Let’s Go To Work!

“Jesus cares if the schools don’t educate. Jesus cares if your community is dangerous. Jesus cares if I got a will and a way but I don’t have a job. Let’s go to work!”
 

Senior Bishop John R. Bryant, “I am so proud that I am an A.M.E. because the A.M.E. Church has never had a debate about whether or not we would engage in the political process.”

By Eric and Stephanie Stradford

AMWS, September 13, 2012, Marietta, GA -- In an era of politics, personality and purse, the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is challenging men, women and children, “Let’s Go To Work.”

In a Fall Revival at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church in Marietta, GA, Bishop John Richard Bryant, Presiding Prelate, 4^th Episcopal District, is the second of four revivalists to deliver a life changing sermon. Bishop Bryant’s biblical reference, Acts 1:8-11, reminded clergy and lay of The Promise of the Holy Spirit.

And Jesus said, “⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹ After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. ¹⁰ As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven?”

Bryant emphasized that if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, why are you still standing here? “It’s time to GO TO WORK!” Week after week, month after month, year after year, faithful church-goers sit in comfort within the walls of sanctuaries and become complacent because they have not translated the words that Jesus spoke into works. Bryant warned his audience, “Don’t believe that coming to church is your mission or greatest accomplishment. This isn’t it! It’s important; but, this is not the ultimate. And, I know it’s not ultimate because the commandment the Lord gave was to GO. This is no more than an orientation session, a launching platform. You must GO TO WORK!”

He continued, “With all that revelation, do you think Jesus through the Holy Spirit poured all of his power into your life so that you can sit on a pew, in the choir or the pulpit just to say thank you Jesus! No…you have been armed, in the name of Jesus, to tear Satan’s kingdom down. In the name of Jesus… go to war, do your job, pull down strongholds and let’s GO TO WORK!”

Reflecting on the past two weeks of political conventions, Bryant painted a vivid picture of massive crowds, resounding cheers, and motivated delegates that were rallied to go to work! Bryant spoke with conviction and courage, “I am so proud that I am an A.M.E. because the A.M.E. Church has never had a debate about whether or not we would engage in the political process.” We must go to work because “Jesus cares if the schools don’t educate. Jesus cares if your community is dangerous. Jesus cares if I got a will and a way but I don’t have a job. Let’s go to work!”

The Senior Bishop confronted the thunderous gathering, “We have to save marriages. We have to save our children. We have to dismantle the criminal justice system. Let’s go to work! We have to speak truth with power. Let’s go to work!”

He stirred up the already ignited crowd reminding them that there is no A.M.E. Church in heaven, no Baptist Church or Non-Denominational Church. “There is only one church and that’s the Church of the Redeemed.” Throughout the spirited sermon, Bryant shouted over and over…Let’s GO TO WORK! “If you want a revival, use what you got. If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, you are disciple makers. Let’s GO TO WORK!”

Turner A.M.E. Church is in the Sixth Episcopal District, under the dynamic team ministry of Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus and Reverend Cassandra Y. Marcus. The Presiding Prelate is Bishop Preston W. Williams, II and Dr. Wilma D. Williams serves as Episcopal Supervisor.

The Wednesday night crowd of more than 1,500 included Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of the A.M.E. Church; Reverend Dr. David B. Rhone, Jr., Presiding Elder; and more than 25 ministers.

Fall Revival 2012 began on September 5^th with Reverend Kevin T. Moore, pastor, Mount Zion Circuit, Forsyth, GA. The guest speaker for September 19^th will be Reverend Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, acclaimed preacher, teacher and homiletics instructor. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate, 12^th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church will close out the revival on September 26^th.

September Fall Revival 2012 is on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. You are invited to join Turner in making a difference in people’s lives. Sunday morning worship is held at 9:30 a.m.