Raise The Praise Publications March 01, 2020

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PRODUCTION ADDRESS:

Volume XI No. 33 MARCH

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THE PULSE OF THE CHURCH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

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WESTERN BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION 130TH MID-WINTER BOARD MEETING

new providence M.B.C. CELEBRATING 6 TH PASTORAL CELEBRATION PAGE 2

“Our Convention Led by the Holy Spirit” Romans 8:14 Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the Western Baptist State Convention is offering an abundant time for praise and worship at our 130th Mid-Winter B oard Meeting. I am extending a personal invitation to the entire Christian community to a magnificent time in the Lord at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena, Ca. Our 130th Mid-Winter Board Meeting will convene February 29-March 2-5, 2020. The Young People’s Department will meet on

Saturday, February 29th, at 3:00 p.m., with Minister Malik Morris, McCoy Memorial B. C., delivering a relevant message.

The “2020 CLARITY” under the direction of the Young Adults Convention, Rev. Raymond L. Chandler, will meet at 5:00pm.

Our Hosts, In the Middle Ent & Samii Social and District Young Adults will precede a Round Table facilitated by Rev. Theo Wilkins, Sr. and Rev. Raymond L. Chandler.

Our 130th Mid-Winter Board Meeting Official Opening and

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

Next week Sunday School A PRAYER FOR JUSTICE PAGE 4

Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick Convention President

Grand Musical will resume on Monday, March 2, at 7:00 pm.

Our Grand Musical will feature

Rev. Tyrone L. Skinner, host pastor & Tri-County District Moderator

songs from The Metropolitan Baptist Church Mass Choir, W.B.S.C. Cont. on page 3

UNION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH PASTOR & WIFE 4TH APPRECIATION SERVICE

Greetings in the name of the Lord our Father, Union Missionary Baptist Church located at 1812 East 110th street, Los Angeles, Ca 90059 is excited to announce On Sunday February 23rd, 2020 at 3:30 pm and Sunday March 1, 2020 at 11:00 am and 3:30 pm will be celebrating our Pastor, Rev. Adell McDaniel and our 1st Lady, Sister Nancy McDaniel's 4th Pastoral Appreciation services. Our theme comes from 1Thessalonians Chapter 2 verse 4, Our Pastor Approved by God, Our Pastor Entrusted with

Pastor Rev. Adell and First Lady Sister Nancy McDaniel

the Good News, Our Pastor has been given the Privilege and

the Responsibility of Teaching and Protecting the Gospel.

Pastors who will be bringing the messages are as follows: On Sunday February 23rd at 3:30 pm, Rev. J.L. Sorrells Sr. From Greater Holy St. John MBC, Los Angeles, Ca, On Sunday March 1st at 11:00 am, Rev. Willie McDaniel from St. Peter's CME, El Cerrito, Ca and at 3:30 pm, Rev.Stephan Randal from Christ St. John BC, Compton, Ca. Please make preparations to attend. For more information you can contact; Tanya Smith @ (323) 496-8244. LaSherri Copeland, Chairperson: Rev. Adell McDaniel, Pastor, Tanya Smit h: Rep or t ing.

ST. REED MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HONORS PASTOR C.R. JONES & SIS. L. JOYCE JONES IN THEIR 18TH APPRECIATION SERVICES

Pastor C. R. Jones and Sis. L. Joyce Jones

Greetings in the name of

our Lord and Savior, Jesus

2020

Christ. The members of St. Reed Missionary Baptist Church are extending an invitation to you to join us as we honor Pastor C.R. Jones and his wife, Sis.. L. Joyce Jones in their 18th Anniversary Services.

The theme for this occasion is “Our Pastor Leading God’s People With A 2020 Vision”, taken from II Timothy 4:2.The Appreciation Celebration will begin at 3:30 p.m. on March 1, 2020 and culminates March 8, 2020. On March 1st , or guest church families will be Rev.

George Thomas, Pastor of Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Ticey Brown, Pastor of Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church. On March 8th our guest church families will be Rev. Lester Mosley Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church and Rev. Michael White, Pastor of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church.

Please join us as we express our appreciation, and praise St. reed Honors Cont. on page 3

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION

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

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

Our 6th Anniversary Worship celebration begins on Sunday morning, March 8th, 2020 during the 8:30am & 11am services. Our proclaimer for 11am will be Pastor D. K. La Bat, Pastor of the Greater Metropolitan Baptist Church. At 3:00pm, our special guest will be the nationally known, renowned Dr Jearon Chew, Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas.

Guests include: Pastor Rikki T. Ferrell Jr., and the Greater New Bethel Baptist Church; Dr. Joe B. Hardwick and the Praises of Zion Baptist Church; and Pastor Jason Malveaux and the Progressive Community Baptist Church. The celebration continues on Wednesday night, March 11th at 7pm. The preacher for the evening will be the Rev.

Pastor Q. E. McKinney & Lady Tae

Dr. E. M. Williams, Pastor of the Saint Luke Holy Baptist Church.

Guests include: Rev. Dr. Darnell Jones and the First Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Roosevelt Hall, and the My Hope Baptist Church; Pastor Vincent Primus and the Divinity Christian Church, and Pastor James Lettries and the New Way Baptist church. Our celebration will conclude on Sunday, March 15th, 2020 during the 8:30, 11am & 3:30pm services. Our proclaimer

for 11am will be Assistant Pastor Dwayne Rhine, of the New Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. To conclude in sermonic expression, the Rev. Dr. George Hurtt, Pastor of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church will be our guest preacher at 3:30pm.

