St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, December 17, 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: St. Matthew 1:20
Sermonic Title: ‘Overcoming Our Thoughts’
The Key Idea: We an overcome our thoughts, through A Divine Encounter.
I. A Divine Encounter is ESSENTIAL.
II. A Divine Encounter is EXPLANATORY.
III. A Divine Encounter is EFFECTIVE.
Sermonic Text: St. Matthew 1:20
Sermonic Title: ‘Overcoming Our Thoughts’
The Key Idea: We an overcome our thoughts, through A Divine Encounter.
I. A Divine Encounter is ESSENTIAL.
II. A Divine Encounter is EXPLANATORY.
III. A Divine Encounter is EFFECTIVE.
From the Pastor Desk:
“JESUS’ BIRTH FORETOLD”
(Micah 5:2 - ESV)
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
We are approaching one of the greatest holidays of the year, and it is called Christmas. Christmas is acknowledged annually on December 25th, and it is a day that we celebrate Jesus’s birth (even though we do not know the exact day that Jesus was born).
Jesus existed before he was born because he was in the beginning before the creation of everyone and everything (Jn. 1:1-3, 14). Furthermore, Jesus’ birth was foretold hundreds of years beforehand. Many of us are aware of Isaiah’s prophecies about Jesus’ birth, but we should be mindful of other prophecies about his birth.
For instance, Micah foretold Jesus’ birth over 500 years before Christ’s nativity. In Micah 5:2, we see a specific promise that one (Jesus Christ) would come from ancient days to be born in Bethlehem. In other words, Micah prophesied that Jesus would come and where he would be born.
Praise God that the prophecies about Jesus’ birth were fulfilled. In Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2, we learn that Jesus was born in Bethlehem to a virgin whose name was Mary, and the Holy Spirit impregnated her (not Joseph) which is why Jesus was born sinless.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that Jesus’ birth was foretold. Also, let’s remember that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
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 24: Christmas Eve Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m. at the South Campus); Also, Children’s Christmas Speeches will be available for viewing via YouTube on this date and thereafter
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 (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m.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
“Learning Contentment”
(Philippians 4:4-18)
Related Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 12:7-10
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, December 14: Amos 1-3; Revelation 5
Friday, December 15: Amos 4-6; Revelation 6
Saturday, December 16: Amos 7-9; Revelation 7
Sunday, December 17: Obadiah; Revelation 8
Monday, December 18: Jonah; Revelation 9
Tuesday, December 19: Micah 1-3; Revelation 10
Wednesday, December 20: Micah 4-5; Revelation 11
Thursday, December 21: Micah 6-7; Revelation 12
Friday, December 22: Nahum; Revelation 13
Saturday, December 23: Habakkuk; Revelation 14
“GIVE IT TO GET IT”
We can learn from alcoholics and addicts who are working on recovery because the way they serve one another is amazing. For those in recovery, serving people who are still suffering and sharing their stories is what recovery is all about. This may seem paradoxical, but it is true.
There is a phrase that is often used: “You've got to give it away to keep it.” Those in recovery learn that they have to give away their experience, strength, or hope to keep it. They have to share their recovery with those who are still suffering to keep it, and it works.
This is what grace is about. To have grace and to receive grace, believers have to give grace. To be grace-full (full of grace), Christians have to pour out grace on others. Perhaps, this is what Paul meant when he talked about being a vessel, for you can't hold on to grace. You can't simply be filled and then ready to give grace to others. The only way is to be overflowing with grace so that it spills into the lives of other people.
We are taught in Acts 20:35 to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Believers who give will always receive. Moreover, when we give much, we will receive much.
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
We should be mindful of “Jesus’ Birth Foretold”(Micah 5:2). Moreover, in regards to our tithes and offerings, “Give It To Get It” (Acts 20:35).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
“JESUS’ BIRTH FORETOLD”
(Micah 5:2 - ESV)
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
We are approaching one of the greatest holidays of the year, and it is called Christmas. Christmas is acknowledged annually on December 25th, and it is a day that we celebrate Jesus’s birth (even though we do not know the exact day that Jesus was born).
Jesus existed before he was born because he was in the beginning before the creation of everyone and everything (Jn. 1:1-3, 14). Furthermore, Jesus’ birth was foretold hundreds of years beforehand. Many of us are aware of Isaiah’s prophecies about Jesus’ birth, but we should be mindful of other prophecies about his birth.
For instance, Micah foretold Jesus’ birth over 500 years before Christ’s nativity. In Micah 5:2, we see a specific promise that one (Jesus Christ) would come from ancient days to be born in Bethlehem. In other words, Micah prophesied that Jesus would come and where he would be born.
Praise God that the prophecies about Jesus’ birth were fulfilled. In Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2, we learn that Jesus was born in Bethlehem to a virgin whose name was Mary, and the Holy Spirit impregnated her (not Joseph) which is why Jesus was born sinless.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that Jesus’ birth was foretold. Also, let’s remember that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
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 24: Christmas Eve Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m. at the South Campus); Also, Children’s Christmas Speeches will be available for viewing via YouTube on this date and thereafter
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 (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m.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
“Learning Contentment”
(Philippians 4:4-18)
Related Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 12:7-10
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, December 14: Amos 1-3; Revelation 5
Friday, December 15: Amos 4-6; Revelation 6
Saturday, December 16: Amos 7-9; Revelation 7
Sunday, December 17: Obadiah; Revelation 8
Monday, December 18: Jonah; Revelation 9
Tuesday, December 19: Micah 1-3; Revelation 10
Wednesday, December 20: Micah 4-5; Revelation 11
Thursday, December 21: Micah 6-7; Revelation 12
Friday, December 22: Nahum; Revelation 13
Saturday, December 23: Habakkuk; Revelation 14
“GIVE IT TO GET IT”
We can learn from alcoholics and addicts who are working on recovery because the way they serve one another is amazing. For those in recovery, serving people who are still suffering and sharing their stories is what recovery is all about. This may seem paradoxical, but it is true.
There is a phrase that is often used: “You've got to give it away to keep it.” Those in recovery learn that they have to give away their experience, strength, or hope to keep it. They have to share their recovery with those who are still suffering to keep it, and it works.
This is what grace is about. To have grace and to receive grace, believers have to give grace. To be grace-full (full of grace), Christians have to pour out grace on others. Perhaps, this is what Paul meant when he talked about being a vessel, for you can't hold on to grace. You can't simply be filled and then ready to give grace to others. The only way is to be overflowing with grace so that it spills into the lives of other people.
We are taught in Acts 20:35 to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Believers who give will always receive. Moreover, when we give much, we will receive much.
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
We should be mindful of “Jesus’ Birth Foretold”(Micah 5:2). Moreover, in regards to our tithes and offerings, “Give It To Get It” (Acts 20:35).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor