Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Oct. 22, 1981, edition 1 / Page 7
Part of The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
■By Clara B. Lawrence, SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON Mrs. Lawrence ' SL BJECT: God So Love The World October 25, 1981 Lesson Scripture Born Of The Spirit John 3:5-8 The New Birth Explained John 3:9-15 God’s Good News John3:16, 17 Light And Darkness John 3:18-21 Background Scripture...Jn. 1 &3 3:l-36 LESSON BACKGROUND John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, son of Zebedee, sets the tone for his entire treatment oi the life of Christ in his opening chapters. He begins his Gospel, not with Jesus’ family tree as do Matthew and Luke, or with an account of Jesus’ public ministry, as does Mark; but by emphasizing in detail the significance of His incarnation. John's main purpose his Gospel is to inspire faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. During Christ’s ministry, the situation in Israel was so bad that the people including religious leaders were hostile to this divine truth. But there were some who were searching for the truth about God. Among these was a man named Nicodemus, a Pharasee and a religious leader of the Jews. Nicodemus was .perplexed: John the Baptist had taught that fulfillment of the works -of the law was not sufficient for obtaining salvation. A baptism of repentence, a signification that one was awaiting the Messiah was added to the faith. So Nicode mus became convinced that Jesus had something he did not have. What was it? Our lesson today gives us this answer as Nicodemus visited the Master at night, in search for the truth. LESSON EXPLAINED Nicodemus, a devout worshipper of God, visited Jesus at night to seek spiritual guidance. He began his conversation by • acknowledging Jesus as a teacher, and a man sent from God. (He had seen the miracles of Jesus and could not deny this fact:) Jesus seemed to have known why Nicodemus came to Him because he was told that a man would have to be born again in order to see God’s kingdom, even before he stated his purpose of his visit. Nicodemus misunderstood the idea of a man being born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born? Jesus meant that “born again’’ was a need (and still is) for a radical spiritual change which only God can bring to pass in the human heart. Jesus had insisted on the necessity of the new birth in the third verse, now here in .verses 5-9 He describes the nature of the "new birth.” Wescott said that "the water and the spirit suggest the original shaping ot the great Order out of chaos when the Spirit of God brooded on the face of the waters.” He also said that "water” symbol izes purification...and spirit quickening.” A man must be born of water in the ordinary course of nature, but also of the Spirit.” Verse 6 speaks of two realms of human life; to enter the physical world by a physical birth; likewise, the only way to enter the spiritual realm is through a spiritual birth. "Wind” and "spirit” is a play on words in the Hebrew and Greek, for they are the same word...pneuma, which first meant “breath” or "wind.” "The wind blows where it listeth” (wish es). You hear it but you cannot tell its origin or destination. The new birth is just that rtfysterious because it is spiritual.” (3:8) We might add that one cannot see the wind, but can observe its effects. In the same way, we cannot see the Holy Spirit, but can sense His presence and see results of His work in lives. Nicodemus’ questions surprised Jesus for they showed a lack of understanding of Jesus’ teaching of such a basic doctrine, even though he had been taught by Old Testament prophets on the coming of the Messiah and His ministry on earth. Jesus spoke with authority in verse 11. The word “we” may refer to the Godhead, but most likely it refers to the family of true believers, for it contrasts with the word “ye,” those who spiritually callous. As Jesus continued to explain the new birth He reached the conclusion that it would be useless to teach Nicodemus heavenly things since he lacked understand ing ot earthly things. Then looking to the future, Jesus hinted of the cross. The story of Num. 21:9 is told here when Moses made a brass serpent, put it on a pole, raised it up for victims to see for the purpose of their healing. This act was symbolic of Jesus’ resurrection and a sign of salvation. The point here is “there is life now for a look at the “Crucified One.” “God so loved the world” is a declara tion of a love that knows no limits. And thr results of acceptance of God’s love is life rather than death. Stroud Answers Call To “Preach The Gospel” At the early age of 21 Kev. John Stroud had re ceived the call to preach the gospel, but ignored it. As a matter of fact he has probably served in every capacity in the church, except for that of minister. Now in his golden years of life, Stroud has attained his Theology degree from learner's College and is eagerly awaiting to accept the calling from a church For two years Stroud at tended Friendship College. Concerning Stroud s de cision to preach, he stated. "It was something that I had been avoiding and I just decided to go ahead When God wants you for something. He won't let go of you until you do His will." Lately. Stroud has been preaching at various churches as guest speaker He is a member of Uni versity Park Baptist Rev. John Stroud C hurch and has served on the Deacon Board and has been a Sunday School teacher Stroud and his