Our guests include: Pastor Denon Porter, and the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church; Pastor Darnell Manuel and the Carver Baptist Church; and the Historic New Hope Baptist Church. We are rejoicing in advance for Spirit-filled worship services, where hearts are fixed, minds regulated and souls are saved. We want to encourage our Pastor to stay on the wall! Please join us Sunday March 8th, Wednesday March 11th, and Sunday March 15th. We hope to see you at the Blessed Place - that is, New Providence. New Providence is located at: 10200 S. Normandie Ave – Los Angeles, CA 90044. Pastor & Wife’s Anniversary Committee Chair: Sis. Brenda Purnell, reporting.

Rev. Q. E. McKinney, Senior Pastor. Please follow us on Facebook & Instagram, and for more information please call the church office at: 323754-3779. God bless and God keep, you and yours!

“HUMILITY IN THE TEACHING OF JESUS”

SERMON CORNER “Humility must always be doing its work like a bee making its honey in the hive: without humility all will be lost.”

In Yolanda GIlliam’s timely piece of literary work, Honoroing the First Lady of Your Ministry, she teaches Bible believers the importance of lifting the First Lady up in prayer, the importance of her position, and the reasons we should apply the spiritual tools needed to assist her in ministry. The First Lady’s rike goes far beyond sitting beside her husband on the day of celebration of pastor and wife anniversaries. It is because of her meek, humble and Proverbs 31 Woman’s spirit that makes it easy for the pastor to render services need to lead God’s people.

Therefore, the believers should see themselves as spiritual secret service agents for the First lady. In Honoring the First Lady of Your Ministry Workbook. Yoloand Gilliam provides yoyu with the spiritual building blicks to enable you to become more effective in whatever ministry you are alled to serve. As an interactive to that helps you to identify your spiritual strength and weakness, you will discover the talents you possess and how you can use those talents to edify the First Lady and Kingdom building. For more information call 323-751-3748.

Whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Matthew 20:27–28, We see humility in the life of Christ demonstrated in how He laid open His heart to us. Through His teaching we hear Him speak of it—how He expects His disciples to be humble as He was. Let us carefully study the passages to see how often and how earnestly He taught it: it may help us to realize what He asks of us.

1. Look at the commencement of His ministry. In the Sermon on the Mount, He opens with the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:3, 5). The very first words of His proclamation of the kingdom of heaven reveal the open gate through which we may enter. The kingdom comes to the poor, who have nothing in themselves. The earth is for the meek, who seek nothing for themselves. The blessings of heaven and earth are for the lowly. Humility is the secret of blessing for the

heavenly and the earthly life.

2. “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus offers himself as Teacher. He tells us both what the Spirit is and what we can learn and receive from Him. Meekness and lowliness are the qualities He offers us; in them we will find perfect rest. Humility is our salvation.

3. The disciples had been disputing among themselves who would be the greatest in the kingdom, and had agreed to ask the Master (Luke 9:46; Matthew 18:3). He placed a child in their midst, and said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The question is far-reaching. What will be the chief distinction in the heavenly kingdom? The glory of heaven, the mind of heaven, is humility.

“He who is least among you all— he is the greatest” (Luke 9:48).

4. The sons of Zebedee asked from the pulpit continued on PAGE 11

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

“God’s “Got” You”!

dr. tonya lewis

An encouraging song reminds us “Victory, Victory shall be mine”. It also includes “If I hold my peace and let the Lord fight my battles, victory, victory shall be mine”. The Lord’s Word instructs us how we should live to be in fellowship with Him to experience this victory. In being obedient, we unleash His promises for our

life. He ensures that Romans 8:28 actually manifests in our situations: (And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them). He causes all things to work together for our own good which also impacts the good for others. Biblical reminders are recorded in Daniel 6: 15-… the men went together to the king and said, “you know that …no law that the king signs can be changed.”16-So …the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” 17-A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. 19-Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’

den. 20-When he got there; he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”21-Daniel answered …22-My God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in His sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” 23-… Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. 24-Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. Another reminder is reflected in Esther 3: 1- Sometime later King Xerxes promoted Haman … 2-All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by….

But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect. 5-When Haman saw …he was filled with rage. 6-… he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone.

Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews…. 4: 1-When Mordecai learned about all

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

office hours Monday - thursday - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Phone support Hours - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. that had been done …crying with a loud and bitter wail. 5: 9… Haman became furious. 14-So Haman’s nuggets for the soul cont. on page 10

YOUNG WOMEN OF FAITH CELEBRATE 2ND YEAR T h e Yo u n g Wo m e n o f Faith (Y.W.F.) are prayerfully an nou nc i ng t he i r i nte nt to celebrate their 2nd year an nive rs ar y. T he y have faced many obstacles and have been able to over-come many disappointments before arriving to this point in time.

Because of their steadfast faith in God they have triumphed through the storm and the rain.

How you might be asking? It is simply this: These “Young Women of Faith” trust in the Lord in their very being, which means they trust God in His

promises, and therefore follow Christ’s example in keeping their own promises. These “Young Women of Faith” always keep themselves in the Word. These “Women of Faith” do so by keeping themselves rooted and grounded with daily meditation in the His Word. Also, which is not surprising to all who know them, these “Young Women of Faith” never cease to pray, and listen attentively to what the Holy Spirit has to say. The members all state that, “It is the goal of this group to continue to create a safe haven for your

mental, spiritual, and physical space. This group was designed to assist you in becoming who you were designed to be in connection with God. Every member is encouraged to be brave enough to be present in the moment and be willing to move forward. Within this group we study, participate in community service, and learn to enjoy life as we continue on this journey.” We invite you all to come and experience YWF. It might be just what you need.

Our theme this year is “Faith and the Holy Spirit”. This event

will be held at Victory Park Banquet Hall, 429 MLK, in Carson, California. March 28, 2020. To mark the occasion of the second year, we are honoring several amazing young people for their excellent work and achievements in their respective fields. Perhaps you already know them? Pastor Akiliah Saunders (speaker), Sister Jamea Hill, and Brother Kevon Gulley. The deadline to purchase tickets is March 1, 2020. Tickets are on sale now.

For a small donation, you may share in this event. Tickets may

be purchased by cash, cash app, Zelle, PayPal or EventBrite. A small processing fee will be added to the price of the ticket.

No tickets will be sold at the door. For further information, you may contact any member of the group directly, or call Praises of Zion MBC church office, at (323) 750-1033.

Please plan to support these young women in their efforts.

To God be the glory! Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Senior Pastor; Sisters Jovana Nettles (310 848-9538), and Joedda Williams, Chair-persons; and Sister Clarice Holmes, Reporter.

Choir. On Tuesday, March 3rd, our Business Session opens at 9 a.m., with Dr. Michael Owens, New Hope Missionary B. C. bringing the Word at Noon. At 3:00p.m., Rev. Jared Moten will conduct our Evangelism Hour.

At 4:00pm, Dr. Marvis L. Davis will facilitate our “Pastors and Ministers Conference”. At 7:00 p.m., during the Usher’s Session, Sister Carolyn Chapman, President, our evening Speaker, Vice President at Large, Dr. Richard D. Sanders, Mt. Pilgrim

Baptist Church, will deliver a message that will leave you humbled, changed, and in awe of God. The Laymen Session, President, Deacon Calvin Armstrong, will commence on Wednesday, March 4th, at 9:00 am followed by the Trinity Hour at 11. Our noon Speaker is Los Angeles District Association Moderator, Rev. W. Charles Harris, II, Village B. C. Our evening Speaker, Dr. John Ringgold, Bethel Baptist Church – San Diego

will deliver the word of God at 7:00pm during the Laymen’s Hour of Completion. Every Laymen, far and near, are asked to join President Armstrong and the Laymen Auxiliary.

Our Women’s President, Sister Ernestine Carlyle, and the Women’s Department’s session will assemble on Thursday, March 5th, at 9 a.m. God’s love w i l l mani fe st w he n Southwest District Moderator, Dr. David C. Greene, Linda Vista Second Baptist Church

d el ive rs t he word. T he 130th Mid-Winter B oard Meeting Women’s’ Fellowship Luncheon will present the 2020 Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick Scholarship recipients at 1:30 p.m. immediately following the noon service. The donation is $15.00 per person. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, our hope is to see each of you encouraged, refreshed, and equipped to continue the

St. reed Honors from front page

God for our Pastor’s 18 years of committed and dedicated service. Our church is located at 656 East 79th Street in the city of Los Angeles, (323) 7527807. Bro. Larry Killens and Sis. Earline Hall, Chairpersons of the Appreciation C ommittee, Sis. C arolyn Penn, Publicity Chairperson.

W.B.S.C. Cont. from front page

choirs from the Tri-County District Association, and the Praises of Zion B. C. Mass

W.B.S.C. Cont. on page 11

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

A Prayer for Justice Devotional Reading • Psalm 73:1–3, 21–28 Bible Background • Habakkuk 1

MARCH 09, 2020 Bible Study Guide

JUSTICE AND THE PROPHETS Unit 1: God Requires Justice LESSONS 1–5 Lesson Aims

for cry not

save?

3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.

4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.

12 Lord, are you not from everlasting?

My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.

13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

14 You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.

A. What a (Sometimes) Wonderful World Years ago the great jazz musician Louis Armstrong popularized a song entitled “What a Wonderful World.”

With his trademark raspy voice, Armstrong sang of the beauty of creation. Most would agree with Mr. Armstrong’s sentiments—there is much about this world that makes it wonderful indeed: the people we love and the sights and sounds that add so much to our lives on a daily basis.

At the same time, there is much in this world that causes us great sorrow and pain. Some things are not wonderful in the least. As followers of God and readers of his Word, we understand that this heartache is the result of the curse brought about by humanity’s sin. That does not ease the hurt we feel. It can even cause us to question God and his purpose for the difficult circumstances that we or those we love endure. Our faith can be shaken to the very core.

B. Lesson Context Habakkuk is another of the 12 books at the end of our Old Testament, which we call the Minor Prophets (see Lesson Context in lesson 1). Unlike the prophet Amos (see lesson 1), Habakkuk mentions no kings of either Israel or Judah in his book. One benefit of this decision is to make the book more universal. Instead of being very obviously tied to a situation concerning this or that king, the book can be applied more generally to any similar situation.

Habakkuk is a challenging book to date. A key to placing this prophet historically is found in Habakkuk 1:6.

There we read of God’s promise to raise up Babylon to inflict judgment on the wayward nation of Judah (the southern kingdom). The Babylonians

are described as a cruel and vicious people who let nothing stand in their way as they swallow up peoples and territories (Habakkuk 1:6–11, not in today’s text). Since the northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered

by Assyria in 722 BC, Habakkuk’s complaints and God’s responses must concern the southern kingdom of Judah.

The Babylonians had replaced the Assyrians on the center stage of world history by first gaining independence from the Assyrians in 626 BC and then eventually dismantling Assyria’s remaining control in a series of battles from 615 to 612 BC. Thus Habakkuk’s prophecy should likely be dated within the latter years of the seventh century BC as the Babylonians’ growing dominance over the ancient Near East became clear. This puts his ministry in the same time frame as Jeremiah’s (see lessons 12 and 13). Both prophets interpreted the Babylonians’ rising to power as ordained by God, to be used to judge Judah for its wickedness (compare Jeremiah 22:25).

I. Dilemma (Habakkuk 1:1–4) These verses introduce Habakkuk and his complaint to the Lord. In his rather heated exchange with the Lord, Habakkuk’s manner of speaking resembles Job’s words when he expressed his own frustration with the Lord. Yet the reasons for these men’s questions toward God are grounded in different circumstances.

Job’s anguish was rooted in the tragedy of his personal suffering (Job 1; 2).

Habakkuk’s concern, however, is much broader in scope.

A. God’s Inaction (vv. 1, 2) 1. The prophecy that Habakkuk

1. Summarize Habakkuk’s two complaints.

2. Explain the specific issue of justice with which Habakkuk was wrestling.

3. Watch and pray to see how God is working in difficult situations this week.

Key Verse: Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? — Habakkuk 1:13b Focal verses: NIV Habakkuk 1:1–4, 12–14 1 The prophecy that Habakkuk prophet received.

2 How long, Lord, must I call help, but you do not listen? Or out to you, “Violence!” but you do

the

the prophet received.

Prophecy translates a Hebrew word that can refer to loads carried by animals (2 Kings 5:17; 8:9; etc.) or people (Numbers 11:11, 17; etc.). The same Hebrew word is used frequently to introduce prophetic messages that are threatening or ominous in nature; the NIV translates it with the more benign “prophecy” or “word” regularly (examples: Isaiah 13:1; Nahum 1:1; Zechariah 9:1; Malachi 1:1). Such messages may be seen as burdensome—weighing heavily on the prophet’s mind. He must speak them in order to relieve himself of the burden that he feels.

The Hebrew word behind the translation received, also translated “saw,” is frequently used to describe the prophetic experience (Isaiah 1:1; Amos 1:1; etc.). The word can indicate that visions are seen or simply that a message is received from the Lord. It marks the prophet as a man of unique spiritual vision or insight; he sees with vision that is empowered by the direction of the Holy Spirit (compare 2 Peter 1:20, 21).

2a. How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?

Habakkuk wastes no time in getting to the heart of his concern. This is a prophet who is deeply troubled and believes that the Lord has ignored his concerns (compare Jeremiah 14:9).

The phrase how long … must I call for help indicates that Habakkuk has voiced these concerns to the Lord repeatedly (compare Psalms 6:3; 13:1, 2). The prophet fears that the only explanation for God’s apparent lack of concern is that he is choosing not to listen to Habakkuk (compare 22:1, 2).

What Do You Think?

On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), what is your tolerance for waiting in line at a store compared with waiting for answers to prayer? What does this say about you?

Digging Deeper What has to happen to get your tolerance for waiting on God’s answer up to a 10?

2b. Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?

Habakkuk rightly assumes that the

just and righteous God cares deeply when violence goes unchecked (see Genesis 6:11–13; compare Job 19:7).

Furthermore, the Lord is known as a God who will save his people when they call on him (2 Chronicles 20:9; Psalm 107:13, 19; etc.).

B. The World’s Iniquity (vv. 3, 4) 3a. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?

This half verse introduces us to two of six words Habakkuk uses to describe the chaos he sees everywhere he turns (see verse 3b). Chaos stands in opposition to the order that God created in the world (see Genesis 1; 2; John 1:1–5; Acts 17:24–28). For this reason, the existence of chaos, especially in the land God promised to his people, is deeply problematic for Habakkuk (compare Job 9:23).

Habakkuk, like Job before him, asks questions of the Lord that presuppose God’s character (Job 3:11, 12, 20, 23; compare Habakkuk 1:13, below).

Habakkuk’s questions are not primarily about why he sees injustice and his reasons to be grieved, though it may seem that is his focus. The answer to that question is quite simple: people are sinful, and so Habakkuk sees sin around him. The subtext of this question, rather, is why the Lord has not put an end to these things.

Thus the questions are based in the assumption that God is holy and good.

Given this fact, it makes no sense to Habakkuk that God is not acting to right the horrible wrongs that the prophet witnesses.

What Do You Think?

In what circumstances should you ask the same kind of “why” question that the prophet asks? What should be the motive for asking?

Digging Deeper How can we keep our questions from crossing a line that results in God’s rebuke, as in Job 38?

3b. Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and

sunday school ...continued on page 7

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COLUMNS sunday school continued from page 6 conflict abounds.

