind the Veil Ministry in Fairfield, Texas is a local resident of Athens, but as Mistress of Ceremony; she set the tone for the program. The Praise and Worship team of the Church of the Living God sang with such emotion that the church was on FIRE.
Rev. Judge Bill Burton gave the invocation. Rev. Burton noted that “we are here to give Thanks for what the Lord has done, for what He will do, and for what He is doing right now.”
The introduction of the speaker came from Bishop R. D. Washington; who is the father-in-law of the speaker Rev. John Taylor, III; Pastor of Rockhill Baptist Church in LaRue, Texas.
Rev. Taylor thanked the H. C. I. M. A. for having him to speak at the revival. He stated that even though he was still fairly new to the community, he looked forward to working with them and becoming a member.
Rev. Taylor’s message “Get Out Of The Boat” came from Matthew 14:22-32; was an insight for the congregation that God is doing something new in your life; however, some of you are still doing the same old stuff.
Rev. Taylor stated, “Things of old; we have left behind. Things that worked back in the day; we say done work; so we try something new. This goes for the church. Old school church knew how to glorify the LORD; new age has no feeling in worship. Look at yourself and see what type of life you are living outside the church. We have forgotten how to live HOLY.”
Rev. Taylor’s theme compared the story of Peter who walked on water to Jesus in the mist of a storm, but lost his courage after taking his eyes off of Jesus; to the 21st century church. “The 21st century church is like that boat headed in the storm with Peter and the other disciples; going in the wrong direction. Not everyone needs to be wearing a collar. Preaching is now big business. Preachers are bosses, brought, and lost; everyone has not been blown on by the LORD. To be blown on by the LORD means to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.
So, as we near 2016, the church needs to bring God’s Glory back in the house of God. Instead of a 2016 year of impossibilities, Jesus came to save souls, not for you to have a impossible type attitude. You must always remember that the battle is not yours; it’s the LORD’S,” said Rev. Taylor.
As we approach 2016, Rev. Taylor wanted the congregation to know that we must Get Out Of The Boat; that means get out of the comfort zone. You must praise the Lord and Glorify the Lord no matter where you are; have a new revelation.
“For 2016, Get Out Of The Boat because Jesus is not in the boat. Child of God, you must love the Lord. When man says NO; Jesus says YES. What is impossible for man; is not possible for Jesus. All power belongs to the LORD,” said Rev. Taylor.
