Raise The Praise Publications April 19, 2020

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PRODUCTION ADDRESS:

Volume XI No. 40 APRIL

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

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THE PULSE OF THE CHURCH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

IN MEMORY OF

BISHOP ANTHONY PIGEE, SR. Sunrise 02-22-1971 - Sunset 04-08-2020

2020

Life, Insurance GOD’S GLORIOUS CHURCH PAGE 2

covered californa PREVIEW OF THE GREATER PAGE 3

Next week Sunday School A JUSTICE-LOVING GOD

Bishop Anthony Pigee Sr. served 15 years as the Senior Pastor and Founder of Life of Faith Community Center, in the great city of Los Angeles, California. In response to the leading of the Holy Spirit, he was privileged to oversee two locations in Long Beach, California and one location in Moreno Valley, California. His secular business experience in cooperate America and noted gift in administration, assisted in creating a system of effective ministry. As a respected leader and pastor, he privately provided spiritual covering for pastors and leaders of the Lord’s Church. His International ministr y travels has reached Trinidad and as far as Madrid, Spain. As an International Evangelist, his ministry has influenced

and encouraged many through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The need for his gift has resulted in a yearly wellattended Winter Conference.

This Winter Conference is committed to demonstrating excellence and fully dedicated to equipping frontline leaders for the 2st Century. Bishop Anthony Pigee, Sr. unique style of ministry and prophetic gift has placed a demand upon his ministry across this country.

Bishop Pigee serves as first presider to Chief Apostle, Mark A. Henton under the national leadership fellowship, Monument Inter nat iona l Church Assembles also known

as M.I.C.A. Additionally, he serves as the Bishop of Business Management, which allows him to network with statewide 5-fold ministries to train, mentor, and grow kingdom assignments in leadership.

Bishop Pigee’s passion is to help current and upcoming ministers operate in the spirit of excellence to fulfill God’s purpose one-step and one

soul at a time. His heart and love for ministry all began at the age of 16. Diligently, and faithfully, he served at his home church for more than 20 years. He will never forget this awesome and life changing experience at L.A. Church of God under the great leadership of Pastor Bishop anthony Pigee Cont. on page 2

As we pause to reflect on the Life and legacy of Bishop Anthony Pigee, Sr. To the Family, Church Family and Community, God chose to allow a seed that He planted to allow the aroma of that flower to be enjoyed in Heaven. We Pray your Strength Pastor Frederick Howard, Editor/Publisher, Raise the Praise News

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles is extending driver licenses expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020. All commercial driver licenses, endorsements and certificates expiring between

March and June 2020 are now valid through June 30, 2020, aligning with a recent emergency declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The extension does not include medical certificates for commercial drivers, which requires additional administrative actions scheduled in the near

future. The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions. Californians with a suspended license are not eligible. The DMV continues to review and process online renewals, and encourages drivers who are eligible to renew their license online to do so. The extensions require no individual action on the

part of drivers. These drivers will not receive a new card or an extension in the mail.

As an option, these drivers can request a free temporary paper extension online through DMV’s Virtual Field Office to document their extension. The Virtual Field Office, virtual. dmv notice cont. on page 3

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION

GOD’S GLORIOUS CHURCH

Someone said it well, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.” Let me say it a bit differently: “Only one ministry, ‘twill soon be past, only what's done through Christ's church will last.” Before the world was formed, God planned the church to be his instrument of redemption in the world.

The word church is the Greek word ecclesia, meaning “the called out ones.” The idea is a town hall meeting where persons are called-out for discussion and leadership. Jesus referenced himself when he said in Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build my church.”

Jesus is saying the church is “My called out-ones; My town hall meeting,” and it is the only thing he ever established on this earth. The word church in the New Testament is used two different ways. The first is the universal or invisible church. When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit baptizes you into oneness not only with Jesus but also with all other believers everywhere.

It is a church that exists beyond buildings, denominational lines, and international borders.

It is the body of Christ, the family of God on earth. Ninety percent of the time, however, the New Testament use of the word church means a visible, locally assembled body of baptized believers worshiping together, ministering to one another, honoring him, and winning the lost. The church is less than perfect. There have always been the charlatans and the naysayers—those who like Simon the sorcerer would buy the power of the Holy Spirit and those who today use the church for their own selfish ends and financial purposes. Let them be accursed. But perhaps it is a just commentary on the failure of some of us within the church

that so many extracurricular and “parachurch” organizations have developed in the world.

Most call themselves extensions of the church or arms of the church, and I am grateful for each. But the fact is that far too often, parachurch organizations give only lip service to their commitment to the local church. When Christ came, he died for the church. He established the church. He loved the church. Today, he continues to indwell the church, and one day he will come to receive his church. She is his bride, and he is her groom.

The old spiritual says: There's a woman in the church, and she talks too much. Tell me, what we gonna do? Let the church roll on. There's a singer in the church, and he won't sing right.

Tell me, what we gonna do?

Let the church roll on. There's a deacon in the church, and he won't “deac” right. Tell me, what we gonna do? Let the church roll on. God's church has endured and will do so until Jesus comes to take her to heaven. Let the church roll on.

Throughout your ministry you will be confronted with many opportunities of service. Some of them might indeed be God's perfect purpose for your life.

You will seek his heart, hear his voice, and do his will. But consider this: That which is not truly birthed of the church, emanates therein, extends therefrom, and culminates therein is doomed to make little lasting impression for God and good in this world.

Well over a century ago, the YMCA was born as a soulwinning organization to bring young boys to Jesus and train them in the Word of God. Is that the purpose of the YMCA today? Devote yourself to the church. Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. She is flawed, imperfect, wrinkled,

and blemished, but the end is not here yet. He is her unfailing strength, and you will do well to commit your life to her service.

Bish0p anthony Pigee Cont. from front

Church, Bishop Anthony Pigee Sr. began spiritually maturing in the things of God. His desire for higher education led him to the pursuit of Christian Education. He later received a Diploma in Practical Theology

James Hill. It was there he was exposed to all levels of ministry and served in various positions as Pulpit Coordinator, Youth Pastor and Church Evangelist.

As a member of his home

In the early 1970s Adrian Rogers, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, and Edwin Young, pastor of Second Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, independently of each other and unknown to each other, conducted a study of the twenty-five fastestgrowing churches in America to determine whether there were common ingredients in each.

Some churches were in the north; some were in the south.

Some were African-American, some were Anglo. Some were charismatic; most were not.

Some had mar velous new facilities; many were very old.

But each had these five factors in common. 1. They were strongly pastorally led. Boards, presbyters, deacons, elders, and committees abounded.

There was a large variance in ecclesiastical structure. But in each case, they reported, “It didn't take long, analyzing the inside workings of the church, until it became obvious where the power was.” But it is imperative that you understand: Leadership is not demanded; it is deserved. Pastoral leadership is taught in Scripture, granted by the people, and must be earned by the pastor. When you have to start telling them “I'm the pastor,” you no longer are. God's people are better led than driven. Remember, a wise man will seek counsel and work with his leaders while humbly assuming the position of leadership with which God has entrusted him. 2. They were strong Bible churches.

Each pastor believed the Bible to be inerrant and infallible,

the unflawed, perfect Word of God—not just a record of God's Word, but God's Word itself. These men were not attempting to be apologists.

They were not defending the Bible, debating it, or trying to prove it. They were preaching it, explaining it, applying it, and illustrating it. Once, asked why he didn't spend more time defending the Bible, Billy Graham responded: “The Bible is like a lion. When you have a lion, you don't have to defend him. Just turn him loose; he'll defend himself.” 3. They were good-time churches. This is not to say the Sunday service was a hootenanny or the atmosphere carnivalistic. They were happy churches with bright, warm, friendly atmospheres. The people felt the freedom to laugh, to cry, and to respond.

Remember, you can't hatch eggs in a refrigerator. A warm, fluid service that allows for the freedom and spontaneity of the Spirit is conducive to the tender response of the Spirit to God. Often such services are considered to be only emotional, and decisions made therein naturally shallow. Consider this: emotion is fully one-third of human personhood. Jesus said we are to love the Lord our God with all our mind, heart, and soul. The mind is the seat of the intellect, the place where we know. The heart is the seat of the emotions, the place where we feel. The soul is the seat of the will, the place where we resolve and commit.

The person who is stimulated in his mind and stirred in his heart will commit in his soul.

We thwart the work of the Lord among us when we stifle the freedom of the Spirit with stilted, overly formal services.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” This is not, of course, to suggest an inherent fallacy in planning. An order

of service can be directed by the Holy Spirit and still be printed in advance, but the freedom, warmth, and ease with which it should be carried out can and must be allowed. 4. They were churches in unity. The people gave a high priority to their oneness in Christ. Social and socioeconomic diversity are a great plus in the church.

Ideally, your church will be a cross section of your city, and its leaders will be committed to preserving its unity. When a church is in harmony with itself, it becomes the beautiful body of Christ on earth through which the Lord Jesus in heaven recreates his presence every time the people of God gather.

Song writer Lanny Wolfe said it well: “I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with— God's wonderful people.” 5.

Each church had an indomitable spirit of conquest. There was a “holy drivenness” about the congregation. They would never be satisfied. Each church pulsated with an atmosphere of more, more, more. They must cross the next river, climb the next mountain, give the next dollar, build the next building, and win the next soul.

They would not be deterred.

The Nissan Motor Company, formerly the Datsun Motor Company, once had a marvelous slogan: “We Are Driven.” Pastor friend, we, too, are driven.

God's children are a driven people. We are driven to the ends of the earth by the Great Commission. We are driven to the end of ourselves by the love of Christ. We are driven to the end of time by the imminent return of Jesus. The tone of each of these five ingredients is clearly set by the pastor. It all starts in the pulpit. It starts in your heart. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Keep your ears open to the Great Commission. Keep your chin up and your knees down. The best is yet to come.

from International Seminary, Plymouth Florida. With 30+ years of ministry experience, God has truly favored his life.

Bishop Anthony Pigee Sr. is married to the queen and love of his life, First Lady LaVicia’

Pigee. He is the proud father of seven beautiful children, Elder Anthony Pigee, Jr. (Tiniesha), Sandrika Pigee, Adrina PigeeParish, (Albert) Darius Pigee, C amran D oizier, L aNiya Pigee, LaNicia Pigee and a

total of six grandchildren. He is most thankful to have the support of his family to serve with him as he proclaims the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the nations.

Five Ingredients of Growing Churches

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

Preview of the Greater

dr. tonya lewis

When one thinks of the greatness of our God as magnificently reflected all around us, a great hymn can easily come to mind; “How Great Thou Art”. We are such privileged people to be invited into a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord to

witness and experience the greatness of His wonder. Psalm 40:5- O LORD my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. No matter which level of understanding describes us, from child to adult, He relates to us on our individual level.

Psalm 71:17- O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. He speaks our language thus leaving no room for any excuse of not being able to recognize His loving and powerful presence. Romans 1:20- For ever since the world was created, people have seen

the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. One of the ways He teaches us is through our everyday life illustrations.

Isaiah 28:26- For he is rightly instructed; his God teaches him. He gives us a glimpse or preview through our daily activities of how He in a much greater way relates to us. A few illustrations are: many of us experienced when our mothers or grandmothers would bake cakes and we how would enjoy the batter left in the bowl. Also, how they would dip out 3 or 4 spoons of batter into a separate pan that would get done much sooner for our previewing the taste before the entire cake was done. Both of those pre-tasting experiences would preview the delicious pleasure we could look forward to experiencing in due time, when the main cake was done. It would ignite our

70 and older. Drivers age 70 and older with expiring noncommercial licenses are receiving an extension in the mail automatically.

• Temporarily waiving required in-person renewals for eligible driver license and identification cardholders with expirations in March, April, and May 2020. Individuals who

meet the criteria are able to renew online or by mail.

The DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, its call center, available business partners and now virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers can use the Services

nuggets cont.on page 10

Mailing Address : 2851 West 120th Street - Suite-E Box 531 hawthorne, ca 90250 Production Address: 10400 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, Ca 90003

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.

dmv notice cont. from front

dmv.ca.gov, builds on the other online services already available to DMV customers at dmv.c a.gov, including driver license renewals. The temporary extensions are in addition to other steps the DMV announced earlier this month to help Californians with expiring licenses, including:

• A 120-day extension for drivers age

Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks. The measures to help Californians with expiring driver licenses are the latest DMV actions during the coronavirus pandemic, including: • Temporarily closing field offices. Following deep cleaning, expansion of virtual ser vices and

development of new protocols, the DMV soon will offer in-person services in each region. Information on office openings will be announced

by DMV in the near future.

• C a n c e l i n g all behind-the-wheel drive tests to honor social d i s t a n c i n g g u i d e l i n e s .

• Su s p e n d i n g extended office hours and Saturday ser vice.

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RAISE THE PRAISE CHURCH INFORMATION SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

A Justice-Loving God Devotional Reading • Isaiah 42:1–9 Bible Background • Isaiah 61:8–62:12 JUSTICE AND THE PROPHETS Unit 1: God Requires Justice LESSONS 9

APRIL 26, 2020 Bible Study Guide

Lesson Aims

1. Identify the everlasting covenant. among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people 2. Explain why Old Testament the Lord has blessed.” parallelism promotes fuller 10 I delight greatly in the Lord;my understanding of the text. soul rejoices in my God. For he has 3. Repent of a sin of commission clothed me with garments of salvation concerning a time he or she promoted and arrayed me in a robe of his an injustice. righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride Key Verse: adorns herself with her jewels.

I, the Lord, love justice; I hate 11 For as the soil makes the sprout robbery and wrongdoing. In my come up and a garden causes seeds to faithfulness I will reward my people grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make and make an everlasting covenant with righteousness and praise spring up them. —Isaiah 61:8 before all nations.

NIV Isaiah 62:2–4a Focal verses: 2 The nations will see your NIV Isaiah 61:8–11 vindication, and all kings your glory; 8 “For I, the Lord, love justice; I you will be called by a new name that hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my the mouth of the Lord will bestow. faithfulness I will reward my people 3 You will be a crown of splendor in and make an everlasting covenant the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the with them. hand of your God. 9 Their descendants will be known 4a No longer will they call you among the nations and their offspring Deserted, or name your land Desolate.

A. Contrasts The father of one of my high school friends was a coach for a nearby college basketball team. A group of us went to one of the games. I had gone to many high school basketball games, but this was my first college game.

I was immediately struck by how much faster and more highly skilled the players were. My appreciation for their abilities was due to the contrast of what I had observed at the college level compared to high school.

Another time, I overheard two high school boys conversing at a hamburger stand. Before leaving, one realized he had been given too much change. As he started to give it back, his friend said, “If you give that back, you’re stupid!” The young man gave the money back anyway. His simple act was a contrast to the habits of his friend, who clearly had a different set of values.

Lifestyle contrasts can indeed reveal important truths. Today’s lesson will leave no doubt about that fact!

B. Lesson Context Isaiah (ministered about 740–680 BC) lived in the days when Israel, the northern kingdom, was struggling against Assyria and was finally exiled from the land. For a time, the northern kingdom sent tribute to Assyria; however, Israel’s King Hoshea sought an alliance with Egypt in order to end Israel’s vassal relationship to the Assyrian oppressors. The consequence of Israel’s rebellion against Assyria was that they were carried away into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 BC (2 Kings 17), never to be restored.

The southern kingdom of Judah remained, but Isaiah predicted punishment for its disobedience as well

(example: Isaiah 3). His predictions were fulfilled almost a century after his ministry. God used the Babylonians as his instrument to bring down the monarchy of Judah and destroy the temple in 586 BC (see 2 Chronicles 36:15–21; Habakkuk 1:6).

The Lord, in faithfulness to his covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:1– 17), brought back the Jews from exile in 538 BC and reestablished them as a nation. He used the Persians as his instrument to accomplish that restoration (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:1–8).

The book of Isaiah is typically viewed in terms of two large sections: chapters 1–39 and chapters 40–66 (see Lesson Context of lesson 6). Most of Isaiah 40–66 is conveyed in a poetic style.

These chapters can be read as an ancient play.

Imagine a large stage with all the characters present. On one side of the room, there is Heaven with the Lord and the heavenly host present; on the other side, the earth and its inhabitants. Different characters speak, are addressed, or are discussed.

The characters are the nation of Israel and the nations.

Within Israel there are the righteous and the wicked, the leaders and the commoners, and the servant of the Lord. The Gentile nations are distant but interested observers. Usually they are talked about, whether for future judgment or for blessing. But sometimes they are addressed directly.

On two occasions, Cyrus, the future king of Persia, is specifically named (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1–7; again, see Lesson Context of lesson 6). Isaiah

is at times an actor onstage with the other characters; sometimes he is an offstage narrator to the readers, who are the theater audience.

Isaiah 56–66 begins with the prediction of the salvation of the nations (56:1–8). The text then describes the punishment of the wicked of Israel, especially the leaders (56:9– 57:21), for their ritual and ethical sins (chap. 58).

But the Lord is able and willing to deliver the repentant (Isaiah 59). As a result, Israel will become a light to the nations (chap. 60) and embrace its priestly role (chap. 61).

Then comes a lengthy description of Israel’s glorious future with the arrival of their triumphant Lord (Isaiah 62– 65). The grand conclusion describes the blessings and ministry of the contrite and the ultimate punishment of the wicked (chap. 66).

Isaiah 61:1–11 is a sequence of four speeches that follow up on the Lord’s declaring Israel a light to the Gentiles in Isaiah 60. The identity of the speakers is not always clear. But paying attention to changes in pronouns helps the reader identify different parts:

I. The Priestly Nation (Isaiah 61:8–11) A. Attitudes and Actions (v. 8) 8a. “For I, the Lord, love justice; Isaiah 61:8 identifies the third speaker as the Lord (see Lesson Context). The conjunction for links verses 8, 9 to the previous verses and explains what it means for God’s people to be a nation of priests (see Isaiah 61:6).

First, the priestly people have moral requirements that stem from the very character of God. One of these is to practice justice (compare Isaiah 5:16). The word justice as commonly used today implies judgment and condemnation. It can mean that in the Bible as well (example: 34:5).

However, the meaning of justice here has more to do with God’s character and what he expects from his people.

The Lord himself is just (Deuteronomy

32:4), and he requires the same of his people (compare Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 56:1). This applies especially to their leaders (Proverbs 16:10; 29:4; etc.).

Justice has to do with the setting right of wrongs (example: Isaiah 1:17). In many cases it refers to moral behavior: the Hebrew word being translated “justice” is used in Genesis 18:19 to describe the actions of God and in Proverbs 21:15 the actions of the righteous.

8b. “I hate robbery and wrongdoing.

Contrasted with the justice that the Lord loves is robbery that he hates, along with all types of wrongdoing.

The Hebrew of the Old Testament was originally written in consonants only. Vowels were not put in until centuries after Christ. This gives translators problems because words with identical consonants can change meaning with different vowels—just like in English. That is the case here with the word wrongdoing; with different vowels it can also be translated “burnt offering,” as it is in the NIV translation of this verse. And there’s always the possibility that the writer intends a double meaning—a play on words.

In his condemnation, Isaiah may be casting the spotlight on the practice of fulfilling requirements of sacrifices only ritually, without keeping the moral requirements of the law (example: Isaiah 1:10–17). God makes clear that acts of worship from those who do not follow him wholeheartedly are repulsive (example: Amos 5:21–24).

The Lord intends to bring about dramatic changes in his people; his righteous standards do not vary.

What Do You Think?

Which kind of change do you need to work on most: learning to love what the Lord loves, or learning to hate what the Lord hates? Why? Digging Deeper How could enlisting the aid of an accountability partner help you do better in this regard?

8c. “In my faithfulness I will reward my people In my faithfulness refers to God’s character and the certainty of his

sunday school ...continued on page 7

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COLUMNS sunday school continued from page 6 direction or rewarding.

8d. “and make an everlasting covenant with them.

The Lord is giving his assurance that he will not forget his people in their exile.

He will keep his promise to them. At the same time, however, those to return from exile likely prefigure the newcovenant people of God (see Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8:6–13; 9:15; 10:14–22).

The Hebrew word translated everlasting can refer to an indefinite period of time that has no discernible end from the point of view of the original reader. The word is used frequently in that way with regard to Old Testament laws and ordinances that do not apply in the New Testament era (compare “lasting” in Exodus 12:24; Leviticus 3:17; etc.). In the verse before us, however, it refers to a truly eternal covenant (compare Hebrews 13:20).

Centuries later, the New Te s t a m e n t w r i t e r s w i l l confirm the fact of the Lord’s preservation of Israel for the inauguration of a permanent new covenant through the Messiah (see Romans 9:3–5; 11:1–10; Hebrews 8:7–13; etc.). The salvation brought about by the one-time sacrifice of Jesus produces a covenant that is absolutely everlasting.

B. Results and Reactions (vv. 9–11) 9. “Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

One of the most easily observable characteristics of Hebrew poetry is parallelism.

This involves using, in adjacent lines, words having either similar or opposite meanings.

These phrases can explain each other or offer a contrast.

Repetition through the use of parallel terms emphasizes whatever truth the writer is trying to convey.

The verse at hand offers a n e xc e l l e n t e x a m p l e o f such parallelism in Hebrew poetry: their descendants p a ra l l e l s t h e i r o f f s p r i n g , and the nations parallels the peoples. The repetitions found in these parallel phrases highlight one aspect of the dramatic transformation to come regarding the ancient Israelites’ reputation. In their future captivity, the Israelites will be derided by foreigners (Deuteronomy 28:36, 37); God’s covenant people will become a “scorn and reproach” to the nations around them (example: Jeremiah 29:17– 19).

The prophet Isaiah, however, predicts a time when that reputation is to change. The release from captivity and subsequent events will result in the descendants of Isaiah’s current audience being known

as a people the Lord has blessed (compare Genesis 12:2; Isaiah 43:5; 48:19).

What Do You Think?

What adjustments do Christians need to make in how they view the concepts of legacy and heritage? Why do you say that?

Digging Deeper What secular stumbling blocks most need to be identified for improvements to happen?

10a. I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. The speaker here is Zion (see the Lesson Context).

The partial verse before us and the two that follow each feature a poetic pair in the mold of Hebrew parallelism, just discussed. The parallel here is easy to see:

We normally think of cause and effect in just that order.

But here Isaiah starts with the effect, then moves to state the cause.

