Date: December 2, 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,” and this week’s message is titled “The Birth of Jesus: A Defining Moment.”

Saints, to fully appreciate the birth of Jesus, it is essential for us to understand the historical context in which it occurred. At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world was under Roman occupation, characterized by political unrest, social stratification, and religious oppression. Isaiah 9:6 tells us, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” The Jewish people longed for a Messiah who would deliver them from their suffering and restore their nation. Thus, the birth of Jesus served as a radical departure from the anticipated military leader. Instead, he came as a vulnerable infant, embodying peace and humility, thereby redefining the concept of leadership and salvation.

As Christians, the birth of Jesus embodies the miraculous Incarnation, the moment when God embraced humanity by taking on human flesh to dwell among us. John 1:14 declares, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” This profound mystery serves as a powerful reminder of God’s intimate involvement in our lives, offering us redemption and grace. The narratives surrounding His birth, from the angelic announcements to the shepherds’ visit, highlight the divine significance of this event and its far-reaching implications for all humanity. It is a testament to God’s unwavering love and His desire for a deep relationship with His people, setting the foundation for the central message of the Gospel.

The birth of Jesus has had a significant and lasting impact on modern Christianity, influencing a wide array of aspects within the faith. His teachings serve as a source of inspiration for millions around the world, shaping ethical values, encouraging social justice initiatives, and promoting interfaith dialogue. This event symbolizes God’s love and grace, fulfilling many promises found throughout the Scriptures. As we consider the importance of Jesus’ birth, it becomes essential to not only commemorate this pivotal moment but also to integrate its teachings into our daily lives, encouraging the dissemination of hope and love, qualities that are deeply needed in today’s society.

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

In His Service, 

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem                                                

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

Date: November 18, 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 “Thankfulness as a Spiritual Practice: The Power of Prayer in Cultivating Gratitude.”

Prayer serves as a medium through which we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude, effectively transforming our hearts and minds into vessels of thankfulness. As stated in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Engaging in prayer transcends the mere recitation of words; it constitutes an essential dialogue with God. This sacred communion enables us to reflect on our substantial and minor blessings while acknowledging how the Holy Spirit manifests in our lives. Through prayer, we are encouraged to focus on what we possess rather than lack.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for it is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” Embracing gratitude is paramount in one’s spiritual journey. Jesus consistently thanked the disciples before sharing meals and during healing moments. These instances serve as reminders that gratitude is both a reaction and a proactive stance that individuals can adopt in their lives. By modeling this behavior in our prayers and gratitude for daily miracles and grace, we align ourselves with divine teachings and foster a closer connection to God.

In conclusion, gratitude can facilitate healing on spiritual and emotional levels. When we approach God in prayer with gratitude for His blessings, we create an environment conducive to inner healing. James 1:2-4 advises the twelve tribes dispersed abroad, “My brethren, consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” Recognizing the positive amidst adversity allows us to cultivate hope and resilience in distress or suffering. This serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence, even in the most challenging times, and that His love sustains us. Such a transformative approach through thankfulness empowers us to confront challenges with renewed vigor, reinforced by the assurance of God’s unwavering support. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” Romans 12:1. Wishing a joyful Thanksgiving from the Worthem family to all of you in the Body of Christ, may your hearts be filled with gratitude and love.

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

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem        

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

Date: October 28, 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 focuses on humility. This week’s message is about having “A Teachable Heart.” As Servants of God, it is essential to cultivate a teachable heart. There are three critical aspects of being a teachable person:

1. Humility: We must be humble. Psalm 25:9 states, “The meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way.” True humility involves being open to learning, regardless of how much knowledge one already possesses.

2. Wisdom: We must be wise. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will become even wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” A wise person readily accepts instruction and grows from it.

3. Righteousness: We must be righteous (Holy). Proverbs 9:9 also highlights teaching the righteous will lead them to learn even more.

By embodying these three qualities, we can become more teachable and receptive to God’s guidance because we will understand the value of receiving instructions and gaining knowledge. Furthermore, as children of God, we can find guidance in the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” Engaging with scripture reveals truths and helps us identify areas that need transformation. By immersing ourselves in God’s word, we grow in understanding and character, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit of God is our most excellent teacher, counselor, and guide. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the truths about God to us. Therefore, only a spiritual person with the Holy Spirit dwelling within them can gain spiritual insights. The Holy Spirit acts as that still, small voice of God inside us, constantly prompting us to walk in God’s ways and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

In closing, Philippians 3:17 says, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.” Saints, we must mentor those who are younger in faith, but it is also crucial to have older mentors who can guide us. To deepen our faith and understanding of God, we must recognize that becoming humbler and more teachable requires His assistance. We need to pray, asking Him to work in our hearts—removing pride and opening us to the lessons He wishes to impart and the paths He desires us to follow. Amid all we face daily, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop