Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word,
in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
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Ian Macklin Simms is a child and prodigy of Second Baptist. In the fall he will be attending Berkeley School of Music (Boston, Massachusetts) on a full scholarship. Listen to his message which reflects upon the influence our congregation of believers in Christ has had on him.
His primary nurturer, Beverly Simms, brought him to Second and shepherded him as he developed his natural gifts as a consummate musician. Ian continues to grow and mature in wisdom and statue as Jesus grew with God and man.
Good morning to all under the sound of my voice.
Giving Honor to God, Pastor William S Epps, Rev. Venus Butler, Rev. D. Marie Battle, Rev. Ernest Young, Rev. Barbara Melancon, Minister Lois King and the listening audience….
Thank you Pastor Epps for your guidance and for allowing me this opportunity to speak. Thank you Pastor Epps for walking in your truth and preaching the gospel in a such way that has allowed me to see my light.
Consider the influence you have as a member in a fellowship of faith that shapes the youth who see and embrace your example.
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My name is Ian Macklin-Sims. I am a pianist, singer, and songwriter, but most of all,
I am a devoted member of the Historic Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles. Proudly I say I am a son of Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles.
From the tender age of five, my church family swept me under their wings, allowing me to soar, musically and spiritually. My fondest childhood memories take me back to Griffith Hall when I would sing and play for the Recruiters League, The Men’s Breakfast Club, Usher's programs, and anniversary celebrations. It was always an honor bringing joy to the souls of everyone - from the church elders to my Second Baptist peers. I am eternally grateful for my church family and the opportunity to speak before you this morning.
Consider what it means that we have the responsibility of bringing up children in the way they should go to fulfil their purpose in life. (Proverbs 22:6)
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Please open your Bibles to 1 Timothy 4:12. There you will find the centripetal text of today's message, which reads from the New King James Version as follows:
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one will find that "youth" is defined as "the early period of existence, growth, or development."
In the word of God, we see the magic of youth quite literally in the first chapter of Genesis. Readers will notice that God formed humanity only six days into the world's creation, meaning that we came into existence along with the plants and animals — in other words, at the root of all time.
Then, of course, it took thousands of years to fully develop into a surviving species. Nevertheless, God saw the magnificence within His creation even before we could set foot on His earth. What the dictionary defines as the period of existence, growth, and development, the Highest defines it as the period of excellence, greatness, and divinity. Youth, while innocent and vulnerable, is ardent and powerful. Youth has room to grow but has such a rich and full foundation. Youth is the Lord's blueprint for the magnificence He placed within us. Let no one despise you.
Consider what it means that you were created to exist, grow and
develop to fulfill your potential as a person made in the image
of God and fashioned in the likeness of God.
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The Bible also gives us the story of David, a bushy-haired shepherd boy tasked with tending to the sheep. The youngest of eight brothers, he spent most of his time on the farm while his brothers trained for war against the Philistines — one of the fiercest opponents of the Israeli people. Upon his father's request, David took food to his brothers one day, but once he reached them, they accused him of leaving to watch the fight instead of the sheep. He disregarded this sentiment, knowing he was obeying his father. While with his brothers, an armed and equipped 9-foot giant appeared from the masses. His name was Goliath, and no one from Israel, not even the King, was brave enough to fight him. David disliked that his people were intimidated by Goliath, so he offered himself to the King as an opponent. Initially, the King looked down upon David for his size, but out of desperation, he allowed David to fight. Slightly worried, David turned within. He found God in his heart, who assured David that He would be with him. Goliath had all the weapons and armor one could wish for, but David had God on his side and an assurance of self. David knew that with God, he was the mightiest warrior. With God, he was the most turbulent storm. With God, he could cut through metal. With God, he could reach the unreachable, break the unbreakable, and achieve the unachievable.
Like David, we as young people possess within us the power to shift culture, set trends, heal societal wounds, and correct universal evils. We possess the same power Moses used to bring his people out of Egypt. We possess the same power Martin used to combat segregation and systemic oppression during the Civil Rights Movement. We possess the same power Malcolm used to instill self-love and self-reliance into the community during the Black Power Movement. God breathed
his omniscient breath into the bodies of us all, especially the young. I want us to harness that knowledge, hold fast and dear to it because people will try to diminish our value and worth.
Consider what it means to have an example that encourages and inspires
you to be courageous as you face life’s challenges
from a source of faith that you trust.
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This is the time to hold tight to our faith. Hebrews 11:6 reads:
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one
who draws near to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who seek him.
We must remember that to know ourselves is to know God, for we are made in His image and likeness.
To love ourselves is to love God. I encourage my fellow youth to find your purpose for living. We are all here for a reason. The Lord thy God has a special assignment for each of us.
God did some amazing work in all of us.
Consider what it means to know the Lord, love yourself
as God loves you, and be aware that God is doing something amazing
in and through you in the world.
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There are times when it’s hard to hold on to that truth, when the challenges of life seem a bit heavy. We have to remember to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Make it personal. God wants a personal relationship with us.
Also, remember that mental health is important - it's our spiritual wealth. Let’s normalize checking in on one another just as we check social media pages of strangers. As we seek our purpose, let’s be sure to seek opportunities to serve others.
Yes, here’s one of my favorites quotes from Pastor Epps:
Service is the price we pay for the space we occupy.
Consider what it means that service is the price you
pay for the space you occupy.
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An Egyptian proverb reads as follows: "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you, and whoever shall know themselves shall find it." (Google Keith Giles, Uncovering Gospel Truth Outside Our Faith - Patheos for a detail correlation to some of the teachings of Jesus).
This sounds awfully close to something Jesus said in Luke17:21: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
God placed something uniquely special inside each of us. God's gift to me is music. Looking back over my childhood, this fact has become more evident. I would not be who I am without music, and I know this now more than ever. So I ask one question of you, fellow young people, who are you? Who has God called you to be? Not your family, not your friends, not Instagram or Snapchat, nor any other external medium. But who has God called you to be? What has He called you to do? Once you can answer these questions, there are no limits to what life can offer you. Get to know God by getting to know yourself, and your wildest dreams will become your reality. Go forth and be great! It’s in us! Our Power Lies Within!
I send peace and love and pray for God’s blessings upon all of you. I thank you for the opportunity to share this message with you.
Consider what it means that there is a correlation to
our faith and what we believe and embrace.
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He Has His
Hands On You
Marvin Sapp
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2412 Griffith Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Phone: (213) 748-0318
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