10b. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, The second poetic pairing states the cause of Zion’s rejoicing. Note that we say “cause,” not “causes.” There is one cause mentioned here, not two. That’s a key to interpreting Hebrew parallelism properly.

The phrases clothed me and arrayed me point to one action by God, expressed twice with different words.

Likewise, the garments of salvation equate to a robe of his righteousness. These are figurative descriptions of a vitally important reality: they describe a person fully clothed

by God so as to be acceptable in his sight (see Revelation 3:4, 5; 19:8; contrast Isaiah 64:6).

The parallelism further shows that salvation and righteousness are closely related. Of course, no one e a r n s s a l va t i o n t h r o u g h personal righteousness (see Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

Instead, the Lord imputes, or credits, his own righteousness to the sinner to make salvation possible. We see the need when we realize that “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6; see also Philippians 3:9; Romans 1:16, 17; 10:3). To have salvation is to have the imputed righteousness of God. 10c. as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

The third pair uses a comparison to describe the beauty of the clothing. The garments given by the Lord are as magnificent as the finest accessories worn by a bride and groom at their wedding (compare Isaiah 49:18). We may wonder what kind of

adornments a bridegroom wears. The Hebrew word seems to refer to some type of headdress, as the word is used in Ezekiel 24:17, 23; 44:18.

A bridegroom in biblical times usually wore a headpiece that resembled a turban.

What Do You Think?

Which of these additional clothing texts motivate you most to praise their “tailor”: Luke 12:28; Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:2– 5; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 5:5; Revelation 3:4, 5, 18?

Digging Deeper With reference to 1 Timothy 2:9, 10, how can you use your credit-card statement to evaluate where your priorities need to change with regard to spiritual vs. physical clothing?

The analogy involving a bridegroom and a bride brings to mind the relationship between Jesus and his church (Ephesians 5:22–33). While recognizing that the language of the verse before us is spoken

by Zion, we also note that the blessings described are blessings Jesus shares with his followers. Revelation 19:7– 9 informs us of the special clothing that awaits those who are part of the “wife” of the Lamb; he prepares us to join him at his “marriage” (compare 21:2).

Royal Dress Code How do royal families decide what to wear? In Britain, tradition old and new often dictates the answer.

Some rules about dress are driven by the current queen’s preferences. For example, Queen Elizabeth II is not a fan of beards. Another of the queen’s fashion no-nos is for women to wear shoes with wedge heels. And these ladies would not dare be seen wearing bright fingernail polish!

Other rules stem from longpracticed traditions. Even when there is a nip in the air, the boys of royalty wear shorts and high socks in public. Hats are fine, but women of royalty should not wear them indoors after 6:00 p.m. And please— no bare legs! Pantyhose are a must, ladies.

British royalty does not have a monopoly on royal dress codes. Long before, Isaiah spoke of the dress code God requires for those who would enter his presence. But once we have such clothing through Christ, are we careful to respect his dress code?

—J. E. 11. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

This verse features two pairs.

The first pair introduces the main thought by an analogy.

Righteousness and praise will grow out of all nations just like plants grow in the soil

and in a garden. God causes all things to grow—not just flowers or trees but also right living and worship (compare Isaiah 45:8).

The Lord God’s grace shown to Israel will in turn cause all nations to bloom with the same righteousness and subsequent praise. The righteousness that Zion displays will have an effect on the nations as well.

They too will know the Lord.

The theme of people from among the nations coming to the Lord is highlighted throughout Isaiah (examples: Isaiah 2:2–4; 5:26; 49:6; 60:3; 66:18–20). Their praise is an intended consequence of God’s faithfulness to Israel.

II. The Righteous Nation (Isaiah 62:2–4a) A. New Name Predicted (v. 2) 2a. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; In this pair, the second thought builds on the first.

The nations in the first line corresponds to all kings in the second. Kings represent the other nations because of their leadership roles. The word your refers to Zion, also called Jerusalem (Isaiah 62:1).

The Hebrew word here translated vindication is frequently translated “righteousness” (see Job 29:14; Psalm 9:8; Isaiah 51:5; etc.). Righteousness most often refers to moral integrity in doing what God declares right (example: Psalm 7:8). And so it is here.

Parallel to vindication in the first line is glory in the second.

Beyond simple restatement, the glory seen by the kings describes the magnitude of the righteousness of Zion. The people of Zion will live lives so markedly distinct from sin that the nations will take notice (compare 67:2; Isaiah 40:5; 45:14).

2b. you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

A general prediction is made before specifying that the Lord will be the one who acts. Renaming in the Bible communicates some new characteristic of the one renamed. The new name is prophetic, either in condemnation (example: Hosea 1:4–9) or commendation (example: Genesis 32:28).

Isaiah often uses prophetic name changes for the redeemed (examples: Isaiah 1:26; 44:5; 45:4). Christians look forward to the new names the Lord will grant after the resurrection of the dead (Revelation 2:17; compare 3:12).

B. Old Name Discarded (Isaiah 62:3, 4a) 3. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. The second statement once again builds on the first. A crown is often made of gold and worn by a king (example:

2 Samuel 12:30); diadem occurs parallel to the crown.

They both signify the splendor of the Lord and his royalty.

Zion is the crown or diadem in the Lord’s hand (contrast Isaiah 28:5; compare 1 Thessalonians 2:19). To be in the hand of the Lord is to be under his control (compare Psalm 75:8; Proverbs 21:1).

4a. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.

The Hebrew word translated Deserted is used over 20 times

by Isaiah and represents a theme in the book. Israel forsook the Lord (Isaiah 1:4, 28). Because of this, the land was to be deserted (32:14).

From all appearances, the people will seem to be forsaken in the Babylonian captivity to come (49:14). Once they yield to become the righteous crown in God’s hand, they will know they are not forsaken (42:16; 60:15).

The Hebrew word translated Desolate is used six times in Isaiah, and in every case it predicts the destruction of the land of Israel (Isaiah 1:7 [two times]; 6:11; 17:9; 64:10).

Here alone is desolation set in a positive light, because it will be permanently ended.

What Do You Think?

Were God to allow you to choose your future “new name” right now, how would you use Revelation 2:17 as a basis for doing so?

Digging Deeper With regard to your former self (per Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22–24, and Colossians 3:9, 10), in what one way can you live more victoriously now in light of your future “new name” (Revelation 3:12)?

Fun Names A popular feature on some social media sites is games that give users new nicknames.

Matching initials, birthdays, or other information allows users to generate novel names for themselves. For example, John, who was born March 3 might find that his superhero name is The Radioactive Hairy Mutant. His friend Linda, born November 27, is now The Daring Masked Cat! Marketers use such features t o d ra w p e o p l e t o t h e i r websites. A desire to discover a “new identity” as a superhero, a rock star, a unicorn, etc., can entice us to be open to a sales pitch we would never have considered otherwise.

The Lord promised a new name to those who would accept his righteousness as their own. Human desire to have a special identity and a fresh start is understood by God. How will we recognize sales pitches that offer us new names (reputations) that don’t line up with God’s intentions?

—J. E.

sunday school continued on page10

• APRIL 19, 2020 - PAGE

#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.

Prayer Meeting (Wed) ...................... 12:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship ........................................... 9:00 A.M. Sunday School ............................................ 10:45 A.M. Children’s Church (1st Sun.) ....................... 10:00 A.M. Mdwk. Prayer (Wed.) ............................. 12 & 7:00 P.M.

855 778-8548

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

every monday at 11:00 AM

Pastor KW Tulloss, President

Is looking for a few good MEN & WOMEN call today 323-210-3658 RAISE THE PRAISE MINISTRY CONNECTION • $90.00 PER MONTH SINGLE SPACE B/W• 50 PAPERS PER WEEK • DISCOUNTED DISPLAY ADS • ONE EDITORIAL PER WEEK • WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITOR WITH SAME DISTRIBUTION

• APRIL 19, 2020 - PAGE

COLUMNS

#7

• APRIL 19, 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

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

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

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.

• APRIL 19, 2020 - PAGE

#9

raise the praise ADVERTISEMENT 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

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

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

• APRIL 19, 2020 - PAGE

#10

INTERVIEW columns sunday school continued fron page 5 Conclusion A. Blessed and Blessing A few years ago I went on an outing to a retreat center.

Among the many activities was horseback riding. One of the wranglers told me two things about horses. First, he said horses can live 50 years or more. Domesticated horses live longer and healthier lives

than wild ones because of care. Second, horses thrive when they have work to do.

We are similar. As we place ourselves in the hand of God, under his care and control, we live better: we are blessed.

Whether our years be many or few, they are of higher quality. In turn, living under the control and care of God comes with a mandate to

take Christ to the world (see Matthew 28:19, 20).

What Do You Think?

In what ways have your views of justice been challenged because of our studies over the past several weeks?

Digging Deeper What viewpoint do you continue to hold even though you sense God wants you to change?

