OAG Podcast Oxford Assembly of God

Understanding God as a Loving Father: Embracing His Handfuls on Purpose | by Pastor Strickland

This week's sermon by Pastor Derrel Strickland reminded us that God's generosity towards us is intentional. He spoke about the concept of 'handfuls of purpose,' drawing from the story of Ruth and Boaz, to illustrate how God leaves blessings in our paths with a purpose in mind. Pastor Strickland emphasized that these blessings are not by accident and encouraged us to recognize and pick them up. He also reminded us about God's redemption and how He sent Jesus to redeem us, not because He had to, but because He chose to. The core message is that God's provision and blessings are purposeful, and it's up to us to embrace them and live out our God-given purpose.

Outline:

00:00 - Reflecting on Fatherhood and God’s Nature

01:38 - The Life and Example of Jesus

02:42 - The Lesson from Matthew 18

04:39 - God's Provision and the Book of Ruth

08:51 - Introduction

13:31 - Personal Stories and Illustrations

35:18 - God's Purpose and Redemption

35:33 - Encouragement to Accept God's Gifts

36:12 - Conclusion and Call to Worship

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by long-time teacher, Mrs. Jeanie Davis.

** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **

Title: The Role of Women in Ministry: Lessons from Leadership and Service

Summary: In this Sunday School lesson, Mrs. Jeanie explores the role of women in ministry, emphasizing their significant contributions as leaders, prophets, and servants in the church. She underscores the importance of unity and flexibility in serving God's purpose, encouraging everyone to embrace their God-given roles and responsibilities.

Outline:


Introduction and Context


Homework review and importance of participation
Overview of lesson topic: Women's place in the church


Biblical Examples of Women in Ministry


Miriam, the prophet (Exodus 15:20)
Deborah, the prophet and judge (Judges 4:4-9)
Huldah, the prophet (2 Kings 22:14-20, 2 Chronicles 34:22)
Tabitha, benevolence ministry (Acts 9:36)
Philip’s four daughters, prophets (Acts 21:8-9)
Other notable women: Euodia, Syntyche, and Priscilla (Philippians 4:2-3, Romans 16:1-2)


Jesus' Teaching and Leadership Model


Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-45)
Importance of watching and praying
Supporting one another in times of distress


Modern Application and Ministry Work


Personal story of youth working in the tomato fields
Lessons on teamwork, perseverance, and mutual support
The evolution of the church’s benevolence ministry


Conclusion and Encouragement


Encouragement to embrace God’s calling
Importance of flexibility and readiness to serve
Final prayer and commitment to serving God's kingdom

Father Knows Best - by Pastor Derrel Strickland

This week's sermon by Pastor Derrel Strickland focused on the omniscience of God, His perfect knowledge that encompasses all things. Pastor Strickland highlighted how our Heavenly Father never makes mistakes, unlike our earthly fathers. Using biblical texts and parables, he shared insights on how God’s divine knowledge and sovereignty intervene in our lives, transforming our mistakes into blessings. Pastor Strickland emphasized that God's wisdom and timing are perfect, urging us to trust His plans as He always knows best. The core takeaway: while we fall short, God's unchanging nature and omniscience guide us through life’s challenges, making Him the ultimate 'Father Knows Best.'

Outline:

00:00 - Opening and Introduction

01:13 - Father Knows Best

03:03 - God's Omniscience

06:10 - Human Freedom vs. Divine Sovereignty

11:39 - Parables of Obedience

16:52 - God Adjusts Circumstances for Our Good

24:22 - Becoming a Child of God

32:08 - Trusting in God's Will

36:50 - Prayer for Fathers

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by long-time teacher, Mrs. Jeanie Davis.

** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **

Title: Honoring Fatherhood and Embracing Godly Leadership

Summary: In this lesson, Jeanie Davis emphasizes the importance of godly fatherhood and leadership, highlighting the roles of men in the church and community as vital influences for younger generations. Through scriptural references and personal anecdotes, she encourages everyone to embrace their God-given roles and support one another in faith and service.

Outline:


Introduction


Welcome and opening remarks
Introduction to the topic of godly fatherhood and leadership
Reference to 2 Samuel 23


The Role of Fathers and Father Figures


Acknowledgment of all men as father figures
Differences between being a father and a mother
Importance of godly men stepping up in the church


Biblical Examples of Leadership


Benaiah's heroics and leadership (2 Samuel 23:20-23)
The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
Lessons from the humble tax collector (Luke 18:13-14)


Intercession and Prayer


Types of prayers: supplications, prayers, intercession, giving of thanks
Jesus’ intercession on the cross (Luke 23:34)
Importance of humble and sincere prayer


Application and Call to Action


Encouragement to support and mentor young men
Importance of presence and example in the community
Practical ways to serve and uplift others
Homework and closing prayer

It's Beginning To Rain - by Pastor Derrel Strickland

In Pastor Derrel Strickland's recent sermon, he delved into the concept of living water, drawing from John 4 and the experience of the Samaritan woman at the well. He emphasized that just as physical water is essential for life, the living water offered by Jesus is essential for spiritual life. Pastor Strickland encouraged us to seek this living water through faith and to embrace the spiritual rain God is beginning to pour out, symbolizing a time of harvest and renewal. This message is a powerful reminder that, regardless of our circumstances, God is our source of life and salvation, and it's beginning to rain. We need this living water now, more than ever, to rejuvenate our spirits and fortify our faith. Remember, God is our hope and holds our future.

Outline:

00:00 - Introduction

00:26 - Recap of Previous Sermon

01:58 - The Dry Place

03:42 - The Samaritan Woman at the Well

06:43 - Jesus as the Living Water

10:43 - Faith and Living Water

13:34 - Pentecost and the Latter Rain

23:09 - Elijah’s Story and Prayer

33:59 - Receiving the Living Water

36:08 - Conclusion and Worship

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by guest speaker, Mr. Johnnie Powell.

** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **

Title: Building Relationships Through Love and Humility

Summary: In this lesson, Johnnie Powell emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships through love and humility, drawing on Paul's letters to Timothy and Philemon as examples. He encourages the class to reflect on their own gifts, especially the gift of love, and to use them in service to others while maintaining humility and avoiding judgment.

Outline:

1. Introduction

- Opening prayer

- Importance of reflection and self-examination



2. The Context of Paul's Letters

- Overview of Paul's letters to Timothy and Philemon

- Purpose of Paul's instructions and encouragements



3. Self-Reflection and Personal Accountability

- Importance of addressing one's own faults before others'

- Building relationships as a foundation for correction



4. The Gift of Love

- Understanding love as the primary gift from God

- Practical examples of exercising the gift of love in everyday life



5. Relationships and Communication

- Building relationships through shared activities and understanding

- The role of encouragement and constructive feedback in relationships



6. Indoctrination and Learning

- The concept of indoctrination in faith and daily practices

- Examples of early life indoctrination (e.g., parental teachings)



7. Balancing Rich and Poor in the Church

- Avoiding partiality based on economic status

- Importance of humility for the wealthy and contentment for the poor



8. The Role of Prayer and Faith

- Praying for others as a means of building community

- Faith in action: using gifts for the benefit of others



9. Paul's Example with Onesimus

- The story of Onesimus and Philemon

- Lessons on reconciliation and acceptance within the church



10. Closing Thoughts

- Emphasizing the importance of relationships in the body of Christ

- Call to action: being proactive in building and maintaining relationships



11. Closing Prayer

- Prayer for the class and their relationships

- Asking for guidance and strength in living out the lessons learned