Sermonic Text: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (scripture below)

Sermonic Title: “You Can Bear It”

The Key Idea: You Can Bear What You're Going Through.

I. What You Are Going Through Is Common.

II. What You Are Going Through Is Contained.

III. What You Are Going Through Is Conquerable.

From The Pastor's Desk: HOW TO OBTAIN MERCY

HOW TO OBTAIN MERCY

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

(Matthew 5:7)

Matthew records Jesus’ Sermon On The Mount in chapters 5-7. In the first paragraph of chapter 5, Matthew records the Beatitudes in verses 1-12. One of the Beatitudes Jesus discussed is as follows: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” In the context of the Beatitudes, the word “blessed” derives from the Greek word, makários, which means happy. Blessed means happy feelings associated with receiving God’s favor. Believers experience happy feelings associated with receiving God’s favor when we are merciful.

The word “merciful” derives from the Greek word, eleḗmōn, which means feelings of pity with a focus on showing compassion to those in serious need. God wants Christians to experience feelings of pity with a focus on showing compassion to those in need. When we do this, we will obtain mercy. Alternatively speaking, God will bless us with mercy in our times of need.

We need God to have mercy on us, and at times we need people to have mercy on us. Jesus is teaching us in the Sermon On The Mount how to obtain mercy. We obtain mercy by being merciful unto others. Being merciful unto others is also a way to experience happiness. Thus, let us remember what Jesus said: “Blessed [happy] are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

WHAT DOES “A TENTH” REALLY MEAN?

Each week I have been discussing our responsibility to God regarding biblical giving. In short, God commands believers to be givers of tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:10 reads: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

Tithing means “a tenth” (10%) of our gross income/increase, and it should be money we set aside before paying anything else. Our offerings are what we give in addition to our tithes. Unfortunately, many have a misconception about “a tenth” (tithing). Some people are giving God a tenth, but their tenth is a tenth of what they ought to give.

If we want to please God and be blessed, God commands us to give faithfully our tithes (a tenth) and offerings. Remember, 10% belongs to God, and 90% is ours to utilize wisely. At St. John, we currently give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus, or by giving online through our website (sjmbc.org).

JUNE IS PASTOR EDIFICATION MONTH

Let’s celebrate together throughout the month of June the 28 years that God has blessed St. John with a Pastor. Jeremiah 3:15 states: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” These days, the average tenure of a Pastor with a congregation is 4-5 years. When we reflect on the pilgrimage and numerous accomplishments St. John has experienced in the last 28 years, we have reasons to praise God and celebrate!

I am so delighted and encouraged already this month by your edifying expressions and your generous monetary gifts. May God bless each of you even more abundantly, for you have truly been a blessing to me. Thank you!

2022 GRADUATES

All St. John graduates should contact Min. Peggy Alexander (Minister of Christian Education) by June 30, 2022, if you are interested in receiving recognition from our church at pmorris@sjmbc.org. If you are graduating from High School and you will be attending college or vocational school, you may qualify for a scholarship. Applications can be picked up at the North Campus, South Campus, or Administration Building.

Also, if you desire to give towards scholarships, you can do so via mail or online at sjmbc.org. This is a rewarding investment!

ST. JOHN FAMILY LIFE CENTER

After a long journey, the City of Richmond has finally granted us building permits to construct our Family Life Center. We hope to begin construction soon! The Family Life Center will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, which will consist of a gymnasium, game room (for the youth), and weight room. Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.

Many of us made a pledge that we fulfilled, but some have not. I personally thank those of us who have already fulfilled our pledge and others who have made “Building Fund” contributions. I encourage everyone (if you have not already done so) to :

1) $10,000.00 or more

2) $5,000.00 to $9,999.00

3) $1,000.00 to $4,999.00

4) $500.00 to $999.00

5) Below $500.00

OUR DAILY BREAD

Thursday, June 9: 2 Chronicles 29-31; John 18:1-23

Friday, June 10: 2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:24-40

Saturday, June 11: 2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22

Sunday, June 12: Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42

Monday, June 13: Ezra 3-5; John 20

Tuesday, June 14: Ezra 6-8; John 21

Wednesday, June 15: Ezra 9-10; Acts 1

Thursday, June 16: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-13

Friday, June 16: Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:14-47

Saturday, June 17: Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 3

MEMORANDUM

Worship Celebrations: We have two in-person Worship Celebrations on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. (the North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (the South Campus). Everyone (especially people who are elderly and physically disabled) is encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to be seated safely and comfortably. Temperatures are checked, hand sanitizing is urged, social distancing is applied regarding where people shall sit and walk, wearing a mask is requested, utilization of restrooms is restricted to 2-4 people at a time (depending on the size of the restroom), and congregating before and after Services is prohibited.

Our virtual audience is growing rapidly. Let’s continue to share with others how they can view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube) or hear them via podcasts. For more information, you may visit our website at sjmbc.org.

Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. In regards to each of the following activities, visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information. What’s forthcoming?

Sundays:

Worship Celebrations at 9:00 a.m. (North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (South Campus)

Online Church School at 2:00 p.m.

Online J.A.M. (Children Fellowships) 2nd and 4th Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

Online Lord’s Supper 1st Sundays at 7:00 p.m. To participate, each believer will need bread or a cracker and grape juice (or something similar).

Mondays:

Preparation For Grocery Giveaway at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)

Online Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesdays:

Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.

Online Church Leadership Council Tuesdays before 3rd Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays:

Online Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Online Church School at 7:00 p.m.

BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION

In life, we need mercy from God and sometimes from others. To obtain mercy, Jesus is teaching us in the Beatitudes that we must be merciful unto others, and this also ensures happiness (Mt. 5:7). Moreover, let’s make sure that we correctly understand and apply “a tenth.” Tithing means “a tenth” (10%) of our gross income/increase, and it should be money we set aside before paying anything else (Mal. 3:10).

May God bless and sustain each of us.

Your Beloved Servant In Christ,

Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor