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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION

FINDING PURPOSE IN YOUR PAIN

SERMON CORNER

2 Corinthians 12 The apostle Paul is the New Te s t a m e n t ’s v e r s i o n o f a n “unsinkable Molly Brown.” As was the case for the Titanic’s most famous survivor, Paul simply refused to go down with the ship … literally. Three times Paul was shipwrecked, and he once spent a full day – “a night and a day,” as he puts it – on the open sea. Other problems along the way? Try being stoned, scourged (five times), and being beaten with fists, rods and words. He’d been scored, chased, scandalized and slandered. He’d been the focus of riots and death threats, and after one harrowing, near-death experience, he was snake bitten! His focus, energy, and resilience were nearly frightening. In fact, the only thing that seemed to discourage Paul were the problems in his young churches. To read Paul’s letters to those churches, one might come away with the idea that Paul was continually frustrated, and that his

work wasn’t very successful. After all, those early letters were filled with corrections, some of them quite harsh. But in reality, Paul’s work changed the world. In places like Athens, Ephesus, and Corinth, the once powerful temples and the religion of the Greek gods that so dominated his culture are in ruins. And yet billions have and are reading Paul’s letters, memorizing passages and following the instructions as if Paul was still preaching his passionate message in our culture. ILLUSTRATION: Upon accepting an award, the late Jack Benny once remarked, "I really don't deserve this. But I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that either." ILLUSTRATION: T h e f o l l ow i n g a r e a c t u a l responses from comment cards given to the staff members at Bridger Wilderness Area in 1996: Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands. Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go

uphill. Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the areas of these pests. Please pave the trails so they can be snowplowed during the winter. Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them. The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals. A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights. Escalators would help on steep uphill sections. A MacDonald's would be nice at the trailhead. The places where trails do not exist are not well marked. Too many rocks in the mountains. (Source: Mike Neifert, Light and Life, February 1997, p. 27). We’re not fond of pain, or even slight discomfort. We rebel at the suggestion of it, recoil at the sight of it, and reject the suggestion that it might be good for us. But the lessons of life are almost always taught in the classroom of suffering – whether you’re “suffering” through a elementary-school spelling quiz, dealing with the excruciating pain of disease, or the heartbreak of grief.

2 Cor. 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 1. PAIN HAPPENS. From a logical point of view, it would seem that God would reward those who do good with less pain. Certainly it would seem that God would give those in Christian ministry a free pass from pain. After all, missionaries, church planters and pastors work for God! Wouldn’t it be a good idea, when it would be in your power, to take special care of those who work for you? Paul didn’t get a pass from pain. In fact, as he set about his world planting churches, and becoming the leader of the evangelistic movement among Gentiles, he seemed to endure an incredible amount of pain. His “resume of suffering”

appears near this very passage (2 Corinthians 11:23-29), and it includes multiple imprisonments, beatings, floggings, canings, lifethreatening experiences, a stoning, shipwrecks, and a “night and a day” floating in the open sea. He hadn’t always had enough food, clothing, sleep, or friends. He’d been chased by bandits, and infuriated religious leaders. He battled temptation and anxiety over his young churches. And now, there was a “thorn in the flesh.” How bad was this particular pain? It was straightfrom-hell bad, if you read the passage closely enough. It was a “messenger from Satan,” sent to torment him. Perhaps a person going through the excruciating process of cancer treatments could tell us how bad pain can become. Or perhaps it’s one who suffers from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Or arthritis. Or multiple sclerosis. Or any number of the stunning array of diseases, disabilities or discouragements that can come our way. Paul asked God to remove the pain, whatever it might have been. Perhaps Paul explained why it would be a good idea to have the pain removed. He could plant more churches. He could write more letters. He could win more converts, PURPOSE cont. on page 3

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

Protected, Not Rejected!

dr. tonya lewis

So, you did not get “that” d e s i re d prom ot i on ! T h e relationship you “just knew” would last forever is no longer intact! You no longer live where you thought would surely be a place of security? Each of these situations, and others, can be viewed either as protections or

rejections. Depending on who is LORD or lord of one’s life, will determine one’s thought process as well as the actualities that are happening. As a result of such experiences, some people will unfairly and harshly ridicule themselves, thus becoming their own worst enemy. That mentality hosts pity parties, low self-esteem, feelings of exclusion, loneliness, and all the “negative emotions” that of course, satan endorses. That mindset is detrimental to our health and mental processing of the reality of what is happening to us. Our enemy satan, seeks to magnify our “negative feelings” for he realizes that if we are delivered from these false thoughts, we will devastate his kingdom. Some others will not take any responsibility of

contributing to their “negative experiences”, but rather choosing to bury their heads in the sand and dismissing any ill actions on their part. Rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to groom and grow their character to be more like their Heavenly Father, they choose rather to blame others. Yes, in life, we will feel discouraged about what did not happen. Yes, feelings of rejection spring into motion to further complicate our emotions. However, we must be spiritually conditioned so that we won’t allow those feelings to linger. But rather overcome any discouragement by the truth of God’s Word. Psalm 119:114You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your Word. What the Spirit of the Lord would have us to know is that; WE ARE PROTECTED, NOT REJECTED! When Daddy-God’s answer is NO to our prayer requests, it is to protect us. When His timeline is NOT our timeline and He grant our request at a different time, it is

miracle of his own. “Please, God.” “Please, God.” “Please, God.” The pain didn’t go away. Whatever the problem, it apparently stayed with Paul for quite some time, or even the rest of his life. Jesus knew pain, of course, weeping at the tomb of Lazarus, and over unrepentant

Jerusalem. He knew the physical pain of the cross, and the personal pain of betrayal. He had seen rejection and disappointment as surely as you have. It seems silly to make the case that pain is a part of life. Life starts with a good slap to a baby’s bottom, and in some aspects,

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PURPOSE cont. FROM page 2 3 raise more money or mentor more disciples. He could prove the power of God even more with the miracles that were so common in Ephesus, for instance (Acts 19:11-12). Paul asked again. And again. On three separate occasions Paul pulled out all the stops to ask God for a

goes downhill from there. We already know that “pain happens.” Here’s the really important question: Will you find the positives in your pain? Paul did, and you can. Perhaps you already have. 2. PAIN HAS A PURPOSE. This point of theology is really

tough. There’s a fine line here that must not be crossed, lest we cause even more pain to someone who suffers. We must never glibly explain someone’s pain as a work of God. It is not wise, or even biblical, to tell

PURPOSE cont. on page 5

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Repent of Injustice Devotional Reading • Psalm 72:1–17 Bible Background • Jeremiah 22 JUSTICE AND THE PROPHETS Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice LESSONS 10-14 Lesson Aims

MAY 24, 2020 Bible Study Guide

Focal verses: NIV Jeremiah 22:1–10 1 This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the

widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’ ” 6 For this is what the Lord says about the palace of the king of Judah: “Though you are like Gilead to me, like the summit of Lebanon, I will surely make you like a wasteland, like towns not inhabited. 7 I will send destroyers against you, each man with his weapons, and they will cut up your fine cedar beams and throw them into the fire. 8 “People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this great city?’ 9 And the answer will be: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’ ” 10 Do not weep for the dead king or mourn his loss; rather, weep bitterly for him who is exiled, because he will never return nor see his native land again.

Introduction A. Natural Disasters? On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in the state of Washington. It was the deadliest eruption ever in the United States. The estimated power of the blast was 1,600 times the size of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Miles of forest were leveled by the direct blast, and the very earth was scorched by its power. Fifty-seven people and thousands of animals died as a result. What had previously been lush forest and vacation area looked like moonscape. The ash cloud turned the sky dark as far away as Montana. The blast was a violent reminder of nature’s potential for destruction. The utter devastation that was to follow the destruction of Jerusalem probably looked equally shocking. A once thriving city would be reduced to wilderness and wasteland. A primary thing to keep in mind, however, is that the devastation of Jerusalem was definitely supernatural in origin. B. Lesson Context The historical context of this lesson is the same as that of lesson 12, so that information need not be repeated here. Even so, we can say a bit more about the man Jeremiah himself. God called Jeremiah as a young man to be his prophet to Judah; Jeremiah’s own evaluation was that he was too young and not qualified to

speak (Jeremiah 1:6). The forthcoming confrontations would seem, at times, to be just two against everyone else. But since one of those two was God (1:17–19), there could be no question regarding the outcome. At times in Jeremiah’s lengthy ministry, the stress was so great that it seemed as if he was at the psychological breaking point. Nothing Jeremiah did seemed to persuade people. One example of his extreme frustration is his series of complaints in Jeremiah 12:1–4 (also 20:7–18). God’s response? If we could be permitted a very loose translation of Jeremiah 12:5, it would be something like, “Cowboy up and get with the program!” But Jeremiah’s early years of prophetic ministry under King Josiah were easy compared to what was to come. I. For Judah (Jeremiah 22:1–5) A. Audience Identified (vv. 1, 2) 1a. This is what the Lord says: This is a common introductory phrase. It tells the reader that a new prophecy is beginning and to expect a change from the previous subject. Jeremiah is in Jerusalem as our text begins (compare Jeremiah 19:3). 1b. “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: Go down is probably a directional

1. State promised results of obedience to God and promised consequences for disobedience. 2. Compare and contrast God’s statements regarding social justice and injustice with those in other lesson texts of this unit. 3. Evaluate his or her church’s ministries to the most vulnerable and participate in a plan for improving those. Key Verse: This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. —Jeremiah 22:3

command in a literal sense. Jerusalem features elevation changes. So the directive suggests that Jeremiah receives it while at or near the temple mount and therefore will need to walk downward to get to the palace of the king of Judah. Based on the timing of the prophecy, the king currently sitting on Judah’s throne is probably Jehoiakim. However, God refers to the location of the king’s palace instead of to the king himself. This implies that Jeremiah will not be speaking only to the king (contrast Jeremiah 13:18; 21:11 [lesson 12]; 34:2). 2a. “ ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, This phrase is another introduction to prophecy (examples: Isaiah 28:14; Ezekiel 13:2). The expression demands not just listening but also comprehending and heeding the message (contrast Isaiah 6:9, quoted in Matthew 13:14). What Jeremiah is about to speak is an authoritative message. As such, it will be quite unlike the invented messages of Jerusalem’s false prophets (Jeremiah 23:14; etc.). 2b. “ ‘king of Judah, who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. Referring to David’s throne confirms the sense that this prophecy is directed toward all David’s royal heirs and not necessarily to a single, specific king of Judah (compare Luke 1:32). Jeremiah explicitly extends this challenge to the king’s court and all his people (all those in the palace household). The gates are the entrances to the palace (see also Jeremiah 22:4, below; contrast city gates in 17:25). Everyone should listen to and be responsible to respond to Jeremiah’s words, but especially the leaders. What Do You Think? What techniques can we use to confront publicly the failures of those in authority while we exhibit honor and respect at the same time (compare Acts 23:4, 5; 1 Peter 2:17)? Digging Deeper What interpretive cautions and controls should we adopt before taking Jesus’ actions in Matthew 21:12, 13 as a model for our own?

B. Message Delivered (v. 3) 3a. “ ‘This is what the Lord says: Again, Jeremiah emphasizes that the Lord is speaking. Jeremiah himself is only the messenger. 3b. “ ‘Do what is just and right. This is the point of leadership failure (compare Ezekiel 45:9; Amos 5:24). Doing what is just is to ensure fair treatment but is not limited to that. It also extends to developing and maintaining healthy, honest, and respectful relationships at all levels. To do … right is to create and maintain those kinds of relationships. Even so, we should not see too much of a distinction between being just and right, given their many uses as parallel terms in Hebrew poetry (examples: Isaiah 32:1; Amos 5:24; see discussions of parallelism in lessons 4, 9, and 10). God’s character sets the standard for what is just and right (compare Leviticus 25:17; Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 56:1; Micah 6:8). Both must be expressed toward everyone at all times. And it is the leaders who are to set the example. 3c. “ ‘Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. Oppression flourishes where justice and righteousness are absent. In such circumstances, the oppressor can cheat and steal without consequence (see also Jeremiah 21:12, last week’s lesson). The three kinds of victims mentioned are the most vulnerable in the ancient world. The three were mentioned together 16 times in the Hebrew Old Testament (compare 7:6). The foreigner (that is, a non-Israelite living among the covenant people) should have legal recourse for righting violence done to himself and his family. The fatherless and the widow are most susceptible to poverty, lacking a family breadwinner. What Do You Think? What stance(s) should Christians adopt regarding governmental policies and procedures that the Word of God says are wrong? Digging Deeper How do Acts 4:18–20; 5:27–29; and Romans 13:1–7 help shape your answer?

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COLUMNS sunday school continued from page 6 C. Consequences Specified (vv. 4, 5) 4. “ ‘For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. God frequently sets his commands in the context of consequences and blessings (example: Deuteronomy 11:26–28). Here, God promises again to extend David’s legacy to David’s royal descendants if they will carry out these commands— namely, practice justice and righteousness. The bottom-line question is simple: Do those who sit on David’s throne desire to keep their positions, or do they not? 5a. “ ‘But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, A warning against refusing t o o b e y a n d h e e d G o d ’s commands is in keeping with the blessing/curse pattern established early in the history of Israel (see Deuteronomy 28). Jeremiah does not use that couplet specifically, but blessing-and-curse is indeed the sense here (compare Zechariah 8:13). What Do You Think? Which sins of injustice are most in need of correcting today: those of commission (doing wrong) or those of omission (failing to do right)? Why? Digging Deeper Which of those two areas are you best positioned to help correct? Why? 5b. “ ‘I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’ ” To swear is a particularly weighty way of making a promise (compare Genesis 22:16). The more significant, permanent, or powerful the thing sworn on, the more definite and absolute the promise. There is nothing and no one more significant, permanent, or powerful than God (Hebrews 6:13). He will make sure he fulfills this promise if Judah refuses to respond obediently. The consequences God describes are both symbolic and literal. The phrase this palace refers both to David’s descendants and to the physical structure of their dwelling. If Judah’s leaders disregard God, they will not only be dethroned; they also will be

without a physical residence in Jerusalem (compare Jeremiah 39:4–8). House Rules When I was in high school, I met Sam. As we got acquainted, I began to hear from Sam about how unjust his father was. As Sam and I got closer, we would visit each other’s homes. I began to see why Sam was frustrated. His father approached life with a critical, demanding spirit. One day Sam said, “I wish my dad were more like your dad.” Ironically, my dad had some of the same rules as Sam’s dad. The difference was in approach. My father prioritized, helping me understand why the house rules were in place, as well as how they worked for my own good. Jeremiah tried to help the leaders of Judah see that there were good reasons for God’s rules. If God couldn’t get the leaders’ attention through prophecy, then he would get their attention through fulfillment of prophecy. What does it take for God to get your attention? —C. R. B. II. For the Nations (Jeremiah 22:6–10) A. Imagery of Destruction (vv. 6, 7) 6a. For this is what the Lord says about the palace of the king of Judah: Again, Jeremiah restates that the words he speaks come from the Lord and are addressed to the palace of the king. There should be no mistake about either the source or the intended recipients! 6b. “Though you are like Gilead to me, like the summit of Lebanon, I will surely make you like a wasteland, like towns not inhabited. God uses imagery to affirm how precious his people are to him. Gilead is an area just east of the Jordan River (Numbers 32:1–4, 19); Lebanon is located along the seacoast north of Israel. Those areas were known for their forests (Judges 9:15; etc.). Both David and Solomon used expensive wood from the areas in building projects (2 Samuel 7:2; 1 Kings 5:1–10; 7:2). Gilead was also known for its balm (Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11). Other than the text before us, mention of Gilead and Lebanon occur together in the same verse only in Zechariah 10:10. Just three verses later, that prophet speaks of fire destroying Lebanon’s “cedars” and “oaks of Bashan”—an area

lying north of and adjacent to Gilead (11:1, 2). The coming destruction will be heartbreaking. Though David’s lineage is precious to the Lord, he will dispossess its kings if they don’t change their unjust ways. But that is up to them. 7. “I will send destroyers against you, each man with his weapons, and they will cut up your fine cedar beams and throw them into the fire. The destroyers to whom God refers are the Babylonians (2 Chronicles 36:17–19). Reference to your fine cedar beams may refer either to (1) trees of the forest or (2) the cedar used in construction for the wealthy, especially the king’s palace. Considering the first possibility, the felling of trees is a natural thing for a besieging army to do for building its siege ramps and towers (Jeremiah 6:6; compare 43:12; Isaiah 10:34). Since an army would use the trees closest at hand, which probably wouldn’t be cedar, the reference to cedar in the king’s palace is more likely. Under either interpretation, the victorious besiegers will burn everything of significance b e f o r e l e av i n g f o r h o m e (Jeremiah 52:13). Judah will be a deconstruction zone. The sense of the verse is of priceless things destroyed that need not have been. B. Example of Disobedience (vv. 8, 9) 8. “People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this great city?’ People of the ancient Near East generally linked the rise and fall of nations to the power of a nation’s deities (see 1 Kings 20:23). Jerusalem’s status as a great city has earned Judah a reputation for following a very powerful deity. This is what God intended (Genesis 12:1–3). The injustice that infects Jerusalem and Judah does not draw the nations toward the just and holy God—the only God there is. Instead, the nations around Jerusalem see no difference between Judah’s way of life and theirs, between their gods and Judah’s God. And when those nations see the defeat and captivity of God’s people, they will link it to God’s activity. The scope of devastation Judah is to undergo will be so immense that everyone will conclude that it was a God-driven action. The extent of the destruction will accomplish what Jerusalem

and her injustice had not: nations will acknowledge God in at least one sense. 9. “And the answer will be: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God and worshiped and served other gods.’ ” God’s plan from the beginning has involved inviting others to experience and follow him. We see this in God’s promise to Abraham, that Abraham will be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:1–3). We see this again in Zechariah 8:20–23, as God’s restoration of Judah draws the nations to seek him. We see it again in the New Testament, when Peter challenges his readers to live lives that draw questions—all so that we may respond with Jesus as our answer (1 Peter 3:8–15). But in our text we see the opposite occurring. Jerusalem’s injustice does n o t d ra w t h e n a t i o n s t o seek God, since they see no difference between Judah’s actions and their own. So God plans to draw their attention to his ways of justice and righteousness by disciplining Judah for her failure to model God’s character. That would invite others to see God for who he is (compare 2 Kings 22:17; Ezekiel 39:23). The forthcoming devastation will be seen as divine in origin. The predicted answer is nothing new (see Deuteronomy 29:25, 26; 1 Kings 9:8, 9; Jeremiah 16:10, 11). C. Mourning for the Exiles (v. 10) 10a. Do not weep for the dead king or mourn his loss; This lament is usually understood to refer to Josiah, Judah’s last righteous king (2 Chronicles 35:25). Mourning for the dead is a significant ritual for cultures worldwide; the ancient Near East is no exception. Jeremiah’s words suggest that there is a fate worse than death (compare Ecclesiastes 4:2). 10b. rather, weep bitterly for him who is exiled, because he will never return nor see his native land again. The reference is to Shallum, also known as Jehoahaz (Jeremiah 22:11, 12, not in our printed text; 2 Kings 23:29–32). Shallum succeeded Josiah as king in about 609 BC. Reversing Josiah’s initiatives, Shallum led Judah back into the evils of Josiah’s predecessors; he was king for only three months, then was exiled permanently

to Egypt (23:33; the Shallum of 2 Kings 15 is a different person). It seems odd to mourn the exile of an evil king yet not grieve the death of a godly king (compare Jeremiah 22:18, not in our printed text). The force of Jeremiah’s prophecy has been God’s warning of destruction and exile if Judah’s leaders refuse to practice justice. Shallum is to serve as an example of the grief of all the exiles. Jeremiah holds him up as a warning of his hearers’ own possible future.

able to discover at least part of the purpose your pain has. That kind of process leads to a maturity found through no other process. These are lessons that can be learned only in the classroom of suffering, and only the student enrolled there is allowed to make the discovery.

Look at the passage we just read. Paul concluded for himself that his “thorn” was meant to keep him from becoming conceited about his miraculous life and ministry. Since we know so much about this man’s work and suffering, I’d suggest some more positive

purposes from Paul’s pain. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten in public and taken away to the town dungeon. The men were that day’s leading headline, and all of Philippi was talking about them. Surely it became known that they had come to town speaking

of a Jewish messiah! Imagine the headlines from the next morning, when details of the midnight song, earthquake, and jailer’s conversion became known! During the beating the day before, Paul and Silas must

PURPOSE cont. FROM page 3 someone in pain that God “won’t give them more than they can bear.” After all, that passage (1 Corinthians 10:13) is clearly about avoiding temptation, not overcoming pain. Instead, this idea is best used as a self-study. In the midst of pain that will not leave, you might be

What Do You Think? In what ways does this verse help you in establishing priorities of focus? Digging Deeper What additional help do you find in 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 in this regard? How so? Conclusion A. Supernatural Restoration The word from the Lord to the house of David features two promises: (1) If David’s descendants would renounce injustice, then God would bless them, but (2) if not, they would suffer punishment. Judah would experience the full and recognizable consequences of disobeying God. God would therefore exhibit his character to the world and draw people to himself in one of those two ways. God calls us to the same challenge he posed through Jeremiah. As we demonstrate God’s righteous and just character in our actions, we also must expose the injustice inflicted on the powerless by oppressive people and systems. But we don’t just draw people to God as an abstract. Rather, we draw people to the living Jesus. To reject this mission is to risk experiencing God in ways we will not like. B. Prayer Heavenly Father, help us see ways in which we have been unjust so that we may repent and model you as you would have us do. We pray in the name of the one who suffered great injustice, Jesus. Amen. C. Thought to Remember Does your example invite God’s justice? Odor, J., Boatman, C. R., Taylor, M. A., & Thatcher, T. (2020). Repent of Injustice. In R. L. Nickelson, J. A. Kenney, M. K. Williams, & J. Gerke (Eds.), The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019– 2020 (Vol. 26, pp. 323– 328). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing.

PURPOSE cont. on page 10

• May 10, 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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• May 10, 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.

• may 10, 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

• May 10, 2020 - PAGE

#10

INTERVIEW columns PURPOSE cont. FROM page 5 have been screaming their prayers to God, begging for relief. The relief didn’t come, but the message of Christ exploded in that city, in a large part because of the unfair suffering they’d known. In Ephesus, Paul’s had what might be his most successful ministry anywhere, preaching there fore more than two years until all who lived in the province of Asia heard the Gospel. (Acts 19:10) Suddenly, in as little time as it takes to incite a riot, 25,000 people packed the local theater and nuggets cont. from page 10

screamed their disapproval of the message that was threatening the worship of Artemis, one of the most important economic engines of the city. In that riot, most of the people weren’t sure of what the fuss was all about (Acts 19:32). What would you do in the hours that followed such an event? Wouldn’t you want to know what caused such a fury? Though Paul never got to preach to the crowd, as he wanted to do, you can bet thousands of people heard details of the Gospel that day,

perhaps more hearing, in a single day than had heard in the past two years combined. But at the moment, Paul only knew the pain of having to leave his home and ministry in a hurry. Like Paul, perhaps most of us can’t see the purpose of our pain right at first. If someone you love gets orders to deploy to a war, you’ll know the truth of the old saying, that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” If you’re the one forced to leave, the pain of separation will greatly increase the intensity of

training, preparation, and work. Only the pain of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 mobilized an entire nation to take the actions it needed to take, first in World War II, and now, in a global war against terror. And in both of those cases, the pain of great loss clouds the vision of pain’s purpose. The same is true for our personal pain. In the midst of the suffering, it is extremely difficult to find the purpose of our pain, and to celebrate that purpose.

Unless, of course, faith plays a role. In the midst of pain, there is an opportunity faith maturity that could accelerate your Christian growth like nothing else possibly could. It takes a tremendous step of faith to pray to a God who allows the suffering and say, “God, I don’t know the purpose of this pain, but I trust you to have a purpose in it.” ILLUSTRATION:

one of those “Protected and Not Rejected” situations. To prematurely obtain “granted requests” would be more detrimental than beneficial. Thus, God’s perfect timing provides the protection we need to be blessed and not cursed. The commitment and faithfulness of our Loving, Protective and Compassionate Heavenly Father orders our steps in such a way to prevent us from falling into destructive

pitfalls. His loving eyes are always monitoring us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. His heart is always extended toward us. He knows the situations and relationships that will edify and inspire us. As well, He knows the ones that will hinder us in not being productive as He has enabled us to be. Psalm 83:3 They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. Rather than being fruitful

by focusing our attention on our Kingdom assignments, we will be distracted. He knows how destructive distractions will be. Our Great God is thus protecting us who belong to Him, as well as protecting His investment in us. As we experience and observe the pitfalls of this earthly life through maturity in the Lord, we learn to thank God for His offers of protection of tailored care. Therefore, as beloved

sons and daughters of God, we must embrace the mindset that we are “Protected, and Not Rejected.” In the Lord’s protection, He hides us in the vault of His love. His faithful commitment is to protect our emotions, abilities, and worth, so that it will not be stolen from us or misused by others. Psalm 27:5- For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach

on a high rock. Psalm 31:20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. Know that you are the Apple of His eye. Deuteronomy 32:10b-He shielded him and cared for him; He guarded him as the apple of His eye. Our Loving Father protects us from dangers seen and unseen and unknown to us. What earthly, loving parents

PURPOSE cont. on page 10

nuggets cont.on page 11

And Church Frederick Howard

sunday school .. continued ON page 11

7 6 A P V

rtp word puzzle

rtp last week answer key

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

• may 10, 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 nuggets cont. from page 10

would not do all that they can to guard and protect their beloved children? How often are children wearied by their loving parents’ “lectures” of attempting to educate and protect them from consequences that they know will result from them making wrong choices? Loving parents exercise intense efforts to detour their beloved children from destructive results. As is the case of all positive earthly experiences and examples, the

actions and attention of these loving parents are only tiny examples of the magnitude of Daddy God’s care and concern for His Kingdom Sons and Daughters. So, don’t see yourself as being rejected, but rather protected. Psalm 121:7-The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. Protected by the Spirit of God! Protected by the love of God! Protected by the wisdom of God! Protected by the master plan of God! In addition, protected by the redemptive blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, His Precious Son. Psalm 5:12-For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor. So, encourage your heart

with God’s truth as found in His Holy Word! Know that you are special! Know that you are valued! Know that you are a priceless jewel! A valued jewel is not left unprotected so that robbers and others can steal or misuse it. But rather it is put up in a safe place, a hidden place. Remember that the Lord’s commitment

to you is from everlasting to everlasting. Psalm 121:8- The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. When we remember these truths and embrace these facts, we will celebrate the fact that we are “Protected, and Not Rejected. God bless you. Contact Info: onefaith2007@aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, LA, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship.org. (323) 481-6724.

PURPOSE cont. FROM page 10 5 Pastor and author Ron Mehl, who battled leukemia for more than 20 years before dying in 2003, brought first-hand insight to pain’s purpose in the life of Joseph (Meeting God at a Dead End). From Joseph’s point of view, there was a time in his life when every angle of life showed nothing but pain. Sold by his own brothers, betrayed by an employer’s wife, forgotten by friends in a prison, and ignored by the God who once had promised him a position of leadership and power. If Joseph had been 16 or 17 when he was captured, how many years of suffering passed before he understood God’s hand in the process? We can tell the story in a minute or two. But for Joseph, time was moving in agonizing, painful slowness. Perhaps 10, 15 years pass. That's a long time to spend in a waiting room, Mehl wrote. That's a long time to spend parked on a dead end. As it turned out, God was very much at work, right in the middle of the pain. God was working in the courts of Egypt. God was working in the weather patterns that circled the globe. God was working in his brothers’ lives. And most importantly, God was working on Joseph’s own heart, testing and probing and forming a young man who simply would not waver from his faith in God, even if life took him to the bottom of the dungeon, or the height of power and prosperity. But make no mistake

