Celebrating Black History: What Real Hope Looks Like

Today, hope is under attack like never before -- terrorist attacks, violence increasing in our city streets, joblessness, with healthcare under seize  life-threatening illnesses are increasing, abuse, addictions and increase threats to our democracy.  We live in desperate and perilous times, filled with stresses and daunting challenges. Where is hope?

Have you ever wondered what hope looks like? The literary works by and about courageous people of color who overcame tremendous odds to trail blaze a brighter path forward for African Americans and for our nation is what real hope looks like.  The pages of Scripture give us hope, and point us to the source of our hope, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Hope looks like Lerone Bennett, Before the Mayflower; Cane Hope Felder, Stoney the Road We Trod, Alex Hailey, Roots; Cornel West, Hope on a Tightrope.  Hope looks like Renita Weems, Listening for God; Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God; Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Journey to the Well. Hope looks like Langston Hughes, "Mother to Son" because life ain't been no crystal stair.  Hope looks like The Color Purple, Alice Walker; the color black, A Black Theology of Liberation, James Cone; The Souls of Black Folk, W. E. B. DuBois.  Hope looks like Toni Morrison, Playing the Piano in the Dark, Harriet Tubman famously trudging through the dark conducting the Underground Railroad, and Maya Angelou daring to declare, And Still I Rise!  Our first African American president Barack Obama entered office with The Audacity of Hope, and left  with the "Reality of Hope".  The courage of our past gives us hope for the future!

There is often confusion about what hope looks like.  That is because hope, like faith and love, looks different in different situations.  Because real hope relies on the goodness and faithfulness of God, it has many faces to respond fully to the different experiences of life. One such face that peers back from the past is that of Jarena Lee (1783-1850), a preaching phenon not denied in her day, delayed yes, but not denied.  She traveled 2,325 miles and preached 178 sermons in one year as part of her crusade as a traveling minister.  Richard Allen of the AME Church had previously rejected Lee as a preacher, but he later changed his mind, believing she was indeed called to preach by God.  Lee faced many difficulties as an African American woman.  Nevertheless, she inspired thousands through her preaching and published autobiography. 

 
As believers we have one hope of our calling.  With hope, followers of Jesus Christ can confidently engage the world despite the obstacles they many face.   The Bible teaches us that we have a saving, living, secure, joyful, good, blessed, courageous, purifying and glorious hope!

1. One Hope.  Ephesians 4:3-6 states, "Make very effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all, and through all and in you all."
2. A saving hope.  Regarding our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies, Romans 8:24 states, "for in this hope we were saved."
3. A living hope.  1 Peter 1:3 states, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...."
4. A secure hope.  Hebrews 6:18 states,  "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." 
5. A joyful hope. Romans 5:3 states, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us."  Romans 12:12 states, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
6. A good hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:16 states,  "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
7. A blessed hope.  Titus 2:11-14 states, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good" 
8. A courageous hope.  Hebrews 3:6 states,  "But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house.  And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."  2 Corinthians 3:12 states, " Having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech."
9. A purifying hope.  1 John 2-3 states, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure."
10. A glorious hope.  Colossians 1:27 states, "To them (the saints) God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

The Bible tells us we ought to abound in hope because believers have been given the Spirit of God and the powerful hope that comes from Jesus.  We possess hope because we know that God is the source and reason for our hope.  Jesus died on the cross while we were dead in our sins, and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us!  The Spirit of the true and living God operating in our lives is what hope looks like. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Jesus saves!

Happenings On the Jesus Saves Social Network - February 21st

Water From A Rock
By: Min. Angela Lee Price
Praise the Lord, Everybody! What a powerful Sunday school lesson we had at our church on this weekend! The lesson was entitled, "Water From A Rock," Numbers 20:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:1-5. This story sheds light on why Moses was not allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Many people say God was too harsh on Moses in not allowing him to go into the Promised Land. God had specific reasons for why He wanted things done a certain way. Speaking to the Rock who is Jesus Christ is what we should do when we are in need today. We should take all of our problems to the Lord in prayer. I can't imagine swinging at God, pushing or shoving Him to get my way.
It is true the Moses wasn't allowed to go into the Promised Land, but people fail to realize that almost all of the adults, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, were not allowed to go in either. The people murmured constantly, romanticized their bondage in Egypt, failed to obey God, built the Golden calf, and much more.
This is not to excuse Moses' harsh treatment of the people either. Moses gave the impression that he saved them, that he performed the miracle and not God. Ministry can be difficult and Satan loves to attack us in ways to discredit our witness. This is why we must pray for people in leadership, and how best to present our concerns to them respecting that God has given them authority.
Remember, Jesus Christ is the Living Water. His well never runs dry. In your wilderness experience, don't talk back to Satan or your adversaries. Speak to Jesus about your troubles, and obey His voice. He will see you through!
Click the link for more principles from this story and additional discussion. Share a main point, a highlight from this lesson or your lesson with us! We'd like to hear from you! The Word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our pathways!
Welcome New Members:
Pastor Ravi Raj. Kadiyam's (India), Rev. Yobin Koshy Cherian (India), Ange Canessa (Nicholasville, KY and photo left with his dog) have joined the Jesus Saves Social Network. Check out their profiles, and websites and if you like what you see, leave an encouraging word. Romans 15:2 states, "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."






