Raise The Praise Publications March 15, 2020 by Raise The Praise Publications

• MARCH 15, 2020 - PAGE

PRODUCTION ADDRESS:

Volume XI No. 35 MARCH

10400 S. SAN PEDRO ST. LOS ANGELES, CA 90003

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THE PULSE OF THE CHURCH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

NEW PROVIDENCE M. B. C. PASTOR AND FIRST LADY’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We, the New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, are so excited to celebrate our b eloved Pastor and First Lady’s 6th Anniversary. Our theme this year comes from Nehemiah Chapter 6: “Our Pastor & Wife doing a great work”. We have an extraordinary program planned and we would be honored to have you as our very special guests. Our 6th Anniversary Worship celebration begins

Pastor Q. E. McKinney & Lady Tae

on Sunday morning, March 8th, 2020 during the 8:30am & 11am services. Our proclaimer for 11am will be Pastor D. K. La Bat, Pastor of the Greater Metropolitan Baptist Church. At 3:00pm, our special guest will be the nationally known, renowned Dr Jearon Chew, Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas. Guests include: Pastor Rikki T. Ferrell Jr., and the new providence cont. on page 11

TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL BLACK WRITERS ON TOUR CONFERENCE AND THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLACK BUSINESS + TECH EXPO IS LARGER THAN EVER! “Bring The Whole Family – There’s Something For Everybody…”

dr. rosie milligan

Dear Pastor: My name is Dr. Rosie Milligan, founder of Black Writers On Tour a nonprofit organization. We need you to help us to get the word out, “Literacy Is Everybody’s Business and Helping Black Businesses Thrive Versus Merely Survive is Everybody’s Business.” This year’s event will

be larger and more dynamic than ever. We will showcase 100 Black Authors and 50 plus black business exhibitors--ALL UNDER ONE ROOF! As you know, we can reach more people from church announcements than expensive radio advertisement. And not to mention how hard it is to get sponsorship money for a Black agenda. Black Writers On Tour is a non-profit organization that primarily focuses on literacy. We do not exclude any group; however, our main focus is African-Americans--it is a proven fact that African Americans continue to lag far behind when it comes to literacy. “Helping Blacks to learn to read is everybody’s business. Illiteracy hurts us all.” We have come a long way.

¶We were once forbidden and

even beaten or murdered for learning to read.

¶We had only used hand-medown books in our colored schools to read.

¶Our forefathers used Kerosene lamps to read by at night.

¶We had no Black bookstores,

no libraries, no Black authors (that we knew of) and no Black publishing companies. It is our spiritual duty to help people learn to read. The Bible tells us in II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God.” In order to study God’s word, one must know how to read. The church in the past was the pillar of the community. The church sounded the bell for community alertness and awareness. The church must sound the bell today and alert

the community of the dismal economic plight of AfricanAmericans. The church must assist in ways to deliver the people from this modern-day high-tech form of slavery and captivity. We have come a long ways and yet, as we embark upon this new millennium, illiteracy is our greatest challenge among African American adults and children. We are moving into a highly technical era, being driven by computer technology. We are moving away from face-to-face conversations and moving toward more letter writing, faxes, and e-mails. Will African American children be prepared to carry the torch that our forefathers fought so hard for? We must combat illiteracy among our people. Pastor, we desperately need black writers on tour continued on pg 11

WATTS HEALTHCARE CORPORATION ACTIVELY WORKING TO REDUCE SECONDHAND SMOKE EXPOSURE & TOBACCO USE WITHIN WORKSITES IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES, THAT ARE EXEMPTED BY 6404.5-THE STATE SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE LAW. Los Angeles County remains neighborhoods, remains far prevalence rate at 11.0 percent. a national leader in tobacco behind the county. Cigarette Still it is believed the true control and prevention, with smoking as well as secondhand prevalence rate may be higher. a current smoking prevalence smoke increases an individual Therefore, the residents of SPA rate of 11.0 percent. However, risk of developing lung cancer, 6, who are mainly African S e r v i c e P l a n n i n g A r e a heart disease, emphysema and American and Hispanics, are (SPA6), comprised of several stroke. SPA 6 has the second watts healthcare continued on page 7 South Los Angeles cities and highest documented tobacco

2020

Bethel baptist Church CELEBRATES 73RD CHURCH ANNIVERSARY PAGE 2

PRAISES OF ZION B.C. 2 ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY YOUNG WOMEN OF FAITH PAGE 3

Next week Sunday School AN ARGUMENT AGAINST CORRUPTION PAGE 4

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION

BETHEL CELEBRATES 73RD CHURCH ANNIVERSARY Bethel celebrates 73 years of dedicated and faithful service; the preaching of the Gospel; the equipping of the Saints; the evangelizing of the undecided; the ministering to the sick; the feeding of the hungry; the clothing of the naked; the sponsoring and tutoring of students; the administering of the ordinances: all undergirded by the power of prayer. So, we celebrate 73 years and rededicate ourselves to the mandate of the Master. Your presence is sincerely solicited and anxiously anticipated in

this celebration. Our Church/ Anniversary theme for 2020 is Going for What Christ Offers (St. John 10:10b), “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”, the date is March 22nd. Our theme speakers are as follow: 8:00 a.m. Worship Service will be Associate Minister McKinley Moore; 11:00 a.m. Worship Service will be our Dean of Evangelism, Mrs. Brenda Hawkins; and at the afternoon service at 3 o’clock will be Evangelism Registrar and