B. Prayer Heavenly Father, empower us by your Spirit to let our lights shine! May others see your Son in our good works and give glory to you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember Obeying the righteous God of justice blesses ourselves and others.

a very small preview of what God has in store for His sons and daughters. Ephesians 3:20Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. 2 Corinthians 9:8- And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. Even the finest example of Hollywood does not come near to the greater plan our Lord has in mind for His Followers. This applies

both to our earthly journey and definitely for our eternal experience. Another preview of the magnitude of our Great God is particularly demonstrated in the movie, “Money Heist”. Of course, to get to the fruit of the banana or watermelon, one has to peel back its covering.

The same is true for one to witness the foreshadowing illustrations of the greatness of our God in this movie and basically any productions. By peeling away the undesired or offensive content in this movie, one can actually be

reminded of the brilliance of our God through the character of the “Professor”. Yes, he had flaws that our God does not have. But the similarity of the “Professor” being the genius that he was, his knowledge and ability to make things happen and come together, cannot be overlooked. One cannot help but to be intrigued with how the “Professor” thoroughly anticipated and prepared his crew even before allowing them to experience their assignments.

He anticipated each move of their opposition and in advance

Fields, L. M., Eichenberger, J., Frey, C., & Lockhart, M. (2020). A Justice-Loving God. In R. L. Nickelson, J. A. Kenney, M. K. Williams, & J. Gerke (Eds.), The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019–2020 (Vol. 26, pp. 293– 300). Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing.

nuggets cont. from page 10

facilitated the solution to their problems. He had the right people, in the right place, at the right time. This is only an example of the greatness of our God in His attention and care to each detail in our lives. Through our everyday experiences, trials and tribulations, the Lord thoroughly schools us of what to expect from the enemy and how to react before we are faced with the situation. As demonstrated by the Professor’s previewed ability, we definitely nuggets cont.on page 11

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anticipation to partake of the cake. Daddy-God has also used Hollywood to give us a glimpse of His greatness through their masterful storylines and set creations. They never cease to amaze us. Also, we can easily group magnificent mansions and the belongings of the rich and famous in the mind-blowing Hollywoodextravagant category. They all have displayed some very unthinkable imaginations that have left us in awe. However, no matter how great those illustrations are, they are only

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COLUMNS want ads vacancies announments EVENTS MUSICIAN WANTED | The True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is looking for a Minister of Music. Candidates who are knowledgeable and skilled in piano, organ, Gospel music, and have a heart to serve God , please email your resume with two references to carolynjlez9wis @gmail.com or, mail to: 7901 S. Van Ness Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90305, Attn: Carolyn J. Lewis.

STRONG ORGANIST Needed at New Providence Familiar with Traditional and Contemporary Gospel music. Ability to help with teaching parts. Choir rehearses two Sundays per month after morning worship. Spirit-led in worship flow, professional attire and timeliness a must! Pay rate negotiable. Contact Information; (310) 997-6684 nuggets cont. from page 10

can glory at the awesomeness of God’s greater f lawless fore-knowledge. In addition, to God’s ability to supply beforehand everything we will need to succeed. If we learn and apply His preparation, we will be successful in completing our life journey and mission.

Unfortunately, we can definitely relate to the hardheadedness of even the “Professor and his crew” when we don’t stick to the plan that God has prepared us to follow. Another example is when people can experience an element of God through our life. Titus 2:7- And you yourself must be an example to them by

doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. One of my very special memories is when I would visit my sister in the various skilled care facilities. As I sat observing her lying in her bed and being unable to walk, she would often comment on the peace of God that she experienced in my presence. Of course there is no glory in my sinful being. However, I do joy in that she was able to experience a preview of the glorious peace and presence of God that she could anticipate experiencing in His actual presence. Because He walks and talks with us, we are prepared to victoriously handle “whatever”, no matter, the situation which confronts us. Our Heavenly Father gives clear demonstrations of who He is and what He has communicated in His Holy Word. He so wants us to grasp and understand just how great He

is and His willingness to share Himself with us through the simplicity of our daily activities!

We must be careful not to miss the valuable lessons that He gives us to experience being Overcomers in any and every situation we encounter. So let’s allow the Holy Spirit to sharpen our mind to what the Lord says for it is the difference between experiencing victory and defeat and even living or dying. Let’s pray that we don’t miss witnessing how God uses earthly previews to demonstrate

His greater divine messages. Therefore, our prayer should be, Lord help us to recognize Your glorious illustrations and messages in our daily life. Lord, we desire to have eyes that will see You and understand Your heartbeat in our life. To not miss the simple lessons and variations of proof that You, the Resurrected Lord and Savior give us on a regular basis that You are alive, well and definitely involved in our lives. Thank you Lord for previewing Your greater truths in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, thank God, amen. Thank you, Lord, for including us in your master plan.

Contact Info: onefaith2007@aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, LA, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship.org. (323) 481-6724.

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