Of the
more than two dozen services that are collectively known as
Church of God in Christ’s
annual Holy Convocation, one of the most anticipated events is the
message delivered by Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake
Sr.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As he stepped to the podium to deliver the word for the 104th Holy Convocation Official Day service last Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome, the first thing Blake did was offer thanks.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As he had done every single time he approached the podium for brief appearances over the course of the Convocation, Blake expressed gratitude to a laundry list of individuals, institutions and organizations. Blake began with God and extended to everyone – including “all of the good people working to ensure our needs are met for this 104th Convocation.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Pastor Donnie McClurkin was given a round of applause for a heartfelt selection that primed the audience’s heart to hear the word.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Blake continually deflected credit from himself as he gave praises for the resounding success of the church’s annual convention – which was said to have drawn more than 40,000 this year.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He thanked the saints in the audience, the presiding staff and the people behind the scenes working to make sure the convocation ran smoothly. He went on for several minutes into his designated preaching time.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Few knew it as he was doing so, but Blake was actually practicing was he was about to preach.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I want to talk today about pride and humility,” Blake told the more than 10,000 that packed into the Edward Jones Dome. “Because we love God, we should seek to please him in every way and bring to him what he likes.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>And according to Blake – backed by the Bible – one of the most pleasing things to God is the act of his people humbling themselves.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“We must do what is attractive to God and humility is attractive to God,” Blake said. “It is the box within all blessings are contained and obedience to God is the key to humility. The way for a miracle is found in the path to humility.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As he sought to offer a balanced lesson in his message, Blake warmed of the danger that can be found within what he believed to be the antithesis of humility.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Pride is the essence of all sin,” Blake said. “Sin is a consequence of pride. Pride takes God’s credit. When you place your agenda above God’s agenda and you start believing that your blessings are because of something you have done, you place yourself above God. You have to say ‘it’s not me, it’s God’ – because God will give you everything except for his glory.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Blake told his attentive flock that the practice of humility goes beyond being pleasing in God’s sight. He believes that doing so can lend itself to changing the world.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Service is an element of humility,” Blake said. “And people are prone to identify with and react to the experience that is brought to them.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>19th Pastoral Anniversary “text-align: center;”>
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>New Jerusalem Temple Church of God located at 8204 Page Ave. celebrated with their Pastor, Bishop Philip L. Stiles Sr., for his 19th Pastoral Anniversary on October 6-9 at New Jerusalem Temple. Guest speakers included Bishop Alton Davis (True Redemption Center), Pastor Larry Jones (Greater Grace Temple) and Diocesan Bishop Jesse Battle Sr. (House of Deliverance).