NewGenMin Present, When Nothing Else Could Help Love ...

What's Going On Mark 4:37-38 By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morro w 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish ? When the disciples said to Jesus, "Carest thou not that we perish?" (KJV), it reminded me of Marvin Gaye's iconic recording over fifty years ago: "What's Going On?"  Check out the lyrics: "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there's far too many of you dying. You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today. Father, father, we don't need to escalate. You see, war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate. You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today. Picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality. Talk to me so you can se...

  The Incomparable Truth of the Kingdom of God Mark 4:29-34 Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Jesus shares the profound truth about the Kingdom of God through the growing seed parable. This story shows how the Kingdom operates through human effort and divine power. The Sower, representing preachers and believers, prepares the soil and plants the seed, symbolizing our responsibility to share the gospel. However, the growth of the seed, like the spread of the gospel, is a divine process beyond our control, reflecting God's mysterious and influential work in people's hearts. Just as the Sower waits patiently for the harvest, we must be patient in our spiritual journeys and ministries. God wants us to faithfully share God's message and trust that the growth of His Kingdom is ultimately in His hands. Just like the bamboo tree, the Kingdom of God often grows in ways that are not immediately visible. We may not see immediate results, but God works beneath the surface. This growth ...

  Embracing God's Immutable Love Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-35 By Dr. Russell M. Morrow On St. Johns Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, the magnificent Angel Oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, has withstood the test of time, enduring countless storms and environmental changes. Its sprawling branches offer shelter and refuge to all who seek its shade, standing as a testament to resilience and endurance. Just as this ancient oak remains steadfast and unyielding, God's immutable love has endured from the beginning of time through every age. In our scripture reading, we witness Jesus facing significant challenges. His family thought He was out of His mind due to the intense demands of His ministry, and the scribes accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Despite these false accusations and misunderstandings, Jesus responded with patience and explicit teaching. He dismantled the scribes' claims by explaining that a divided house cannot stand and emph...

Embracing the Sabbath By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Scripture: "Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God..." (Deuteronomy 5:12-14) Reflection: The Sabbath is a divine gift from God, deeply embedded in the fabric of creation. When God created the world, He worked for six days and rested on the seventh, setting an example for us to follow (Genesis 2:2-3). This rhythm of work and rest reflects God's rest and desire for us to enter His peace and rejuvenation. Historically, the Sabbath was crucial for the Israelites. It was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). By observing the Sabbath, they acknowledged God's mighty hand and outstretched arm that brought them out of bondage. This day of rest was marked by a pause from work, communal worship,...