Raise The Praise Issue June 27, 2020 by Raise The Praise Publications

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LOW-INCOME CALIFORNIA ZIP CODES SEE SPIKE IN VIRUS CASES

Disney employee Manuel Ortiz decorates his car with signs before a drive-by protest to demand a safe reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Workers are demanding regular testing, stricter cleaning protocols and higher staffing levels. Disney had originally proposed reopening on July 17th but announced this week it was postponing. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Beachgoers packed Orange County’s shoreline on Saturday and not everybody wore masks, worrying public health and elected officials who say people were letting their guard down even as the coronavirus surges across California. Data collected by health officials show hundreds of people have been infected in densely populated neighborhoods in Anaheim and Santa Ana that are more likely home to low-income residents, the Orange County Register reported Saturday. The residents living in the identified hot spots are more likely to live in multi-generational or multifamily households and many of them hold jobs in stores and restaurants, health officials told the newspaper. Cases and hospitalizations have grown significantly in the last couple

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THE PULSE OF THE CHURCH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

weeks, and “it’s not just around the hot zones — we’re seeing much more spread around the county,” said Bernadette BodenAlbala, dean of University of California, Irvine’s public health program. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the county has been steadily rising: two weeks ago it was 325 people; on Saturday the total was 451. As the county reopens for business, Boden-Albala said people tired of stay-at-home restrictions may not have taken the risks of infection as seriously because they didn’t know anyone who has gotten seriously ill. Concerns about the spike in cases prompted Disneyland employees to stage a car caravan around the theme park on Saturday to call for routine testings and other safety measures to protect them.

Disney announced Wednesday it would delay reopening its California theme parks, which were set to welcome back visitors on July 17. At least four California counties on Friday paused or prepared to backtrack on their reopening plans in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. On Saturday, the state reported a rise of nearly 6,000 confirmed virus cases from the day before. Nearly 5,900 people have died from coronavirus complications in the state. This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom sounded renewed alarm bells about where the state is headed and pleaded for residents to wear masks in public, as required, and keep a physical distance from people not in their household. He also urged Imperial County, an agricultural county that borders Mexico, to reimpose a stay-at-home order to deal with a high rate of positive cases and hospitalizations. The county’s board of supervisors elected not to take any action during an emergency meeting Friday. Instead, local officials said they were urging residents to wear masks and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD 2020

Imperial officials were set to meet with the governor’s office on Saturday to address the problem. Newsom’s recommendation prompted the bishop of the Diocese of San Diego to suspend plans to resume services in Imperial county. The original plan called for short outdoor Mass services. “I thank our priests, church personnel and volunteers who had prepared for weeks to welcome our brothers and sisters back to Mass, but the community’s and our parishioners’ safety comes first,” Bishop Robert W. McElroy said in a statement. The county of 175,000 people lies across the border from Mexicali, a sprawling industrial city of 1 million people that has enormous influence on its economy and culture. Some hospital officials in the county, which provides many of the vegetables in U.S. supermarkets in the winter, have said the increase in cases was at least partly driven by American citizens who live on the Mexico side in a region where cross-border travel and living is common.

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Next week Sunday School VINDICATING WISDOM

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION

ministry CORNER THE INNER LIFE OF THE LEADER The Babylonians were a brutal people. Their code of morality and justice was strange and foreign to the captive Hebrews. Killing a human being to them was no different from swatting a fly. Yet there were the Hebrews, terrorstricken slaves in that cruel land, confronted by rules, regulations, and demands that were contrary to everything they had been taught from their youth. They were up against what appeared to be insurmountable odds; yet one of their number would rise to a position of power and authority—in an empire filled with violence, superstition, and the worship of false gods. During the years of his captivity, this man would be called upon by pagan kings to serve in the highest appointive office in the land. The most remarkable thing of all is that he was a man of unbending principle who worshipped the living and true God. We can learn much by looking at the inner life of this remarkable leader. Daniel was only a youth when

King Nebuchadnezzar chose him for a special assignment. He was one of a small group to whom the king said to teach “the language and literature of the Babylonians” (Dan. 1:4). He and his three companions were part of an elite band with very special qualifications: “Young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well-informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace” (v. 4). Stated in contemporary language, they were physically fit, socially desirable, practically intelligent, intellectually sharp, educationally equipped, and diplomatically capable. Any dean of admissions of any college or university would look at this list of qualifications and welcome such youths to the student body. Corporations would drool at the prospect of getting young men like these in their employ. But here’s an interesting thing: God raised up only one of them to the place of greatest spiritual leadership. Why? Because of certain basic qualities in the inner life of this man. Let us examine three of the most important. PURITY

LIFE

A primar y characteristic exhibited by Daniel was purity of life. “But Daniel resolved not

to defile himself ” (Dan. 1:8). It is interesting to note that one of the first things God did at the dawn of creation was to divide the light from the darkness. That act symbolizes a great spiritual truth: You’re either on one side or the other—there’s no room for fence straddling. In hell there is no light, and in heaven there is no darkness. We who have given our lives to Christ, having experienced His love and forgiveness, will one day live with Him in heaven; we will enter His mansions and bask in His presence. In preparation for that great day, we ought to get used to walking in the light while on this earth. The apostle Paul continued this theme: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God” (2 Cor. 6:14–16). Paul used the five questions just quoted to draw a line of demarcation between God and the opposition. On one side he gathered righteousness, light, Christ, faith, and the house of God. On the other he listed lawlessness, darkness, Satan, unbelief, and false

worship. He stated that you cannot mix these two lists. You must choose to live on one side or the other. This is an obvious truth; yet many of us attempt to compromise with sin. Leaders must set an example in their own behavior that matches the standard of Scripture: “The overseer must be above reproach” (1 Tim. 3:2). The Lord takes note of the inner life of the leader, and it has always been so. When God had rejected King Saul and was choosing his successor, He said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). You and I tend to evaluate people by superficial standards: only what we see. God looks inside. A few years ago a violent windstorm hit our city. It blew out plate-glass windows in the downtown stores and banks. Herb Lockyer, the man who had taught our Sunday school class for many years, and his wife, Ardis, were driving home when she saw something that caused her heart to sink. The wind had uprooted one of the most beautiful trees in town. She called it to Herb’s attention and then exclaimed, “Look, Herb! That tree is rotten on the inside.” It was true. This tree that had been admired

for its grandeur and beauty was completely eaten out on the inside. And because it was rotten within, there came a day when it faced a wind it could not withstand. It toppled, and people who had appreciated its huge branches and beautiful leaves learned the truth. In spite of the fact that outwardly it was a thing of beauty, inwardly it was rotten. So it can be with our lives. If the Christian leader tries to put on an outward show with no inward fortification of purity and holiness before God, one day a test will reveal his or her true nature and character. Thus, the leader must live a pure life. Paul shared with Timothy another reason for moral purity. “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. (2 Tim. 2:19–21) This passage points out a truth that is obvious in our homes. Various receptacles have various uses. In my home we have one container for garbage and another used as a salad bowl. And

Department of Workforce Development and Community Education 1700 Spartan Drive Building K Room 100.11 Elgin Il 60120 (847) 214-7123 847.214.6993 | * kquist@elgin.edu

Creating a Healthy Home and Habits

Sept 15, 6:30-7:30 PM $49 Home safety and good habits are important for everyone, but special care should be given to the home with an Alzheimer’s patient present. This course will describe how to evaluate your home and habits focusing on physical as well as mental considerations for both you and your loved one.

Legal Considerations for the Senior and their Caregiver

Sept 22 6:30-7:30 PM $49 In the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease, a senior and their family may be in denial, chalking up memory lapses and personality changes to “just getting older.” However, we shouldn’t bury our heads in the sand. The earlier that Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed, the more time the person and family have to begin putting financial, legal and care planning in place. This course will focus on the importance of naming a healthcare representative, the details of guardianship as well as the different kinds of lawyers who can assist with legal matters.

Diagnosing Your Doctor Through Dialogue

Sept 29- Oct 13 6:30-7:30 PM $149 Doctors are one important agent through which scientific understanding is expressed, but medicine is more than the sum of our knowledge about disease. Medicine concerns the experiences, feelings, and interpretations of human beings in often extraordinary moments of fear, anxiety, and doubt. As patients, we should take more action in selecting a doctor. This course will guide you through the process of researching the doctor, finding a good fit for you, and creating a partnership with your doctor. KARIN QUIST Department of Workforce Development and Continuing Ed 1700 Spartan Drive | Building K Room 100.11 | Elgin IL 60123 | 847.214.7123 | 847.214.6993 | kquist@elgin.edu

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION one faith fellowship “nuggets for the soul”

Familiar or Unfamiliar?

The reality of God is as familiar and intimate to us as we allow Him to be. Equally, He is as unfamiliar and distant from us as we demand Him to be. We know as much about Daddy- God as we desire to know, and we do not know Him

if we choose not to know Him. Our decision to either know Him up close and personal or as distant and foreign will dictate the activities of our daily life. If He is familiar to us and we desire intimacy with Him throughout the day, we will talk to Him, ask for His advice and for Him to please help us. We will share our “secrets”, dreams, and desires with Him. We will tell Him of our hurts and pains just as we would tell our best friend or close loved one. When we are familiar with Daddy God’s love for and interest in us, we will know He doesn’t mind us contacting Him several times a day as neither does our “Loved One” or “Best Friend” minds. We will know that we are not

bothering Him. When we are familiar with Him, Him interjecting His opinions in our matters will be welcomed. We will ask Him for His opinion and value it, even over our own preconceived opinion. It’s like taking your best friend shopping with you and as you try on various garments, you model them for your friend for their reaction. This will even impact how you feel about the garment and whether you purchase it or not. When we are familiar with Daddy-God desiring the best for our life, as we would to our best friend, we will confess our mess ups, disappointments, and actions that we have done and regret. When we are familiar with Him, we will be assured that even when He sees us in our worst of times, as a loving, intimate, best friend, that He will yet love us and not judge us. That He will help us and not criticize us. That His words will be constructive and not destructive. There will also be a level of respect that we will display

my wife doesn’t mix them up and change them around. The simple spiritual truth is that people can choose which kind of vessel they will be in the household of God. It is up to them to be vessels unto honor or dishonor. The criteria by which God decides whom He will use for His eternal purposes on

earth are spelled out at the end (v. 21): Those who purge themselves of dishonorable characteristics will be vessels unto honor. Some years ago my wife’s uncle Art gave her a lovely set of old crystal glasses. These occupy a place of honor in our household and are used only on very special occasions. Suppose you were visiting me and became

thirsty. I would take you to the kitchen and invite you to help yourself to a cool refreshing drink. As you opened the cupboard to get a glass, you would see that each of these fine crystal glasses was smeared and dirty. Right in front of you on the counter you’d see a plain old cup that was as clean as a whistle. Which one would you

dr. tonya lewis

nuggets cont.on page 10

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use? The answer is obvious. Well, you are no smarter than God. He is looking for a life that is clean and pure. Then that life will be “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Tim. 2:21 NKJV). Notice the word sanctified. Much disagreement exists among God’s people regarding that word, but

all will agree that one of its basic meanings is “to be set apart.” Let me illustrate. I have a friend who is a ranking officer in the Marine Corps. Wherever he is stationed, he is given a jeep for his personal use. This jeep is always available to him, and he knows where it is when he from the pulpit continued on PAGE 5

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Vindicating Wisdom Devotional Reading • Matthew 10:1–14 Bible Background • Matthew 11:1–19 WISDOM IN THE GOSPELS Unit 1: Wisdom in Proverbs LESSONS 5-8 Lesson Aims

1. Summarize Jesus’ description of John the Baptist.

july 05, 2020 Bible Study Guide

Focal verses: NIV Matthew 11:7–19 7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

10 This is the one about whom it is written:“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear. 16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17 “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

Introduction A. Love It or Hate It Beauty is in the eye of the beholder … or the tongue of the taster or ear of the listener. We all make distinctions between what is good and what is bad, and sometimes these opinions are no more than personal taste. In the end, they don’t really matter. How you decorate your home (or choose not to) is a matter of preference, one that can lead to conflict with others in the house who disagree. But there is no real right or wrong. When preparing dinner, you may not have strong feelings about carrots, but you probably do about brussels sprouts and beets—if you even eat them! Some music blends into the background, while other songs you turn up and sing along to—or maybe turn off to stop the assault on your ears. The same may be true of movies or TV shows: most are average, neither great nor horrible. But others divide us between fans and critics. Today’s text explores the seemingly vast gulf between John the Baptist and Jesus Christ—and the variety of opinions surrounding them. Many loved them; many hated them. Yet loving or hating these two is very different from loving or hating carpeting or cushions, music or movies. Choosing to hate these two, even in their differences, is choosing to hate God’s wisdom. B. Lesson Context

The Gospel of Matthew is one of four books in the New Testament that tell the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Through Jesus, God was restoring his rule over his world, setting right what human rebellion had made wrong. Matthew put special focus on the surprising way in which God fulfilled his promises to Israel in Jesus. For instance, we might expect God’s true king to be warmly received. But in fact, Jesus met with hostility from his infancy (examples: Matthew 2:13; 21:45, 46; 27:20). Jesus warned his followers that they would meet with similar opposition (10:14–25, 34–36). The same hostility is seen in the arrest and death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1–12), which foreshadowed Jesus’ own crucifixion (26:1–5, 14–16; 27:32–44). Yet this very climax of the hostility against God’s wisdom was the means by which God fulfilled his wisdom, for Jesus died not merely as an innocent victim but as the willing and worthy sacrifice for the sins of humanity (20:28; 26:28). God’s victory came through rejection, death, and resurrection. Nothing could have been more contrary to expectations. In an episode preceding our text, the (to human thinking) upside-down wisdom of God proved confusing even to John the Baptist, the prophet who announced the nearness

