Brother Matthew, and Brother Kofi, Deacon Adu, Members, of Joy Baptist and Members of Riverview Baptist and our other sister Churches. This is a very commemorative day for both of our churches. We are showing the world and Woodbridge, Virginia that we can work together to do the will of God and worship in the same place with the same heart and desire. We started small and He will grow us to size He desires. We need not despise those days of small beginnings. As we seeking to do the will of God by sharing the good news of the gospel message. May God get all the Glory, Honor and praise for this effort. Amen!

We are all gathered here today for the dedication of Joy Baptist Church International the vision of Matthew and Kofi, I remember the first time we all met in fellowship hall to discuss the future of Joy Baptist Church. Matthew and Kofi expressed that they wanted a place where they could worship in their own language. As we discussed this possibility, I notice that they both have a great love for God and reaching out to those in their own language with the Gospel message.

I asked if they were committed to making it work no matter what. They both expressed resoundingly, oh yes pastor! We are committed! I expressed it would not be easy. They agreed Matthew and Kofi showed Commitment, Commitment = an agreement or pledge to do something in the future, something pledged, and an act of committing to a charge or trust.  And it is sometimes for a lifetime. How many are married? Marriage is a commitment! It requires a vow.  God is First we vow to Him and starting a Church is a commitment to God. I told them this was between them, and God and it would be serious vow and they agreed. They have both committed themselves to this work. And have achieved a lot. Amen!

For without them I don’t think this section of the building would be finished this much yet. They both worked very hard on this project and Joy Baptist was Born. All for the Glory of God.

DEDCATION

Prayer- Everyone hold hands please.

God is Good Amen! And all the time my God is Good! God works on those he wants to change and changes those who won’t work with him…

God worked on the kings hearts and minds that were ruling at these times to allow the captive Israelites to rebuild the House of God that was destroyed

This occurred during the time when Israel was captive in Babylon, and it was taken over by Darius.  Darius decreed let the house of God be rebuilt in Jerusalem. “let it be done with speed.” Amen!

*Ezra 6:16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,

This is definitely the Holy Spirit is at work here. Did anyone notice the sign outside the door? We are dedicating a Sanctuary call Joy and our verse for the dedication says that they kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,

Literally Joy Baptist entered in Riverview the house of God for a place worship.

This is the house of God, today we enter with joy and thanksgiving, and literally Riverview we enter with Joy Baptist and we are here to give thanksgiving to God for what he alone has done, and can do for both our churches. As we build our relationship together, we need to remain focused on God word and work together. It is all for His Glory not ours. Amen!

When we come into the house we come with joy in our hearts and in our minds, we should come with thanksgiving, ready to worship God in all his Glory Amen!

*Ezra 6: 17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

As we enter in Gods house we offer our tithes and offerings to God, old testament it was there sacrificial offerings. Not just money, but time, talents, and worship. God always makes room for your gifts and talents.  Amen!

Sing-Doxology                   

Today sermon is, What is the Church?

What is the Church?

God’s word tells us what the Church is, it is the body of believers, coming together in praise and worship of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  It truly is where the believers assemble to worship the Lord. It could be in a home, outside, or inside a building.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Paul tells us in Acts,

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.  

Where we assemble together there is the church. size does not matter, God’s word says “Where two or three gather there I am in the midst” Amen!

Matthew and Kofi visions along with our Church and our vision were expressed and, I knew one day that these two men would have a church ministry of their own.  They are both committed to walk with God and are blessed because of it.

One day I feel I will be able to address them as Pastor Matthew and or Pastor Kofi.  Joy Baptist Church was the name you all have settled on and it has been a joy to watch your Church grow.

I knew the Lord wanted This building to be a house of prayer praise and worship. With your help and Riverview working with we all have a facility that you can be very proud of and may many souls be turned to God by this ministry.

Paul wrote to Timothy, about The House of God

 1Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Stay focused on the truth of God’s word preach it from the house of God, and experience what the scripture say, is the church of the living God. This is just the beginning, and we are all very happy that you’re with us and that we have come together to work for the Kingdom of God.

May our churches be blessed as we work together and win souls for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Trusting and reviving the Church mission of both our Churches as we both grow.

We should remember that Jesus is bridegroom, and the church is the bride of Christ

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy; for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

We should present our best to the bridegroom, he is worthy of our best, don’t give him the leftovers, give him the first fruits. Amen.

Our Church worship of Jesus should be spirit filled with joy, honor, and praise.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Because only He is worthy of it for what He has done for the world. That is why our Churches should have Evangelism.

Luke 19:10 For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Are you lost today? He came for you! Today is the day of your salvation! Now is the Time!

This is the urgent message that needs to come from all churches.

As you move forward in the growth of your Church don’t forget to go out and seek the lost. Every Church needs Direction Joy don’t lose yours. God will give us direction if we acknowledge what he does it for us. We also have to follow his path not our own.

Our churches are he to serve the community as we educate them about Jesus Christ our Lord and what he has done for each one of us. We give them an education of Jesus.

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

As we follow the will of God we can find our service to God, (what each one of us can do for God,) remember not everyone has the same gift. Many hands in the work makes a lighter load.

2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

These many hands that come God will always make room for their ministry to the church and the saints. (Don’t limit the work of the Lord).

1Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith. Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treaddeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Amen! This, helps each of us to grow in Christ.  

Our Church is a place of fellowship.

As we partake in fellowship, we become bonded to one another and we understand more clearly the needs of others, and we can pray for one another’s needs.

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Our Churches have to trust in the Lord for He will do great things here and for every great thing that happens here we will give Him thanks and praise.

We need to build on this relationship that God has given us and work to build up one another. “Come let us worship the Lord in unity!”

Remember why we are here, it’s as Jesus said, “I came to seek and save that which was lost” and we (Joy Baptist International & Riverview Baptist Churches) will help Him bring the lost into the family of God. Amen!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Selah. Amen!