Destruction might be associated specifically in the original context with warfare and the taking of plunder from others (example: Isaiah 16:4).

When paired with violence, it emphasizes the horrible results often associated with war (examples: Jeremiah 6:7; 20:8; Ezekiel 45:9; Habakkuk 2:17).

Strife and conflict add explicitly chaotic overtones to Habakkuk’s description (compare Jeremiah 15:10).

Taken together, Habakkuk longs for the order that the Creator has graced the world with.

4a. Therefore the law is paralyzed, In an environment such as Habakkuk describes, there is clearly no respect whatsoever for authority or law (compare Isaiah 1:23; 29:21; Ezekiel 9:9). The Hebrew word translated paralyzed elsewhere refers to being made feeble (Psalm 38:8), and that is the sense here. The law is inactive and essentially lifeless. By pointing this out, Habakkuk hopes to see God move to action (compare 119:126).

4b. and justice never prevails.

In parallel to the weakened law, justice is also powerless.

The situation is similar to the time of Amos, who expressed God’s desire that justice and righteousness flow like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:24; see lesson 1). Those qualities are as absent in Habakkuk’s surroundings as they were in Amos’s.

What Do You Think?

What problems may a person avoid by not using an absolute word like “never” in a prayer?

Digging Deeper How will you guard against such problems?

4c. The wicked hem in the righteous, It is not hard to imagine that in the conditions described, the wicked appear to be in complete control. They hem in the righteous—surrounding them to suppress any effort the righteous put forth to express their concerns (compare Psalms 17:9; 22:16). Again, the situation is reminiscent of how Amos described his environment: “The prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil” (Amos 5:13). David also pondered the prevalence of wickedness (Psalm 11:1–3; compare Job 21:7–13). The reader might be reminded of the sad moral climate that prevailed during the time of the judges in Israel, when everyone did whatever they thought best (Judges 17:6; 21:25).

4d. so that justice is perverted.

Perverted justice becomes the norm under such

conditions. This is a violation of what God intends for his covenant people to maintain in their courts (Deuteronomy 16:18–20; compare Isaiah 5:20).

II. Deliberations (Habakkuk 1:12–14) In Habakkuk 1:5–11 (not in our printed text), the Lord responds to Habakkuk’s concerns. God intends to do things that Habakkuk could not believe even if the Lord revealed his plans to the prophet (1:5). The Lord tells the troubled prophet that he will raise up the violent Babylonians to administer the Lord’s disciplinary measures to his wayward people (1:6, 9; see commentary on 1:12b).

Thus God will respond to the violence in Judah by bringing the violence of the Babylonians against it.

A. Unmatched Sovereignty (vv. 12, 13a) 12a. Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die.

Habakkuk speaks again, reacting to the Lord’s planned discipline of his people. The prophet ponders what he knows to be true of the Lord.

The phrase my Holy One is unique in the Old Testament, occurring only here. Similar phrases emphasize God’s relationship with all Israel, not with one individual (Isaiah 31:1; 37:23). Habakkuk appears to be alone in referring to the Lord as his personal holy God. This confidence in his relationship with God probably explains Habakkuk’s frank speech.

Ancient scribal tradition holds that Ezra changed this verse to read you will never die. Originally, it is argued, the text read, “we shall not die.” If the latter reading is taken as original, then there is more at stake than simply acknowledging that God lives forever. God’s eternal nature seems to be the basis of Habakkuk’s assertion that God’s people will never die.

Because God is everlasting and has made everlasting promises, the prophet feels confident that God cannot really intend to destroy his people utterly (compare Psalm 118:17). Yet the situation around Habakkuk suggests that his confidence might be misplaced (contrast Isaiah 10:5–7).

12b. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.

Habakkuk acknowledges the decision of the Lord in order to set up the prophet’s question in Habakkuk 1:13b, below.

Them refers to Babylon. The facts as Habakkuk sees them are that the people are marked for judgment and punishment, even though they would be the instrument to bring correction to Judah.

Calling the Lord my Rock

conveys the security of resting in his changeless character (Genesis 49:24; Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 Samuel 2:2). God’s history of interactions with his people has proven that he really is faithful and consistent.

His decision to correct them s e e m s t o c o n t ra d i c t h i s character to some degree.

One should note that Habakkuk has no reservations whatsoever about God’s people deserving to be punished for their many transgressions.

The way they have trashed the Lord’s covenant with them and trampled on his law in the manner already described is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated (Habakkuk 1:2–4). But using the wicked Babylonians to carry out the punishment certainly does not seem a fair or just punishment to Habakkuk.

13a. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.

Habakkuk’s words reflect once again his understanding of the holy, righteous character of God. God’s purity in regard to sin does not even allow him to look on evil, meaning not that God does not see but that he does not see without action (see Psalm 18:26; Lamentations 3:34– 36). How can the Lord who cannot tolerate the presence of any kind of wrongdoing allow the obviously despicable Babylonians to overpower the people of Judah (contrast Psalm 25:1–3)?

Turning a Blind Eye The idiom “turning a blind eye” has an interesting origin.

Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758– 1805) was a hero of the British Royal Navy. Nelson was known as a bold and unconventional leader. His tactics led to some decisive British naval victories, most famously at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where he was killed in action. Before that he had been wounded several times in combat, one wound resulting in blindness in one eye.

Nelson turned this disability into an asset at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

During the battle, Nelson’s commanding officer, who was on a different ship, signaled him to disengage the enemy.

When Nelson’s crew pointed him to the signal, he lifted his telescope up to his blind eye.

He told the men he did not see the signal and continued to fight. The result was a British victory. When Nelson’s superior was recalled, Nelson was promoted. And “turning a blind eye” has come to mean “intentionally ignoring undesirable information.”

When the Lord revealed that he was going to allow the ruthless Babylonians t o e xe c u t e j u d g m e n t o n his people, Habakkuk was incensed! How could the righteous God turn a blind eye to the sins of a nation that was more wicked than faithless

Judah? Yet God had already taken that fact into account (see Habakkuk 2:4–17).

God has no blind eye. He sees all. Any seeming defect in how he should act is our own blindness, not his.—J. E. B. Unexplained Silence (vv. 13b, 14) 13b. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?

Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

Habakkuk is incredulous as he considers the people whom God has chosen to chastise Judah. The Babylonians are described with exceptionally derogatory language by the Lord himself (see Habakkuk 1:6–11). How can they be the ones whom God will use as the rod of discipline? To Habakkuk, to do so seems to compromise qualities that the Lord is known for.

True, the people of Judah deserve the Lord’s judgment, but so do the Babylonians.

Habakkuk, knowing his own people’s evil as he does, contends that Judah is more righteous than the Babylonians.

At least those in Judah are part of God’s covenant people; the Babylonians are wicked idolaters. Habakkuk has not hesitated to voice his dismay over the Lord’s inaction toward Judah’s wickedness and his proposed course of action using Babylon to deal with that wickedness. Yet the Lord seems to remain silent and unmoved by what the prophet sees as obvious injustice (compare Job 21:7–13).

What Do You Think?

What methods can we use to keep from misinterpreting God’s silence?

Digging Deeper When God seems to be silent, how do you know whether He wants you to do something rather than wait on Him—or vice versa?

Habakkuk and Jonah are an interesting prophetic pair: Habakkuk questioned God for using a pagan nation to punish his people, while Jonah questioned God for forgiving a pagan nation on the verge of facing his judgment.

Jonah’s objections were the product of seeing the Assyrian people in Nineveh accept his message, repent of their sins, and thus escape the Lord’s wrath. He resented the Lord’s compassion toward the Assyrians, insisting that God ought to punish them instead of showing them mercy (Jonah 4:1, 2).

14. You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.

When God created the first man and woman, he gave them dominion over all other created beings, including the fish and all sea creatures (Genesis 1:26). Habakkuk, in his bewilderment over God’s

dealings with his people, wonders whether the Lord is treating human beings as no more than fish and other creatures that are allowed to be captured and killed at random. Apparently there is no ruler to hold the Babylonians accountable, or at least it appears that way to Habakkuk.

In the remaining verses of chapter 1 (not in this lesson), Habakkuk continues his marine metaphor by comparing the w i c ke d B a by l o n i a n s t o a fisherman who gathers fish in nets and takes great pleasure in doing so. The Babylonians are portrayed as worshipping their net; that is, they are congratulating themselves and their ability to overpower whomever they please. They are as suited to violence as the fisherman is to fishing.

Power in Numbers?

Fish benefit from being a part of a school. Together they are able to detect nearby predatory animals, find food, or locate potential mates. But as every fisherman knows, schools of fish are easy targets for human predators.

Productive fishing happens in places where fish are found in a group. Fishermen can lure and hook one after another!

Those fishing with nets can lower them into a school, capturing dozens of fish at once. Lacking an alpha leader, fish swim around without leadership, almost begging to be caught!

Habakkuk used such imagery to compare Babylon to a fisherman and describe the nations they conquered as helpless fish. Just like fish that have no ruler are easily hooked or captured in a net, weak nations are easy prey for the strong and ruthless. So too a “school” of people suffer without the leadership of a knowledgeable teacher. How does your community stay connected to our great teacher and leader Jesus? —J. E. Conclusion A. The Prophetic Job Habakkuk’s nation, Judah, was in a spiritual free fall, ripe for the judgment of almighty God. God’s method for providing that judgment was not at all wonderful in Habakkuk’s eyes. The prophet did not view it as an acceptable solution to the problem. Habakkuk struggled to reconcile his understanding of God with the uncertain world around him.

Habakkuk’s concern has been voiced repeatedly through the years. For example, Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, was deeply troubled over what he saw as God’s unfair treatment of the wicked. They appear to prosper and live carefree lives while completely oblivious to God and his ways. Psalm 10 begins by expressing similar d i s a p p o i n t m e n t i n G o d ’s seemingly uncaring attitude about injustices in the world.

sunday school continued on page10

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#6

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.

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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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• MARCH 01, 2020 - PAGE

#8

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

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

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.

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

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.

REV. ROBERT L. TAYLOR PASTOR

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

FRIENDLY FRIENDSHIP B.C.

10101 S. Avalon Blvd., L.A., CA 90003 Phone: (323) 756-4088 REV. LAMONTE KING, PASTOR Early Worship ........................ 8:00 A.M. Sunday School ...................... 9:05 A.M. Morning Worship ................. 10:30 A.M. Monday Bible Study ............... 7:00 P.M. Mdwk. Prayer (Wed.) ....... 12:00 NOON Mdwk. Pray/Bible Study (Wed) ... 7:P.M.

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.