2. Explain why the generation that Jesus criticized displayed a lack of wisdom in its evaluation of both him and John the Baptist. 3. Make a plan for change in the area where he or she most needs to improve in the exercise of godly wisdom. Key Verse: The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” But wisdom is proved right by her deeds. —Matthew 11:19

of God’s reign and the coming of his true king (Matthew 3:1–3, 11, 12). John had clearly identified Jesus as that promised king and had witnessed God’s affirmation of Jesus as beloved Son (Matthew 3:13–17). John had been imprisoned for his declaration that Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, was wrong to have taken his brother’s wife as his own (11:2a; 14:3, 4). John became distressed and sent messengers to ask Jesus whether he was indeed the promised king, as John had previously proclaimed (11:2b, 3). John’s question expressed either doubt or impatience as he languished in prison. Jesus’ response affirmed that he was indeed the promised coming one (Matthew 11:4, 5). But what did that imply about John? Had his impatience or doubt demonstrated him to be a failure as God’s prophet? I. John the Baptist (Matthew 11:7–15) A. A Reed, a Royal (vv. 7, 8) 7. As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Concurrent with the departure of John the Baptist’s disciples (see Lesson Context), Jesus speaks to the crowd regarding their attitude toward John. This large group likely includes those who already consider themselves students of Jesus, others who are merely curious about his power and teachings, and still others who are skeptical or even hostile. Jesus’ rhetorical questioning expects his audience to scoff at the idea that John has been timid. Certainly he is no easily shaken reed, bowing over in whatever wind came along. John boldly told the prominent and self-satisfied that they have no standing with God unless they repent (Matthew 3:7–10). 8. “If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Being made entirely by hand, clothes in the ancient world were expensive. Ordinary people owned few garments, and those few were made of scratchy, uncomfortable fibers. Softer fabrics were too expensive for any but the wealthiest.

John’s characteristic garb is made of camel’s hair and is bound with a leather belt (Matthew 3:4). This perhaps imitates Elijah, the prophet who boldly confronted Israel’s wicked King Ahab (2 Kings 1:1–8). John’s clothes are anything but fine! The contrast in clothing with that of people who live in kings’ palaces points to a difference in lifestyle. John is a bold spokesman for God; are people able to look past his attire and see that? Individuals with a worldly agenda may try to get what they want by flattery (example: Acts 12:19b–22), but that won’t work with John the Baptist! His attire suggests that he has nothing and wants nothing of earthly value. What Do You Think? What distinctive thing could you do this week to demonstrate a faithfulness to God when it would conflict with cultural expectations? Digging Deeper Contrasting Matthew 15:12–14 with 17:27, how do you gauge when the offense caused by going against cultural expectations will do more harm than good? Judging Appearances Have you ever found yourself in front of a fruit stand, searching for the shiniest apple or the largest orange with the brightest color? You finally choose one, the best you can find, only to get home and discover it is no good on the inside. It is either not quite ripe, or it has decayed inside and is no longer fit for consumption. Another, less beautiful fruit might have been the better choice after all. Jesus asks in Matthew 11:7, 8, “What did you go … to see?” He tells us that men in fine clothing are to be found in kings’ palaces, not in wilderness areas. Only earnest seekers would be able to look past John the Baptist’s rough clothing to the truth he taught. His garments weren’t sewn with gold stitching and his grooming was not up to par, but his message was! When you hear the gospel preached, what matters more: the outward appearance of the messenger or the quality of the message itself? —P. M. B. A Prophet, a Messenger (vv. 9–15)

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COLUMNS sunday school continued from page 6 9a. “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Having exposed as absurd the fictitious reasons for seeking out John, Jesus begins to offer the real one. People went to the wilderness to hear John the Baptist because they believed him to be God’s prophet (Matthew 14:5; 21:26; Luke 1:67, 76), someone empowered to speak for God. Often we associate the work of prophets with predicting the future. Certainly the biblical prophets did speak about the future (example: Isaiah 9:1–7). But their primary work was not prediction but proclamation (example: 1:10– 15). The prophets were God’s spokesmen in their own day and time, declaring to their own generations what God was doing or was about to do (example: 2 Kings 19:5–7). Prophecies of all kinds were concerned with various aspects of God’s promises. Having been taken captive by hostile nations, the Israelites heard the prophets promise that God would free them from captivity and return them to their homeland (examples: Isaiah 44:26; Jeremiah 16:15; Zechariah 10:6). This deliverance was to be so exceptional that it would demonstrate to the nations that Israel’s God was and is the only true God (example: Isaiah 2:1–5). Because this promised act of God so closely resembled his deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, the prophets could speak of it in similar terms (example: Isaiah 4:2– 6). God had visited his people in their distress in Egypt, defeating the rulers of Egypt and bringing his people into the promised land (Exodus 15; Joshua 1); he would do so again (Deuteronomy 30:1– 10). 9b, 10. “Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Jesus can affirm that John is more than a prophet because his appearance on the scene fulfills the promise of Malachi 3:1. God himself is the one who sends his messenger ahead of Jesus. Jesus has declared that he is the one about whom John spoke (Matthew 3:11). If John’s role is to prepare the way for the Lord, and if John has indeed prepared the way for Jesus, then logically it

from the pulpit continued from PAGE 3 needs it. Woe to any young second lieutenant who would take that jeep for his own purposes. That jeep is sanctified. It belongs to the major and is for his use alone. The leader whose life is set apart for the Lord has a powerful impact

follows that Jesus is the Lord, living among his people. John’s announcement of the nearness of God’s kingdom and the coming of God’s true king is the announcement that the Messiah’s reign is about to begin (Matthew 3:1, 2; John 3:27–30). Other prophets had articulated this promise (example: Zechariah 9:9, 10). To John the Baptist has fallen the duty to proclaim that it was about to be fulfilled (Mark 1:2–4).

11. “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. In using the word truly, Jesus introduces this proclamation with an expression that affirms his trustworthiness (Matthew 5:18; 6:2, 5, 16; 8:10). But the declaration itself is very difficult for his audience to understand because it seems self-contradictory: first, Jesus says that John the Baptist is “more than a prophet” (see 11:9b, above), which places him among the greatest people in history. How then can someone who is least in the kingdom of heaven be greater than he? Jesus is challenging his audience to rethink their understanding of the kingdom of Heaven (compare Matthew 5:3, 10, 19, 20; etc.). Jesus’ contemporaries believe that the kingdom God will establish is to be a political continuation of David’s throne (example: Acts 1:6). This interpretation means that Judah and Israel are to be restored as a united kingdom in political power, not subject to Rome or anyone else. But God’s intentions are much broader than that: his kingdom is his promised reign over the world (Philippians 2:10, 11), his restoration of wholeness to the world that currently suffers under the curse and brokenness of sin. It is the full realization of God’s promises to all people. J e s u s s p o ke o f G o d ’s

kingdom in terms of three time frames: near, here, and yet to come. Like John the Baptist, Jesus speaks of God’s reign as “near” (Luke 21:31). But as Jesus heals and drives out demons, he is more likely to be speaking of God’s kingdom as already present (example: Matthew 12:26–28). And as he speaks of what his followers come to understand as his return, he speaks of the kingdom as a future reality (7:21–23). From the perspective of the kingdom as either near or future, Jesus can speak of John as less than the least in God’s kingdom. John is the herald of God’s kingdom, first announcing its nearness. But he is not yet a subject of that kingdom in terms of its future reality, for it has not yet arrived in that sense. God has done great things through John, but God will do greater things through and for the subjects of God’s kingdom by way of Jesus’ death and resurrection (John 14:12). 12. “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. Jesus follows one challenging saying with another that is even more challenging. The idea that God’s kingdom can suffer violence seems absurd. How could the rule of the Almighty be challenged by anyone? Jesus seems to refer to the world’s treatment of citizens of God’s kingdom. One example is how Herod Antipas has imprisoned John the Baptist for speaking out against Herod’s sin (Matthew 11:2; 14:3, 4). Herod later will have John killed (14:9, 10). Jesus himself will eventually be arrested and crucified (26:50–56; 27:32–50). Looking further into the future, Jesus has already spoken of the opposition that his followers will face (10:16–31). God’s kingdom is great, but until it comes in its fullness, God’s people experience great hardships. God’s kingdom enters the world in Jesus, but the fullness of God’s reign, including the complete defeat of evil, awaits Jesus’ return. Until then, Jesus’ followers experience the blessing and power of God’s reign in the midst of a world that opposes them and the king they serve. It is not an “all at once” kingdom. It is an “already but not yet” kingdom. 13. “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

The Prophets and the Law is an expression referring to Israel’s Scriptures that Christians call the Old Testament. Jesus says that John’s work was the climax of the message of those books. Jesus speaks of the Old Testament in its entirety— the stories of the patriarchs and the nation of Israel, the laws, the teachings of the prophets—as coming together as a message of promise. They announced this promise until John, who was directed by God to announce the soon-to-be fulfillment of the promise. 14. “And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Underlining this point, Jesus identifies John as Elijah. That prophet had confronted the evil leaders of his day with the reality of God’s powerful authority (example: 1 Kings 18:16–40). Generations later, the prophet Malachi promised that one like Elijah would appear as the forerunner of God’s promised rule (Malachi 4:5, 6). John is this promised prophet like Elijah, the one who announces the fulfillment of God’s long-awaited promises. 15. “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Jesus sometimes ends a discourse with this word of warning and encouragement (Matthew 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35). The saying encourages hearers to think carefully about what they have heard and to respond appropriately to the challenge it poses (contrast Mark 4:12).

on the world around him or her. God has promised to show Himself to others through that leader: “‘I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am

the LORD,’ declares the Sovereign LORD, ‘when I show myself holy through you before their eyes’” (Ezek. 36:23). Often leaders are asked by their people for specifics in determining what is right and what is wrong. They want to lead pure lives but are honestly unsure

of some issues. The Bible deals not only in specifics but also in eternal principles. The Lord has used four of these in my own life. Shortly after I came to know Christ, I realized that certain habits and practices in my life needed to go.

What Do You Think? What’s the most important thing you can do this week to prepare for the gospel message to be received favorably in your circle of influence? Digging Deeper Considering 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, in what way(s) might your response differ from that of other Christians?

What Do You Think? What can you do to ensure that you do not become hard of hearing in a spiritual sense? Digging Deeper What would you say are the number 1, 2, and 3 causes of spiritual deafness? II. This Generation (Matthew 11:16–19) A. Like Children (vv. 16, 17) 16. “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: The phrase this generation and expressions like it appear often in Jesus’ teaching. He uses the phrase to focus on those who reject his message despite their having witnessed his mighty acts of power (Matthew 12:39–45; 17:17). T h o u g h J e s u s ’ c o n t e m p o ra r i e s m ay n o t realize it, their refusal to trust God parallels the same

from the pulpit continued ON PAGE 11

attitude of their ancestors during the exodus. That refusal resulted in wandering in the wilderness until the generation died off (Numbers 26:62–65; 32:13). 17. “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ Certain children in the marketplace call out to each other to express frustration that the other children will not respond to their playful activities. They have played a dance tune on their flutes, but the other children did not dance. So the children began to wail as at a funeral, but the other children still did not join in. Regardless of the situation, the other children never offer the expected response. The idea seems to be that the generation Jesus is criticizing wants him to dance to their tune. But that doesn’t happen. What Do You Think? What will motivate you to conquer stubbornness with trust? Digging Deeper In what situations have you seen people refusing to trust because of stubbornness? What do you learn from this? Play Ball! When I was young, summer days were full of outdoor sports. Sometimes we played until the streetlights came on, and then a few minutes more, testing the very limits of our parents’ patience. But sometimes those games ended quickly. A kid on the losing team would yell, “I’ll take my ball and go home!” When the sore loser was the only one with a ball—game over. I’ve seen that same behavior manifested in adults, including Christians. People fight to have their way, stomping their feet; they storm out whenever the minister doesn’t give them what they want. Instead of acting appropriately, they ignore everything but their own desires. Children want their way and pout when it doesn’t happen. Adults who act like this do not have ears to hear God. We become as children who can’t see beyond their own wants. As adults, which describes us: those who look to God’s desires or those who expect him to meet ours? —P. M. B. Like Fools (vv. 18, 19) 18. “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The two actions of the children in the marketplace suggest the contrast that Jesus now makes. John the Baptist lived under the vow of the Nazirite, refusing wine (Numbers 6:4; Luke 1:15) and adopting a diet symbolic of a great crisis (Matthew 3:4), refusing ordinary food. Jesus

sunday school continued on page10

• JULY 05, 2020 - PAGE

raise the praise in your teaching ministry EVENING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH

HOLY CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

211 West 59th Street Los Angeles, CA 90003

Phone: (323) 231-2391 Keith B. Williams Senior Pastor

Website: www.ESMBC.ORG

Early Morning Service ................................7:30 & 8:30 A.M. Sunday School ......................................................8:45 A.M. Morning Worship ................................................ 10:00 A.M. Spanish Ministry ................................................... 6:00 P.M. Prayer & Bible Study .....(Wed.) ..... 12:00 Noon / 7:00 P.M.

FIRST ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 8725 South Central Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90002 Phone: (323) 589-2551 REV. GERALD BURGESS SR., PASTOR “KINGDOM BUILDING MINISTRIES” Early Morning Worship ....................................... 8:00 A.M. Sunday School.................................................... 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship................................................ 11:00 A.M. Mid-Week Prayer ................(Wed) ......................6:30 P.M. Bible Study .........................(Wed.) ......................7:00 P.M.

REV. DR. GEORGE THOMAS, PASTOR 1016 East Rosecrans Avenue Compton, CA 90220 / Phone: (310) 537-3149 Early Morning Worship ................................. 7:30 - 9:30 A.M. Sunday School ....................... 9:30 - 9:45 A.M. & 10:15 A.M. New Member’s Class (Sunday) .............................. 9:45 A.M. Mid-Morning Worship ............................................ 11:15 A.M. Holy Communion (1st Sun.) ........................ 7:30 & 1:15 A.M. Broadcast (KALI 900 AM - SUN.) ................. 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. Mdwk. Prayer & Bible Study (Wed.) ...... 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

JUDSON BAPTIST CHURCH 451 East 223rd Street Carson, CA 90745 Office (310) 834-2630 Fax (310) 513-0943 Web: judsonbc.net

Dr. Johnny V. Baylor, Pastor/Teacher Sunday Worship Service :.......................................... 9:30 AM Children’s Church Available: .(Except 5th ) ................ 9:30 AM Speak Life Youth Ministry: (2nd & 4th Sunday) :........ 12:30 PM & (5th Sunday) ........... 9:30 AM Bible Study: (Wed.) .............................................. 12:00 Noon Mid-Week Worship In The Word w/Dr. Baylor (Wed.) 7:00 PM

GREATER EBENEZER.B.C. 5300 S. Denker Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90062

NEW MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 402 E. El Segundo Blvd, L.A. Ca, 90061 CHURCH: 310-324-0644 FAX: (310) 769-1287

REV. SONJA DAWSON., Pastor REV. LONNIE DAWSON, SR., Founder (1962-2010) Sundays .................................................. 7:30 & 10:45 A.M. Sunday School ...................................................... 9:30 A.M. Bible Study Monday ......... except.1st Monday ........... 5:00 & 7:00 P.M. Wednesdays .........................................................12 Noon Prayer Meeting .............1st Monday .......................7:00 P.M.

“PRAISE CITY” PRAISES OF ZION B.C. 8222 So. San Pedro St. L.A., CA 90003 Office: (323) 750-1033 Fax: (323) 758-6030

Website: www.wordonnet.com/hardwick

DR. J. BENJAMIN HARDWICK, SR. PASTOR Sunday Broadcast (KJLH 102.3) ……………..…….. 5:30am Sunday Worship Services …...… 6:45am, 10:45am, 5:00pm Sunday School (Educational Hour) …....……………. 9:30am Mid-Week Bible Study (Wednesday) …….…….…… 7:00pm

VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES 4802 South McKinley Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90011

Phone: (323) 759-4996 Website www.gembcla.org

PHONE: (323) 231-2424 DR. W. E. JENKINS Pastor

REV. DENON PORTER, Pastor REV., DR. SOLOMON DRAKE, Pastor Emeritus Sunday Worship Services ................. 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Live Streaming @gembcla.org Live Broadcast KALI 900 am .................................11:00 a.m. Sunday School ....................................................... 9:30 a.m. Mid-Week Bible Study ... (Tues) 7:00 p.m. & Wed. 7:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting (Wed) ...................... 12:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship ........................................... 9:00 A.M. Sunday School ............................................ 10:45 A.M. Children’s Church (1st Sun.) ....................... 10:00 A.M. Mdwk. Prayer (Wed.) ............................. 12 & 7:00 P.M.

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Is looking for a few good MEN & WOMEN call today 323 418-9161 RAISE THE PRAISE MINISTRY CONNECTION • $90.00 PER MONTH SINGLE SPACE B/W• 50 PAPERS PER WEEK • DISCOUNTED DISPLAY ADS • ONE EDITORIAL PER WEEK • WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITOR WITH SAME DISTRIBUTION

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• JULY 05, 2020 - PAGE

raise the praise in your teaching ministry CITIZENS OF ZION M.B.C.

12930 South Lime Avenue, Compton, CA 90221 Phone: (310) 638-0536 Email- citizensofzionmbc@gmail.com

MT. ZION MISSIONARY B.C. 1300 EAST 50TH STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90011 PHONE: (323) 235-2103 REV. EDWARD V. HILL II, PASTOR

www. DR. B. T. NEWMAN SR. BOBBY T. NEWMAN JR. Pastor Emeritus Pastor citizensofzion.org SERVICE TIMES:

Concentration Period ………................……………….. 9:00 a.m. Sunday School ……………..........……………………… 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ………….............…………………… 10:45 a.m Wednesday Prayer ………..….............……. 9:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study …….............…… 10:00 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Intercessory Prayer ............................................ 9:15 A.M. Morning Worship..................................................9:30 A.M. Sunday School ................................................. 11:30 A.M. Prayer/Bible Study (Tues.) ................................... 7:45 P.M. Prayer (Wed.) ................................................ 12:00 NOON

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

MT. TABOR MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 6614 SOUTH WESTERN AVE., LOS ANGELES, CA 90047

2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., - Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 735-0044 Fax: (323) 735-0219 E-Mail: Trinitybaptistc@sbcglobal.net WebSite: Trinitybaptistchurchla.org

REV. ALVIN TUNSTILL, JR., PASTOR

Sunday Worship Service ......................... 7:30 & 10:30 A.M. Church School ....................................................... 9:00 A.M. Broadcast (KJLH) - 102.3) .................................. 9:00 A.M. Prayer & Bible Study (Wed.).............. 12:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.

BETHEL M.B.C. OF SOUTH L.A.

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

10905 S. Compt., Ave., L.A., CA 90059 Phone: (323) 566-5286/Fax: 566-3224 Email: rapope2014@aol.com REGINALD POPE, DP.TH., PASTOR

4901 S. Avalon Blvd. L.A. Ca 90011

Ph: (323) 232-0398 Fx: (323) 232-7183 Email; ebc4901@sbcglobal.net

DR. KENNETH E. LITTLE, PASTOR Intercessory Prayer.............. 8:30 A.M. Sunday School ..................... 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship..................11:00 A.M.

Worship ............ 8:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Sun. School & Bible Train. .... 9:30 A.M. Evangelism/Prayer (Mon.) ..... 7:00 P.M. Prayer/Bible (Wed.) 11:30 AM/6:30 P.M. Radio KALI 900 AM ..( Sun).. 7:30 A.M.

Night Service . (2d & 4th Sun.) 7:00 P.M. Mdwk. Prayer/Bible Study (Wed) .7:00 P.M.

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

FAITH COMMUNITY B.C.

8703 Cedar St.,Bellflower, CA 90706

6915 S. Broadway Ave Los Angeles, CA 90003-1846 Phone: (323) 751-3532 (323) 751-7331 REV. DeSHAY L. WARD, SR PASTOR Sunday School ..................... 9:45 A.M. Morning Worship ................ 11:15 A.M. Prayer & Praise.. (Tues)..... 12:00 P.M. Choir Rehearsal ..(Thurs)..... 4:00 P.M. Bible Class ...(Thurs)............ 7:15 P.M

Ph: (562) 452-4512 www.faithcbc.org https://www.facebook.com/faithcbc

PASTOR A.D. GARTLEY, PASTOR Sunday Worship..................8:30 A.M. Wednesday in the Word .........7:00 P.M.

GRACE TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH 7017 Gramercy Place, LA Ca Phone: (323) 971-8192

RODENY J. HOWARD, SR PASTOR/TEACHER Life Groupsl ............................8:30 A.M. Morning Worship ................... 9:30 A.M. Intercessory Prayer..(Wed.)..... 6:30 P.M. Wednesday Worship. (Wed).... 7:00 P.M.

“Family of Purpose” CHURCH Phone: (888) 294-5545 www.FOPLive.com

REV. FREDERICK E. HOWARD Senior Pastor/Teacher Editor/Publisher Sunday School ...................Sunday....................... 9:30 A.M. Worship Celebration...........Sunday..................... 10:45 A.M. Mdwk. Prayer ......................Wednesday................ 7:00 P.M. Choir Rehearsals................Thursday.....................7:00 P.M. LIVE BROADCAST * SUNDAY 11:00 AM FOPLive.com

BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH 1454 E. 100th St., L.A., CA 90062

www.BeulahBaptistLa.org

REV. TICEY BROWN PASTOR

CHRIST SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 Phone: (562) 599-3421 www.csbclb.org REV.WELTON PLEASANT II, PASTOR Sunday School ........................8:30 A.M. Morning Worship ................... 9:40 A.M. Midweek Prayer (Wed.) ........ 7:00 P.M.

10400 S. San Pedro Street, L.A. Calif. 90003

CHURCH: (323) 564-4983

PHONE: (323) 753-3189 PASTOR (323) 753-3180

Early Worship ....................................................... 8:00 A.M. Sunday School ..................................................... 9:40 A.M. Morning Worship ................................................. 11:00 A.M. Mid-Week Prayer Mtg. (Wed.) ............................... 7:00 P.M.

SOUTHSIDE BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

GREATER HOLY ST. JOHN, M.B.C.

5536 Morgan Ave. L.A., CA 90011 (323) 581-8488 email: ghsjchurch@sbcglobal.net ELDER J. L. SORRELLS, SR. Pastor/Teacher Sunday.School ............................. 9:30AM Morning Worship ……….........…. 11:00AM Wednesday Prayer/Bible Study … 7:00PM 4th. Saturday YSG Night ……...… 6:00PM

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

Sunday Morning Services ............ 10 a.m. Sunday School Members ......... 9:35 a.m. Bible study: Tues. 7 p.m. & Wed. 12 noon. Published EVERY Week & you get 50 Papers per week 1 Editorial Article per week

REV. ROBERT L. TAYLOR PASTOR

Sunday School .....................................................9:00 A.M. Morning Worship ............................................... 10:00 A.M. Bible Study (Wednesday) .................................... 7:00 P.M.

GREATER NEW LIGHT B.C.

1154 E. 92nd Street Los Angeles, Ca 90002 Ph: (323) 567-1993 Fx: (323) 567-1407 E-mail: info@GreaterNewLightBC.org DR. PATRICK D. ROSS, PASTOR Sunday Morning Prayer .......... 8:30 A.M. Christian Education Hour ........ 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship Service ....... 11:00 A.M. Prayer& Bible Study. (Wed) .... 7:00 P.M. Saturday Morning Prayer ........ 9:00 A.M.

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

GOSPEL MEMORIAL C.O.G.I.C.

1480 Atlantic Ave., L.B., CA 90813 Phone: (562) 599-7389 BISHOP JOE L. EALY, PASTOR Sunday School ..................... 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship ................ 11:00 A.M. Evening Worship ................... 6:30 P.M. Wednesday Night Prayer ..... 7:00 P.M. Pastoral Teaching (Wed) ...... 7:30 P.M.

GOSPEL MISSION BAPTIST CHURCH

7301 So. Avalon, L.A., CA 90003 Phone/Fax: (323) 759-8087 REV. RAYMOND A. DENNIS, PASTOR Sunday School ..................... 9:00 A.M. Morning Worship ............... 10:30 A.M. Mission Mtg. (Wed.) ........ 12:00 Noon Bible Study/Prayer Mtg. (W) 7:00 P.M.

• JULY 05, 2020 - PAGE

raise the praise ADVERTISEMENT YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

ST. JOHN M.B.C.

936 W. 49th Street Los Angeles, CA 90037 Phone (323) 752-0855 stjohnbc@att.net REV. JAMES A. BROOKS PASTOR Sunday School......................9:30 A.M. Morning Worship...................10:45 A.M. Prayer/Bible Study..... (Wed)....6:00 P.M.

GREATER MT. HERMON M.B.C.

2302 West 132nd St., L.A., CA 90059 Ph: 310-635-1958 FAX: 310-635-1938 REV. A.R. BILLINGLY Organizer/Builder REV. KENNETH A. HALL, PASTOR Sunday School ...................... 9:00 A.M. Morning Worship ................. 10:45 A.M. Evening Worship .................... 6:00 P.M. Mdwk. Prayer (Wed) 12 Noon/7:30 P.M.

PLEASANT VIEW M.B.C. 7524 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Ph: (323) 581-9900 Email Address: pvmbc54@yahoo.com REV. MICHAEL WHITE - PASTOR Sunday School ............9:15 - 10:30 A.M. Morning Worship Service ........11:00 A.M. Wednesday Night Prayer...........7:00 P.M. Wednesday Night Bible Study....7:30 P.M.

ROCK OF FAITH M.B.C.

5151 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90037 Off.: (323) 296-5840 / 751-2658 Rev. E.A. Taylor, Founder

REV. WILLIAM G. DAVIS, JR., PASTOR

Sunday School ..................... 9:05 A.M. Morning Worship ................ 10:15 A.M. Afternoon Worship ............... 3:30 P.M. Mdwk. Prayer (Wed.) ............ 7:00 P.M.

ST. REED BAPTIST CHURCH

656 East 79th Street - L.A., CA 90001 Ph: (323) 752-7807; Fx. (323) 758-8529 E-mail: StReed@sbcglobal.net REV. C.R. JONES, PASTOR Sunday School ..................... 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship ................. 11:00 A.M. Bible Study (Wed.) .............. 10:00 A.M. Prayer Service (Wed.) .......... 6:30 P.M. B.T.U. ..................................... 5:30 P.M. Teacher’s Mtg. (Thurs.) ......... 5:30 P.M.

TRAVELER’S REST M.B.C. 1417 East Florence Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90001

Phone: (323) 582-7797 Fax: (323) 582-1191

E-mail: travelersrest@sbcglobal.net REV. SIDNEY O. SMITH, PASTOR

Morning Worship .......8:00 & 11:00 A.M. Sunday School ...................... 9:30 A.M. Prayer Meeting ... (Wed) ....... 6:40 P.M. Bible Study ...... (Wed) .......... 7:20 P.M.

TRUE FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY B.C. 7901 South Van Ness Avenue Inglewood, CA 90305 Ph: (323) 750-7304 Fx. (323) 565-2894 REV. JAMES A. PERKINS, PASTOR Morning Worship ..... 8:00 A.M./10:45 A.M. Bible Adventure Hour ............... 9:30 A.M. Prayer & Praise/Bible Study (Tues.) 7:P.M. Prayer & Praise/Bible Study (Thur.) 12 Noon

GREATER MT. SINAI M.B.C. #2

“A Church Bible-Based, ChristCentered & Spirit Led” 12317 S. Wilmington Ave. Compt., CA 90222 Phone: (310) 631-0261 REV. KALVIN E. CRESSEL, SR., PASTOR/TEACHER Bible Institue (Sun.) ............. 9:15 A.M. Morning Worship ............... 10:45 A.M. Mission (Tues.) ................. 10:30 A.M. Teachers Mtg. (Tues.) ......... 6:30 P.M. Bible Study/Discipleship (Wed)7:00 P.M.

MOUNT ISRAEL M.B.C.

230 W. 103rd Street, L.A., CA 90003 (323) 757-3090; Fx: (310) 532-8498 Email; jessiewalker@ca.rr.com DR. JESSE L. WALKER, PASTOR Sunday School ........................ 9:30 A.M. Sunday Morning Worship ..... 11:00 A.M. Midwk. Worship Serv/Prayer Mtg 7:P.M. B.T.U. (Sunday)......................10:15 A.M. Choir Rehearsal (Friday.) ...... 7:00 P.M.

NEW PROVIDENCE M.B.C.

10200 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90044 Phone: (323) 754-3779 Rev. Q.E. McKinney, Pastor Early Morning Service .......... 8:15 A.M. Sunday School ..................... 9:30 A.M. Regular Morning Service .....11:00 A.M. Prayer Call (Tues) ................ 5:30 P.M. Bible Study (Wed) ............ 12:00 Noon

THE LIBERTY CHURCH 14725 South Gramercy Place Gardena, CA 90249 CHURCH: (310) 715-8400 Email Address: libertytabmin@sbcglobal.net DAVID CROSS - PASTOR/TEACHER Worship Services ........9:00 & 11:00 A.M. Word Power/Bible Study (Wed.) 7:00 P.M. “I Care Ministry” (Sat.) ................ (TBA)

UNION MISSIONARY B.C.

1812 E. 110th St. - L.A., CA 90059 Phone: (323) 566-5315 REV. ADELL MCDANIEL, PASTOR Sunday School ...................... 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship ................. 11:00 A.M. Prayer Mtg./Bible Study (Tue.) 5:00 P.M. UBU Club (Ages 13-19) 4th Wed. 6: P.M.

VILLAGE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

1521 East 111th St., L.A., CA 90059 Los Angeles, CA 90061-0218 Phone: (323) 566-5303 villagembc@gmail.com www.villagewatts.faithlifesites.com REV. W. CHARLES HARRIS, II, PASTOR Sunday School ....................... 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship .................. 11:00 A.M. Prayer Meeting (Wed.) ............ 6:30 P.M. Bible Study (Wed.) .................. 7:00 P.M.

ONE FAITH FELLOWSHIP P.O. BOX 56641, LA, CA 90056 E-MAIL: OneFaith2007@aol.com www.onefaithfellowship.org Phone: (323) 481-6724 Dr. Tonya Lewis, Founder/President

1st Saturday - Fellowships Celebration of Youths - March Celebration of Adults - August

PARK WINDSOR BAPTIST CHURCH Park Windsor B.C. is a Church of “Inclusion, Not Exclusion” 1842 W. 108th Street, L.A. Ca 90047 Phone: (323) 756-3966 F: (323) 756-3969

REV. TERRELL TAYLOR - PASTOR

Morning Worship Service ..8:00 & .11:00 A.M. Sunday School ...........................9:30 AM Noon Bible Study...Wed............... 12:00 PM Prayer Meeting/Bible Study Wed... 7:00 PM

NEW HOPE B.C. LONG BEACH

1160 New York St. Long Beach, CA 90813 Ph (562) 599-3509; Fx (562) 591-7314 REV. COLEMAN L HART, PASTOR Sunday School ........................ 8:45 A.M. Morning Worship ................... 10:30 A.M. Sun. Discipleship Training ..... 5:00 P.M. Mon. Night Men’s Bible Study .. 7:00 P.M. Tuesday (Mission) WMU ......... 6:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth Family Night 6:00 P.M. Wed. Night (Mid-Week) Prayer 7:00 P.M. PILGRIM’S HOPE BIBLE CHURCH 7016 S. Compton Ave, L.A. Ca 90001 Phone: (323) 581-7672 Fx: (323) 581-6466 Email: phbc7016@att.net

Dr. T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor CESOM ..................................... 9:00 A.M. Morning Worship ......................10:30 A.M. Pastoral Bible Institute ...WED....7:00 P.M.

TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH 4155 McKinley Ave., L.A., CA 90011 PH: (323) 233-3289; FX: (323) 233-9356 E-Mail: Tabernacle_bc@yahoo.com PASTOR LESTER MOSLEY 8:00 A.M. ........ Early Morning Worship (1st, 3rd, & 5th Sunday) 9:30 A.M. ....... Sunday Church School 11:00 A.M. ................ Worship Service 7:30 P.M. (Wed.) Mid-Week BibleStudy & Prayer Service

TABERNACLE OF FAITH B.C.

11328 S. Central Ave., L.A., CA 90059 Phone: (323) 569-4162 Website: gotothetab.org Email: thetab@gotothetab.org

REV. JOHN D LONG, PASTOR Sunday School .................... 9:00 A.M. Morning Worship ................ 11:00 A.M. Bible Study (Thurs) .............. 7:00 P.M. School of Prayer (Wed.) ...... 11:00 A.M.

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

• JULY 05, 2020 - PAGE

#10

INTERVIEW columns sunday school continuedf rom page 5 describes those who reject John’s message as justifying their refusal by claiming that his strange actions indicate that he is possessed by a demon. Like the children just noted, John refuses to dance to their tune. 19. “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

Jesus, by contrast, is known to attend banquets given by those on the margins of society (example: Matthew 9:9, 10). Tax collectors work for Rome and are regarded by fellow Jews as having forfeited their standing in God’s people. Sinners are notorious in their communities for violating God’s law. In contrast to John, Jesus is called a glutton and a drunkard for his association with such people at meals. Jesus, of course, has an

explanation: he has come to save just such people (9:12, 13).

lips of how good He is to us. Just how truly blessed we are from the relationship. We will quickly and willingly speak of our love for Him and His love for us. We will “joyfully” talk about the special times that we have shared together. We will tell of the times when we have laughed together and the times of staying up all night enjoying each other’s company. When we are familiar with Him, we know that He can be trusted

even with our very lives as well as the lives of our children and grandchildren whom we greatly value. When we are familiar with Daddy-God, we know we have someone in our corner, our “ride and “live” Friend. We will know that He will defend us, love us, and be true to His great commitment of friendship to us. When we are familiar with Him, we know that He will stand with us even when it seems like the

What Do You Think? How can you better equip yourself to refute the error in logic that Jesus is pointing out? Digging Deeper In what circumstances, if any, should you react as Paul did in Acts 18:6 when the message you bring is rejected? Why? For those unwilling to heed

God’s wisdom, no messenger is good enough. Note the wrong-headed criticisms: John is too strict with himself and thus has a demon; Jesus is too indulgent. But God is at work in both, bringing his promises to fulfillment. The people of wisdom, those who responded to John and Jesus in faith, will prove the truth of what those two proclaim. Conclusion A. Paradox of God’s

Kingdom If we think that the wisdom of God is bound to meet with universal acceptance, the New Testament tells us otherwise. The gospel has always been sharply divisive. Jesus inspired joyous faith from many but received powerful, even violent, opposition from others. God’s wisdom appeals to some people as it addresses

entire world is against us. He will wipe our tears and our snotty nose. He will allow us a moment to wallow in the humanness of pity parties, for He understands human reactions to feelings of pain. However, it will not be long before as a caring friend, He will burst into our dark and seemingly hopeless room and demand us to get up from wallowing in our self-pity. He will open up the blinds letting

the sun that represents his SON shine through to motivate and inspire us to get up from wallowing to walking. Not just walking any kind of way, but “strutting our stuff ” because we know we have “Friends” in high places. We will walk as being delivered and not as being defeated. Equally so, when God is foreign to us, we treat Him as a stranger. One who we must be

sunday school continuedf on page 11

nuggets cont. from page 10

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And Church Frederick Howard

sunday school .. continued ON page 11

7 6 A P V

rtp word puzzle

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rtp last week answer key

in the relationship, being careful not to cross any lines of disrespect that will diminish the level of our relationship. We are protective of our relationship with Him. As we are thoughtful and considerate toward our best friend, so will we be thoughtful toward our loving and faithful God. We will consider how our words and actions make Him feel. When He is familiar to us, we will always have a witness of testimony on our

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COLUMNS want ads vacancies announments EVENTS MUSICIAN WANTED | The True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is looking for a Minister of Music. Candidates who are knowledgeable and skilled in piano, organ, Gospel music, and have a heart to serve God , please email your resume with two references to carolynjlez9wis @gmail.com or, mail to: 7901 S. Van Ness Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90305, Attn: Carolyn J. Lewis. nuggets cont. from page 10

on guard against. One we must protect ourselves from and not allow Him to know too much about us. He will not be One whom we seek out and trust His advice. We will not even care what He thinks. When He is unfamiliar and foreign to us, we will not call on Him, for why should we when we are not familiar with His true feelings of us? When He is unfamiliar to us, we will treat Him as someone who does not care

about us. In our calculation, we have nothing to lose from not cultivating a strong relationship with Him, for we have not gained in the first place. We will conclude that it won’t matter if we never encounter Him again because He is just a stranger to us. We will not speak of Him to others because He really doesn’t matter to us. We need to do our self a big favor and become familiar and intimate with the great God who willingly reveals Himself to us through His Word, creation, our experiences, etc. The One who loves us immensely! For this is what He desires to be our experience. He desires to share Himself with us. He desires to showcase His

323-210-3658 love for and to us! He desires to lavish us with the awesomeness of who He is. He desires to prove just how much we matter to Him. So, let’s make the choice to open our hearts and search for Him as we would for silver and gold. Yes Lord, we desire to be personal and intimate with You. Thank you for extending the invitation to reveal Yourself to us! Contact Info: onefaith2007@aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, LA, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship.org. (323) 481-6724

sunday school continuedf from page10 their deepest needs. But it repels others as it challenges their self-rule. Fo r t h o s e e x p e c t i n g a kingdom to come with military and political power, Jesus seemed the opposite of God’s true king. For those who expected God to bring an immediate end to injustice and suffering, Jesus’ idea of God’s kingdom seemed absurd. But for those with

ears to hear and eyes to see, Jesus brings the fulfillment of every divine promise and the answer to every human need. That he was rejected comes as no surprise to us, for God’s messengers have always been rejected by many. Visual for Lesson 5. When considering verses 18 and 19, point to this visual and ask how its caption applies to different ministry approaches.

How do you deal with the tension of God’s kingdom, which is both “now” and “yet to be”? Circumstances can prove discouraging at times, but trusting that Christ reigns now and will reign fully in the future can provide strength and encouragement to meet even the biggest challenges. Those included even the challenge of Herod’s prison for John and the challenge of the cross

for Jesus. In the strength we have in Christ, we witness the vindication of God’s wisdom. B. Prayer Father, as we rely on your power in good times and bad, teach us to trust your wisdom. May we not be so self-centered that we fail to hear your wisdom—wisdom that corrects wrong ideas and expectations. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember What seems like foolishness to humans is sometimes the wisdom of God. Weatherly, J., Miller, P. L., Wadman, L., & Sanders, E. (2020). Vindicating Wisdom. In R. L. Nickelson, J. A. Kenney, M. K. Williams, & J. Gerke (Eds.), The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019–2020 (Vol. 26, pp. 377– 383). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing.

I knew they were wrong and did not honor the Lord. Some other things were not so clear. Were they wrong, or weren’t they? The Bible was specific about swearing, stealing, and lying, but what about those doubtful things concerning which the Bible gives no clear word? Shortly after I began to wonder about this, the Lord gave me three verses of Scripture that have been of tremendous help through the years. They contain “how to know right from wrong’’ principles. I call them the 6-8-10 principles, because they are found in 1 Corinthians 6, 8, and 10. 1. Is it helpful? “‘Everything is permissible for me’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Cor. 6:12). On the basis of that verse I can ask myself: Is it helpful? Is whatever I’m about to do helpful to me physically, or will it harm me? Does it help mentally,

or does it tend to get my mind on things that draw me into sin? This helped me get guidance with regard to movies, TV shows, and certain books and magazines. And does it help me spiritually? Does it help me grow, or does it hurt my spiritual development? 2. Does it get me in its power? Does it enslave me? I concluded from a verse (1 Cor. 6:12) that anything that gets me in its grip— that becomes a habit I cannot break—I should leave alone. I have friends today who are slaves to cigarettes, liquor, and drugs. Paul said, “I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Cor. 6:12). 3. Will it cause others to stumble? “When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that l will not cause him to fall” (1 Cor. 8:12–13). Will my doing this cause others to stumble? Maybe

I can handle it, but will it affect others who see me doing it? Will it cause them problems? Will my actions lead them into trouble? No one is an island. What I do is seen and sometimes copied by others. I may be the only example of a Christian that somebody has. So I must think of others when I decide on my activities. 4. Is it glorifying to God? “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Does this contemplated action glorify God? Note the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “What is the chief end of man?” The answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” You and I are to live our lives to the praise of His glory. So I must ask myself: Can I do this to the glory of God? These three passages of Scripture have stood the test of time. They contain lasting principles from the allknowing and ever-loving God.

The question God asks, then, is what’s on the inside? Outward performance will reflect the inner life. Leaders must maintain a godly walk before their people and make frequent application of 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these: “As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.” (Dan. 2:27–30) A humble spirit is the hallmark of the person God uses. God requires it in His servants. “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isa. 42:8). When His people deviate from the path in this

Another vital characteristic in considering the inner life of the leader is humility. Facing a situation in which most of us would have been content just to stay alive, Daniel rose to a place of power and influence. Under his leadership the kingdom prospered, and he was able to provide guidance and instruction for kings. Through it all, however, he remained a humble servant of God. Often, when he could have exalted himself, he was content to give all the credit to the Lord. Daniel replied, “No

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raise the praise ministry connection

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