Initial Sermon Excerpt: Finders Keepers

Luke 8:43-48 (NIV)

It would appear African Americans cannot win for losing. Night after night on television, we see negative images of black people as thugs, pimps, gangsters, looters, as if we ain’t got good God-given sense. And now, we’re “nappy-headed hos.” What's worse, we've bought into the lies and are doing it to ourselves, promoting degrading and negative self images in videos, in hip hop music, and in the movies.

Cases in point: Don Imus’ racist and degrading remarks about the Rutgers women’s basketball team; Hurricane Katrina survivors being referred to as “looters” while white Americans were referred to as “finders” of bread, scantly-dressed women “dropping it like it’s hot” in soft porn videos; and fowl, vulgar, lyrics in hip hop music blazin’ all across this America, where hip hop lives. It would appear we cannot win for losing!

The gospel of Luke provides an account of a poor, suffering sister who desperately took the Bread of Life. Some might say that she “looted” Jesus with her nappy-headed self. Those people in New Orleans, they weren’t saints. They weren’t giving blood. They were looting blood - plasma, plasma TVs, plasma computers, and plasma Gucci purses. Jesus says in the bible, “I am the Bread of Life: he who comes to me shall never go hungry: and he that believes in me shall never be thirsty.” She secretly touched the hem of His garment.

In Luke, we can easily understand why she did it. She was wading chest-deep in misery 12 long years in Katrina-like circumstances, bleeding, and rescuers were nowhere in sight. So, she stopped waiting for others to save her. She waded through murky waters and found Jesus. How many of you have found Jesus in your storms? Shout back, “Finders keepers!”

In chapter 8, Jesus has just arrived in Galilee and is on his way to Jairus’ dying daughter when this sister with the issue of blood comes on the scene. Let us look at this unnamed woman who secretly pressed her way through the crowd and, as some would say, “looted” the Bread of Life. What do we know about this sister who supposedly took from the bottom shelf of the storehouse of Jesus Christ? In addition to suffering the issue of blood 12 long years, she suffered with other issues.

First, she suffered from discrimination and the gender issue. Luke 8:43 reads, “And a woman….” The women of Jesus’ day were considered second-class citizens. Her suffering was prolonged due to the Katrina-like attitudes of the First Century church and male society. She was not welcomed in the synagogues, not at First Baptist, Last Baptist, nor at Any Baptist in between. She was considered ceremonially unclean. She risked being stoned or put to death for so much as touching a priest. She wasn’t welcomed in their colleges either, not even at that historic HBCU, Simeon College of Galilee.

Poverty pressed her down. Another gospel writer, Mark says, “…she spent all she had,” and Luke says “…no one could heal her.” Doctors loved to see her coming. She went without necessities struggling to survive. And in the case of this suffering, “looting” sister, a sensitive, loving Savior took time in her Katrina-like trial to say, “Finders keepers.”

Finally, someone accused her of being a looter. She tried to take her blessing and go unnoticed. She took from Jesus in her Katrina predicament with premeditation and without permission. Matthew Chapter 9:21 said, “She said to herself….” Furthermore, in Luke 8:47, it is apparent that she wanted to hide… “Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet….”

I stopped by to tell you don’t be scared. Stop hiding! Press and touch! Don’t put your faith in horoscopes, possessions, friends, family, or finances. Don’t put your faith in Jesus! He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Jesus is close to the discriminated, the disenfranchised, the destitute and the diseased in this world. He says so in his initial sermon, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).”

To be continued...
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Initial sermon excerpt preached April 27, 2007 at St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky, Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, Senior Pastor. To God be the glory!

Are You Walking With Jesus This Summer?

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

Enoch walked with God and didn’t see death. Conversely, the disciples walked with Jesus on the Emmaus road, and didn’t know it. Are you walking with Jesus this summer? The bible says in Micah that there are three things required of us, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God.

Louisville Branch NAACP Treasurer Dolores Beauchamp ( right) is walking with Jesus. She is one of several winners of Walking With Jesus gifts bags. Jesus Saves Ministries is giving away Walking With Jesus gifts in an effort to share the gospel and encourage Christians in their faith this summer. Gifts consists of sermons, gospel CDs, books, flip flops, caps, and various Jesus novelties.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Delta Sigma Theta Celebrates Founding As Kentucky's First Black Greek Organization

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

On June 28th, not only did Kentucky’s oldest historically black college, Simmons College of Kentucky make history, but also Kentucky’s oldest black Greek organization, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Simmons returned home to her original campus at 7th & Kentucky Streets after, as Simmons College President Dr. Kevin Cosby put it, “77 years of exile.” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated a significant founding and 85th anniversary in that return.

Delta Sigma Theta’s Xi chapter was founded on April 15, 1922 at Simmons College of Kentucky, then Simmons University, as the first black Greek organization in the state. “I was impressed to learn of the historical significance of Simmons' involvement in the founding and lives of Deltas,” stated DST Louisville Alumnae Chapter member, Irene White. Delta’s participated in the Simmons motorcade, some stepped briefly to mark the occasion.

In 1931, the University of Louisville purchased Simmons University from the National Baptist Convention and renamed the school Louisville Municipal College. Along with the purchase, Xi chapter then became a part of the University of Louisville. Because of Jim Crowe laws, African Americans were not allowed to attend classes with UofL's Caucasian students. Therefore, UofL operated in two locations, the main, and white's only campus, at Belknap, and the black campus at Louisville Municipal College. The campuses were later combined in 1951. Today, Xi chapter initiates held and continue to hold leadership positions in the community.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as a national organization was founded January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University by 22 African American women. The illustrious women envisioned an organization based on Christian principles of college-educated women pledged to serious endeavors of community service. Today, the organization has over 200,000 members and approximately 860 chapters spanning the globe. Delta Sigma Theta is a public service organization committed to the ideals of community service and scholarship. Members include such notables Dorothy Height, Nikki Giovanni, Robert Flack, Senator Carol Mosely-Braun, and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (photo right with Rev. Angela Lee Price).

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

First three pictures by photographer Allen Hill.

New Book Reveals How New Age Movement Has Invaded the Church

Most people believe the New Age has been long gone from our society, and if practiced at all now it is only by unconventional fringe types. For Many Shall Come in My Name by Ray Yungen reveals this is not the case. In fact, quite the opposite has occurred. The New Age movement (a term not normally used by its proponents) has permeated virtually all aspects of our society. This "Ancient Wisdom" spirituality can be quite readily encountered in the following fields: Business, Education, Health, Self-Help, Religion, and Arts & Entertainment. This book examines them all.

For Many Shall Come in My Name discusses the following:

1. The Age of Aquarius and its meaning in today's world
2. New Age practices like Reiki and yoga
3. Harry Potter and real witchcraft
4. The law of attraction and Oprah
5.Present day New Age prophets
6. Yoga in the public schools
7. Tantric sexuality and its spiritual risks
8. The Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism)
9. Wicca and its growing appeal
10. The occultic explanation of the Holocaust
11. Interspirituality and the coming false Messiah
12. The New Age as a force in politics
13. New Age hostility toward the church
14. The New Age in light of biblical prophecy

To read chapter 1 of this book, click here.

Lighthouse Trails Publishing's 2nd spring release, For Many Shall Come in My Name by Ray Yungen is now here.

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Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Delta Sigma Theta Celebrates Founding At Simmons College Celebration June 28th

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

The oldest historically black college in the state, Simmons College of Kentucky is returning to her original campus on June 28th after 77 years of exile. It is indeed a momentous occasion not only for Simmons College of Kentucky but also for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Xi chapter, the chapter through which I pledged at the University of Louisville. (In the photo on the left, Xi chapter advisors Beth McAlpine and Wanda Carson posed with me at Louisville Alumnae Chapter's Mahogany Gala IV in 2003. )

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is rejoicing in her heritage and blessing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His grace and mercy in bestowing upon our sorority another history-making role as a black Greek organization in Kentucky. Deltas from Xi chapter, Louisville Alumnae Chapter, St. Stephen Church, and various chapters within the state and region will participate in the Simmons motorcade and parade and step briefly prior to the Jonathan Butler concert at 6:45 p.m. Thursday. Please celebrate with us and be sure to bring a chair! In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to St. Stephen Church.

Xi chapter sorors posed at Delta Sigma Theta Louisville Alumnae Chapter's Rainbow Brunch in 2004. That's me in the red in the back. Don't hate us because we're beautiful! Celebrate with us on June 28th!

From the Xi chapter website...

Xi Chapter is the oldest chapter of any Greek organization in the state of Kentucky. Xi Chapter was chartered on April 15, 1922, in Louisville, Kentucky at Simmons College of Kentucky. Among the charter members were:

Soror Alzada Singleton (organizer of Xi Chapter)
Soror Eunice Singleton
Soror Nannie G. Board
Soror Annie Louise Singleton Newhouse

In 1931, the University of Louisville purchased Simmons University from the National Baptist Convention and renamed the school Louisville Municipal. Along with the purchase, Xi chapter then became a part of the University of Louisville. Because of Jim Crowe laws, African Americans were not allowed to attend classes with the UofL's Caucasian students. Therefore, UofL operated in two locations, the main, and white's only campus, at Belknap, and the black campus at Louisville Municipal. The campuses were later combined in 1951. Xi chapter initiates held and continue to hold leadership positions in the community.

Xi chapter has made a commitment to uphold the tradition of excellence as set forth by the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the charter members of the Mighty Xi Chapter.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Dr. J. Deotis Roberts Speaks At Simmons College of Kentucky

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Rev. Dr. J. Deotis Roberts visited Simmons College of Kentucky on May 17th to the delight of students, faculty, staff, and the community. An esteemed theologian, Roberts is best known as a founder of Black Theology or the Black Liberation Movement. He has taught at several major universities, and has written 14 books and over 100 scholarly articles over his 60-year career.

