Lion's Roar - April 2013

April 2013

Lion’s Roar Magazine

A Monthly Publication of The City of Praise Family Ministries

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

What Does It Mean To Serve A Living God?

Spring Into Healthy Living

The Praise Report PRAISE GOD FOR THE OVERFLOW! The City of Praise Family Ministries will launch an 8 a.m. service on May 5th, 2013 at Forestville Military Academy in Forestville, Md.

Lion’s Roar Magazine

Praise God! Spring has sprung. Spring is one of the most symbolic and important seasons of the calendar for followers of Jesus Christ.

The old literally dies away giving birth to new life. This is exactly what entering into a relationship with Christ does for us.

Second Corinthians 5:17 informs us that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

As a Christian family ministry, with the word of God as our guidebook, this is wildly exciting news. The slate of the past is wiped clean and we can move into a bright future that has been blessed by the Lord. Every new day is another opportunity to love and live a richly reborn life that brings honor to Christ.

The measures we take today may not be perfect, but they must be an improvement from those taken yesterday. At The City of Praise Family Ministries, you are blessed with leaders and ministries that will keep you pruned and prepared to be reborn into the very best you.

We hope you will take advantage of the ministries available at both of our campuses. Yes! That is correct. We are launching services at a second campus. Read our special praise report in On The Horizon. The City of Praise Family Ministries is growing with a new 8 a.m. service on Sunday mornings at Forestville Military Academy in Forestville, Md. God is truly blessing The City with outstanding growth.

We are humbled to be used by Him. We love you.

Pastor Joel and Co-Pastor Ylawnda What Does It Mean To Serve a Living God?

APRIL CONTRIBUTORS JOSHUA ROGERS

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WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES BEGINNING MAY 5TH

Spring Into Healthy Habits

8 A.M. FORESTVILLE MILITARY ACADEMY

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SUNDAYS 10:00 A.M. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL 7601 HANOVER PARKWAY GREENBELT, MD 20770 CHILDREN’S CHURCH (AGES 3-11)

The Praise Report

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LION’S ROAR STAFF PASTOR & CO-PASTOR - JOEL & YLAWNDA PEEBLES DEANA BASS ELIZABETH BERSCHE MALIKA CAREY-JORDAN DIANE GEORGE RAYMOND MORSE SOUTHERLYN REISIG PAULETTE SHELTON DEE-DEE BASS WILBON

INTERCESSORY PRAYER & HOLY COMMUNION MONDAYS 7:00 P.M. ON THE COVER: Pastor Joel Peebles, Co-Pastor Ylawnda Peebles & The City of Praise Family Ministries.

Team on Duty “Team Covenant”.

Captain and Co-captain Diane George – 240-375-3953 Rayetta Byrd -- 240-305-2019

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April 2013

By Pastor Joel Peebles

What Does It Mean To Serve

A Living God?

T

he Resurrection is an amazing story. It is one point that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions.

We serve a living God. On the third day, He rose from the grave and ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. These words are often repeated in Christian liturgy. But what does it matter? What does it mean to our daily lives? We focus on this truth during Easter, but what about a week later? Does the significance of The Resurrection still matter? Well if it does not, it should.

The significance of The Resurrection is more profound than I can cover in one commentary. However, here are some key areas that can’t be overstated.

First of all Christ said that He would rise in three days.

If He had not done so, He would have broken a promise. And Jesus the Christ does not break promises.

Second, Jesus conquering the grave is proof that He, His father and the Holy Spirit have power over all things.

Christ our hero was not defeated by man-made constructs.

And finally, Christ’s victory over the grave means that He lives and continues to act on behalf of those whom He loves. You and I are the apples of His eye. He

loves us and He is alive working daily for our benefit.

One of the most fascinating details in The Resurrection of Christ is that the Roman guards took the Lord at His word and increased security at the grave.

Nineteenth century theologian, Alfred Edersheim says that the Roman guards, “asked for and received soldiers to guard the tomb. Although tasked for and received soldiers to guard the tomb. Although they didn’t believe such a thing could happen, they took Jesus’s claim that He would rise again in three days in a literal sense.

