Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Pays Full Cost Of Michael Brown’s Funeral | Magic 95.9

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Pays Full Cost Of Michael Brown’s Funeral | Magic 95.9

Get In Your Comfort Zone!

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us"  2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT).

What happened immediately after NBA Indiana Pacers star Paul George sustained a terrible leg injury on Friday night serves as life application for this week's Bible lesson in 2 Corinthians Chapter 1:3-11. Someone got in their " comfort zone."  When the word "zone" is mentioned with basketball, it often refers to either a type of defense or the exceptional athleticism of a particular player.  In this case, it was neither. Neither was it a couch potato position on recliner to see the rest of the story.  It was a zone of exceptional Christ-like consolation extended to another individual in their time of need.  It was the "comfort zone," that the apostle Paul wrote about in his second letter to the church at Corinth. The apostle Paul stated, "He (God) comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."   

It was former University of Louisville player Kevin Ware who got in his "comfort zone."  Right after Paul George experienced the leg injury, it was clear that everyone was affected in some way by the incident. The game was called in the fourth quarter, and the thoughts and prayers of the league officials were with George and his wellbeing.  But it was Ware who comforted Paul just has he himself had been comforted by God.

 

The sports commentators recalled how Kevin Ware sustained a similar injury on Easter Sunday 2013.  They referenced a tweet of comfort and encouragement that Ware tweeted early on after the accident:

Minor setback for a major comeback PG.

— Kevin Ware (@5Juice) August 2, 2014

 

ESPN spoke with Ware by phone about an hour after George was transported to the hospital. Ware commented on his own injury and what he experienced moments after it happened. Having received much comfort and prayer in his gruesome ordeal, Ware was able to speak words of comfort and reassurance to Paul George through that interview, stating confidently that he thought through much prayer and remaining positive, George would be able to heal and return to the game.  While others comforted George, Ware's words were particularly meaningful because had been through what George was experiencing.

 

As we read down further into the text for the lesson, I believe the apostle Paul gives an answer as to why bad things happen to good people.  It is so we can learn to rely solely on God.  About his own ordeal Paul said, "We expected to die.  But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead" (v9).   Our trials strengthen our relationship with God.  And the good news is God is right there in the midst.  The comfort we receive from God is not for us solely.  We receive it to share it and help strengthen others in their "going through" situations.     Let us get out of our zones of comfort and get in our "comfort zones," and intentionally look for ways to comfort others just as we have been comforted by God. Jesus saves!

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A Way of Escape

The Sunday school, Life group lessons from the book of First Corinthians the last couple of weeks have been powerful and applicable to our everyday lives in so many ways.  Last week's lesson was entitled, "Watch What You Eat."  Some believers were eating foods that had been sacrificed to other gods.  They saw nothing wrong with it.  Weaker believers, possibly those who had worshipped pagan the gods to whom the food was offered had a problem with this.  Paul told the stronger, more mature Christians to make concessions for the weaker ones by not purchasing/eating the meat sacrificed to pagan gods (8:7-9). We must recognize that we all are not at the same level/place in our walk with Jesus. We need to act/speak in such ways as to build up, and not trip up our brothers and sisters in Christ who are new/weaker in the faith.  Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and Romans 14:7-12.

Paul wrote two letters to the Corinthian Church specifically addressing the sin issue as the church had become corrupt to the core. Corinth was a port city known for its relaxed morals and numerous pagan temples and idolatry. The church was comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers, many of whom who were formerly grounded in paganism.

In his first letter, Paul confronted rather harshly the sins of jealously, quarrelsomeness, divisions, arrogance, and sexually immorality, to name a few.  These sins were present in the leadership and in the laity (3:1-4). Paul’s method for addressing sin was to confront it in love forcefully and decisively.   He told the church to expel the immoral brother, “A man has his father’s wife.  And you are proud!  Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this (1 Corin. 5:1-2)?  He exclaimed, “Flee from sexually immorality.  All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body: (6:8). He warned the mature brothers not to cause the immature brothers to sin stating, “When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. (8:12).

This week's lesson deals with temptation. Temptation is defined as the enticement to do evil.  Everyone of us will face temptation. Even the Apostle Paul talked about his struggles with evil. He said  the good he would do he did not because evil was always present (Romans 7:19-21). The good news is God provides a way of escape from the temptations we face from the world, the flesh, and the devil.  1st Corinthians 10:13 says "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. God is faithful. He will not allow temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."  Do not copy non believers in their practices, sin intentionally, nor condone ungodly practices. This is not God's way.  When necessary, we must turn around.  We must repent and accept God's way of escape. He will keep us from falling.  Practical ways we can overcome temptation is through prayer, examining ourselves, repentance, accountability partners, avoidance of sin, and willingness to flee idolatry.  Jesus saves!

WLOU Makes Health Focus of Third Annual Prayer Breakfast

PraizePower 1350 WLOU and The New Praize 104.7 FM kicked off Summerfest 2014 on Friday, June 20th with prayer, praise, and the preached word at the third annual "Praying for A Healthy Community, Mind, Body, and Soul" Prayer Breakfast at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.
Guest Speakers included Tanya Beauchamp, registered nurse on "Maintaining the Body, the Temple of God;" Ryan Irvine, Deputy Director, Public Health & Wellness, on "Healthy Louisville 2020."  Keynote speaker Rev. Kevin Nelson preached from the sermon topic, "Creating a Society of Healthy Souls," based on 3 John 1:1-4. He stated that healthy souls produce healthy societies by:
• The LOVE They Extend To Others
• The LIFE They Live Before Others
• The Liberties They Fight For On Behalf Of Others
He concluded a powerful message challenging attendees to train up their youth in the knowledge of Jesus Christ stating, "A healthy soul is impregnated with the word of God which gives birth to living right, and reproduces other souls that grow spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially healthy."
Prayer leaders Rev. Clay Calloway, Rev. Dr. Kathy Goodwin, Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins, and Rev. David Snardon, lead in prayer on the Summerfest theme, "Life, Faith, Health, and Love."  In praying for love in the community, Rev. Snardon prayed that the community will return to her first love stating, "We confess, Oh God that often times what we call love has been nothing more than a perversion of the real thing filled with empty words and broken promises to you and to each other; and it is evidence by our broken homes, failing religious communities, governmental inaptness, prevalent poverty, the rising number of uneducated, and segregated communities.   But we declare as long as we have you, Oh God there is still hope, and so today we commit ourselves to do what John the Revelator encouraged the church in Ephesus to do and that is to return to our first love.  It is to fulfill the Greatest Command and to love you with all our mind, body, and soul; and to love others in the same regard we love ourselves."
Council woman Cheri Bryant Hamilton gave the response to the welcome.  Dawne Gee served as mistress of ceremonies.  National gospel recording artist M Lamar Campbell ministered in song to a capacity audience.  Survivors of cancer and chronic diseases were recognized. Attendees enjoyed a delicious, healthy brunch catered by Donald's Catering.  Photo:  Bill and Angela Price with Lamar Campbell

Find more photos like this on Jesus Saves Ministries

Kenwood Church Hosts LOL Concert in Honor of First Lady Marsha Booker

OMG!  The BFFs were out,  choir members were in white and the voices were in harmony!  A high time in the Lord was had by all on Saturday, June 28th at the First Annual LOL Concert in honor of the first lady Marsha Booker in celebration of 27 years of service at Kenwood Northeast Baptist Church, Crestwood, Kentucky. The concert featured musical selections by the Kenwood Northeast Praise Choir, Sis. Julia Royston, Bro. &. Sis. Lamont Butler, and Pastor James Booker Jr.  I served as surprise guest emcee of the ministry of music portion of the program which included mostly worship selections to the Lord. 

A sweet and joyous spirit  permeated the entire program from the Praise Choir's opening selections "There Is A Name," and Lamar Campbell's signature song, "More Than Anything," to Julia Royston's rousing tribute, to Pastor Booker's closing song, "It's Your Time," the theme of the concert.

A bevy of family and church members, and surprise BFF co-workers spoke very highly of  the First Lady, noting her virtuous character, constant smile, pleasant disposition, and strong work ethic as a medical transcriptionist supervisor, her job away from the church.  I began the tribute stating that Sis. Marsha epitomizes  the Proverbs 31 woman. She is a woman who fears the Lord, watches over the affairs of her household, and the church.

Pastor Booker read letters written by family and grandkids away on vacation, and well-wishers.  Additionally, the first lady received an Honorary Citizen of Crestwood proclamation, bouquets of flowers, and a gift basket.   Laughter was great medicine as everyone laughed out loud at Pastor Booker's jokes along the way.

Sermon Highlights: How to Get Your SWAG On In Christ

I had an awesome privilege of ministering the preached word on Sunday, May 18th for the first annual Singles Day at Kenwood Northeast Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. James Booker, Pastor. The theme was Living Single, Scripture Romans 14: 12-23.

I spoke from the subject, "S.W.A.G. InC.: How to Get Your SWAG On in Christ." SWAG InC stands for Singles/Saints Working and Growing In Christ.  I am glad that between Mother's Day and Father's Day, to see an emphasis  placed on singles since the Millennial generation, the majority of whom are single, have surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest generation.  The reality is there is a lot of brokenness in society and in the church.  According to one report, approximately 72% of school age African American children nationally are being raised in single parent households.  Many believers are divorced, widowed. I told the congregation I was a single mother, and did not get married until age 38.  Singles, unlike married couples, have the best opportunity, in an undivided way, to devote themselves to the Lord. Before looking for the ideal mate, they should strive to become the ideal mate through developing a relationship with God. 

In order to get your swag in Christ, singles should...

S - Watch out for the "sin" in single.  Don't  do anything that could potentially cause another believer to stumble or fall.  What is okay or you, may not be for someone else (Romans 14:15, 23). Believers should not condone nor participate in activities contrary to the Word of God.  Singles are not sinless but should sin less.

W - Work, serve in the church and community in ways that advance the kingdom of God. Being upwardly mobile include laying up treasures in heaven."...Bearing fruit in every good work,..." (Colossians 1:10). 

A - Use "and," the conjunction has a function in developing the complete person.  A lot of believers want to work or grow but not both, "...Bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..." (Colossians 1:10b).  .

G - Grow in knowledge of who God is.  Dr. Kevin Cosby states in book, And Jesus Grew, Now How About You? Growing Beyond Life's Stuck Places,  that believers should grow in four areas, but that growing in favor with God is most important, "no mater how wise you are, and no matter how much people like you, if you don't grow in your vertical relationship with God, the other three areas will have little impact on your life" (p. 11). 

InC. - Operate In Christ.  "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:).  Unless you operate in Christ, with a Christ consciousness, you may start out with "swagger," according to the world's standard, but you will end up "stagger."  God wants to keep you from falling.

Sermon Excerpt: HEAVEN IS FOR REAL

By:  Min. Angela Lee Price

I had the tremendous opportunity to speak on Good Friday at a Seven Last Words service at Open Door Christian Church. Host pastor, Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins did an amazing job with the program, which included a lineup of eight preaching women. Each woman spoke uniquely on her saying of Jesus from the Cross.  I spoke on second saying, and from the topic, "Heaven Is For Real."

The release of the new movie this week, "Heaven Is For Real" is stirring a lot of conversation about heaven.  In it, a young boy says heaven is for real because he had an out-of-body experience during an emergency operation, and he went there.  There was conversation, too, about heaven up on the Cross as Jesus died on Calvary between two criminals believed to be thieves.  Suddenly, one of the thieves abruptly does an about-face and stops following the crowd who mocked, scorned, and humiliated Jesus.  He asks Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.  Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." 

The Bible says, "Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it"  (Matt. 7:13-14).  If we want to go to heaven, we need to do what this criminal did.  He made an U-turn, forsaking all, and in mustard seed- size, child-like humility began to say his A,B,Cs.  He admitted his sin, believe in Jesus alone, and confessed him as Lord and Savior.  What is faith?  FAITH is Forsaking-All-I-Trust-Him.  This repentant criminal placed faith in the person of Jesus, the power of Jesus, and the place of Jesus, His Kingdom. 

I woke up this morning still thinking about the second word, and how, even as Christians, we are all in some way like thieves when we fail to acknowledge God in all our ways, and use our gifts and talents for His glory. Jesus was merciful to the repentant thief in taking him to heaven! He died not for the righteous, but so that sinners might be saved. 

Thank you, Lord for your Son Jesus who died for my sins!!! Without a movie, a vision, nor an out-of-body experience, I know by your Holy Word that heaven is for real, and I want to spend eternity there with You in Your presence!

My husband, Bill enjoyed the program, too, particularly the ending. Leaving the sanctuary in silence in the dark spoke volumes, punctuating the significance of Good Friday. 

Jesus, Your Ticket to Heaven

By:  Angela Lee Price

With the opening in theatres of the newly released feature film "Son of God," and the hit History Channel sequel, "The Bible," last year and subsequent DVD sales, it appears more people are paying the price to see Jesus. Will all this movie interest about the historical Jesus inspire some seekers to move from merely seeing Jesus on the big screen to confessing Him as Lord and Savior of their lives? It remains to be seen. What is true is that the number one reason new Christians give for confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is “I want to go to heaven when I die.” And one of the reasons Jesus died on the cross at Calvary was so they could get there. More than a ticket to the movies, Jesus Christ is your ticket to heaven! He is the answer to the pressing problem in our lives.

We don’t have a skin problem. We have a sin problem. We are...

S – Selfish

I – Incorrigible

N – Negative

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23.
Jesus saves us from the...
1. Penalty of Sin (Romans 6:23)
2. Power of Sin (Romans 3:23)
3. and soon from the Presence of Sin (John 3:16)
How can you be saved and go to heaven?

I'm glad you asked. Here is some "alphabet soup," the A-B-C's of salvation:

A - Ask Jesus to forgive your sins.

"If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead you shall be saved." Romans 10:9
B - Believe that Jesus is God and that he died on the Cross to take the punishment for your sins.
"God demonstrated his love for us in this, while we were sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
C - Call on Jesus to save you.
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13, Acts 4:12, John 3:3.
Get This Ticket to Heaven

We have given away many tickets and gifts on the Jesus Saves Social Network. All of them pale in comparison to this ticket to heaven, the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is priceless! Pray this prayer!

A Prayer of Salvation

"Dear God, I know that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. Because I have sinned and need forgiveness, I am willing to change the direction of my life by acknowledging Jesus as my Savior and Lord and by turning away from my sins. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life and hope. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Holla If You Hear Me
If you need help in finding a good church home, or if you would like additional information mailed to you on how to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, holla at me at jesussaves1@insightbb.com, or join the Jesus Saves Social Network.

Tags: heaven, life, salvation

The Gravity of Gospel Hip Hop

The Gravity of Gospel Hip Hop

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Embracing contemporary gospel music may not be the answer for every church congregation, but it can be a way to keep young people from slipping into what secular hip hop mogul Jay-Z calls “the wild.” Jay-Z won a Grammy in February 2013 for "No Church In The Wild", his collaboration with Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean and The-Dream, a song that prophetically and pathetically describes the state of postmodern America. He says society has gotten so bad that people have been reduced to nothing, to a mob. In the hook, he rhetorically asks, "What’s a mob to a King? What’s a king to a God? What’s a God to a non-believer who don’t believe in anything?" In a violent and troubled time, Jay-Z is asking where is the church? He is being facetious because to him the answer is clear. The church is nonexistent. It is ineffective. There is no church in the wild. To a great degree he is right. In a time when people show no respect for God nor for human life, the church has become ineffective, a social gathering place. Even Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of the most well-known preachers on the planet said recently that he's tired of the "Hollywood Spirit" in the church.

I am so glad God is raising up a new generation of young men and women in this postmodern age who are not afraid to stand up against forces that speak against the church. God is gifting young people to speak truth to power with integrity, authority, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. While the church has its issues, the Bible declares that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her. The 21^st century church has to stand up and begin to embrace our best and brightest young representatives, artists like Da Truth, and LeCrae, who has not only given a strong Christian retort to "No Church In the Wild" in his song, "Sacrifice," but also won a Grammy this year himself. LeCrae won a Grammy for “Best Gospel Album” for his groundbreaking "Gravity" CD. In winning the award, LeCrae made history becoming the first gospel hip hop artist to win a Grammy. LeCrae has proven that gospel hip hop can no longer be taken lightly. With gifted artists such as LeCrae giving a contemporary defense for the faith with integrity, Gospel hip hop has become an undeniable force in the gospel music industry.

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Local Artist Cynthia Williams to Perform at Grace at The Race on May 1st

This gifted woman of God, Cynthia Williams stopped by WLOU radio station Friday, February 28th for interview with Mr. P. Cynthia will be the local vocalist on the Grace at The Race mega worship experience on May 1st featuring Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, and Tamela Mann. Cynthia's song, "Completely Yours" features the one and only Fred Hammond. Cynthia is a member at St. Stephen Church. We are excited for the favor God is showing her to work with Fred Hammond and to open for Kirk Franklin. Listen for Cynthia Williams' song, "Completely Yours" on PraizePower 1359 WLOU and the new Praize 104.7, stronger so you can listen longer!