The Challenge and the Call to Believe

This Sunday, Rockwell AME Zion Church opened with a profound sense of gratitude and worship, as the congregation sang praises to God, declaring, "I really love you, Lord, because you first loved me." Hearts were filled with thanks for life, food, health, and strength, as the Holy Spirit was welcomed to move throughout the service. United in faith, we affirmed our belief with the Apostles' Creed and the powerful hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," acknowledging God's unwavering goodness and faithfulness. A special moment of giving reinforced our trust in God's provision.

The morning was also filled with vibrant community updates and announcements:

• Mother's Day Hat Sunday: All women of Rockwell AME Zion are encouraged to wear their hats on the second Sunday of May (May 10th) to transform the sanctuary into a "flower garden in full bloom," honoring a cherished tradition and legacy of faith.
• Vision Cast Session: A crucial session for planning the church's future will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Center. Attendees can look forward to a delicious breakfast, including bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, and croquettes, as we dedicate 75 minutes to shaping Rockwell's next chapter.
• Celebrating Dr. Carrie Beck: We proudly recognized Brother Carrie Beck, who recently achieved his PhD in Business Administration, becoming Dr. Carrie Beck! His academic excellence is a testament to perseverance and God-given talent.
• Student Recognition Returns: Rockwell is reinstating its student recognition program for those on the A/B honor roll and those showing significant improvement, fostering academic encouragement within our youth.
• Inaugural Marcus Simmons Memorial Service: The fourth Sunday in May will be dedicated to a special memorial service and scholarship fundraiser in honor of Marcus Simmons, a beloved young man who served our church faithfully. The service will be education-themed, and the church is gathering photos and information to celebrate his enduring legacy.
• Warm Welcome to Visitors: We extended a heartfelt welcome to visitors, including Sylvia from New York City and the mother of our own Sakia Wolf, visiting from Memphis, Tennessee.

Our scripture lesson this morning, Luke 24:35-43, recounted the disciples' encounter with the resurrected Jesus. Despite previous reports of His resurrection, they were "startled and frightened," believing they saw a ghost. Jesus gently challenged their fear and doubt, inviting them, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself. Touch me and see."

In his sermon, "The Challenge and the Call to Believe," Pastor explored the roots of doubt. He cited scientific insights into the "physiology of belief," noting how strong belief can alter physical states. For the disciples, doubt didn't stem from a lack of faith, but from God's unexpected manifestation, which clashed with their preconceived notions.

Pastor highlighted how pain often clouds our perception, making it difficult to trust again after experiences of loss, betrayal, or disappointment. Doubt, he suggested, can be a "reflection of unhealed disappointment," stemming from moments when God didn't appear as expected or from negative narratives absorbed since childhood. Historically, our community faced systemic doubt, yet our ancestors cultivated "the audacity to believe" in God's purpose over man-made barriers. We were taught to strive "twice as hard," trusting in God's new grace and mercies each day.

Crucially, Pastor reminded us that God does not condemn our doubt but seeks to erase it. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to touch Him and remember His presence, He calls us to recall His faithfulness in past challenges. We are empowered to confront the "roaring noise" of the accuser with God's Word, binding fear and lack, and proclaiming faith, unity, and divine purpose.

Intriguingly, the scripture notes that the disciples "still did not believe it because of joy and amazement." Sometimes, doubt arises because a blessing seems "too good to be true," especially when conditioned by a "poverty mindset." Yet, God specializes in opening new, unexpected avenues, bringing more through a window than through a conventional door. We are worthy because God declares us worthy, a truth anchored in Christ's sacrifice.

Concluding with John 20:30-31, Pastor emphasized that these accounts are written so "you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

As the doors of the church were opened, invitations were extended for those seeking Christ or a church home, reminding us that through Calvary, we are "no longer bound." A powerful prayer for healing, restoration, and guidance concluded the service, declaring God's glory, majesty, dominion, and power to rest, rule, and abide in our hearts, now and forevermore. Amen.