Is it of God? If so, hold on and hold out.

Beloved,

We have had a full time at Zion Memorial over the course of the last couple of weeks. We had a phenomenal trip down to Haymount Presbyterian two Sundays ago with a spirited worship service.

We had a joyous Youth Summit this past weekend with bowling on Friday, informative speakers on Saturday and a great speaker on Sunday. Topping it off, we had someone, Imani Pressley, give their life to Christ on Sunday. Hallelujah!!!

Also, on Saturday, we celebrated the wedding of our own Quinton and Jillian Benson.

On Monday, we celebrated the homegoing services our Rev. Joel Bailey's father and Sister Valerie Bailey's father-in-law, Beaufort Bailey.

On the same Monday, we celebrated God delivering our Deacons H.T. Rorie Sr. and Jr. from a terrible car accident.

And, on yesterday, we celebrated the Clothing Closet and Food Pantry being able to serve 35 people.

Now, do we serve a good God or what?

In all of these situations, there were and still are opportunities to lose sight of the light and succumb to the darkness.

But, we should know that Jesus came to draw and keep us out of the darkness and bring us into the marvelous light.

So, when great things happen, it is because we are getting closer to the marvelous light.

Therefore, we should all and always strive to make sure that what we do is of God.

If it is, we must hold on and hold out.

In the book of Acts, the apostles were arrested and some wanted to kill them.

Why?

The religious leaders were jealous because the apostles were preaching the Gospel, people were being saved, and lives were changing outside of the traditions that gave the religious leaders their power.

Do not be surprised when God gives you something new to do and others oppose it.

Tradition is easy. Revelation from God can be hard sometimes.

But, if what you are doing is of God, hold on and hold out.

And, know that what you are doing is not just about you. It is bigger than you. You are participating in God's plan of revelation for the world to see.

And, those who resist your participation are not really resisting you. They are resisting God.

A teacher of the law, Gamaliel, spoke up for the persecuted apostles in Acts 5:38-39. He said,

"So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from those men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!"

Beloved, as we seek to do the working ministry of Jesus Christ, let us pray that all our work is of God and for His glory, His majesty, and His honor.

If so, no matter what opposition we may face, we should simply hold on and hold out.

Give your health over to God. Hold on and hold out.

Give your wealth over to God. Hold on and hold out.

Give your relationships over to God. Hold on and hold out.

Do not fight against the God who has already won the victory for you in Christ Jesus.

Be encouraged in this day and know that your labour in the Lord will never be in vain.

Just hold on and hold out.

I look forward to seeing you at H.O.P.E. (Hour Of Power and Encouragement) Wednesday this evening at 6:30pm as we come together to continue to hold on and hold out.

You come and bring someone who with you who you know will benefit from worshiping and studying with us.

Share the love that you have received.

Be blessed,

Rev. Cain