A Successful Failure

It appears that the fortune of a very wealthy golfer is threatened by any number of external variables, both public and private. You can decide for yourself what you believe the variables to be. No, I do not speak of the sponsors who are dropping him one by one.

We sometimes use the word fortune to describe wealth or material accumulation. The truth of the matter is that each of us has inherited a God-given fortune that should be treasured: life and family. It is my opinion that family is the most vital source of wealth and fortune one could ever realize in this life. It is an extension of God Himself. God created human fortune on the sixth day of creation week when He created family. Family may not only be considered a fortune (by some) but it is a treasure. This is much more than the wealthy golfer can ever earn after 18 holes.

There is too much at risk when a man allows a temporary thrill or fling to threaten the fortune that he certified with an oath at the altar. This may very well be the beginning of many lives heading toward a dysfunctional future. The wife and children in the family are an essential part of the wealth and happiness to one another and to society. It is always disastrous to gamble with a life. Life is too precious, it is not ours to give, to take or to destroy.

I am personally thankful to be fortunate enough to be born into wealth. Please don't misunderstand, I am part of a very humble family with hardly any material wealth. We are still fortunate to be part of a strong family foundation.

You too are wealthy. Please be sure that you do not squander this treasure. I intend to expand upon this blessing of fortune of which you are also recipients. Let's talk again soon.

God bless you,
Pastor Jones

New Year, New Life!

Individuals across America just came out of a festive holiday season of revelry, celebrations, and merriment. Visits from old friends, resolutions for a better new year, and overall goodwill prevailed. Key among all of the activities was feasting: lots of good food and drink were consumed.

As usual, many individuals overindulged and paid the price for their liberties at the table with added (and unwelcome!) holiday pounds, discomfort, regrets, and the nagging hangovers. All of this is typical of the festive holiday season. But what about you: have you overindulged? Are you in need of a diet to shed the extra poundage? Do you regret the extra helpings of delicacies, as alluring as they may have been? Do you suffer from a hangover?

I want to encourage us all to see the holiday season and its typical rituals as a metaphor for life. We live cyclically where we experience a period of normalcy, then we indulge, regret, and make a declaration of change, only to fail and repeat the cycle over and over again. And again.

With Jesus Christ in our lives, we can prevent the endless cycle of ups and downs that we abuse ourselves with once and for all. The Bible has a wonderful counsel that says that Jesus came to give us a better life, and that is very sound counsel. It's certainly good news to know that we can exchange the roller coaster lifestyle for the rock-solid stability of being with Jesus Christ.

If you haven't made that commitment yet, why not do it today? There really isn't much that you would lose, except the uncertainties of life... Becoming a Christian doesn't relegate you to a life of denial and boredom. You can still enjoy yourself. Remember, Jesus came to give you life, and a full one at that!

If you're in town, I encourage you to stop by our church on a Saturday morning. Hear us talk all about Jesus Christ. I'm sure it will encourage you as you enter this new year...and new life.

God's blessings,

Elder Scott Hampton

Welcome to South Brooklyn!

"Ye are the salt of the earth...ye are the light of the world...let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven". 
— Matthew 5:13, 14, 16

Welcome!
The doors and hearts of the South Brooklyn Seventh-day Adventist Church are always open to welcome you. We are not unique in that we too experience the daily vicisitudes of life.  As you visit or join with us in worship or other activities you will find us to be individuals of like passion.

We have re-examined our position in the community where we serve and we want to expand our services to include the needs we have neglected.  Please do not hesitate to call on us whenever there is a family, social or spiritual need. Because there are a broad range of health concerns in our communities today we are prepared to offer counsel in food preparation as well as other counsels on health and wellness.

Safety is another very big concern to many parents and guardians today. At South Brooklyn we offer excellent counsel for keeping safe and becoming a part of the solution for such a vital concern.

It is not a surprise that worship has declined among the churches in the black community, here again we invite you to come and join with us at South Brooklyn where we will listen to your opinions and suggestions. We know that traditionally we have looked to the church for leadership in our community, at South Brooklyn we want to rebuild the "old waste places" and offer the spiritual and social security which has been the backbone of our families for centuries.

We are most interested in the youth of our community because in reality we will look to you as leaders in the future. We invite you to come and dialogue with us in an exchange of ideas for the development of spiritual growth in our neighborhood.

Finally, as pastor of this great institution in this community, please feel free to call upon me for all your spiritual needs. I gladly offer a broad range professional counsel. Call for marriage, premarital, divorce recovery, or other social needs. We look forward to seeing you at South Brooklyn Seventh-day Adventist Church in the near future.

God bless you,
Pastor Jones