Southside Scoop - 4.14.2024

T H E S C O O P

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Southside Church of Christ

800 Elmira Avenue

Durham, NC 27707

info@sside.org

www.sside.org

919.688.3535

STAFF

Orlander R. Thomas

Senior Minister

William A. Stephens

Minister Emeritus

D’Andrea Fanning

Director of Ministry Operations & Non-Profit

Candice P. Blount

Church Administrator

Quentella Williams

Executive Assistant

DEACONS

John Alcox

Anthony Green, Sr.

Arthur Hackney

John Mathis

Chester Mayfield, Jr.

Roger McDougal

Joe Williams

Keith Wright

HE Did It and Is Still Doing It

By RICKI FULLER

Thus far this year, we have contemplated/studied the concept of Overcoming. Hanging on Jesus’ words found in John 16:33, we are vigorously encouraged to overcome our past at the present moment as we pursue our future. Look at how Jesus assures us of our power to overcome all negatives that affect us as interpreted in the AMPC Bible: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” Being exposed to, and understanding, the power and freedom given us by Christ’s victory has enabled us to delve deeply into overcoming Strongholds, Trauma, and Shame. Presently, in April, we are examining Failure which we can see what it looks like to overcome it as well. Let’s take into consideration a recent message that gives credence to the fact that Jesus’ Death, Burial and Resurrection did, in fact, overcome the world’s negative influences. Recognizing that practically all of us have experienced some form/sense of failure, the Messenger emphasized the notion that “failure is never permanent.” Therefore, we are advised to “give GOD one more shot” instead of giving in to despair.

Here are three ways he outlined that are sure to help you overcome failure:

1-Learn From Failure which entails pressing through the difficulties by not isolating yourself from others; and, by not giving up (proverbially throwing in the towel believing/saying you can’t do better); and, by not allowing failure to dictate your life.

2-Denounce Its Power Over You by squarely looking at failure on a daily basis, if need be, until it diminishes (James 4:7). As a child, it was said of me that I would never amount to anything (no dad, no nice clothes, born out of wedlock, very inquisitive, etcetera). However, only by the Grace/Guidance of GOD, I treated that failure-tainted prediction of me like it was untrue trash that I threw out over-and-over again. In addition, the Messenger emphasized that the enemy constantly tries to influence you to believe you are not loved (nor protected) by GOD [John 10:10; 8:44c].

Simply put, failure is having a displeasing heart where there is no belief-love for GOD. Seriously, it’s robbery!

3-Let Jesus Define Your Identity because Jesus looks past your failures redefining you at this moment. Note that failure is something you do, and not who you are! As revealed in John 21, Jesus said to Peter (and, now, to us all), “Follow ME!” Presumptively, that statement can be thought as designed to guide your believing Christ that you are truly forgiven, and that Jesus did overcome the world granting you freedom-peacepower-love.

Please remember you are loved-forgivenfree-successful in and because of Christ (Hebrews 7:25).

Every day, Beloved, BELIEVE and LIVE it!

“So God created mankind in his own image”

April 7, 2024

April 14, 2024 / Vol. 15