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.

• MARCH 01, 2020 - PAGE

#9

raise the praise ADVERTISEMENT 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.

LOVE LIFTED ME M.B.C.

6501 Crenshaw Blvd - L.A., CA 90043 Ph: (323) 778-5438 Fx:(323) 778-0574 PASTOR DR. S.S. SHIGG ORGANIZER/PASTOR Sunday School .......................9:00 A.M. Worship Service ................. 11:00 A.M. Prayer/Bible Study ................ 6:30 P.M. Silent Revival (1st Sat).. 2:00-2:15 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

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“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.

YOUR CHURCH NAME Your Church Address Your Church Phone

Your Church Website Your Pastor’s Name

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

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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 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

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.

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PILGRIM’S HOPE BIBLE CHURCH 7016 S. Compton Ave, L.A. Ca 90001 Phone: (323) 581-7672 Fx: (323) 581-6466

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.

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.

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• MARCH 01, 2020 - PAGE

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INTERVIEW columns sunday school continued fron page 5 The wicked do just as they please and benefit from their evil while their victims suffer.

Doesn’t God see? And if he does, doesn’t he care?

What Do You Think?

How do we know when it’s appropriate to cry out to the Lord (Psalm 22:2) vs. when we should keep silent (Habakkuk 2:20)?

Digging Deeper Are you more likely to cry out when you should keep silent, or the opposite? What’s the cure?

This is a struggle with which nearly all of us can readily identify. When we find ourselves questioning God or his purpose for the circumstances we are confronting, we are in g o o d c o m p a ny. P r o p h e t s like Habakkuk and righteous people like Job were some of the most outspoken in their questions and accusations directed toward the one who called them to his service (compare Numbers 11:10–15; 1 Kings 19:4; Psalm 13:1–4; Jeremiah 20:7, 8; Matthew 11:1–3).

God is not caught off guard with such language. Indeed, sometimes he even chooses to engage our questions, though the answers may not be what we hope to hear. With Habakkuk, our knowledge of the Lord can lead us to conclusions that seem correct but in the end require correction from God (compare Job 38:1–40:2).

In all of life’s circumstances, but especially in times of discipline, let us rest in the knowledge that God does not change (James 1:17).

He is working in our world to accomplish his purposes for us and through us.

B. Prayer Father, our times often resemble those of the prophet Habakkuk. Many solutions are offered to address such problems, but most ignore your wisdom and fail to see situations through your eyes.

Empower your church by your Holy Spirit to speak forth with courage and clarity the love of Christ and the power of the gospel. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember Even when God seems far away, he is always working in our circumstances.

Redford, D., Eichenberger, J., & Lockhart, M. (2020).

A Prayer for Justice. In R. L. Nickelson, J. A. Kenney, M. K. Williams, & J. Gerke (Eds.), The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019– 2020 (Vol. 26, pp. 237– 244). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing.

did we ever give Mordecai for this?” the king asked. …“Nothing has been done for him.”4-…As it happened, Haman had just arrived … to ask the king to impale Mordecai on the pole…. 6-… the king said, “What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?” Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?” 7-… “If the king

wishes to honor someone, 8-… the king’s own royal robes … horse that the king himself has ridden... 9-… and led through the city square on the king’s horse. Have the official shout as they go, ‘This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!’” 10- “Excellent!” the king said to Haman. “Quick!

Take the robes and my horse and do just as you have said for Mordecai…. Leave out nothing

you have suggested!”11-So Haman took the robes and put them on Mordecai …Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated. 13-…

Haman told his wife …and all his friends …7: 5…King Xerxes demanded. “Who would be so presumptuous as to touch you?

6-Esther replied, “This wicked Haman is our adversary and our enemy.” …7…Haman, however, stayed behind to plead for his

life with Queen Esther, for he knew that the king intended to kill him. … 9…one of the king’s eunuchs, said, “Haman has set up a sharpened pole …in his own courtyard. He intended to use it to impale Mordecai…

“Then impale Haman on it!” …. 10-So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai... 8:1-On that same day King Xerxes gave the

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nuggets cont. on page 11

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wife … and all his friends suggested, “Set up a sharpened pole that stands seventy-five feet tall, and in the morning ask the king to impale (hang) Mordecai on it.” … This pleased Haman, and he ordered the pole set up.6: 1- That night the king had trouble sleeping…he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot …to assassinate King Xerxes.

3- “What reward or recognition

• MARCH 01, 2020 - PAGE #11

COLUMNS want ads vacancies announments EVENTS NEED A CLASSIFIED AD???

ONLY $22.00 PER WEEK MUSICIAN WANTED Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church is looking for a Minister of Music. We are looking for someone with a heart for God, that’s skilled, knowledgeable and honest in their love for Gospel music. We are a fellowship that believes in worshipping God in Spirit and Truth, especially through our music ministry. The ideal candidate will have the ability and gifts to help our music ministry turn the praise up! Please email your resume and at least two references to eveningstarmbc@gmail.com, attn: Sandra L. Williams. nuggets cont. from page 10

property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther…

Then Mordecai was brought before the king,…. 2-The king took off his signet ring which he had taken back from Haman and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of Haman’s property. 8-Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the king’s name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with the king’s signet ring. …

Another example-the greatest

example is of Christ. Satan thought that he had destroyed Him on the cross, not knowing that his plan of destruction for Christ would backfire and turn out for the good of each one of us who will embrace the Lord as Savior. Christ’s death and resurrection gives us the opportunity to be sons and daughters of God. This is why it is emphasized to forgive, forgive, forgive (Matthew 6:12) so we won’t block God’s interactions on our behalf. We are told in Romans12:19- Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. … “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Proverbs 20:22- Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”

Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. God

has shown that He is faithful to His Word for and to us. Therefore, we don’t have to worry about trying to avenge ourselves. “God’s “Got” Us”! He sees all and knows all. We don’t need to supervise God's actions-just trust Him, His love, history and faithfulness! Let’s stay in God ‘s good graces and not become one that He must punish because of bad choices and deeds. Stay focused and do remember: “God’s “Got” You!” Join us for our 1st Saturday Fellowship on March 7, 2020, 1:15 p.m.

Location: Christ Temple Church, 3125 W 54th Street, (54th and 10th Avenue), Los Angeles, Calif. 90043. Contact Info: onefaith2007@aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, TLA, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship.org. (323) 481-6724

W.B.S.C. Cont. from page 3

journey God has called us to.

We welcome the community to our 130th Mid-Winter Board Meeting for a time of fellowship, worship, and learning together and a range of events designed to meet the needs of all age groups.

Metropolitan Baptist Church is located at 2283 No. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena, Ca. 91101. from the pulpit continued on PAGE 11

Jesus if they could sit on His right hand and on His left, the highest places in the kingdom.

Jesus said it was not His to give but the Father’s, who would give it to those for whom it was prepared. They must not seek it or ask for it. Their thoughts must be of the cup and the baptism of humiliation. And then He added, “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:27–28). Humility, as it is the mark of Christ, will be the one standard of glory in heaven: the lowliest is the nearest to God. 5. Speaking to the multitude and the disciples, of the Pharisees and their love of the chief seats, Christ said once again, “The greatest among you will be

your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

Humiliation is the only ladder to honor in God’s kingdom.

6. On another occasion, in the house of a Pharisee, He spoke the parable of the guest who would be invited to come up higher, and added, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:1– 11). The demand is inexorable; there is no other way. Selfabasement alone will be exalted.

7. After the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, C h r i s t s p o ke a g ai n , “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). In the temple and presence and worship of God, everything is worthless that is not pervaded by deep, true humility toward God and humankind.

8. After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).

The authority of command and example, every thought, either of obedience or conformity, makes humility the first and most essential element of discipleship.

9. At the Lord’s Supper table, the disciples still disputed who

should be greatest. Jesus said, “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.... I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:26–27).

The path Jesus walked, which He opened up for us, the power through which He wrought our salvation and by which He saves us, is the humility that makes us the servant of all.

How little this is preached. How seldom it is practiced. How faintly the lack of it is felt or confessed.

I cannot say how few attain to some recognizable measure of likeness to Jesus in His humility.

But fewer ever think of making it a distinct object of continual desire or prayer. How little the world has seen it. How scarcely it is seen in the inner circle of the church.

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Oh that God would convince us that Jesus means this!

We all know what the character of a faithful servant or slave implies.

Devotion to the master’s interests, thoughtful study and care to please him, delight in his prosperity and honor and happiness. There are servants on earth in whom these dispositions have been seen, and to whom the name of servant has never been anything but glory. To how many of us has it been a new

joy in the Christian life to know that we may yield ourselves as servants, as slaves to God, and to find that His service is our highest liberty—the freedom from sin and self ? We need to learn another lesson—that Jesus calls us to be servants of one another, and that as we accept it heartily, this service will be a most blessed one, a new and fuller deliverance from sin and self. At first it may appear hard— this is because of the pride that still counts itself something. If once we learn that to be nothing before God is the glory of the creature, the spirit of Jesus, the joy of heaven, we shall welcome with our whole heart the discipline we may have in serving even those who try or annoy us. When our own heart is set upon this true sanctification, we will study each word of Jesus on self-abasement with new zeal, and no place will be too low, no stooping too far, and no service too mean or too long if we may but share and prove the fellowship with Him who said, “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).

Here is the path to the higher life. It is the lowest path! This was what Jesus said to the disciples who were thinking of being great in the kingdom and of sitting on His right hand and His left.

Ask not for exaltation. That is God’s work. See that you humble yourselves, and take no place

before God or man but that of a servant. That is your work; let that be your one purpose and prayer.

God is faithful. Just as water seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds the creature empty, His glory and power flow in to exalt and to bless. He that humbles himself—that must be our one aim—shall be exalted; that is God’s aim. By His mighty power and in His great love He will do it.

Pe ople s omet imes sp e a k of humility and meekness as something that would rob us of what is noble and bold. Oh, that all would realize that this is the nobility of the kingdom of heaven, that this is the royal spirit that the King of heaven displayed, that this is godlike, to humble oneself and to become the servant of all! This is the path to the gladness and the glory of Christ’s presence in us, of His power resting upon us.

Jesus, the meek and lowly One, calls us to learn of Him the path to God. Let us study the words we have been reading until our heart is filled with the thought: My one need is humility. And let us believe that what He shows He gives, and what He is He imparts. As the meek and lowly One, He will come into and dwell within the longing heart. [Andrew Murray (2012). Humility. Bethany House Publishers. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com]

• MARCH 01, 2020 - PAGE

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