St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, December 10, 2023)
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
Locations & Times
St. John Missionary Baptist Church (South Campus)
662 S 52nd St, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
Sunday 11:00 AM
Sermon Outline:
Sermonic Text: Luke 2:10
Sermonic Title: “Living Joyfully Through The Holiday Season”
The Key Idea: To Live Joyfully Through The Holiday Season, We Must Focus And Fellowship With Jesus Daily.
I. Setting: Luke 2:1-7
II. Exposition: Luke 2:8-20
III. Application
Sermonic Text: Luke 2:10
Sermonic Title: “Living Joyfully Through The Holiday Season”
The Key Idea: To Live Joyfully Through The Holiday Season, We Must Focus And Fellowship With Jesus Daily.
I. Setting: Luke 2:1-7
II. Exposition: Luke 2:8-20
III. Application
From the Pastor Desk
“WORDS OF COMFORT”
(1 Thessalonians 4:13)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
In a world of over 8 billion people, about 150,000 deaths occur daily. The world population is rapidly growing because about 385,000 babies are born daily which means that more than twice as many births occur daily than deaths.
Dealing with the death of loved ones is very difficult for many. Currently, a lot of us are experiencing grief because of the passing of loved ones in our biological family or ecclesiastical family. When undergoing grief, people need comfort, and Paul shares “Words Of Comfort” in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Paul’s “Words Of Comfort” are regarding the passing and reunion of believers. When Christians die, their souls are “absent from the body but present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). They are asleep and present with the Lord in paradise (Abraham’s bosom), but they shall resurrect (as Jesus was resurrected) when Jesus shall return. Christians who are still aliveshall be “caught up” together with Christians who previously died to meet the Lord in the air. Believers who passed and believers who are alive will reunite and be with the Lord in heaven for eternity.
These “Words Of Comfort” only apply to people who have been regenerated. Unfortunately, unsaved people will experience eternity in hell because they failed to establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ while alive on earth. Rather than dying and going to hell for eternity, people can go to heaven and be with God and godly people for eternity if they establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ while alive on earth. This relationship can be established by believing because John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS
December 31: New Year's Eve Worship Celebration (South Campus at 10:30 p.m.)January 3-5: Old Fashioned Revival (North Campus at 7:00 p.m.)January 7: In-Person Communion (Morning Worship Celebrations at the North Campus and South Campus)
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Intercessory Prayer is when believers pray on behalf of others. James 5:16b says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When believers pray for one another, people are blessed. For example, Peter was delivered from prison because the church prayed incessantly to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5-17). Because God answers prayer, please pray daily for others and the following:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church: Ask God to grow our congregation spiritually, numerically, and financially. Also, pray to Godregarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are shut in with COVID.
Pastor & Ministers: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Deacon: Elwood Jordan
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Geraldine Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Zadie Patterson, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brothers: Gregory Johnson, Anthony Jones, and Brady Stewart
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Drucilla Cooper, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. Johnwho needs special prayer and desires to be added to this list, call (510-233-1779) or email me (pastorhall@sjmbc.org).
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
(Jn. 14-13-14)
UPCOMING CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
“Counting All Things Loss”
(Philippians 3:7-21)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 16:24-28; Romans 9:30-10:4
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, December 7: Daniel 9-10; 2 John
Friday, December 8: Daniel 11-12; 3 John
Saturday, December 9: Hosea 1-4; Jude
Sunday, December 10: Hosea 5-8; Revelation 1
Monday, December 11: Hosea 9-11; Revelation 2
Tuesday, December 12: Hosea 12-14; Revelation 3
Wednesday, December 13: Joel; Revelation 4
Thursday, December 14: Amos 1-3; Revelation 5
Friday, December 15: Amos 4-6; Revelation 6
Saturday, December 16: Amos 7-9; Revelation 7
“THE REAL TEST”
Oswald Chambers said: “With Christ, it is not how much we give, but what we do not give that is the real test.” How much we give may not be enough even though it could seem like a lot. For example, to give $500 monthly to a church may seem like a lot, but if one’s monthly income is over $5,000 per month, that person is “robbing God” (Mal. 3:8). God commands believers to give faithfully our tithes and offerings to Him. 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.”
Believers please God by faithfully and generously giving Him tithes and offerings. Tithing is giving to God 10% of our gross income/increase (which belongs to God), and the remaining 90% is ours to utilize wisely. Our offerings are what God inspires us to give from the remaining 90% which is in addition to our tithes. Our tithes and offerings should be set aside before paying anything else (first fruits).
At St. John, we give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus. We also give online through our website (sjmbc.org).
MEMORANDUM
Our 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). Also, our virtual audience is proliferating. 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.
Our Family Life Center: The city of Richmond has approved the revision of our design and granted us a building permit to build our Family Life Center. We can now proceed to the next step which is to negotiate the total cost of the project. Please pray daily asking God to direct us regarding our Family Life Center which will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, consisting of a gymnasium, weight room, and game room (mainly for kids). Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.
Many of us made a commitment that we fulfilled, but some have not. May God bless each 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 contribute financially (in full or in installments) as soon as possible to this building project by choosing one of the following tiers:
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 Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. 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 Lord’s Supper on 1st Sundays in the 11:00 Worship Celebration or thereafter. To participate, each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar).
Mondays:
Preparation For Grocery Giveaway at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.(South Campus)
Tuesdays:
Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.Online Church Leadership Council on 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
Because so many of us are grieving, we need “Words Of Comfort” (1 Thes. 4:13-18). Moreover, regarding our tithes and offerings, let’s pass with excellence “The Real Test”(Malachi 3:10).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
“WORDS OF COMFORT”
(1 Thessalonians 4:13)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
In a world of over 8 billion people, about 150,000 deaths occur daily. The world population is rapidly growing because about 385,000 babies are born daily which means that more than twice as many births occur daily than deaths.
Dealing with the death of loved ones is very difficult for many. Currently, a lot of us are experiencing grief because of the passing of loved ones in our biological family or ecclesiastical family. When undergoing grief, people need comfort, and Paul shares “Words Of Comfort” in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Paul’s “Words Of Comfort” are regarding the passing and reunion of believers. When Christians die, their souls are “absent from the body but present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). They are asleep and present with the Lord in paradise (Abraham’s bosom), but they shall resurrect (as Jesus was resurrected) when Jesus shall return. Christians who are still aliveshall be “caught up” together with Christians who previously died to meet the Lord in the air. Believers who passed and believers who are alive will reunite and be with the Lord in heaven for eternity.
These “Words Of Comfort” only apply to people who have been regenerated. Unfortunately, unsaved people will experience eternity in hell because they failed to establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ while alive on earth. Rather than dying and going to hell for eternity, people can go to heaven and be with God and godly people for eternity if they establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ while alive on earth. This relationship can be established by believing because John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS
December 31: New Year's Eve Worship Celebration (South Campus at 10:30 p.m.)January 3-5: Old Fashioned Revival (North Campus at 7:00 p.m.)January 7: In-Person Communion (Morning Worship Celebrations at the North Campus and South Campus)
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Intercessory Prayer is when believers pray on behalf of others. James 5:16b says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When believers pray for one another, people are blessed. For example, Peter was delivered from prison because the church prayed incessantly to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5-17). Because God answers prayer, please pray daily for others and the following:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church: Ask God to grow our congregation spiritually, numerically, and financially. Also, pray to Godregarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are shut in with COVID.
Pastor & Ministers: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Deacon: Elwood Jordan
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Geraldine Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Zadie Patterson, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brothers: Gregory Johnson, Anthony Jones, and Brady Stewart
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Drucilla Cooper, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. Johnwho needs special prayer and desires to be added to this list, call (510-233-1779) or email me (pastorhall@sjmbc.org).
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
(Jn. 14-13-14)
UPCOMING CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
“Counting All Things Loss”
(Philippians 3:7-21)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 16:24-28; Romans 9:30-10:4
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, December 7: Daniel 9-10; 2 John
Friday, December 8: Daniel 11-12; 3 John
Saturday, December 9: Hosea 1-4; Jude
Sunday, December 10: Hosea 5-8; Revelation 1
Monday, December 11: Hosea 9-11; Revelation 2
Tuesday, December 12: Hosea 12-14; Revelation 3
Wednesday, December 13: Joel; Revelation 4
Thursday, December 14: Amos 1-3; Revelation 5
Friday, December 15: Amos 4-6; Revelation 6
Saturday, December 16: Amos 7-9; Revelation 7
“THE REAL TEST”
Oswald Chambers said: “With Christ, it is not how much we give, but what we do not give that is the real test.” How much we give may not be enough even though it could seem like a lot. For example, to give $500 monthly to a church may seem like a lot, but if one’s monthly income is over $5,000 per month, that person is “robbing God” (Mal. 3:8). God commands believers to give faithfully our tithes and offerings to Him. 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.”
Believers please God by faithfully and generously giving Him tithes and offerings. Tithing is giving to God 10% of our gross income/increase (which belongs to God), and the remaining 90% is ours to utilize wisely. Our offerings are what God inspires us to give from the remaining 90% which is in addition to our tithes. Our tithes and offerings should be set aside before paying anything else (first fruits).
At St. John, we give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus. We also give online through our website (sjmbc.org).
MEMORANDUM
Our 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). Also, our virtual audience is proliferating. 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.
Our Family Life Center: The city of Richmond has approved the revision of our design and granted us a building permit to build our Family Life Center. We can now proceed to the next step which is to negotiate the total cost of the project. Please pray daily asking God to direct us regarding our Family Life Center which will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, consisting of a gymnasium, weight room, and game room (mainly for kids). Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.
Many of us made a commitment that we fulfilled, but some have not. May God bless each 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 contribute financially (in full or in installments) as soon as possible to this building project by choosing one of the following tiers:
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 Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. 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 Lord’s Supper on 1st Sundays in the 11:00 Worship Celebration or thereafter. To participate, each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar).
Mondays:
Preparation For Grocery Giveaway at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.(South Campus)
Tuesdays:
Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.Online Church Leadership Council on 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
Because so many of us are grieving, we need “Words Of Comfort” (1 Thes. 4:13-18). Moreover, regarding our tithes and offerings, let’s pass with excellence “The Real Test”(Malachi 3:10).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor