St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, May 5, 2024)
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
Locations & Times
St. John Missionary Baptist Church (South Campus)
662 S 52nd St, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
Sunday 11:38 AM
Sermonic Text: 1 Kings 13:10
Sermonic Title: “Another Way”
The Key Idea: People Should Choose Another Way.
I. Another way should be chosen rather than living the wrong way.
II. Another way should be chosen rather than living our way.
III. Another way should be chosen rather than living somebody else’s way.
Sermonic Title: “Another Way”
The Key Idea: People Should Choose Another Way.
I. Another way should be chosen rather than living the wrong way.
II. Another way should be chosen rather than living our way.
III. Another way should be chosen rather than living somebody else’s way.
From the Pastor Desk
“GOOD GROUND”
(Matthew 13:8)
“But others fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”
Jesus sat beside the sea and afterward sat down in a boat when a great crowd gathered while standing on the beach. Jesus said a lot to the crowd in parables, and the first parable was about “The Sower.” Jesus said a Sower sowed seeds that were scattered, and some seeds fell not only by “The Wayside” (as we discussed three weeks ago), on “Stony Places” (as we discussed two weeks ago), and among “Thorns” (as we discussed last week) but also into “Good Ground” where they heard and understood the word and where they were productive. Jesus explained what this meant in verse 23 which reads: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
As a pastor, I am delighted when people hearthe word that I preach, understand the word that I preach, and bear fruit as a result of the word that I preach. Although some will be more fruitful than others (some hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold), a church is healthy and growing when everyone is bearing fruit. May God bless each of us and St. John to be “Good Ground.”
Moreover, I am excited about what God is doing at St. John, and our prayers are being answered because God is blessing our church to grow spiritually, numerically, and financially. As a congregation, we are responsible for nurturing and equipping believers in the word so that they can be fruitful. Let’s pray for God to bless us to share His word on “Good Ground” with others who will hear, understand, and bear fruit. Moreover, let’s be loving, kind, and hospitablewhen we greet and interact with one another (especially new members) because everyone is welcome and special at St. John.
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).
A MIND, BODY, & SOUL AFFAIR
On Saturday, May 4th, (12:00 to 4:00 p.m.), A Mind, Body, & Soul Affair will be at our South Campus providing awareness and resources for hypertension/blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and mental health. Many professionals will be participating. Come and share with others that it is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Min. Eric Frazier (Generation NoWWW Minister).
LET’S HAVE A GOOD TIME!
We are so blessed to conclude another month (April) and enter into another month (May), so let’s demonstrate our gratitude to the Lord. One of the ways we can show how appreciative we are to Him is by worshipping Him in Spirit and truth.
“Let’s Have A Good Time” at St. John this upcoming Sunday (May 5, 2024) at the North Campus (9:00 a.m.) and/or South Campus (11:00 a.m.). If God permits, I will preach, our Sanctuary Choir will sing, we will serve the Lord’s Supper, and we will acknowledge May birthdays in both morning Worship Celebrations. Moreover, baptisms are scheduled after our 11:00 Worship Celebration (South Campus). Therefore, come and inspire others to worship with us.
“WHERE IS YOUR HEART?”
From a medical perspective, your heart is located in the front of your chest. It sits slightly behind and to the left of your sternum (breastbone), and your ribcage protects your heart.
From a spiritual perspective, your heart is located in the same vicinity as your treasure.People can assess their hearts by what they treasure most in life. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt. 6:21).
While working out at the gym, I received an interesting thought. When God has your heart, your money will automatically follow. If God does not have your heart, you will most likely have problems giving according to God’s will (i.e., tithes and offerings).
As a testimony, I can truly say that because God has my heart, my money automatically follows. I give God my tithes and offeringsmonthly from the total of my increase (“income”). I give God my tithes and offeringsfaithfully and regularly as He faithfully and regularly blesses me. I give God my tithes and offerings before I pay bills or do anything else with my increase (“income”). As a result, God keeps blessing me over and over again. I can testify how God will open the windows of heaven and bestow abundant blessings beyond what we can contain (Mal. 3:10).
Again, when God has your heart, your money will automatically follow. God can only have your heart by surrendering it unto Him. Romans 10:9-10 states: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heartman believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
“Where Is Your Heart?” Your heart is in the right place with God when your treasure is what God treasures.
Speaking of treasure disbursements, Christians 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. God inspires us to give our offerings from the remaining 90%, 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).
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 ill.
Pastor & Minister: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brother: Anthony Jones
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Clara Caldwell, Drucilla Cooper, Annie Craven, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, Peggy Stephens, Cornelia Wilson, 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
“Healing And Forgiveness”
(Mark 2:1-12)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 9:2-8; Luke 5:18-26
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, May 2: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 23:27-38
Friday, May 3: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 23:39-56
Saturday, May 4: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 24:1-35
Sunday, May 5: 1 Kings 12-13; Luke 24:36-53
Monday, May 6: 1 Kings 14-15; John 1:1-28
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Kings 16-18; John 1:29-51
Wednesday, May 8: 1 Kings 19-20; John 2
Thursday, May 9: 1 Kings 21-22; John 3:1-21
Friday, May 10: 2 Kings 1-3; John 3:22-36
Saturday, May 11: 2 Kings 4-5; John 4:1-30
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: We have submitted again a revised design for our Family Life Center to the City of Richmond to be reviewed for reasons that could reduce the cost of our project. Hopefully, this will not be a long process. If the City of Richmond approves our revised design, we will select a construction contractor. Once this is done, construction will begin (hopefully the parking lot first). Please pray daily asking God to bless and 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. I am not promoting equal giving but equal sacrifice, which is an appeal to each of us to do our very best. If you are a parishioner or affiliate of St. John, you should want to give financially so that you will feel good in the future knowing that you contributed to an edifice that will glorify God and enrich a community.
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 after that. Each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar) to participate.
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.
A BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
“Good Ground” denotes people who hear and understand the word and people who produce fruit (Mt. 13:8, 23). Furthermore, “Where Is Your Heart?” People can assess their hearts by what they treasure most in life. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt. 6:21). When God has your heart, your money will automatically follow.
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Pastor Kevin B. Hall
D.Min., M.Div., M.R.E., B.Th., B.A.
“GOOD GROUND”
(Matthew 13:8)
“But others fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.”
Jesus sat beside the sea and afterward sat down in a boat when a great crowd gathered while standing on the beach. Jesus said a lot to the crowd in parables, and the first parable was about “The Sower.” Jesus said a Sower sowed seeds that were scattered, and some seeds fell not only by “The Wayside” (as we discussed three weeks ago), on “Stony Places” (as we discussed two weeks ago), and among “Thorns” (as we discussed last week) but also into “Good Ground” where they heard and understood the word and where they were productive. Jesus explained what this meant in verse 23 which reads: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
As a pastor, I am delighted when people hearthe word that I preach, understand the word that I preach, and bear fruit as a result of the word that I preach. Although some will be more fruitful than others (some hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold), a church is healthy and growing when everyone is bearing fruit. May God bless each of us and St. John to be “Good Ground.”
Moreover, I am excited about what God is doing at St. John, and our prayers are being answered because God is blessing our church to grow spiritually, numerically, and financially. As a congregation, we are responsible for nurturing and equipping believers in the word so that they can be fruitful. Let’s pray for God to bless us to share His word on “Good Ground” with others who will hear, understand, and bear fruit. Moreover, let’s be loving, kind, and hospitablewhen we greet and interact with one another (especially new members) because everyone is welcome and special at St. John.
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).
A MIND, BODY, & SOUL AFFAIR
On Saturday, May 4th, (12:00 to 4:00 p.m.), A Mind, Body, & Soul Affair will be at our South Campus providing awareness and resources for hypertension/blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and mental health. Many professionals will be participating. Come and share with others that it is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Min. Eric Frazier (Generation NoWWW Minister).
LET’S HAVE A GOOD TIME!
We are so blessed to conclude another month (April) and enter into another month (May), so let’s demonstrate our gratitude to the Lord. One of the ways we can show how appreciative we are to Him is by worshipping Him in Spirit and truth.
“Let’s Have A Good Time” at St. John this upcoming Sunday (May 5, 2024) at the North Campus (9:00 a.m.) and/or South Campus (11:00 a.m.). If God permits, I will preach, our Sanctuary Choir will sing, we will serve the Lord’s Supper, and we will acknowledge May birthdays in both morning Worship Celebrations. Moreover, baptisms are scheduled after our 11:00 Worship Celebration (South Campus). Therefore, come and inspire others to worship with us.
“WHERE IS YOUR HEART?”
From a medical perspective, your heart is located in the front of your chest. It sits slightly behind and to the left of your sternum (breastbone), and your ribcage protects your heart.
From a spiritual perspective, your heart is located in the same vicinity as your treasure.People can assess their hearts by what they treasure most in life. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt. 6:21).
While working out at the gym, I received an interesting thought. When God has your heart, your money will automatically follow. If God does not have your heart, you will most likely have problems giving according to God’s will (i.e., tithes and offerings).
As a testimony, I can truly say that because God has my heart, my money automatically follows. I give God my tithes and offeringsmonthly from the total of my increase (“income”). I give God my tithes and offeringsfaithfully and regularly as He faithfully and regularly blesses me. I give God my tithes and offerings before I pay bills or do anything else with my increase (“income”). As a result, God keeps blessing me over and over again. I can testify how God will open the windows of heaven and bestow abundant blessings beyond what we can contain (Mal. 3:10).
Again, when God has your heart, your money will automatically follow. God can only have your heart by surrendering it unto Him. Romans 10:9-10 states: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heartman believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
“Where Is Your Heart?” Your heart is in the right place with God when your treasure is what God treasures.
Speaking of treasure disbursements, Christians 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. God inspires us to give our offerings from the remaining 90%, 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).
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 ill.
Pastor & Minister: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brother: Anthony Jones
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Clara Caldwell, Drucilla Cooper, Annie Craven, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, Peggy Stephens, Cornelia Wilson, 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
“Healing And Forgiveness”
(Mark 2:1-12)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 9:2-8; Luke 5:18-26
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, May 2: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 23:27-38
Friday, May 3: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 23:39-56
Saturday, May 4: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 24:1-35
Sunday, May 5: 1 Kings 12-13; Luke 24:36-53
Monday, May 6: 1 Kings 14-15; John 1:1-28
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Kings 16-18; John 1:29-51
Wednesday, May 8: 1 Kings 19-20; John 2
Thursday, May 9: 1 Kings 21-22; John 3:1-21
Friday, May 10: 2 Kings 1-3; John 3:22-36
Saturday, May 11: 2 Kings 4-5; John 4:1-30
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: We have submitted again a revised design for our Family Life Center to the City of Richmond to be reviewed for reasons that could reduce the cost of our project. Hopefully, this will not be a long process. If the City of Richmond approves our revised design, we will select a construction contractor. Once this is done, construction will begin (hopefully the parking lot first). Please pray daily asking God to bless and 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. I am not promoting equal giving but equal sacrifice, which is an appeal to each of us to do our very best. If you are a parishioner or affiliate of St. John, you should want to give financially so that you will feel good in the future knowing that you contributed to an edifice that will glorify God and enrich a community.
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 after that. Each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar) to participate.
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.
A BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
“Good Ground” denotes people who hear and understand the word and people who produce fruit (Mt. 13:8, 23). Furthermore, “Where Is Your Heart?” People can assess their hearts by what they treasure most in life. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt. 6:21). When God has your heart, your money will automatically follow.
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Pastor Kevin B. Hall
D.Min., M.Div., M.R.E., B.Th., B.A.