Sermonic Text: 2 Kings 20:1

Sermonic Title: "Set Your House In Order"

The Key Idea: Since Death Is Inevitable, People Should Set Their House In Order.

I. People Who Set Their House In Order Are Real.

II. People Who Set Their House In Order Are Right.

III. People Who Set Their House In Order Are Ready.

From the Pastor Desk

“WE CAN DEPEND ON GOD”

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;
and he knoweth them that trust in him” (Nahum 1:7).

Everybody needs someone they can depend on; nonetheless; God is the only one that we can really depend on. Nahum (an Old Testament prophet) described God in a three-fold manner. First, “The Lord is good.” We cannot say this about everyone, and those whom we can describe as good are not as good as God. We often accurately say that “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” If you do not know this to be a fact, David said: “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Ps. 34:8).

Secondly, the Lord is “a strong hold in the day of trouble.” In its original Hebrew writings, a “strong hold” means that the Lord is our means of safety, protection, and refuge. When Christians experience trouble, “We Can Depend On God” to keep us safe and secure.

Thirdly, the Lord “knows them that trust in Him.” He sees after and cares for people who depend on Him. 1 Peter 5:7 reads: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Because He is good, because He is a strong hold in the day of trouble and because He knows them that trust in Him, “We Can Depend On God.” As we journey through this day, we do not know exactly what we will encounter. We do not know what lies ahead, but we do know that “We Can Depend On God.”

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).

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

Deacons: Elwood Jordan and Steven Porter

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

“The Household Of God”
(Ephesians 2:11-22)

Related Scriptures: John 10:14-18; Romans 5:1-11; Galatians 3:26-29

OUR DAILY BREAD

Thursday, January 11: Genesis 27-28; Matthew 9:18-38
Friday, January 12: Genesis 29-30; Matthew 10:1-23
Saturday, January 13: Genesis 31-32; Matthew 10:24-42
Sunday, January 14: Genesis 33-35; Matthew 11
Monday, January 15: Genesis 36-37; Matthew 12:1-21
Tuesday, January 16: Genesis 38-40; Matthew 12:22-50
Wednesday, January 17: Genesis 41; Matthew 13:1-32
Thursday, January 18: Genesis 42-43; Matthew 13:33-58
Friday, January 19: Genesis 44-45; Matthew 14:1-21
Saturday, January 20: Genesis 46-48; Matthew 14:22-36

"WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?"

Charles Spurgeon was once invited by a wealthy man to preach in a country church in order to help them raise funds to pay a debt. The man told Spurgeon he was free to use his country house, his townhouse, or his seaside house. Spurgeon wrote back and declined coming saying: “Sell one of your houses and pay the debt yourself.”

Jesus wants us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. He said in Matthew 6:19-21:

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

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 have now proceeded to the next step which is negotiating 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:
Grocery Giveaway Preparation 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 following 2nd 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

Based on Nahum 1:7, "We Can Depend On God." Moreover, based on Matthew 6:19-21, "Where Is Your Treasure?"

May God bless and sustain each of us.

Your Beloved Servant In Christ,



Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor