Date: December 9, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion now and forever; and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps. This month’s theme is “The Birth of Hope: How Jesus Changed the World.” This week’s message is “The Incarnation: God Becoming Man.”

Saints, the Incarnation represents a profound and transformative moment in Christian theology, where God chose to enter human history in the form of Jesus Christ. This event is foundational to the Christian faith, encapsulating the belief that God became man to bridge the gap between the divine and humanity. Romans 8:3 declares, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” The Nativity, celebrated during Christmas, serves not only as a commemoration of Jesus’ birth but also as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths to which God went to demonstrate His love and commitment to His creation. Understanding the significance of the Incarnation sheds light on the hope that the birth of Jesus brought to a world in need of redemption.

Theologically, the Incarnation reveals profound truths about the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. The concept of God becoming man affirms that Jesus is divine and human, two natures united in one person. This duality is essential for understanding salvation; through His human suffering, Jesus can fully empathize with human struggles, and through His divine nature, He can offer the ultimate sacrifice for sin. According to 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” The Nativity thus becomes a focal point for Christians, celebrating not only the birth of a child but also the initiation of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

In closing, the impact of Jesus’ birth continues to resonate profoundly, shaping personal faith and cultural values across generations. In the face of the holiday season’s commercialism, we, as Christians, should reclaim the authentic essence of Christmas by centering on the hopeful message that the Incarnation brings. 

The birth of Jesus challenges us, as believers, to examine our lives and aspire to embody His love and compassion. As modern Christians confront a complex world, the Nativity story serves as a compelling reminder of the hope and transformation that can emerge from our faith in God.

Remember, “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service, 

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem                                                

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

Date: November 25, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion now and forever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps. This month’s theme is thankfulness, and this week’s message is “The Connection Between Gratitude and Emotional Health.”

Gratitude serves as a bridge that connects our spiritual lives to our emotional well-being. Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of thankfulness, illustrating that a grateful heart can transform our perspective on life’s challenges. As it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, embracing gratitude honors God and enriches our emotional well-being. By recognizing the blessings in our lives, we transform our focus from what we lack to the abundance that envelops us, cultivating a deeper sense of peace and joy.

The act of being thankful can significantly impact our mental state. Psalm 23:3 states, “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Research consistently shows that individuals who practice gratitude regularly experience lower levels of depression and anxiety. This aligns perfectly with Jesus’ teachings, where thankfulness is not merely an act but a way of life. Recognizing even the smallest blessings invites a healing presence into our hearts. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” 

In closing, gratitude is a powerful tool for emotional restoration. Psalms This practice inspires us to recognize Jesus in our daily lives, reminding us that He is with us through both our joys and trials. Psalm 34:19 reminds us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” When our spirits feel heavy, and our hearts are burdened, thankfulness can be a balm for our souls. It allows us to recognize the hope that exists even amid suffering. As stated in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jesus demonstrated gratitude in the face of adversity, teaching us that acknowledging our blessings can lead to spiritual and emotional healing. This perspective helps us articulate our struggles while simultaneously reminding us of God’s unwavering presence and love.

Remember, “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem        

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

Date: November 4, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps. This month’s theme is thankfulness, and this week’s message is “The Gift of Thankfulness: Understanding Thankfulness as a Spiritual Discipline.”

Thankfulness is more than a fleeting emotion; it is a profound spiritual discipline that invites us into a deeper relationship with God: “In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”-1 Thessalonians 5:18. When we embrace thankfulness, we acknowledge the presence of Jesus in our lives, much like his house calls to those in need throughout the Gospels. Each act of gratitude becomes a doorway to recognizing the blessings we often overlook, allowing us to experience God’s grace fully. This discipline teaches us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and appreciate the divine fingerprints in our daily lives, nurturing our spiritual growth and understanding.

Jesus taught us to notice the small things, reminding us that even a tiny gesture in His name carries significance. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hence, reflecting on what we are grateful for creates space for God’s healing presence to enter our lives. This practice enables us to confront our challenges with hope, reminding us that there is much to be thankful for, even in suffering. Through this lens of gratitude, we can experience restoration and peace.

In closing, the power of prayer is magnified when infused with thankfulness. As we approach God in prayer, expressing gratitude can transform our conversations with Him into profound acts of worship. Jesus’ teachings often emphasized the importance of thankfulness, as seen in feeding the five thousand and healing the ten lepers. These stories remind us that gratitude is not just a reaction to blessings received but a posture of the heart that aligns us with God’s will. Engaging in prayer with a thankful spirit encourages us to trust in God’s provision, cultivating a sense of peace that surpasses understanding amidst life’s uncertainties. 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”  The reflective practice nurtures our relationship with God and serves as a reminder during challenging times this holiday season. Even in our darkest hours, there are reasons to be thankful. When we understand that thankfulness is a spiritual discipline, we align ourselves with God’s heart, fostering a life marked by joy, hope, and unwavering faith. 

During the challenges we encounter every day, remember that “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem        

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop