Raise The Praise Issue July 19, 2020 by Raise The Praise Publications

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PRODUCTION ADDRESS:

Volume XII No.2 July

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

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2020

THE PULSE OF THE CHURCH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

Department of workplace dev COMMUNITY EDUCATION PAGE 2

COVID -19 KNOW THE NUMBERS PAGE 3

Next week Sunday School WISDOM TO FOLLOW

PASTOR REGINALD ALTON POPE ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM BETHEL M.B.C. OF SOUTH LOS ANGELES Since 1975, at the age of 44, and after 44 years of faithful and uncompromisingly selfless and diligent service in public ministry, the Pastor Reginald Alton Pope announces his retirement of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South Los Angeles effective July 31, 2020.

Under Pastor Pope’s vision and passion, Bethel has grown to new levels of awareness by emphasizing the importance of learning God’s Word and living a life that signifies Christ while equipping the saints to become fishers of men in the finest manner. Pastor Pope

is a pastor who has a heart to teach, to encourage, to love, to admonish, and to broaden our principles, and character by expanding our knowledge of God. Under Pastor’s Pope tutelage, Bethel has experienced t re m e n d ou s g row t h an d significantly expanded its

organizational structure and framework. Pastor Pope has also been the catalyst for effectively bro ad e ni ng t he chu rch 's network of community service, partnerships, and engagement in Watts and throughout the Los Bethel continued on page 2

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION LET ’S US KNOW….. WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR MINISTRY DURING THE COVID-19 CRISES.

Bethel continued from front page

Angeles area, and the nation. The entire BMBC congregation recognizes and respects Pastor Pope for his outstanding years of service and dedication to Bethel. His efforts to always call everyone by name is a reflection of the personalized love and care he gives to every member of his flock. He is truly the embodiment of a servant leader with the heart of Christ. His genuine humility keeps us focused on the mission -- One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. He has passionately and enthusiastically embraced God's calling upon his life. He is unapologetically committed to the Word of God and to lead others to a more personal relationship with God. Pastor Pope says, "It has been such a privilege to lead the Bethel flock. God has enabled me to do some amazing things for His glory. I thank Bethel for the love, support, and encouragement I have received over the years. I give God all the glory. I am truly excited about the next season of my life." He says, he has created some life long friendships, and

As a supporter of RAISE THE PRAISE PUBLICATIONS, we have suspended subscriptions until Churches are back open. Meanwhile, we are still publishing articles at NO CHARGE to be published in our online version. Go to www.RTPOnline.net to submit your article or email us at news@raisethepraisenews.net. 888-290-7277

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD 2020 that family support continues to be steadfast, especially that of his lovely wife Juanita. While Pastor Pope is retiring from pastoring, he is nowise retiring from preaching and ministering. Yo u m a y c o m m u n i c a t e with Pastor Reginald Pope at rapope2014@aol.com

CARSON, Calif --Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson, chair of the California

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

Creating a Healthy Home and Habits

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

Legal Considerations for the Senior and their Caregiver

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

Diagnosing Your Doctor Through Dialogue

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

Assembly Democratic Caucus, offers condolences and prayers to the family of U.S. Representative John R. Lewis. “Congressman John R, Lewis was a giant whose life was spent in the pursuit of racial justice. This sharecropper’s son valiantly marched and strived for equality and civil rights for all. “Rep. Lewis was one of the original 13 Freedom Riders and founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee which integrated lunch counters. He never backed down and repeatedly placed himself in harm’s way, charging into fires of hate, emerging with a bloodied body and a re-energized mission. “Photos of the violent beatings of Rep. Lewis and protestors shocked and spurred the nation into action. In 1965, within days of Bloody Sunday in Selma where he suffered a fractured skull, the Voting Rights Act was passed. “As a role model and champion

for justice, he challenged everyone including myself to get into some ‘good trouble.’ He chose courage over fear and urged us to keep protesting for change and always choose love over hate. I now challenge everyone in this country to honor his legacy of activism by becoming a change agent, get into some ‘good trouble’ and exercise our right to vote.“

ministry CORNER blessed truths of holiness in

We speak of the holiness movement in our times and praise God for it. We hear a great deal of seekers after holiness and professors of holiness, of holiness teaching and holiness meetings. The

Christ and holiness by faith are being emphasized as never before. The great test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will from the pulpit continued on PAGE 3

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

Recognize Your Own Value

dr. tonya lewis

It is easy for us to justify the value that we attribute to others. We readily and sometimes overly-complement their beauty, poise, mannerism, personality, smile, etc. while, being even quicker to CRITICIZE our self ! Unfortunately, some of from the pulpit continued from PAGE 2

be whether it is manifest in the increasing humility it produces. In the individual, humility is the one thing needed to allow God’s holiness to dwell in and shine through him or her. In Jesus—the Holy One

us do not embrace our own beauty, or positive and valued points. Rather, we find fault with who we are, or who we are not. In making observations of criticism, we devalue our worth and only see ourselves as grasshoppers among giants. We don’t see our value as God does, as well as others whom we know and even others that we don’t know. There are people who observe us through eyes of love and respect for who we are, what we do, say and how we interact with others. Some people even desire to be like us. We must embrace our worth as God does. Psalm 139 : 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so

wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! Our value is so great that we have been given these reminders: Psalm 34:7-The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them, and Psalm 91:11 For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Even satan recognizes how loved and valued we are as he did about Job: Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have

of God, who makes us holy— divine humility was the secret of His life, His death, and His exaltation. The one infallible test of our holiness will be our humility before God and others. Humility is the bloom and the beauty of holiness. The chief mark of counterfeit

holiness is its lack of humility. Every seeker after holiness needs to be on his guard lest unconsciously what was begun in the spirit is perfected in the flesh, and pride creep in where its presence is least expected. Two men went into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee,

nuggets cont.on page 10

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the other a tax collector. There was no place or position so sacred that the Pharisee could not enter there. Pride can lift its head in the very temple of God and make His worship the scene of its self-exaltation. Since the time Christ so exposed his pride, the Pharisee has put on

the garb of the tax collector. The confessor of deep sinfulness and the professor of highest holiness must both be on watch. Just when we are most anxious to have our heart be the temple of God, we will find the two from the pulpit continued on page 11

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Wisdom to Follow Devotional Reading • Proverbs 3:13–18 Bible Background • Proverbs 3:17; 8:32–36; John 14:1–14 MANY FACES OF WISDOM UNIT 2: WISDOM IN THE GOSPELS LESSONS 5–8 Lesson Aims

1. State an unwise reaction to Jesus’ declarations. 2. Contrast that unwise reaction with Jesus’ wise response. 3. Identify one way better to commit to following Jesus in a culture driven by social media. Key Verse: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6 Focal verses: NIV John 14:1–14 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Introduction A. What Does God Look Like? “What does God look like?” This is a classic question—asked by children and adults, believers and skeptics alike. It is a theme of celebrated novels and popular movies. Deep inside we often think God looks like us—perhaps due to our reading Genesis 1:26 a certain way—but older and wiser. On the other hand, when we realize that “God is spirit” (John 4:24), it means he is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17; Colossians 1:15). He may allow created beings to see manifestations of himself at times (Exodus 24:9–11; Revelation 22:3, 4; etc.), but we cannot see his true essence (1 Timothy 6:16). To ask the question “What does God look like?” is therefore not legitimate. Since that question shouldn’t be asked, what about the question “Would you like to see God?” You might answer no because nobody can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20). Or you might answer yes because when Christ returns, “we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Jesus’ interaction with one of his disciples helps us sort through this yes-and-no desire. B. Lesson Context Of the four New Testament’s four Gospels, John’s is the most distinctive. All four agree that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. When telling the gospel story, Matthew, Mark,

july 26, 2020 Bible Study Guide

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

and Luke narrate many of the same episodes, usually with very similar words. John’s Gospel shares much less material with the other three and offers many teachings that are not found elsewhere. He tells of extended conversations between Jesus and his opponents, as well as between Jesus and his followers. These provide perspective on Jesus’ identity and mission as the divine Son of God who became human. John connects these conversations to Jesus’ miracles, which John calls “signs” (John 4:48; 20:30; etc.) to emphasize that they point to Jesus’ identity and mission. Like the other Gospels, John arranges his material to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection, in which we see Jesus’ mission come to its amazing fulfillment. Our lesson text comes near the beginning of the chapters in John’s Gospel that focus on Jesus’ words and actions on the night before his crucifixion (John 13–18). Much of this material is Jesus’ private teaching to his followers. Hanging over the discourse is the shadow of Jesus’ looming crucifixion (John 13:1). By what seems to be Satan’s defeat of Jesus (13:21–27; 19:16–30), is actually Jesus’ defeat of Satan. Though Jesus would no longer be present as he had been, his

followers would not be alone, for Jesus promised to send God’s Holy Spirit (14:16, 17, 26). By the Spirit’s power, they would continue the work that God had begun in Jesus (16:7–14). This section of John begins as Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. This was to show them, in part, that in his death he, their Lord, would be serving them (John 13:1–17). As Jesus brought his teaching to a close, he prayed for his followers, asking the Father especially that they be unified as he and the Father are unified (17:6–26). As Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was willingly surrendering to a death that would free his disciples from the guilt of sin (18:2–9). I. The Way Introduced (John 14:1–4) A. Believe (v. 1) 1. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. When the disciples see events unfold that lead to Jesus’ death, their natural reaction will be to lose heart (compare John 14:27). Jesus anticipates this reaction with a call to belief. He connects belief in God with belief in himself. What Do You Think? What techniques can you adopt to replace worry with trust? Digging Deeper Without giving directive advice, how would you use Matthew 6:25–34 to counsel a chronic worrier who says, “I’m not worried. I’m concerned.”? How would you use Luke 11:24–26, if at all, to stress the replacement aspect? In the original language, the verb translated believe, used twice, can be understood in at least two ways. One way sees Jesus as making two statements of fact: “You believe in God and you believe in me.” On the other hand, some students propose that the second phrase should be seen as an imperative. Therefore Jesus is saying, “Since you believe in God, you must also believe in me.” In this understanding, Jesus is urging the disciples to exercise reliant trust in himself as a logical extension of trusting the Father (compare John

3:15, 16). Either way, Jesus is clearly defining faith in himself on the same level as faith in God. For the faithful people of Israel, there was no greater truth than that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). There can be no other implication: Jesus asserts that he is divine, that he is God. Faith in God and in Jesus is more than just affirming a truth. To place trust in Jesus is to place trust in God. B. Follow the Son (vv. 2–4) 2a. “My Father’s house has many rooms; In the Old Testament, expressions about one’s house can refer to all the members of a family or tribe (example: 2 Samuel 7:16); the word can also refer to the temple (examples: 7:6, 7, 13), the place where God’s people stand in his presence. Because God is enthroned in Heaven (Deuteronomy 26:15), we can understand God’s house to refer to Heaven as well. It is not certain which way(s) Jesus intends the expression, but the end result is essentially the same. The Father has planned for his people to live forever in his caring presence. Jesus’ assurance is that in God’s family and in God’s presence, there is a place for all his people. Rooms translates a word that refers to a dwelling place (compare John 14:23, where the same word is translated “home”). Jesus’ point here is not that Heaven is a grand place, though it certainly is, but that God has provided room for all members of his kingdom. 2b. “if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? In the trials that lie ahead, the disciples will have to rely on God’s faithfulness. Jesus’ statement suggests that his preparing a place for the disciples is an important promise of God’s ongoing care. They have many reasons to put their trust in God’s provision. Every stage of Israel’s history has demonstrated God’s faithfulness. T h e g r e a t e s t d e m o n s t ra t i o n o f God’s faithfulness, namely Jesus’ resurrection, is only a few days away. 3a. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, We may wonder if Jesus is referring to his death or to his ascension. Both are necessary for Jesus to prepare an

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COLUMNS sunday school continued from page 6 eternal place for his followers: Jesus’ death will pay sin’s price for admission into Heaven, while his ascension will result in the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower and teach his followers (John 14:26; 15:26). All that he has done and all that he is about to do is for the good of those who follow him. Dual Preparations When my family moved across the country, my wife and I had a plan: she would travel to our destination a few weeks before our move date to prepare for the arrival of the rest of us. She had several tasks to perform in that regard, including meeting with her new employer. Her most important task, however, was to ensure that things were on track for our family’s move into our new home. On my end, I was to pack and coordinate the move while coping with the difficulty of caring for our 4-month-old daughter by myself. When we finally moved, we were both thankful for each other’s work on the two ends. While my wife was preparing for the arrival, I was preparing for the departure. The work we both put in was necessary and complementary. Christ has gone ahead to prepare a place for us. But this place is only for those who are preparing themselves to be there. We prepare through faith in Jesus. Exercising such faith is an everyday task that requires intentional effort. How is your preparation coming along? —L. H-P. 3b. “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus’ pending departure will not be permanent. He is not abandoning the disciples, even temporarily (also John 14:18). He leaves to act on their behalf and will come back to complete that work. Jesus’ declaration bears some similarity to God’s statement to Moses of his intent to deliver the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt (Exodus 3:8). In broad terms, God’s aim throughout Scripture is that his people be where he is. This is a reversal of Genesis 3:23, 24. Compare Revelation 21:3: I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Jesus takes on himself the divine role of the one to rescue and gather God’s people. 4. “You know the way to the place where I am going.” Based on Jesus’ ministry and teaching to this point, the disciples should understand who Jesus is and what is about to happen to him. They should realize that Heaven is

both his origin and destination (where I am going) and that he must die (the way) in order that they might be admitted to their heavenly home. But “should understand” isn’t the reality, as the next verse reveals. II. The Way Revealed (John 14:5–7) A. Thomas’s Question (v. 5) 5. Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Thomas is one of the original apostles (see Matthew 10:2– 4; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13– 16; Acts 1:13). When hearing his name, most Christians probably think of him primarily in terms of the unflattering designation Doubting Thomas, given his statement in John 20:25. But two other texts also reveal his character and/or mental state. One is John 11:16, where Thomas speaks with great courage. The other is the verse before us, where he reveals that he does not understand Jesus’ teaching, even though Jesus expects that the disciples already know what he is saying. Thomas is not alone in being what today we might call clueless; Jesus’ disciples constantly struggle to understand his teaching (see Matthew 15:15–20; 16:5–12; Mark 4:13; 7:17, 18; John 16:25–30). Full clarity must wait until after the resurrection. Thomas won’t completely grasp things until he sees the risen Lord. B. “I Am” the Answer (vv. 6, 7) 6a. Jesus answered, Jesus answers Thomas with what is now one of the most wellknown sayings of Jesus in the New Testament. 6b. “I am the way The word way translates an ordinary word that commonly refers to a pathway of some sort. This can be either a p hy s i c a l o n e ( s u c h a s a highway; Matthew 22:9, 10) or a figurative—but no less real—one (example: “the way of God”; 22:16). Jesus describes himself in terms of the latter (compare John 10:9; Hebrews 10:19–22). 6c. “and the truth God is the source of all that is true. Those who worship God must do so in truth (John 4:24). In Jesus the truth of God is supremely manifest (1:1–5, 14). There is no better or higher truth than he. All that is true comes to its focus in him. 6d. “and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. As God is the source of all that lives, so God’s life is fully in Jesus (John 1:4; 5:26). To belong to Jesus is to have life (10:10), the life of eternity that transforms the present and the never-ending future (3:16). To be apart from Jesus is to be separated from life, as our first parents were separated from Eden’s tree of

life in their sin (Genesis 2:9; 3:22–24). There are not many ways to God—only one, and Jesus is that one (Ephesians 2:13–18). What Do You Think? Other than memorizing this passage, how can we guard ourselves against the false idea that there’s more than one route to salvation? Digging Deeper How would you respond to the declaration that the “one route” view is narrow-minded? 7a. “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. This is a rebuke. Having followed Jesus throughout his ministry, the disciples believe that they know him. But in knowing him, they ought to know his Father as well. The Father is the one of whom Jesus has taught, whom he has served, to whom he has prayed, with whom he is fully united (John 1:18; 10:30; 1 John 2:23). But Thomas’s words had revealed a lack of understanding. 7b. “From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” The rebuke gives way to a promise, however. From now on, the disciples do indeed k n o w t h e Fa t h e r. J e s u s ’ resurrection will enable them to realize this even more fully. Seeing Jesus, they see God the Son, who is completely one with God the Father. Hearing this discourse of Jesus will enable the disciples to reach a new realization about the Father and the Son following resurrection morning. Like Father, Like Son My maternal grandfather died before I was born. I learned about him through family stories and old family albums. But hearing stories and seeing old pictures are not the same thing as making my own memories with him. One day when I told my mother of how I wished I’d known her father, she tried to comfort me with more stories about him. Then she shared how much her eldest brother was like her father: in their facial features, their laugh and sense of humor, and their handiness. From that day forward, I tried to spend more time with my uncle. Getting to know him seemed to be as close as I could get to knowing my grandfather. My uncle may have been a c l o s e r e f l e c t i o n o f my grandfather, but Jesus is the exact image of God the Father. We can know God better by reflecting on the life and words of Jesus Christ in Scripture. Jesus reveals the very nature of God.—L. H-P. III. The Way Explained (John 14:8–14) A. Philip’s Desire (v. 8) 8. Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” The apostle Philip has

appeared three times thus far in John’s Gospel: twice bringing someone to Jesus (John 1:43–48; 12:20–22) and once offering a weak answer to a probing question (6:5–7). Prompted by Jesus’ words about the Father, here Philip expresses both a longing to see God and a failure to understand Jesus’ teaching. Philip’s request reminds us of Moses when he asked to be shown God’s glory (Exodus 33:18). God answered by allowing Moses only a partial vision (33:19–23). B. God’s Oneness (vv. 9, 10) 9. Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Exasperated, Jesus points out to Philip what he has missed throughout Jesus’ ministry: that Jesus is in complete unity with God the Father, expressing the divine nature fully in all that Jesus has done. God is one, so to see God the Son is to see God the Father (2 Corinthians 4:4). The Son and the Father share the same divine nature (Hebrews 1:3). What Do You Think? Using only the example of Jesus, how would you describe God the Father to an unbeliever? Digging Deeper What are some things we are able to teach about God only because of Jesus? This remarkable, paradoxical realization has led Christians who have reflected on the gospel to formulate an understanding of God called the Trinity. There is but one God. But the Father and the Son are distinct divine persons, and the Holy Spirit is also. God is one in nature but three in persons, giving and receiving perfect love without beginning or end. In this divine mystery, God is unlike any created being. Only he is both one and three in this way. 10a. “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Though he is responding to Philip specifically, Jesus’ question is for all the disciples to answer. He asks in such a way that expects an affirmative response. Everything that the disciples have heard and witnessed demonstrates the utter unity of God the Father and Jesus the Son (John 10:37, 38). Jesus fulfills the will of God. Everything that God has done has its focus and climax in Jesus. 10b. “Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. The work to which Jesus refers includes miracles, sometimes called “signs”

(compare John 2:1–11; 4:46– 54; 5:1–15; 6:1–21; 9:1– 12; 11:1–44). These works are from the Father. Miracles clearly indicate the work of God. C. Jesus’ Works (v. 11) 11a. “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; The disciples have followed Jesus as their master, eager to receive his teaching. They should put their confidence in him now, given their previous trust, even when he challenges their very ideas of who God is. 11b. “or at least believe on the evidence in the works themselves. Jesus’ claims regarding his identity are proven by his mighty works (John 5:36; 10:38). The disciples have witnessed deeds that God alone can do. They can rely on what those reveal about Jesus’ unity with the Father. What Do You Think? What spiritual guardrails can you erect to stay focused on the evidence that proves the truth of Christianity? Digging Deeper In addition to books and videos by J. Warner Wallace, what resources can you use to help you keep that focus? D. Believers’ Greater Things (vv. 12–14) 12. “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. Ve r y t r u l y s i g n a l s t h e beginning of an important assertion (examples: John 3:3; 5:19; 16:23). The challenge Jesus presents is for the disciples to imagine that what he has done will be surpassed by their own works (compare Matthew 21:21). Jesus’ work is the decisive inauguration of God’s kingdom. But that work continues and grows in Jesus’ followers. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, who will be given after Jesus’ resurrection (John 15:26), the disciples are to share the good news in doing Jesus’ work. By faith in their Lord, they will be able to see how God is fulfilling through them his promise to gather a people to himself. 13. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. The followers of Jesus accomplish even greater things because they are empowered by their Lord, by the Spirit, and in answer to their prayers. To ask in Jesus’ name is not merely a formula that we say at the end of a prayer. It is that we ask while believing that he has the divine authority to answer; but we are also submitting to his will and purpose. We cannot ask under Jesus’ authority for that which Jesus does not want to give us.

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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 323 418-9161 RAISE THE PRAISE MINISTRY CONNECTION • $90.00 PER MONTH SINGLE SPACE B/W• 50 PAPERS PER WEEK • DISCOUNTED DISPLAY ADS • ONE EDITORIAL PER WEEK • WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITOR WITH SAME DISTRIBUTION

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call today to get started 323-210-3658

• JULY 19, 2020 - PAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

REV. ALVIN TUNSTILL, JR., PASTOR

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

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

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

FAITH COMMUNITY B.C.

8703 Cedar St.,Bellflower, CA 90706

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.BeulahBaptistLa.org

REV. TICEY BROWN PASTOR

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

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

CHURCH: (323) 564-4983

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

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

SOUTHSIDE BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

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

REV. ROBERT L. TAYLOR PASTOR

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

GREATER NEW LIGHT B.C.

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

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

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

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

GOSPEL MISSION BAPTIST CHURCH

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

• JULY 19, 2020 - PAGE

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

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

ST. JOHN M.B.C.

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

GREATER MT. HERMON M.B.C.

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

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

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

ROCK OF FAITH M.B.C.

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

REV. WILLIAM G. DAVIS, JR., PASTOR

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

ST. REED BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MOUNT ISRAEL M.B.C.

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

NEW PROVIDENCE M.B.C.

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

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

UNION MISSIONARY B.C.

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

VILLAGE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

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

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

REV. TERRELL TAYLOR - PASTOR

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

NEW HOPE B.C. LONG BEACH

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

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

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

TABERNACLE OF FAITH B.C.

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

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

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

• JULY 19, 2020 - PAGE

#10

INTERVIEW columns sunday school continuedf rom page 5 So Jesus gives here not a blank check to cash as we wish. Rather, he gives the assurance that whatever we need to do his work of even greater things, he will supply (Matthew 7:7–11). By this means the Father will be glorified as the world sees and hears who the Father truly is. 14. “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Believers have full assurance that Jesus will supply our

every need. To drive the point home, Jesus repeats it. What Do You Think? What red flags would cause you to conclude that a certain request is of a type for which the name of Jesus should never be invoked? Digging Deeper What types of things might or might not be prayed for depending on the motives of the one who is doing the asking (James 4:3)?

Conclusion A. To Know God, Know Jesus In Jesus of Nazareth, we indeed see God! Fully human and fully divine, Jesus spoke and acted with authority that belongs to God alone. For this reason, his followers came to understand that God was personally present in Jesus. The God who is incarnate in Jesus is patient, as Jesus was patient with his disciples. He is just, as Jesus was just with the mighty and the lowly.