Rev. Michael Lee, an associate minister and the Sunday School superintendent at Joshua Missionary Baptist Church brought several teachers with him to the lecture. “Ordinarily, we would be in teachers’ meeting on Thursdays, but I cancelled it tonight so that we would not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Rev. Lee.

Dr. Roberts reflected on his life experiences as a theologian and opened the floor to questions from the audience. When asked why he included reconciliation in his perspective, he said he and his colleagues at Howard University felt obligated to speak on black liberation in the 1960’s, and that his career pre-dated James Cone’s, who is known as the father of the Black Liberation Movement. “James Cone’s perspective was inadequate in that it did not address reconciliation, a central Gospe1 message,” Roberts explained.

I asked him to elaborate on his position on women in the ministry. He said it was hypocritical for black male preachers to point out the errors of oppressors in literally interpreting Scripture to perpetuate slavery, "Slaves obey your masters....," while literally interpret Scripture themselves to keep women out of the pulpit, "Women keep quite in the church...."

Simmons College of Kentucky President Dr. Kevin Cosby. announced Dr. Roberts as the first renown guest lecturer in the Marshall B. Lanier Lecture Series, named in honor of Marshall B. Lanier, a past Simmons president and 50-year professor.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

St. Stephen New Members Celebrated

By: Angela Lee Price

In an effort to show continued support to St. Stephen Church new members and help them “stay connected” to the Lord, the Member Services and Media Departments have teamed up to begin recognizing new members who complete Life-A New Adult New Member Orientation. The names of adults who completed the one-time, four-hour sessions between January and April were listed in the May 5th-6th Weekender program. Beginning the first weekend in June, graduates’ names will be listed on a monthly basis.

“It is vitally important that the church encourage new members in their walks with the Lord,” said Member Services Director Rev. Angela Lee Price. “Oftentimes people accept Jesus Christ or renew their commitment to Him after traumatic events in their lives. We want them to know that the steps they take toward spiritual maturity matter to God and to us,” said Rev. Lee Price.

Life A New sessions are offered from 12 Noon-4:00 PM in Louisville, and 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 10:00 AM– 2:00 PM in Indiana. Call 583-6798, ext. 6852 for details.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord Almighty!

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

My Sunday school class, Learning About Jesus and I have truly been blessed as we have studied the Word of God together. We have been studying the book of Revelations for the past several weeks. Revelations 1:3 says, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” The book encourages believers to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and provides assurance of ultimate victory. The picture on the left was taken after class on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13th.

Here are a few questions I have asked my class at the beginning of each lesson:

1. Who wrote Revelations?
2. What distinguished the author from the other disciples?
3. What other four books did the author write?
4. When was Revelations written?
5. Where was the author when he wrote the book?
6. What is the significance of the scripture below from Revelations 4:8?
7. Where can a similar passage be found in the Old Testament?

I will send a Jesus Saves Ministries Walking With Jesus gift bag to the first three people to answer all seven questions correctly. E-mail your responses to me, Angela Lee Price to aleeprice@bellsouth.net.


Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Mighty to Save Is Jesus!

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

In John 21:15-17, Jesus asked Simon Peter three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter was frustrated by the third time and said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." Loving God requires that we obey His Word, and feed His sheep by telling others about Jesus Christ. This is what we strive to do at Jesus Saves Ministries, share the saving grace of Jesus Christ from an African American perspective.

Here are some of the female members of my Sunday school class, Learning About Jesus. From left to right: Cozett Benson-Curry, Coneshia Braxton, Marilyn Swinney, Karen Martin, Sylvia Collier, Mattie Smith, and Adrianne Braxton.

Share your love for God this week with family, co-workers, and friends, the de-churched and un-churched. Invite someone to church and Sunday school, and share the good news of Jesus Christ, Jesus Saves Ministries, the Jesus Saves Ministries Blog, and Jesus Saves Ministries LIVE! radio show.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

Listen for Jesus Saves Ministries LIVE! on WLOU!

You've read Jesus Saves Newsletter! Now, listen to Jesus Saves Ministries Live on the radio Fridays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. on 1350 WLOU, Louisville's Praise and Worship Station. Jesus Saves Ministries Live, sponsored by Ray Terry with Independent Auto Brokers, Joe McNealy and the Ninth Street Market, and Talbott's Fashions addresses topics of concern to the Black Church and African American communities, and educates listeners on aberrant and heretical teachings adversely affecting Christians and non-believers, false teachings, cults, and the occult.

The show features national speakers as well as local religious, political, and civic leaders, pastors, and policymakers, and ordinary people who are doing extraordinary works for God. Join me, Rev. Angela Lee Price for Jesus Saves Ministries Live Fridays at 4:00 P.M. Jesus Saves Ministries Live, it's not just a talk show. It's an experience on Louisville's Praise and Worship Station, WLOU!

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!