But His disciples, on the other hand, don’t seem to have shared the same conviction, despite Christ’s promise.”

In fact, when Christ presents himself to the disciples fully living, they are still in disbelief. Fortunately, they did come to believe and they governed themselves accordingly. They behaved as followers of a living God. City of Praise Family Ministries, our God is alive. He is not dead. How will your actions reflect those of one who serves a God who is able to do all things?

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. -John 6:69

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, -Hebrews 12:22

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10

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Lion’s Roar Magazine

The Praise Report

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By Joshua Rogers

My Personal Friend

s a person who has been in church their whole life, I was taught how to act in church, read the Bible, and how to reverence God with my body through holiness. However, I was never taught how to “Experience God”. I wanted to experience this mysterious powerful being, who spoke directly to Abraham, showed his Glory to Moses, who raised the dead, healed the sick, and baptized over one hundred people on the day of Pentecost.

I was growing very frustrated and bored with my life as a young Christian. I was living holy, being obedient to my parents and those in authority, doing all I was taught to do. Even doing all of this, I felt I was experiencing church and rituals, but I did not feel the presence of God? I often thought, “If God is real, why won’t He speak to me?”

I began praying fervently, “God just speak to me.” One day as I was reading John 15:26, I found something about The Comforter. Who is the Comforter? Was He The Holy Spirit? I wanted nothing to do with this character. I thought, “Isn’t He the one who makes those people talk funny, jump around, act scary and foolish?” I said this out of fear. I have found that many of the answers to our prayers are hidden in our fears, such as Jacob praying that God heal his relationship with his brother Esau, yet he was afraid to go back to the land of his father to ask for forgiveness (Genesis 31-33).

My prayer for companionship and friendship with the Lord led me through a season of loneliness and isolation. Everyone I was close to seemed to betray me, or wanted nothing to do with me. I faced a season where my own parents and sisters turned away from me. I endured a season of homelessness and depression, which led to suicidal thoughts and attempts.

However in this trial, I found God. I found The Holy Spirit.

Having no friends or family during this time, I decided to go to church one night. Having no idea if there was a service or any events going on, I just felt led to attend church on a Friday night. Now you know I had to be lonely, being a 19 year old young man at the time going to church on a Friday night. The solid foundation class was being taught. The topic was “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” As the minister was speaking, I just knew this was something I needed, desired, wanted and was the answer to my prayer (Deuteronomy 4:29-31).

Minister Carolyn Poindexter was ministering that night. She said, “It’s not all about speaking in tongues, but it’s about having the overflow of God’s presence around you and in you.” Needless to say that Friday night three years ago, I was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. As I walked home that night, I knew something was different. I was no longer alone. I knew God was there. I heard Him speak for the first time and He said “I’ve been waiting for you; I’m the Holy Spirit, your personal friend.”

That day my spiritual life changed. I now had fellowship and fun with God. My walk was no longer dull and ritualistic. I could relate to Adam having direct communication with the Lord. The Lord was now present, not far away but close in me. (Psalms 46:1) Maybe you’re reading this and you’ve wanted to go to another level in God. Holy Spirit is the answer.

He wants to answer your questions, spend time in fellowship with you, revealing the Lord Jesus to you.

He wants to transform you into the very image of Jesus. Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He’ll only come if you open up, ask and seek.

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If you have good news that you would like to share, email cityofpraisechurchmd@gmail.com

April 2013

Spring Into Healthy Habits three habits to practice daily

sleep

pray

love

How much sleep do you get each night? In the Beltway, many lead hectic, high stress lives. We place a low value on sleep. We have heard it for years and according to the American Psychological Association, it remains true. Adults need on average eight hours of sleep each night. Not getting quality sleep will affect your work, your family and your life. Spring into healthy habits by sleeping.

When was the last time you prayed? As Bible believing followers of Jesus Christ, we know there is no shortage of Scripture detailing the importance of prayer. Stop spinning your wheels in life trying to do everything on your own. Take deliberate and dedicated time each day to pray. If we truly believe God is real and He is working for our good, then how could we possibly not talk to Him daily? Spring into healthy habits by talking to the Father.

Have you shown your love to someone today? Harvard University and the University of California have conducted a study to prove what our mothers taught us long ago. A single expression of love and kindness can “extend as far as three degrees of separation, and also spreads literally to affect a greater number of people interacting with a single affected individual.� Spring into the healthy habit of showing a little love that will go a long way.

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Lion’s Roar Magazine

On The Horizon City of Praise Family Ministries Events

April

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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7:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 at Eleanor Roosevelt HS Enter access code 658295# 7:00 pm Marriage Class 7:30 pm Musicians Rehearsal 7:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal

7 9:45 am Children’s Church 10:00 am Sunday Service

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9:45 am Children’s Church 10:00 am Sunday Service

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9:45 am Children’s Church 10:00 am Sunday Service 4:00 pm Pastor Joel will minister @ Judah Christian Center Church

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7:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 at Eleanor Roosevelt HS Enter access code 658295# 7:00 pm Marriage Class 7:30 pm Musicians Rehearsal 7:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal

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6:30 PM Celebrate Recovery 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM CHILDREN’S Bible Study Ages 4 - 10 yrs old 7:30 PM Young Adult Praise Team Rehearsal 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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30 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer

7:00 pm Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 at Eleanor Roosevelt HS Enter access code 658295# 7:00 pm Marriage Class 7:30 pm Musicians Rehearsal 7:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal

Thursday

7:00 PM Praise Dancers Rehearsal 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Joys Rehearsal 7:30 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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11 7:00 PM Praise Dancers Rehearsal 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Joys Rehearsal 7:30 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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6:30 PM Celebrate Recovery 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM CHILDREN’S Bible Study Ages 4 - 10 yrs old 7:30 PM Young Adult Praise Team Rehearsal 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

7:00 PM Praise Dancers Rehearsal 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Joys Rehearsal 7:30 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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6:30 PM Celebrate Recovery 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM CHILDREN’S Bible Study Ages 4 - 10 yrs old 7:30 PM Young Adult Praise Team Rehearsal 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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6:30 PM Celebrate Recovery 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM CHILDREN’S Bible Study Ages 4 - 10 yrs old 7:30 PM Young Adult Praise Team Rehearsal 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

Friday

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6:30 PM Celebrate Recovery 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM CHILDREN’S Bible Study Ages 4 - 10 yrs old 7:30 PM Young Adult Praise Team Rehearsal 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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7:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 at Eleanor Roosevelt HS Enter access code 658295# 7:00 pm Marriage Class 7:30 pm Musicians Rehearsal 7:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal

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7:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 at Eleanor Roosevelt HS Enter access code 658295# 7:00 pm Marriage Class 7:30 pm Musicians Rehearsal 7:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal

14 9:45 am Children’s Church 10:00 am Sunday Service

Wednesday

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7:00 PM Praise Dancers Rehearsal 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Joys Rehearsal 7:30 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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7:00 PM Praise Dancers Rehearsal 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Joys Rehearsal 7:30 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

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7:00 PM Discipleship Classes for Adults & Children 7:00 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

7:00 PM Discipleship Classes for Adults & Children 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

We will continue our 10am Sunday service at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md.

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7:00 PM Discipleship Classes for WEAR JESUS OUT EVANGEAdults & Children LISM MINISTRY 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

God has blessed “The City” with amazing growth. So on May 5, 2013, we will launch an 8am service at Forestville Academy in Forestville, Md.

Pastor Joel and Co-Pastor Ylawnda Peebles

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7:00 PM Discipleship Classes for Adults & Children 7:00 PM Ntegrity - Men’s Ministry 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

We invite you to join us for two dynamic worship services where you will be blessed by hearing a mighty word from the Lord.

In His Holy Name,

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7:00 PM Discipleship Classes for Adults & Children 10:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Dial 1-712-775-7000 Enter access code 658295#

Dear Saints,

We are humbled by all of the amazing things that our God is doing through The City of Praise Family Ministries and know that you will be blessed by worshipping with us.

Saturday

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The City of Praise Family Ministries Launching 8am Sunday Services Forestville Military Academy