about it. As God worked, the waiting was hard for Joseph … bitterly hard. There are no guarantees for any of us, even those called into ministry. Pain happens. For those who will dare search for pain’s purpose, there is one more thing. 3. PAIN HAS A POWER. In this particular passage, Paul receives a special message from the Lord. If you’ve got a red-letter Bible, more than likely, you’ve already spotted the red-letter moment. Jesus told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” The message, and the messenger, gave Paul a tremendous boost. Perhaps we should note that Paul didn’t hear from the Lord very often. According to most scholars’ time-lines, Jesus was crucified about A.D. 30. Paul was saved about five years later, on the road to Damascus. It was a miraculous salvation experience, complete with a blinding light and the thunderous voice of Jesus, sending Paul into three days of repentant fasting. In just a few weeks, Paul had another supernatural experience in Jerusalem, when he “saw the Lord speaking” while in a trance (Acts 22:17). There, Jesus told Paul to take the message of the gospel to the Gentiles, an instruction that represented a major shift in missions and in Paul’s personal life. Before this moment, he wouldn’t have shared left-over bread with a Gentile, much less a message of

hope and love. But sixteen years, at least, passed before Paul had another such recorded experience. Two miraculously-personal encounters occurred in maybe sixteen weeks, and not another one for sixteen years! After that next miraculous message, it would be another six years, at least, before the next, and according to the record of Acts, there was never another one. Paul also had a vision, however, of a man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9) and an angel of the Lord (Acts 27:23–24). And perhaps he had other such encounters, but Luke only tells us of these. I think it’s fair to say that for most of Paul’s pain, Jesus didn’t show up. Peter, the natural leader of the post-Pentecost church, had only two such experiences, according to Luke’s history. Stephen also had a miraculous appearance from the Lord, but only at the last moment, as he prepared to die. None of those New Testament heroes had a personal appearance from the Lord at every beating, scourging, or arrest. They must have suffered a great deal in relative silence, and they must have wondered many times why God would allow it. When Paul kept asking for his “thorn” to be removed, he got a direct lesson in pain’s power from the Lord himself. Read 2 Cor. 12:7-10 again. In other words, Paul decided he was fine with the pain. If Christ’s power was upon him in the pain, then he would rather have

the strength of Christ than his own weakness. “When I am weak, then I am strong,” Paul said. And that’s the power of pain. Have you noticed how people listen to people in pain with a special intensity? People watch those who are hurting to see what matters most to them. If the pain is great enough, you’ll find out where the strength of a person really lies. You’ll see the character on the inside that inspires all of us. It’s a prime-time witness, when all eyes are on the person who hurts. In the world of sports, it might be John Elway limping back to the huddle before taking his team to a Super Bowl title. In the movies, it’s Rocky, getting up off the mat, one more time. In real life, it’s a wounded soldier coming home, still proud of the uniform and the duty that cost him so much. And in the New Testament, it’s Paul crawling out from underneath a pile of rocks in Lystra, dusting himself off, and heading to Derbe. When we see such passion in the midst of such pain, we applaud it, follow it, and find inspiration for our own lives through the example of others. There is some pain so great, it seems impossible to bear. In that place, only God can meet the need, or heal the heart. Unfortunately, it is in that place of greatest pain, and there alone, that the discovery can be made. The power of pain? Like nothing else, it can introduce us to the power of God. But the

lesson is so difficult, the only way any of us would discover it is that God allows pain to be a part of our lives. Pain happens. Pain has a purpose. And pain has a power. CONCLUSION Illustration: The beauty of a single pearl, or a string of the precious stones, is unmistakable. Few Jewels capture the eye quite like a perfect pearl. Know how the pearl came to be? In the beginning, it’s only a grain of sand. That tiny little irritant slips inside the tight seal of an oyster’s shell, and immediately causes discomfort. With no way to expel the grain of sand, with no way to ease the pain, the oyster coats the sand with a layer of the inner lining of its shell to make the sand smooth. This still does not ease the oyster's suffering. Again and again the oyster coats the sand, but all the attempts to get rid of the irritant have little effect. As far as an oyster is concerned, what we call a “pearl” is nothing more than great suffering. But one day the oyster is fished from the water and opened. The gem inside has amazing beauty and holds great value – all because the oyster had great suffering. Maybe it’s no accident that the 12 gates of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:21) are made of pearls. It’s the suffering of our Savior that allows the gate to be there in the first place … and more than likely, all who enter those priceless gates will have also known the personal cost of great suffering.

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raise the praise ministry connection

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