By: A Debt of Love, Joyce Vaughn
"Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, because He first loved me," has always been one of my favorite spirituals. I think it sums up Jesus' love for us and ours for Him. Genesis Chapter 1 is about the Creation. What we learn from this is that God chose to create the universe, and the reason for this was because of His love.
Love is often called a debt. In Romans 13:8, it explains that we owe a "continuing debt to love one another. for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." The reason for love being referred to as a debt is because we are permanently in debt to Jesus for all of His love that He has displayed on us. (click above link to continue)

Also Read:

Ange Canessa - "Why I Love Jesus"

Michael Ewing - "Lovin' Jesus"

Featured Member: Albert Kunihira, Kampala, Uganda

Albert Kunihira from Kampala, Uganda. I am full time youth ministry worker, married, with 4 children, a man of peace, a humanitarian, and a development & social worker www.aymu.org

Dear Believers in Christ,

Calvary Greetings. Have you been looking for a Sports Ministry Volunteer or Missions opportunities in Africa, look no further, the opportunity is here. Follow the links below to get more info. During the 2012 Spring Break & Summer, you can spend your quality time sharing the Gospel, Teaching the Bible, Teaching English in Schools, Serving in Orphanages, Doing Light Construction Work, Conducting Evangelism Sports Clinics & having fun with Orphans, Vulnerable Children, Children from Rural Poor Families & War affected Children in Uganda through our sports ministry. kindly visit us at http://is.gd/Z33d4L and as well you can view our Sports Ministry Photo album at http://is.gd/wG45PS

Gospel Radio, Churches Rally to Help Historic Lampton Church Restore Power

PraizePower 1350 WLOU and the new Praize 104.7 FM presented the Black History/Restore Lampton Church Program on Saturday, February 18th at the West End Baptist Church in Louisville, Rev. Dr. Dartanya Hill, Sr. Pastor.
The guest speaker was Rev. Charles Elliott, Jr., Pastor, King Solomon Baptist Church and musical guests included Lampton's youth and praise choirs, the West End Baptist Church choir, Robert Jamison & Victory, Michael Young with In God's Presence, Ronnie Palmer and a children's mime ministry.
Clergy from various churches spoke and presented donations on behalf of their churches to support historic Lampton Baptist Church in restoring power to its facility and re-open church doors for regular worship services after power was turned off in the wake of a $32,000 Louisville Gas and Electric bill. (click above link for more)


Share feedback on Whitney Houston Funeral. Many people went to church on Saturday, possibly for the first time, to see the funeral of Whitney Houston. The Black Church was in the spotlight, on center stage. Was it the church's finest hour? Why or Why Not?
First Lady Michelle Obama to Visit Louisville On Thursday. Fresh off recent appearances on the BET Honors and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, first lady Michelle Obama will be speaking at a fundraiser at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Do you plan to attend or do you know anyone who will be attending? What do you think of the first lady?
Is President Obama Doing A Good Job? Many people are attacking President Obama, even as the economy is improving. However, gas prices are expected to continue to climb in the next few months. Explain
Put A Ring On It: Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage? Many people are choosing to say "I Don't" instead of "I Do." Should couples just live together? Why or Why Not
Celebrating Black History
Jesus Saves Ministries celebrates the depth and breath of our rich African American heritage and black church experience by giving members an opportunity to add to their collections books and gospel music by and about African and African American men and women who have lead in the struggle for freedom and equality, and who have excelled in their various academic and professional fields to make this country great.
Congratulations to recent winners:Phyllis Webb, Rev. Samuel Bland, Joyce Vaughn, Michael Ewing, Maurice Jackson and Brittany Thurman


Three More Winners Announced on Thursday Afternoon!
Win movie passes to see Red Tails:
The thrilling true story of the Tuskegee Airmen buzzes to the big screen in this epic war adventure from executive producer George Lucas and first-time feature director Anthony Hemingway. In the fire and chaos of World War II, the U.S. military recruits a fearless group of African-American fighter pilots to help reclaim the skies over Europe. Discriminated against both as citizens and as soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen take flight in planes distinguished by distinctive red tails, and fight to defeat the tyranny of the Axis powers. As a result of their bravery, the pilots emerge as true heroes, and prove that all men are truly created equal. Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Bryan Cranston star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Win movie passes to see Joyful Noise!
Hard times have fallen on Pacashau, Ga., but the townspeople have faith that the Divinity Church Choir will lift their spirits by winning a national competition. The choir has always made beautiful music, but now, its two leading ladies have hit a sour note. Vi Rose (Queen Latifah) believes that a traditional style is the key to victory, but G.G. (Dolly Parton) thinks tried-and-true means tired-and-old. The two singers must find a harmonious chord or risk losing everything.





Church & Ministry Events!
Post your church and ministry events today! We will blast them out to all network members at no charge this month. Also, look for upcoming Jesus Saves Ministries workshops. To invite Min. Angela Lee Price to speak at your church, conference, or gospel event, e-mail her at jesussaves1@insightbb.com or call 502-415-1001.

Follow Jesus Saves Ministries:

www.jesussavesministries.ning.com/
www.jesussavesministries.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/JesusSavesMinistries
www.twitter.com/JesusSaves838
www.youtube.com/JesusSavesLive
www.blogtalkradio.com/jesussavesministrieslive

Survey Shows That Talking Politics Is Most Common In the Black Church

Those who want their churches to provide political campaign information as well as a place to enjoy Christian fellowship may want to consider joining black congregations.

A new survey by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press finds that among religious groups, encountering political information at church is most common among black Protestants, with 36 percent of voters who regularly attend services saying information on political parties or candidates has been made available at their place of worship.

That certainly holds true at Ephesians New Testament Church in Fontana. Rev. Emory James said his fellowship often holds forums where his flock can learn about various political issues.

"These are the kinds of things that my church does, but we in no way attempt to influence someone's decisions on who to vote for," James said.

His church is not the only local one to host forums.  Read more

Source:  The Sun, Josh Dulaney