ODC Ministries: Conversations with Pastor ODC

Dr. Otis Dion Culliver has offered himself to serve as the next president of the Southwest District of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention. During the campaign, Dr. Culliver will share his platform and vision for the Southwest District. In this first episode, Dr. Culliver hopes you will get to know him more personally. 

Sermon Text: Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 1:4-5

Matthew 6:5-8

Where do you pray? Is it openly in public for others to see you? While there is nothing wrong with public prayer, do not let that be the only time you spend time with God. Today, Pastor ODC directs us to go back to our prayer closets and spend some one-on-one time with God. 

Sermon Series: Seeing the Savior Through Your Storms

Sermon Text: Matthew 7:24-27

John 11:20-22

When things are going well in life, it is easy to have faith. But how strong is your faith? Can it withstand your "even now" moments? Today Pastor ODC talks about having faith, even when we encounter dark moments in life. 

I Samuel 18

We all want God's favor in our lives. We want the blessings and the increase. But can we truly handle it? Are we ready for the darker side of favor? Today, Pastor ODC explains the side of favor people shy away from discussing and asks us "Can we handle God's favor?"

Sermon Series: Seeing the Savior Through Your Storm

Sermon Text: Acts 16:19-25

Sermon Series: Seeing the Savior Through Your Storm

Sermon Text: Mark 4:35-41

When embarking on new ventures, we are often told to start strong; and this is important. But how often do we think about finishing well? Let's think about it In all aspects of our lives. Are we living with the end in mind? Today, Pastor ODC tells us, while it is good to start strong, it's even more important to finish well. 

Sermon Text: Mark 9:17-24

At some point in our lives we need grace. Not in the moments when things seem to be perfect but when we find ourselves in low places. Today, Pastor ODC lets us know that life's messy moments is when God's grace is most sufficient. 

John 21:1-3

How do you handle being in dark places in life? Do you seek comfort from those closest to you or do you isolate yourself? Today, Pastor ODC lets us know that when we find ourselves in life's pits, God will provide people to be with us in those moments. Our human relationships are just one example of God's grace toward us. 

Sermon Text: Mark 15:15-21

Sermon Series: Standing at the Crossroads: Making Wise Decisions

Sermon Text: Genesis 25:21-34

Luke 10:38-42

How often do we measure our productivity by how many things we accomplish on our to do lists? This frame of mind causes us to overcrowd our days with activity after activity oftentimes leaving off one very important thing. Examine your to do list today. Is Jesus on it? 

Sermon Series: Standing at the Crossroads: Making Wise Decisions 

Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 & Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Sermon Series: Standing at the Crossroads: Making Wise Decisions

Sermon Text: Luke 14:25-33

Sermon Text: Hebrews 7:18-28

II Timothy 1:6-7

Oftentimes we look see other people's gifts and wish we could do what they can do. But have we tapped into the gifts God has given us and used them for His glory? Pastor ODC let's us know we should not let fear stop us from using our gifts effectively for God. 

Sermon Text: Hebrews 7:18-28

I Corinthians 16:5-9

How do you handle opportunities? Do you create your own way when you don't see one or do you wait on God given opportunities? Oftentimes, we believe those God given opportunities should come easily with little to no problems or oppositions. Pastor ODC tells us that is not the case. When opportunities from God come knocking, we will have to jump over some hurdles; but we must believe we are able to withstand it. 

Sermon Text: II Corinthians 4:16-18

If you've ever seen the show Family Matters, then you're familiar with Steve Urkel and his clumsiness. But have you ever thought of yourself as an Urkel, constantly tripping and falling; not physically but spiritually? Today, Pastor ODC tells us how to handle not only our spiritual clumsiness but also how to help those around us when they have fallen and feel as though they can't get up. 

Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:7-16

Exodus 14:10-18

We have all reached a point in life where we wanted to give in. We were at our breaking point and felt as though we couldn't take anymore. But what if we just held on a little while longer? Just waited to see what God has in store for us if we trust Him through difficult times. Today Pastor ODC shares how going through that breaking point will lead to a breakthrough. 

Sermon Text: Mark 16:9-20

John 2:1-10

We all have times in our lives when we are exhausted physically, mentally, and spiritually. We feel as though we've reached the end of our rope, our breaking point. Today, Pastor ODC asks the question, "Who do you turn to when you feel as though you're running on empty?" Allow God to take you from emptiness to fullness so you can experience the best days of your life

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 8:18-22

Do you find yourself in a place where you're wondering when it's your time? When you come to this place, Pastor ODC says be patient during this time of preparation. Just like the colt Jesus rode on Palm Sunday, you're purpose is coming. 

Sermon Text: Psalm 23

Joel 2:25

It has been an entire year since COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic. What started out as something that was supposed to affect us for a few weeks has lasted much longer than anyone could have imagined. There were so many things we had planned to do that were not able to come to fruition. While traveling back in time for those experiences would be nice, it's not possible. What is possible is God restoring that time of struggle to something that exceeds our wildest dreams. 

Sermon Text: II Corinthians 12:7-10

John 21:20-23

Did you know you're putting yourself in danger by minding other peoples' business? Do you find yourself obsessed with what God is doing in the lives of others? If you are, today Pastor ODC tells us not to let our lives pass us by, by simply minding our own business.

Sermon Text: Luke 13:10-17

Sermon Text: Psalm 1

Sermon Series: Love Gone Wild

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:43-48

Sermon Series: Love Gone Wild

Sermon Text: Matthew 22:34-40

Deuteronomy 6:20-25

Memories can be powerful, beautiful, and even painful. The memories of our heritage are brought to the forefront during Black History Month as we reflect on the joys and sorrows of African Americans through the years. Pastor ODC uses the lyrics of the Negro national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" to help us find our sacred narrative in these memories.

Sermon Text: Acts 16:16-24

Matthew 7:13-14

Everyone wants to be confident. We are attracted to confidence and look to those we surround ourselves with to help boost our confidence. It is easy to project confidence when you have an entourage but what happens when we don't have the confidence to stand on our own? As Christians, sometimes we have seasons of loneliness where we don't have a clique to give us that confidence boost. Today, Pastor ODC asks the question, as believers where do we find our confidence? 

Series Title: Love Gone Wild

Sermon Text: Matthew 25:31-46

Isaiah 43:25-27

At the end of each president's term, they have the power to pardon people of federal crimes they have committed. This frees that person of being punished for an act they have committed. Have you ever thought about how God pardons our sins daily? How He shows us grace instead of giving us what we deserve? Today, Pastor ODC talks about the peace we will find in God pardoning our sins. 

Series Title: Love Gone Wild

Sermon Text: Romans 8:31-39

I Corinthians 9:24-27

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the untimely death of Kobe Bryant. Through Kobe's career and even in his retirement, he had this philosophy of having a "Mamba Mentality". This means living to one's full potential and being your best self in all aspects of life. Today, Pastor ODC encourages us to have a spiritual Mamba Mentality and make God a priority in our lives. 

MLK Celebration

Sermon Text: Mark 3:20-22

I Samuel 12:24

After all that transpired last year, many people have decided not to make new years resolutions for 2021. And while you may not have a new years resolution, you should still have goals for the year. Pastor ODC challenges us to achieve a collective goal this year; be faithful. He gives us two things that are required of us to reach our goal of being faithful to God. 

Sermon Text: Hebrews 10:19-25

Hebrews 10:24

Who influences you? Did you know that your name is someone's answer to that question? We all influence someone in someway. But how do we use that influence? Are we using it to help others or hurt them? Today, Pastor ODC discusses how we can be good stewards over our influence and how we can use our influence to make our families, friends, peers, and communities better.