He is gracious, generous, and merciful beyond comparison, as Jesus willingly gave his life for the unworthy, even for his enemies. To know Jesus is to know God. To reject Jesus is to reject God. To follow God’s path of wisdom is to follow in the path of Jesus, to love and serve as he did. B. Prayer Heavenly Father, as you are revealed to us in Jesus, empower us by the Holy Spirit to live according to the pattern

you set forth so others see you in us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen! C. Thought to Remember To know the Son is to know the Father.

embrace who He desires us to be. It will bless and reassure us by remembering that the ALL-WISE GOD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, decided and designed our special features of beauty. When we reflect on being invited to have a personal relationship with the Great Lord of the world to experience deliverance from destructive habits, it reminds us of how special we are. Our privilege to spread the

Gospel of the Kingdom of God, of experiencing Christ sharing His abilities through our inabilities to positively touch the lives of others and Daddy-G o d working His masterful plan through our lives and not requiring us to be like somebody else reflects how special we are. We are blessed because God’s miracles flow through our lives, affording us opportunities that some others will not experience.

The privilege of being born for (and in) such a time as this denotes how intentional our lives are. Confirmation of God’s intended purpose of our life is also demonstrated by not having to conform to look like, walk or talk like others to be effective. But the privilege to have our own God-designed style and identity allows us to celebrate our uniqueness to be different while yielding in

Schmidt, D. with Weatherly, J., & Hall-Perkins, L., Bass Kabrina. (2020). Wisdom to Follow. In R. L. Nickelson, J. A. Kenney, M. K. Williams, & J. Gerke (Eds.), The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019–2020 (Vol. 26, pp. 401– 407). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing.

nuggets cont. from page 10

11:18). Jesus did the opposite as noted in Verse 19-The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But neither Jesus nor John were swayed by the incorrect poll of others but remained faithful to their Godgiven mission. To “Recognize Our Own Value”, we must stay focused on the love which God has for us as well as to

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

increased in the land. (Job 1:10). As long as we focus on the definition of ourselves as defined by unloving, negative, jealous, and spiteful people, we will not see how much God esteems us. There were people who misjudged John the Baptist and said ‘He was possessed by a demon because he did not socialize with them but rather stayed focused in his God-given mission of being the forerunner of Christ. (Matthew

• JULY 19, 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. nuggets cont. from page 10

alignment with His will and way. The privilege of experiencing and being an example of peace and victory through the tough times in life also validates our value. The privilege of possessing delightful memories, times of laughter, rejoicings, and experiences of love. The privilege to be forgiven of God and man and to be given another opportunity for a new beginning. That is why we must esteem with great honor and value the wisdom of God in creating us to be who we are. Rather than complain or incorrectly evaluate yourself and your worth, see yourself through the loving heart of your loving Heavenly Father. No, from the pulpit continued from PAGE 3

men coming to pray. And the tax collector will find that his danger is not from the Pharisee beside him, who despises him, but the Pharisee within, who commends and exalts himself. In God’s temple, when we think we are in the holy place, in the presence of His holiness, let us beware of pride. “One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them” (Job 1:6). “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, or even like this tax collector” (Luke 18:11). It is in the thanksgiving that we render to God or the confession that God has done it all, that self finds cause for complacency. Yes, even when the language of penitence and trust in God’s mercy alone is heard, the Pharisee may take up the note of praise and in thanking God be congratulating himself. Pride can clothe itself in the garments of praise or of penitence. Even though the words “I am not as other men” are rejected and condemned, their spirit may too often be found in our feelings and language toward our fellow worshipers and

people will not understand us especially when we walk in God’s authoritative power of confidence, assurance and purpose, but walk on! One of the best ways to honor God is not to imply through how we view or talk to ourselves that He used unwise judgment in how He created us. While life does influence much of how and who we are, as well as the choices that we make, there is still that core reality of who God created us to be. When we submit ourselves to Him and allow Him as our Lord, Savior and Master to lead and direct our thoughts and action, it will definitely enhance our lives. We are not to be self-righteous or prideful or attribute ourselves as better than anyone else for that is not a true perception. Nor should we ignore necessary changes within ourselves that need to happen as alerted by the Word of God and the wisdom of others. However, it is to see ourselves in that group that we esteem with dignity and honor. When we dare to walk in authority of God’s approval, others will conclude