Pastor Reginald A. Pope

Associate Minister Xezakia Rouse. Also, at 3:00 p.m., our

Pastor Prentiss Lewis

Anniversary Celebration will conclude with the anointed and

gifted Pastor Prentiss Lewis of Greater Starlight Baptist Church and his congregation as our special guest. My Lord! Bethel is located at 10905 Reginald Alton Pope Way, aka South Compton Avenue, Los Angeles. The pastor, anniversary committee, officers, and members are inviting you to share with us in our Services. Listen to Moments of Inspiration from Bethel each Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on KALI Radio 900 on the AM dial. Reginald A. Pope, Pastor, Lillian Smith, Anniversary Chairperson, B. Sweet, Reporter

CALIFORNIA/LOUISIANA CRUSADE FOR CHRIST 49TH ANNUAL REVIVAL

Pastor Perry Nelson california Section

Alejandro Smith louisisana Section

On behalf of the California/ Louisiana Crusade for Christ we cordially invite you to our 49th Annual Revival. Our revival will begin on Sunday, March 15, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. The Revival will continue on Monday, March 16, 2020 through Thursday, March 19, 2020. There will be two services each day. The morning services

SISTER MATTYE WHITE CELEBRATED & HONORED The Senior Choir of Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, along with many outside guests will give honor to whom is due. We will Celebrate and Honor none other than Sister Mattye White – 85/75. Eighty five years old and 75 years of service to the Lord in playing the piano. The name is one that everyone knows

and we invite you to come to Holy Chapel, located at 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue (between C entral and Avalon), on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 3:30 p.m., to show our appreciation to her. This promises to be an outstanding service, so don’t miss it!! Sis. Melba Griffin, President; The Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas, Pastor

Pastor George E. Thomas

THE SELFIE AUTHOR SHOWCASE

Dwayne E. Shigg

If you like books, if you like networking, if you like being encouraged, then you will like The Selfie Author Showcase. Authors of different genres will be speaking and signing copies of their books. Author, Teacher Dwayne E. Shigg will be speaking words of Encourage-MINT and signing copies of his books. If you like books, if you like being in the atmosphere of achievers or if you are just looking for something good to do on a Saturday afternoon, come to The Selfie Author Showcase, Saturday March 21, 11am-3pm at The Long Beach Airport Holiday Inn, 2640 N. Lakewood Bl. Long Beach, CA. 90815 Admission is FREE. Our theme is Readers are Succeeders

will begin @ 11:30 a.m. and the evening services will begin @ 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. will be our Women’s Hour. Evangelist Gwendolyn Howze will be our speaker. Thursday evening we will honor the President of the Louisiana section, Pastor Alejandro Smith. All of our services will be held at the

Christ Christian Home Baptist Church, Pastor George B. Denton Jr., Host Pastor. The address is 1728 E. Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220. Come and join us as we welcome the Pastors from Shreveport, Louisiana in this soul saving revival. Overseer Terr y Nelson President/California Section

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

Although….God Yet Has Called Us!

dr. tonya lewis

“I know for a fact that God has no use for that person!” You know what they did and continue to do. You know how they have lived such “sinful” lifestyles. ‘I know for a fact that they are not as holy, obedient and committed to God as I am!” My goodness!!!!--Lord, please

help us to not be judgmental toward one another as though we are holier than Jesus Christ! Lord, just because we attend church services each week, give offerings, sing in the choir, serve on the Usher Board and Deacon Board, etc.…. these activities sometimes can make us self-righteous. We equate the more we do as proof of how dedicated we are to the Lord and how much He loves us. So, we conclude that we are in excellent standing with the Lord because of our deeds. However, moving into the church building and working for the Lord 24 hours a day and 7 days a week does not dictate the depth of God’s love for us. Neither does He wait to see which works and the quality of them that we will do prior to

Him assigning our life’s purpose. The True and Living Almighty God that we serve already knew before the world was created how we would CHOOSE to live our lives. He knew the decisions that we would and continue to make. Our all-knowing God knew ahead of time how yielded we will be to His desires and commands for our life. He knew what the depth of our love and commitment would be to him. For each of us this verse is true: Jeremiah 1:5- “I knew you (I chose you) before I formed you in your mother’s womb, before you were born, (I set you apart and appointed you) to speak for me to the nations." Luke 1:13-But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15-for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic nuggets cont.on page 10

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Phone: (888) 290-7277 x3 FAX: (323) 375-0527 Email: News@raisethepraisenews.net Pastor Frederick E. Howard Editor/Publisher Carol Green-Howard Office Manager

office hours Monday - thursday - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Phone support Hours - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PARK WINDSOR BAPTIST CHURCH Women’s Ministry presents …she believed she could, so she did. Girls Symposium

GIRLS’ EMPOWERMENT SESSIONS/WORKSHOPS: “The Power of Your Voice” *TOPIC* Self-Expression and Communication with Others Saturday, March 28, 2020 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Middle and High School Ages 10-18 A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

YOUNG WOMEN OF FAITH CELEBRATE 2ND YEAR T h e Yo u n g Wo m e n o f Faith (Y.W.F.) are prayerfully an nou nc i ng t he i r i nte nt to celebrate their 2nd year ann ive rs ar y. T he y have faced many obstacles and have been able to over-come many disappointments before arriving to this point in time. Because of their steadfast faith in God they have triumphed through the storm and the rain. How you might be asking? It is simply this: These “Young Women of Faith” trust in the

Lord in their very being, which means they trust God in His promises, and therefore follow Christ’s example in keeping their own promises. These “Young Women of Faith” always keep themselves in the Word. These “Women of Faith” do so by keeping themselves rooted and grounded with daily meditation in the His Word. Also, which is not surprising to all who know them, these “Young Women of Faith” never cease to pray, and listen attentively to what

the Holy Spirit has to say. The members all state that, “It is the goal of this group to continue to create a safe haven for your mental, spiritual, and physical space. This group was designed to assist you in becoming who you were designed to be in connection with God. Every member is encouraged to be brave enough to be present in the moment and be willing to move forward. Within this group we study, participate in community service, and learn

The church is located at 1842 West 108th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047. Rev. Terrell Taylor, Pastor For more information, contact Ashley Taylor, Coordinator by email girlssymposiumPWBC@gmail.com / 323-756-3966

to enjoy life as we continue on this journey.” We invite you all to come and experience YWF. It might be just what you need. Our theme this year is “Faith and the Holy Spirit”. This event will be held at Victory Park Banquet Hall, 429 MLK, in Carson, California. March 28, 2020. To mark the occasion of the second year, we are honoring several amazing young people for their excellent work and achievements in their respective fields. Perhaps you

already know them? Pastor Akiliah Saunders (speaker), Sister Jamea Hill, and Brother Kevon Gulley. The deadline to purchase tickets is March 1, 2020. Tickets are on sale now. For a small donation, you may share in this event. Tickets may be purchased by cash, cash app, Zelle, PayPal or EventBrite. A small processing fee will be added to the price of the ticket. No tickets will be sold at the praise of zion Cont. on page 11

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An Argument Against Corruption Devotional Reading • Zechariah 7:8–10; Deuteronomy 24:17–22 Bible Background • Micah 3–6 JUSTICE AND THE PROPHETS Unit 1: God Requires Justice LESSONS 1–5 Lesson Aims

1. Summarize the condition of Judean leadership of the late eighth century BC. 2. Explain why the requirements of Micah 6:8 were especially necessary for leaders of the day. 3. Write one prayer per day in the week ahead for different church leaders—that the standards of Micah 6:8 would be theirs as well. Key Verse: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. —Micah 6:8 Focal verses: NIV Micah 3:1–3, 9–12 & Micah 6:6–8 1 Then I said, “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, 2 you who hate good and love evil;who tear the skin from my peopleand the flesh from their bones; 3 who eat my people’s flesh,strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for Introduction A. Warped A certain funeral home sets up a nativity scene on its front lawn each Christmas season. One year, someone vandalized the nativity set. The perpetrator stole the Christ-child figure and replaced it with a stuffed monkey. The vandal also broke off the fingers of other figures and let the live sheep, goats, and donkeys out of the fenced area. A few days later, the vandal confessed and returned the stolen figure of the baby Jesus. Even so, one can empathize with the funeral director’s frustration when he said, “Why people would come here and show such disrespect, I don’t know. You have to have a warped mind to do something like this.” The prophet Micah indicted the leaders of his day for their own brand of vandalism. But Micah described how real people were being abused and mistreated by those responsible for their care. They too were guilty of having warped minds. And such minds tend to excel at hiding behind warped self-justification. B. Lesson Context The book of Micah is another of the 12 Minor Prophets. Micah’s ministry took place in the second half of the eighth century BC. His times were full of turmoil and uncertainty for both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). The Assyrians were a formidable threat

MARCH 22, 2020 Bible Study Guide

the pan, like flesh for the pot?” 9 Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; 10 who build Zion with bloodshed,and Jerusalem with wickedness. 11 Her leaders judge for a bribe,her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.” 12 Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets. 6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

to both kingdoms. They were the instrument in God’s hands to carry out his judgment against Israel when the capital city of Samaria fell in 722 BC. Micah’s ministry may have overlapped with that of Amos (see lesson 1). While the ministry of the latter is dated during the reign of Uzziah king of Judah (about 785–734 BC; Amos 1:1), Micah 1:1 describes Micah’s ministry as occurring during the reigns of Jotham (Uzziah’s son), Jotham’s son Ahaz, and Jotham’s grandson Hezekiah. Jotham’s reign, however, overlapped Uzziah’s. While Uzziah was confined during the latter years of his reign, Jotham ruled in his stead (2 Chronicles 26:16–23). Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries (compare the lists of kings in Isaiah 1:1 and Micah 1:1). Both ministered in Jerusalem. Micah’s message included words of judgment against both Israel and Judah. His book begins with a reference to Samaria and Jerusalem, representing Israel and Judah respectively (1:1). Both are indicted for rebellion against the Lord (1:5–9). I. Hateful Leadership (Micah 3:1–3) In Micah 3, the source of today’s study, we see language reminiscent of that found in the previous study from Habakkuk 2 (see lesson 3). Habakkuk, however, was describing the conduct of the foreign Babylonians. Sadly, Micah is describing the behavior of those who are part of God’s covenant people and should know better.

A. Despising Principles (vv. 1, 2a) 1. Then I said, “Listen you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, The Hebrew word translated listen often introduces prophecy in the book of Micah (examples: Micah 1:2; 3:1, 9; 6:1, 2; contrast “obeyed” in 5:15). The same word introduces Deuteronomy 6:4, 5, which Jesus will call “the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:38). The implication of its use is not just that ears will hear but that hearts will comprehend the words and lives will change as a result (contrast Isaiah 6:9, 10). The designations Jacob and Israel refer historically to one man who had his name changed (Genesis 32:28; 46:2). As here, the names are often paired in Hebrew poetry as parallel expressions that refer to the same thing: God’s covenant people (examples: Psalm 14:7; Isaiah 9:8). Similarly, leaders and rulers both refer to the same group of people (see Numbers 1:16; Joshua 22:30). Micah begins his address to the leaders with a rhetorical question about their knowledge of justice. The question implies that leaders ought to know what true justice is and how to exercise it faithfully and consistently (see commentary on Micah 3:9; Amos 5:24 in lesson 1). Justice requires God’s people to behave according to his righteous standards (contrast Jeremiah 5:5; Matthew 23:23). Exercising justice reflects a person’s awareness of God’s standards of right and wrong (example: Leviticus 19:15). 2a. “you who hate good and love evil; The leaders’ hatred for good and love for evil makes it impossible for them to administer proper justice. Their moral compass points in the wrong direction. Both Isaiah (in Judah) and Amos (in Israel) address this perversion of values at about the same time (Isaiah 5:20; Amos 5:14, 15). Both northern and southern kingdoms are guilty of rejecting the Lord’s standards.

What Do You Think? How would you explain to someone the difference between good and evil? Digging Deeper Considering 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, how would your explanation to Christians differ from an explanation to unbelievers, if at all? Why? B. Consuming People (vv. 2b, 3) 2b. “who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; Micah uses graphic language in portraying how offensive and destructive the leaders’ behavior is (compare Psalm 53:4; Ezekiel 22:27). But this is only the beginning of his shocking description. One should understand that these gruesome actions are not happening in a literal, physical sense. There are references to and predictions of literal cannibalism in the Bible (example: 2 Kings 6:26–29), but this is not one of them. Rather, Micah uses figurative, symbolic language to illustrate the extreme degree to which these leaders hate the good and love the evil (compare Psalm 14:4; Proverbs 30:14; Zephaniah 3:3). They are so indifferent to the people they are meant to serve that they can be compared to butchers. 3. “who eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?” Micah continues building on the cannibalistic overtone of the previous verse. For the leaders to strip off the people’s skin implies excessively cruel treatment. The leaders are meant to administer justice and uphold righteousness. Doing so would allow the people to flourish, both physically and spiritually. Instead, the leaders do the opposite by perverting justice and thwarting righteousness. Ezekiel, whose ministry will take place more

sunday school ...continued on page 7

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COLUMNS sunday school continued from page 6 than a century later among the captives in Babylon, uses similar language (Ezekiel 11:2–7; 24:3–6). C e n t u r i e s l a t e r, J e s u s will describe the leaders’ greediness when he speaks of how the teachers of the law “devour widows’ houses” (Luke 20:46, 47). Paul in turn warns Christians against our own type of cannibalism in Galatians 5:15. Cannibalism The practice of humans eating the flesh of other human beings is well documented. Chinese emperors ate human flesh as a delicacy. Christopher Columbus reported on cannibalism in the Caribbean, at least partly so that he could conquer the islands by whatever means he desired. Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, some Europeans ingested human body parts for medicinal purposes. As recently as the 1960s, the Fore people of Papua, New Guinea, traditionally ate parts of the bodies of recently deceased relatives. Micah used images of cannibalism as a shocking illustration of the unjust p ra c t i c e s i n h i s d ay. H e condemned Israel’s leaders for treating people as sources of nourishment instead of as creatures made in God’s image. Christians today must still beware of the tendency to use people to get what they need instead of valuing them simply as God’s beloved creatures. How do you resist “cannibalizing” others? —J. E. What Do You Think? What modern imagery would you use to describe corrupt leaders today? Why? Digging Deeper How do you harmonize your response with Acts 23:5; Romans 13:1, 2, 7; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2; 1 Peter 2:17; and Jude 8, 9? II. Hypocritical Leadership (Micah 3:9–12) In Micah 3:4–8 (not in today’s lesson), the prophet declares the Lord’s judgment on the leaders (compare Deuteronomy 1:45). Then Micah exposes false prophets (Micah 3:5–7; compare Isaiah 29:10). Micah contrasts their selfish motives with the divine authority that undergirds his own prophetic ministry (Micah 3:8). This sets the stage for further condemnation, next. A. Guilty Leaders (v. 9) 9. Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; Micah again calls on the leaders and rulers of God’s people to hear his message. But whereas in Micah 3:1 the prophet posed a rhetorical question to challenge the leaders in the matter of justice,

here he bluntly accuses them of unjust behavior. They actually despise justice and twist the meaning of it to suit their own selfish purposes (compare Psalm 58:1, 2; Isaiah 1:23). B. Greedy Leaders (vv. 10, 11a) 10. who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness. The final three verses of Micah 3 clearly focus on the southern kingdom of Judah and its capital city, Jerusalem. Though Zion was originally a specific location within Jerusalem, it gradually came to refer to the entire city. The two terms are therefore used together in parallel accusations against the city. Habakkuk indicted the Babylonians for building with bloodshed, and … wickedness (Habakkuk 2:12; see lesson 3). Here it is not the pagans but the leaders of God’s covenant people who are charged with cruelty (compare Isaiah 59:7). The implication, like that of the butchering image before, is that the leaders are taking advantage of the people for their own gain (compare Jeremiah 22:13, 17; Micah 7:2). 11a. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Three crucial leadership functions are listed here along with transgressions. When the Lord established the function of judge, he made it clear that those exercising this responsibility must never accept bribes or exhibit favoritism in their decisions (see Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:18– 20). The leaders in Micah’s time blatantly ignore these standards (compare Malachi 2:9, next week’s lesson). All they are interested in is what reward, in the form of a bribe, they can obtain for their services. The priests and prophets, whose offices are especially sacred, are no better. They too are guided by financial rather than spiritual priorities. They are willing to lie in order to earn their fee (see Jeremiah 6:13; Ezekiel 13:19; 34:2). The prophets are described as those who tell fortunes f o r m o n e y. T h e p ra c t i c e of divination was strictly forbidden for God’s people (Deuteronomy 18:10, 14). Its practice is listed as a reason why God’s judgment fell on the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 17:17, 18). Paul will later teach that “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” and be compensated for their work (1 Corinthians 9:14). His method and motive are very different from those condemned by Micah, however. The leaders of Micah’s day are motivated by greed, and they use a

forbidden method to satisfy that greed. Neither greed nor a forbidden method applies to Paul. What Do You Think? In what contexts and in what positions do (or would) you favor the idea of paying church leaders? Why? Digging Deeper How do the texts of Acts 18:3; 1 Corinthians 9:3–18; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; and/or 2 Peter 2:3 inform your response? C. Declaring God’s Presence (v. 11b) 11b. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.” A s i f t h e s e d i s g ra c e f u l practices are not enough, these fraudulent leaders have the audacity to claim God’s presence as a cover for their detestable conduct (see also Jeremiah 7:4). The Lord had promised to place his name in Jerusalem when Solomon built his temple there. But that promise remains contingent on the people’s obedience (2 Chronicles 7:12–22). The leaders in Micah’s day are prime examples of disobedience. D. Deserving God’s Judgment (v. 12) 12. Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets. S u c h a r r o g a n t , b ra z e n behavior by the leaders of God’s people cannot be tolerated. The “disaster” that the leaders confidently claim will never come (Micah 3:11b) will indeed come—and its arrival will be unforgettably severe. Jerusalem, the great city of David, will be reduced to a heap of rubble (compare Leviticus 26:31; Isaiah 6:11; Jeremiah 22:6). No longer will anyone travel to Jerusalem to worship (contrast Psalm 122:3, 4). Instead, they will go to marvel at the extensive destruction that has taken place (1 Kings 9:6–9; compare Ezekiel 5:14, 15). Zion will be treated as nothing more than a field for plowing (Lamentations 5:18). The temple hill, which refers to the location of the house of the Lord, will be reduced to a forested area. Approximately 100 years after Micah’s time, his prophecy of Jerusalem’s demise will be quoted by some of the elders in Jerusalem as a warning not to ignore Jeremiah’s message (Jeremiah 26:17, 18). They n o t e t h a t K i n g H e ze k i a h heeded Micah’s warning. Rejecting this example and ignoring Jeremiah will imperil the whole city (26:19). Indulgences Johann Tetzel (1465–1519) may have had as important a part in launching the Protestant Reformation as any of the

great reformers had. Tetzel’s notoriety, however, derives from his negative example. Te t z e l w a s a G e r m a n Dominican friar of prominence in the Roman Catholic Church. He was known to grant indulgences on behalf of the church in exchange for money. An indulgence was claimed to allow a remission of punishment in purgatory, thereby allowing a deceased person quicker admission into Heaven. Martin Luther’s strong condemnation of Tetzel’s actions helped spark the Reformation. Tetzel’s lack of scruples, sanctioned by others in the hierarchy of the medieval church, led to the undermining of Roman Catholicism’s power in Europe. Had that hierarchy paid closer attention to Micah 3, the outcome could have been different. Indulging in wickedness instead of righteousness invites God’s disapproval and judgment. How can you keep from being a negative example in that regard?—J. E. III. Heavenly Living (Micah 6:6–8) Micah 6 opens with the prophet ’s final appeal to the people to hear what the Lord has to say (see commentary on Micah 3:1). Whereas the previous call was aimed primarily at Judah’s leadership, this one is directed at the people (6:3). The Lord portrays them as defendants on a witness stand, facing a series of questions from him. He proceeds to give the people a history lesson, recounting his gracious acts on their ancestors’ behalf (6:4, 5). A. People’s Ideas (vv. 6, 7) 6. With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Micah appears to put himself in the position of the defendants who are on trial before the Lord (see Micah 6:2, 3). The questions he poses may reflect the people’s genuine puzzlement (compare 6:7). More likely, they are meant to expose the people’s willful ignorance (contrast Psalms 40:6–8; 51:16, 17). Burnt offerings are foundational in the Old Te s t a m e n t s a c r i f i c i a l system (Leviticus 1). The daily requirement is two unblemished year-old lambs (Numbers 28:3). Calves a year old are even more costly than the two lambs. The question here suggests that God asks too much of his people! At least, this is how the people seem to justify themselves for their iniquities. 7a. Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Micah continues his questions by increasing the quantity of what might be

brought before the Lord. Do numbers impress God? Is he looking for thousands of rams or rivers of olive oil? Again, the implication is that the people cannot give enough to please the Lord. In a way, this is true: without the heart behind the sacrifice, nothing will please God (compare Isaiah 1:11; Amos 5:22). 7b. Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Micah raises the stakes even higher by suggesting the sacrifice of a firstborn child. The firstborn is of special significance to the Lord (Exodus 13:2). Child sacrifice is always forbidden (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5; Deuteronomy 18:10), but the argument here is not about child sacrifice. Rather, the people feel that not even giving the most extravagant sacrifice they can think of will please God. B. God’s Ideal (v. 8) 8a. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. God has not kept his desires secret; what he requires is not a mystery. God has revealed what he considers good and what he wants (see Deuteronomy 10:12, 13; Mark 12:33). It is not their gifts or offerings that God really desires. What he wants are the people themselves, given to the Lord in lives that reflect his priorities and passions (see 1 Samuel 15:22). 8b. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Acting justly should not be thought of strictly in terms of judgment. Treating people justly may be thought of as treating people just as God would treat them (examples: Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3; Zechariah 7:9, 10). This includes extending mercy, which can be expressed as forgiveness in many ways. The key to understanding both justice and mercy lies in a relationship with God, which is where the challenge to walk humbly applies (see 2 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 57:15). Apart from such a walk, justice and mercy are unattainable. What Do You Think? What plan can you make to identify and improve the requirement in Micah 6:8 that is most lacking in your life? Digging Deeper How would you expect attention to the other two requirements to influence the one most lacking? These requirements given by Micah for coming before the Lord should not be used to justify salvation by works. Micah is not addressing the question, “What must I do to be saved?” The issue is that God’s

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• MARCH 15, 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.

855 778-8548

BAPTIST MINISTERS CONFERENCE of Los Angeles Regular Meeting Location is MT. MORIAH M.B.C. 4265 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, Ca 90037

every monday at 11:00 AM

Pastor KW Tulloss, President

Is looking for a few good MEN & WOMEN call today 323-210-3658 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

â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH 15, 2020 - PAGE

COLUMNS

WHAT IS SECONDHAND SMOKE? Secondhand smoke can be a mixture of two kinds of tobacco smoke:

1. Smoke that floats from the burning tip of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. 2. Smoke that comes from a smokerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth or nose when he or she is smoking.

WHAT IS A SMOKE-FREE HOME? A smoke-free home is one in which smoking is not allowed in any room at any time.

For tips and information to quit smoking, contact the free tobacco quitline at:

1-800-NO-BUTTS (662-8887) www.nobutts.org 1-800-45-NO-FUME (Spanish) 1-800-838-8917 (Mandarin/Cantonese) 1-800-556-5564 (Korean) 1-800-778-8440 (Vietnamese)

watts healthcare continued from front

at much higher risk of suffering from various health disparities associated with secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use. The Watts Healthcare Corporation Tobacco Control Program actively works to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use by implementing an intervention that focuses on working with community worksites that are exempted by 6404.5the state smoke-free workplace law, in South Los Angeles area SPA 6. The Tobacco Control Program staff assists exempted 6404.5 worksites, in putting into practice a voluntary smoke free policy development and implementation. The program educates the community on the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure and the dangerous health hazards of tobacco use. The purpose of the intervention is to lead to less exposure to secondhand smoke as well as decreasing the high prevalence of tobacco use in South Los Angeles. Worksites exempted by 6404.5-the state smoke-free workplace law located in South Los Angeles, Service Planning Area 6, such as, the Sands Motel, the Mirror Motel, the Central Inn Motel and the Apache Inn Motel, have adopted either a smoke free or doorway smoking policy to help aid in the fight to decrease secondhand smoke

exposure and tobacco use. This will help keep smoke away from the elderly, the sick, and children. Organizations that adopt smoke free policies receive free signage that states their facility prohibits smoking on the grounds. Organizations also received free incentives, such as pamphlets, stress reliever balls, and as well as free educational presentations regarding tobacco prevention and smoking cessation. Watts Healthcare Corporation wants to continue to be a catalyst for the South Los Angeles community by providing excellent primary healthcare to improve the health of residents. To receive assistant in implementing a smoke free policy at an exempt 6404.5 worksite, please call Deserie Thomas at (323) 564-4331.

• MARCH 15, 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.

• MARCH 15, 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

• MARCH 15, 2020 - PAGE

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INTERVIEW columns sunday school continued fron page 5 covenant people must conduct themselves in ways pleasing to him. Micah’s audience is wrong to think that their offerings and rituals alone will please God. Christians today who think the same about their “Sunday only” acts of worship are equally misguided. Conclusion A. Humbly in Justice and Mercy Micah courageously confronted the tragic lack of godly leadership for the people of God. While Micah’s words in

the concluding portion of our printed text apply to all God’s people, they most certainly need to be exemplified in the lives of their leaders. One thinks of how Jesus looked at the masses in his day and saw them as “sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). The same terminology could have been used to describe the people in Micah’s day, given how corrupt the leadership had become. What a difference it would have made if those leaders had taken the words in Micah 6:8 to heart!

Church leaders today would do well to make those words their standard of conduct. But whether Christian leaders are aligned with God’s will or not, the priesthood of all believers must still bring their lives to God as sacrifices (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5). Jesus has paid the price (Hebrews 7:27, 28). We do not worry about offering rivers of oil or thousands of animal sacrifices. Let us therefore search our hearts for strongholds that resist practicing justice and mercy. In humility, may we

mark of many of God’s desired actions in our life. Although we made bad decisions. Although it seems that what God wanted us to do, we did the opposite. We’ve also been told negative predictions for our life: “We will not succeed”, “We do not qualify”, “Who do we think we are in thinking that this or that could be accomplished by us?” “Because of our past actions, there is no way good

can now come from our life”, etc. Although all that negative talk has been spoken to us, “God Yet Has Called Us”. He yet has commissioned us. He yet has equipped and called us to make positive differences in this present world. He yet has called us to operate in various gifts and callings to help promote His glory on earth. Although we’ve had a shady past and have done many things that we

seek to please the Lord with our whole lives. What Do You Think? Which prophetic words of this lesson and the previous three challenge you most to act? Why? Digging Deeper What is your plan for action? B. Prayer Father, thank you for godly leaders! May the power of your Holy Spirit help us all to seek and do your will, even when— and especially when—our leaders stray from your paths.

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. C. Thought to Remember God has revealed how to please him. Redford, D., Eichenberger, J., & Lockhart, M. (2020). An Argument against Corruption. In R. L. Nickelson, J. A. Kenney, M. K. Williams, & J. Gerke (Eds.), The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019–2020 (Vol. 26, pp. 253– 259). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing.

nuggets cont. from page 10

now regret and wish we could change, God has yet chosen and called us. “God Yet Has Called Us” to be His very own. Regardless of what others may have thought about us, God did not blindly ordain our life with purpose. No, He did not make a mistake when He gifted us to accomplish what He called us to do. The unfortunate truth is that unless we allow God to rule in our lives and we live in

obedience to His will, we will never enjoy the pleasure of the privilege of being called by Him. It is only as we allow Him to reshape and remold our lives through His Holy Spirit, will we benefit others and our self. Although it seems as though that we are the least qualified, we are the ones that He wants to use. So, although we have made the choices in life that nuggets cont.on page 11

And Church Frederick Howard

sunday school .. continued ON page 11

7 6 A P V

rtp word puzzle

CALL TODAY 1-877-571-6139 PRIMERICA REPRESENTATIVE FREDERICK HOWARD | SOLUTION # 76APV

rtp last week answer key

drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16-And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17-He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Although we have missed the

• MARCH 15, 2020 - PAGE #11

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. STRONG ORGANIST Needed at New Providence Familiar with Traditional and Contemporary Gospel music. Ability to help with teaching parts. Choir rehearses two Sundays per month after morning worship. Spirit-led in worship flow, professional attire and timeliness a must! Pay rate negotiable. Contact Information; (310) 997-6684 new providence cont. from page 2

Greater New Bethel Baptist Church; Dr. Joe B. Hardwick and the Praises of Zion Baptist Church; and Pastor Jason Malveaux and the Progressive Community Baptist Church. The celebration continues on Wednesday night, March 11th at 7pm. The preacher for the evening will be the Rev. Dr. E. M. Williams, Pastor of the Saint Luke Holy Baptist Church. Guests include: Rev. Dr. Darnell

Jones and the First Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Roosevelt Hall, and the My Hope Baptist Church; Pastor Vincent Primus and the Divinity Christian Church, and Pastor James Lettries and the New Way Baptist church. Our celebration will conclude on Sunday, March 15th, 2020 during the 8:30, 11am & 3:30pm services. Our proclaimer for 11am will be Assistant Pastor Dwayne Rhine, of the New Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. To conclude in sermonic expression, the Rev. Dr. George Hurtt, Pastor of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church will be our guest preacher at 3:30pm. Our guests include: Pastor Denon Porter, and the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church; Pastor Darnell Manuel and the Carver Baptist Church; and the Historic New Hope Baptist Church. We are rejoicing in advance for Spirit-filled worship services, where hearts are fixed, minds regulated and souls are saved. We want to encourage our Pastor to stay on the wall! Please join us Sunday March 8th, Wednesday March 11th, and Sunday March 15th. We hope to see you at the Blessed Place - that is, New Providence. New Providence is located at: 10200 S. Normandie Ave – Los Angeles, CA 90044. Pastor & Wife’s Anniversary Committee Chair: Sis. Brenda Purnell, reporting. Rev. Q. E. McKinney, Senior Pastor. Please follow us on Facebook & Instagram, and for more information please call the church office at: 323-754-3779. God bless and God keep, you and yours!

nuggets cont. from page 10

we have, thank you Lord that if we yield our self to You, Your great love will wash, lead and teach us to live in the manner You desire for us. Also, that You yet have a reserved place

of service for us in your Master plan. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to represent You on earth! Thank you for calling us to be Kingdom Citizens. Thank you, Lord God, that no matter

our past, now as Your sons and daughters, You yet desire to and do manifest Your great love and blessings for us. Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord! Join us for our 1st

Saturday Fellowship on April 4, 2020, 1:15 p.m. Location: Christ Temple Church, 3125 W 54th Street, (54th and 10th Avenue), Los Angeles, Calif. 90043. Contact Info: onefaith2007@

aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, LA, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship. org. (323) 481-6724.

of the group directly, or call Praises of Zion MBC church

office, at (323) 750-1033. Please plan to support these young women in their efforts.

To God be the glory! Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Senior Pastor; Sisters Jovana Nettles

(310 848-9538), and Joedda Williams, Chair-persons; and Sister Clarice Holmes, Reporter.

of Prison: Lessons for Youth and Their Parents. Presented by Clara Hunter King, Esq. from Atlanta, Georgia, and Founder of Watch Dogs for Justice. 4. Strategies for Thriving in Business Versus Merely Surviving in A Depressed Economy. I, Dr. Rosie Milligan, founder of Black Writers on Tour, am committed to doing my part to combat the devastating effect of illiteracy and apathy about reading and learning. Pastor, this is a Powerful one-day event. Help us to make this the largest conference ever. General admission is free and parking is free. Bottom line, God has given me a plan and I need your help in getting the information to the people of God. I do not

have a sufficient advertising budget to spread the word; therefore, the church holds the key in helping to disseminate this vital information. Here is how you can help us accomplish our mission:

non-profit organization that primarily focuses on literacy. We do not exclude any group—all are welcome— however, our main focus is African Americans. We will assist in the preservation of African American culture

via helping African Americans tell their stories. Thank you so much for your support. Dr. Rosie Milligan, Founder of Black Writers on Tour. www. blackwritersontour.com

praise of zion Cont. on page 11

door. For further information, you may contact any member black writers on tour continued from front

your help. Remember, in the past, the church is where our knowledge began. Our schools were housed in the church house. The Black churches opened up colleges, etc. Let us go back to the days when making sure that our children could read was “everybody’s business.” THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Why Technology Rocks Forum: Meet, Greet and Chat with Successful People Having STEM Plus STEAM Education. 2. Let the Children S p e a k Wr i t e r ’s C o n t e s t Competition Showcase, Ages 10-15—Win Cash. 3. Let the Elders Speak Forum Presents: A drama skit on Keeping Youth/Teens Out

Place the enclosed announcement in your bulletin each week, beginning the Second Sunday in March.

¶ Have

your announcement

clerk read the announcement.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? JOIN ME AT OUR FAST START EVENT APRIL 25TH

TICKETS ARE $15.00, HOWEVER, IF YOU CALL TODAY AND COMMIT TO THE 90 DAY PROCESS...WE WILL GIVE YOU A TICKET. CALL THE OFFICES OF FREDERICK HOWARD @ 323-210-3658

¶If you will, make mention of the event and encourage the members to attend and bring their children to meet African American children and adult writers and people from the Technology Industry. Black Writers on Tour is a

SPECIAL GUEST MILLION DOLLAR EARNERS PATRICIA & GARY KORNEGAY

• MARCH 15, 2020 - PAGE

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raise the praise ministry connection

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