Sunday, February 1, 2026

SERMON NOTES OUTLINE (ADULT VERSION)

Series: Who Is Jesus?

Sermon Title: The Last Miracle — The Prayer That Holds Us

I. Jesus Is Eternal God Who Entered Time

Key Scriptures

John 1:1–3, 14 (KJV)
Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
Colossians 1:16–17 (KJV)

Exegetical Notes

“In the beginning” (John 1:1) deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1, identifying Jesus (the Word, Logos) as pre-existent and co-creator.
The Greek Logos signifies divine reason, creative order, and self-expression of God.
John 1:14 (“dwelt among us”) uses eskēnōsen (“tabernacled”), indicating God’s intentional dwelling with humanity, not temporary visitation.

Theological Emphasis

Jesus is not created; He is Creator.
Incarnation is God entering history without surrendering divinity.

Life Application

If Jesus created life, He has authority over your life.
Faith requires submission, not consultation.

II. Jesus Revealed the Father Through Word and Works (John 1–16)

Key Scriptures

John 4:13–14 – Living Water
John 6:35 – Bread of Life
John 8:58 – “I AM”
John 10:30 – Unity with the Father
John 14:6–11 – Way, Truth, Life

Exegetical Notes

Jesus’ “I AM” statements directly connect to Exodus 3:14 (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh).
John structures the Gospel around signs and discourses to reveal Jesus’ divine identity.
Miracles are not displays of power only, but revelations of who He is.

Life Application

Jesus is not merely a moral teacher—He demands belief.
Knowing Jesus means aligning life with His truth.

III. Jesus the High Priest: He Prayed for Us (John 17)

Key Scriptures

John 17:1–5 – Pre-existence and glory
John 17:9–11 – Protection of believers
John 17:20–23 – Prayer for future believers

Exegetical Notes

John 17 functions as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, echoing Levitical intercession (cf. Leviticus 16).
Jesus prays not only for the disciples present but for all future believers.
Unity (hen) reflects shared divine life, not uniformity.

Theological Emphasis

Jesus intercedes before the cross and continues after it (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Life Application

You are sustained by Christ’s prayer, not your performance.
Christian unity is spiritual, not organizational.

IV. The Last Miracle: Mercy Over Violence

Key Scriptures

Luke 22:50–51 (KJV)
John 18:4–11 (KJV)
Matthew 26:52–53 (KJV)

Exegetical Notes

Malchus represents the oppressive religious system.
Healing the ear symbolizes restoration of hearing—even to enemies.
Jesus demonstrates kingdom ethics: power restrained by love.

Life Application

Disciples are called to healing, not retaliation.
Christlike power expresses mercy, not domination.

V. Completion, Resurrection, and Confession

Key Scriptures

John 19:30 – “It is finished”
John 20:27–29 – Thomas’ confession
Revelation 1:17–18

Exegetical Notes

Tetelestai (“It is finished”) is a commercial/legal term meaning paid in full.
Thomas’ confession (“My Lord and my God”) is the climax of John’s Christology.

Life Application

Salvation is complete; discipleship is our response.
Faith leads to worship and obedience.

Suggested Scholarly Resources (Adult Study)

Köstenberger, A. J. John (Baker Exegetical Commentary)
Keener, C. S. The Gospel of John
Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John
Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God
Hebrews 7; Romans 8 (intercessory theology)

SERMON NOTES OUTLINE (YOUTH VERSION)

Title: Jesus Knew You Before You Knew Him

I. Jesus Was There Before Everything

Scriptures

John 1:1–3
Genesis 1:1

Big Idea

Jesus didn’t start at Christmas—He started before creation.

Application

Your life is not random.
God knew you before you were born.

II. Jesus Showed Us Who God Is

Scriptures

John 6:35
John 10:10
John 14:6

Big Idea

Jesus didn’t just talk about God—He showed us God.

Application

Follow Jesus to know how to live.
His way leads to real life.

III. Jesus Prayed for You

Scripture

John 17:20

Big Idea

Jesus prayed for people who hadn’t been born yet—that includes you.

Application

You matter to God.
You are not alone when life is hard.

IV. Jesus Healed His Enemy

Scriptures

Luke 22:50–51
Matthew 5:44

Big Idea

Jesus chose love instead of revenge.

Application

Choose peace even when you’re hurt.
Healing others reflects Jesus.

V. Jesus Finished the Work

Scriptures

John 19:30
John 20:28

Big Idea

Jesus paid for our sins and rose again.

Application

Trust Him.
Live like someone who is forgiven.

Youth Discussion Questions

What does it mean that Jesus prayed for you?
Why is it hard to choose forgiveness?
How can you show Jesus’ love at school or home?

Suggested Youth Resources

BibleProject: John Overview
YouVersion Reading Plan: Who Is Jesus?
Hebrews 4:14–16 (Jesus our High Priest)

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Study Guide for the Book of Obadiah

Study Guide

Title: God Is Watching: Betrayal, Pride, and the Rise of the Remnant
Scripture Focus: Obadiah 1:1–4, 10–11, 17, 21
Audience: Ages 12–18
Purpose: To help the faithful understand the themes of justice, pride, responsibility, and deliverance from the Book of Obadiah in a relatable and active way.

Lesson Objectives:

By the end of this study, students will be able to:

Explain how betrayal, pride, and silence are seen as sins in God's eyes.
Identify how God responds to injustice and lifts up a faithful remnant.
Relate Obadiah’s message to their own responsibilities in school, church, and community.
Make a personal connection to the deliverance offered through Jesus Christ.

Lesson Breakdown:

1. ICEBREAKER: “What Would You Do?” (5 minutes)

Give students different scenarios where someone is mistreated (e.g., bullying, unfair treatment, racism) and ask:

“Would you speak up, walk away, or join in?”
Discuss answers and introduce the idea that God sees our actions and inactions.

2. SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT (10 minutes)

Read aloud: Obadiah 1:10–11, 3–4, 17, 21

Ask:

What did Edom do wrong?
Why was God angry if they didn’t attack first?
What does it mean to be a “remnant”?

Key Takeaways:

God holds us accountable even when we don’t act.
Pride makes us think we’re safe or better than others.
God always keeps a faithful few to carry His truth forward.

3. GROUP DISCUSSION (10 minutes)

Split into 3 groups—each group tackles one theme from the sermon:

Group 1 – Silence & Betrayal:

Why do people stay silent when others are hurting?
How can silence hurt just as much as action?

Group 2 – Pride:

What does pride look like in school? On social media?
What does it mean to be “brought down” by pride?

Group 3 – The Remnant & Jesus:

Who are examples of “the remnant” today?
How does Jesus represent the hope of Mount Zion?

Each group shares one insight with the whole class.

4. CHRIST CONNECTION (5 minutes)

Talk it out:

Jesus, like Israel, was betrayed.
But He responded with love and became our Savior.
Mount Zion represents Jesus—the place of holiness and deliverance.

Ask: How can we follow Jesus in our schools and friend groups today?

5. COMMITMENT ACTIVITY: “I Will Rise” (5–10 minutes)

Give each student a notecard. Have them finish this sentence:
“As part of God's remnant, I will rise by…”
Examples:

… speaking up when I see bullying.
… not bragging or putting others down.
… praying for people who feel alone.

Let students share (voluntarily) and collect cards to display or revisit later.

Memory Verse:

Obadiah 1:17
“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness…”

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for watching over us. Help us not to be silent when others are hurting. Help us let go of pride and stand as Your remnant, bringing love and justice wherever we go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sermon Discussion

The following audio file is a discussion of the Sermon entitled God's Plum Line, based in the book of Amos.

For Full Sermon Visit Pastor Brown's Facebook Page

Sermon Review - God's Plum Line

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Sermon Series

Sermon Discussion - Nowhere Else to Turn

Explore this in-depth look at a recent message by Rev. Dr. Steve Brown. As always, you are encouraged to find yourself in the Word of God and feast upon the wisdom therein.

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Update: The 2nd St Luke & Jones Chapel Sons of Allen Prayer Worship will be March 1, 2025, from 9:30 - 11:00 AM

Sermon Study Guide: Igniting Faith, Empowering Legacy

I. Introduction: The Challenge of Today’s Society

Reflection Points:

What are the most pressing challenges or "trends of evil" you see in today’s society?
How can your faith counteract the darkness in your community and family?
Think of a time when the absence of God’s influence in your life or surroundings led to chaos. What could you have done differently to reflect God’s presence?

II. Igniting Faith: The Call to Believe

Key Scriptures:

Genesis 12:1-4 (KJV): Abraham’s faith in God’s promises.
Matthew 14:28-31 (KJV): Peter walking on water.

Reflection Questions:

Have you ever faced a situation where you had to step out in faith like Abraham? What did you learn from that experience?
Reflect on a “storm” in your life. Did you keep your eyes on Jesus, or did doubt cause you to sink? How did God restore you?
Think about a time when you relied solely on God’s promises. How did it strengthen your faith?

III. Job: A Testimony of Faith in Adversity

Key Scriptures:

Job 1:20-22 (KJV): Job’s worship amidst loss.
Job 19:25-27 (KJV): Job’s confidence in God’s redemption.
James 5:11 (KJV): Job’s patience as an example of God’s mercy.

Reflection Questions:

What challenges or adversities have tested your faith recently? How did you respond?
How does Job’s unwavering faith inspire you to trust God in your trials?
Reflect on a moment when you questioned God. What did that experience teach you about His mercy and faithfulness?

IV. Faith is Available to All: Even Pharaoh Could Have Believed

Key Scriptures:

Exodus 5:1 (KJV): Pharaoh heard God’s Word.
Exodus 7–10 (KJV): Pharaoh witnessed nine miraculous plagues.
Exodus 12:29-30 (KJV): Pharaoh experienced the loss of his firstborn.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Reflection Questions:

Consider Pharaoh’s refusal to believe despite hearing, seeing, and feeling God’s power. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God’s call?
How has God demonstrated His patience, mercy, and long-suffering in your life?
What steps can you take today to fully respond to God’s call and avoid a hardened heart?

V. Empowering Legacy: Building for Future Generations

Key Scriptures:

1 Kings 2:2-4 (KJV): David’s charge to Solomon.
2 Timothy 1:5-6 (KJV): Paul’s mentorship of Timothy.

Reflection Questions:

What kind of legacy are you currently building for your family, church, or community?
Are you mentoring or empowering someone to continue the work of faith after you? If not, who could you start mentoring today?
What values or lessons of faith do you want to pass on to the next generation?

VI. Invitation to Discipleship

Key Scripture:

Romans 10:9 (KJV): “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Reflection Questions:

If you have already committed your life to Christ, what areas of your faith need renewal or strengthening?
If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, what is holding you back from making that decision today?
Reflect on the patience and mercy God has shown you throughout your life. How can you respond to Him in faith and obedience?

Action Steps for the Week:

Identify one area in your life where you need to step out in faith. Take action and trust God with the outcome.
Share your testimony of faith with someone who needs encouragement.
Start mentoring someone younger in the faith—commit to walking alongside them and empowering them to grow spiritually.
Spend time reflecting on your legacy. Write down three steps you can take to ensure you leave a godly impact on your family and community.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the gift of faith and the legacy of those who walked before us in obedience to You. Ignite within us a fire of unwavering belief, and empower us to leave behind a legacy of righteousness. As we reflect on Your mercy, patience, and long-suffering, let us respond with lives fully surrendered to You. May we live in a way that honors You and draws others to Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Join Us for Our Next Worship on February 1, 2025