fellowmen. If you wonder if this is so, listen to the way Christians speak of one another. How little of the meekness and gentleness of Jesus is seen. It is seldom remembered that deep humility must be the keynote of what we say of ourselves or of each other. There are countless assemblies of saints, mission conventions, s o c i e t i e s , or c om m itt e e s , where the harmony has been disturbed and the work of God hindered because men who are counted saints are touchy and impatient, self-defensive and self-assertive to the point of sharp judgments and unkind words. They do not reckon others better than themselves, and their holiness has little meekness in it. ‘Me’ is a most exacting person, requiring the best seat and the highest place for itself, and feeling grievously wounded if its claim is not recognized. Most of the quarrels among Christian workers arise from the clamoring of this gigantic ‘me.’ How few of us understand the true secret of taking our seats in the lowest rooms.” In their spiritual history, men may have had times of great humbling and

323-210-3658

we are being arrogant, while in fact, we are just choosing to embrace who our Heavenly Father says we are. Allow the Greater One in you to shine through by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and direct your life. No one can be a better you than you. Therefore, celebrate the privilege of being you as designed by the Lord! Be validated, honored, and assured of your own worth. When we reflect on the evidence which God provides for us to validate our worth, it should motivate us to thank God for the privilege of being who He decided and designed us to be. We must remind ourselves that our Wise God did not make a mistake of whom He created and intended us

brokenness, but what a different thing this is from being clothed with humility, from having a humble spirit, from having that lowliness of mind in which each counts himself the servant of others and so shows forth the mind that was in Jesus Christ. Our text is a parody on holiness! Jesus the Holy One is the humble One: the holiest will always be the humblest. There is none holy but God: we have as much holiness as we have God. And according to what we have of God will be our real humility, because humility is nothing but the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all. The holiest will be the humblest. Though the barefaced boasting Jew of the days of Isaiah is not often to be found—our manners have taught us not to speak that way—how often his spirit is still seen, whether in the treatment of fellow Christians or of the children of the world. In the spirit in which opinions are given, work is undertaken, and faults are exposed, how often, though the garb be that of the tax collector, the voice is still that of the Pharisee: “God, I thank you that I am not like

other men” (Luke 18:11). Is there such humility still to be found that men count themselves “less than the least of all saints,” the servants of all? “Love... does not boast, it is not proud.. . . It is not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). Where the spirit of love is shed abroad in the heart, where the divine nature comes to full birth, and where Christ the meek and lowly Lamb of God is truly formed within, there comes the power of a perfect love that forgets itself and finds its blessedness in blessing others. Where this love enters, God enters. And where God has come in His power and revealed himself, the vessel becomes nothing. This is the condition in which true humility can be displayed toward others. The presence of God is not dependent upon times and seasons, but upon a soul ready to do His will and forget itself. Let all teachers of holiness, whether in the pulpit or on the platform, and all seekers after holiness, whether in the closet or the convention, take warning: There is no pride so dangerous, so subtle and insidious, as the pride of holiness.

to be. We are valuable. We do have worth. God Intentionally designed us to maximize and display all He placed in us. Thank God for the privilege to be you! Yes, You MUST “Recognize Your Own Value”! Contact Info: onefaith2007@ aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, LA, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship. org. (323) 481-6724

It is not that a man ever says, or even thinks, “Stay away. I am too sacred for you!” The thought would be considered ludicrous. But unconsciously there can develop a private habit of soul that feels complacency in its attainments and cannot help but see how far it is ahead of others. It isn’t always seen in self-assertion or self-praise, but in the absence of self-denial and modesty that reveals a lack of the mark of the soul that has seen the glory of God (Job 42:5–6; Isaiah 6:5). It is a tone, a way of speaking of oneself or others, in which those who have the gift of discernment cannot but recognize the power of self. Even the world with its keen eye notices it, and points to it as proof that the profession of a spiritual life does not always bear spiritual fruits. Beware, lest we make a profession of holiness, delighting in beautiful thoughts and feelings, in solemn acts of consecration and faith, while the mark of the presence of God—the disappearance of self—is obviously missing. Flee to Jesus and hide yourselves in Him until you are clothed with His humility. That alone is holiness.

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raise the praise ministry connection

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