Summary Handout Sheet: One-Hour Prayer Worship for Boys and Men (Held January 4, 2025)
Theme: Strength, Purpose, and Salvation: A Prayerful Journey for Boys and Men
Key Scriptures by Topic
1. Standing Alone: Developing Courage and Faith
Joshua 1:9 – "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid."
Deuteronomy 31:6 – "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them."
1 Samuel 30:6 – "But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
Additional Reading: Psalm 23; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31
2. Servant Leadership: Leading by Serving Others
Mark 10:45 – "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister."
John 13:14-15 – "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
Philippians 2:3-4 – "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory."
Additional Reading: Matthew 20:26-28; Galatians 5:13; Titus 1:7-9
3. Sacrificial Leadership: Giving of Oneself for Others
John 15:13 – "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Romans 12:1 – "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."
Hebrews 12:2 – "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
Additional Reading: 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 5:2; Luke 9:23-24
4. Having Purpose: Discovering and Fulfilling God’s Calling
Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you."
Ephesians 2:10 – "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
Proverbs 19:21 – "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord."
Additional Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9
5. Being Saved: Accepting Christ and Living in Victory
Romans 10:9 – "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus."
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."
John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son."
Additional Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12; Titus 3:5
Mantras for Reflection
Standing Alone: “God is with me, and I will not stand alone.”
Servant Leadership: “I lead by serving, as Christ leads me.”
Sacrificial Leadership: “I sacrifice in love, for Christ sacrificed for me.”
Having Purpose: “I am created for a purpose, and I will walk in it.”
Being Saved: “I am saved by grace and live in victory.”
Suggested Additional Readings for Reflection and Study
Proverbs 27:17 – "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour."
1 Timothy 4:12 – "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers."
James 1:5 – "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God."
Colossians 3:23-24 – "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord."
Closing Charge
Brothers, let us embrace our roles, lean into God’s Word, and walk boldly in faith. As men, though we may feel isolated at times, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, called to serve, and created for purpose. Together, through prayer and faith, we will rise to every challenge.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Project Eternity

Summary Handout Sheet: One-Hour Prayer Worship for Boys and Men

Theme: Strength, Purpose, and Salvation: A Prayerful Journey for Boys and Men

Key Scriptures by Topic

1. Standing Alone: Developing Courage and Faith

Joshua 1:9 – "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid."
Deuteronomy 31:6 – "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them."
1 Samuel 30:6 – "But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
Additional Reading: Psalm 23; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31

2. Servant Leadership: Leading by Serving Others

Mark 10:45 – "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister."
John 13:14-15 – "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
Philippians 2:3-4 – "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory."
Additional Reading: Matthew 20:26-28; Galatians 5:13; Titus 1:7-9

3. Sacrificial Leadership: Giving of Oneself for Others

John 15:13 – "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Romans 12:1 – "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."
Hebrews 12:2 – "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
Additional Reading: 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 5:2; Luke 9:23-24

4. Having Purpose: Discovering and Fulfilling God’s Calling

Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you."
Ephesians 2:10 – "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
Proverbs 19:21 – "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord."
Additional Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9

5. Being Saved: Accepting Christ and Living in Victory

Romans 10:9 – "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus."
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."
John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son."
Additional Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12; Titus 3:5

Mantras for Reflection

Standing Alone: “God is with me, and I will not stand alone.”
Servant Leadership: “I lead by serving, as Christ leads me.”
Sacrificial Leadership: “I sacrifice in love, for Christ sacrificed for me.”
Having Purpose: “I am created for a purpose, and I will walk in it.”
Being Saved: “I am saved by grace and live in victory.”

Suggested Additional Readings for Reflection and Study

Proverbs 27:17 – "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour."
1 Timothy 4:12 – "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers."
James 1:5 – "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God."
Colossians 3:23-24 – "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord."

Closing Charge

Brothers, let us embrace our roles, lean into God’s Word, and walk boldly in faith. As men, though we may feel isolated at times, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, called to serve, and created for purpose. Together, through prayer and faith, we will rise to every challenge.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Intercessory Prayer, Bible Study, Sunday Worship with Pastor Steve Brown

In Person on 1st and 3rd Sundays From St Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church Havana, Al.

Facebook Live and Conference Call Every Sunday

11:00 AM CST Noon EST

Rev. Steve Brown Facebook Live

Monday Night Bible Discussion

(202) 926-1060 Code 142810#