wife. Maggie Lee Stroud, are the parents of one son. John Arthur and have been foster parents for eighteen years Stroud is available to any church who needs a good Christian minister He can be reached at 2632 Colum bus Circle, phone 332-2532 Fht Mayfield Spiritual Qior Will Celebrate The Spiritual Choir of First Mayfield Baptist Church will celebrate its first anniversary on Sun day, October 25, at 3 p m. The guest speaker will be Rev. James Palmer along with the choirs and con gregation of University Park Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to at tend and support the spirit ual choir in its effort to make this a great success. The church is located at 901 Oaklawn Avenue. Rev Jeremv Robinson is the pastor. EAST STONEW ALL In memory of Marvin and Wesley Chapel AME Zion Church, the Rev Deninzer Johnson and the concert choirs will be pre sented in an ensemble at East Stonewall AME Zion Church on November 1 at 4 p.m. This program is being sponsored by Mrs. Bessie Sims. OnT)ctober~2!> at 5 p.m. the Young Adult Usher Board will present Mr John Kee and members of various combination choirs tiv-eoncerL— _ A cordial invitation is ex tended to everyone. East Stonewall is located at 1729 Griers Grove Road. Rev. James E. McCoy is pastor. GALILEE BAPTIST Galilee Baptist Church Sunday School begins at 9:45 a m. with morning worship celebrating the Annual Homecoming of the church beginningat 11 am Sunday, October 25. Also on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., dinner will be served. Revival at the church begins at 7 p.m. with guest speaker Rev. A. G. Cooley and the congregation from St. Mark Baptist Church Evangelist for the week of October 26-30 will be Rev. A. E. Johnson, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Harrisburg. The public is cordially invited to attend Galilee's Revival. Rev. F. A. Grif fin is pastor. SECOND CALVARY The Greater Charlotte Community Chorale will be presented in concert at Second Calvary baptist Church Sunday, October 25. at 5 p m This program is being sponsored by the Board of Deaconess in recognition of their annual day. The Young Adult Choir of Second Calvary will spon sor an annual Halloween Carnival with Haunted House, games, prizes and refreshments This event will occur Saturday, Oc tober 31, from 6-9:30 p m You are invited to attend Ordination services for the deacon designates at Second Calvary will be held Sunday. November 15 Second Calvary is locat ed at 114 Nelson Avenue Rev Dr. Lemar Foster is pastor FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST Revival services at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church are still underway and are sched uled to end F'riday, Oc tober 23. Guest speaker for the week has been Rev A. Louis Patterson Jr., pastor of Mt Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Houston You are invited to attend The church is pastored by Rev Colemon W Kerry SIIILOII INSTITUTIONAL Annual Homecoming at Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church, 208 South Bruns Avenue, will be held Sun day. October 2r>. beginning at 11 am A fellowship dinner will be served immediately fol lowing morning worship service in the Education Building Kev L. D. Mayes, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Gastonia, will be the guest speaker. His con gregation will accompany him. —Rev. Mayes is a graduate_ of the Johnson C. Smith Seminary. He is presently enployed as a teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Revival at Shiloh will begin Sunday. October 25 Rev James S. Hall Jr., pastor of Triumph Baptist Church. Philadelphia, Pa., will be the guest speaker for the week. —Rev. Dr. Hall is a native of Marion, SX\, and re=— ceived an honorary doctor ate from Morris College Fhaller Industrial School He has served as presi dent of the—Philadelphia Baptist Pastors' Confer ence and Baptist Ministers' Conference. He received the “Man of the Year" distinction from Morris College, the first annual “Martin Luther King Free dom Award," and other prestigious awards Rev. Dr Hall will de liver his first message dur ing the II a m worship service Sunday. October 25. Rev Tommy G. Davis is pastor of Shiloh Institution al Baptist Church Versatility Is Part Of Outer wear Picture Outerwear was born the day prehistoric man donned an animal pelt for warmth. He didn't Care how he looked He just wanted to be warm Today warmth and ap pearance both count in out erwear. And this season's, selections from Sears handsomely weave warmth and fashion to- < get her for a variety of looks from city sophisticate tb rugged outdoors Pile and down provide the warmth, wool blends, corduroys, poplin, fleece and twills - the fashion Versatility is part of the outerwear picture, too A four-in-one parka with zip ofl sleeves can be worn as a vest, and the park s down lining and outer poplin shell can either be worn separately or together Neutrals and earth tones are the predominant outer wear colors for adults, while the brights w ith bold color-slicing are popular for kids OutReaeh Minister The Outreach Ministry at Heritage Village Church will be sponsoring a con temporary version ol Noah's Ark, "It's Gonna Kain. in Studio A at Heri tage Village. 72*24 Hark Hd at 7: to p m on October 24. Admission is Iree Vou are sure to find this presentation dramatic, en tertaining. and inspiration al' Make group reserva (ions now by calling 542 mxni. ext 22IIH DISCOUNT CENTER /■flSSESk K*,C„h °.K,ht!f *dveT,'*«> '•**"» '* required to be readily a variable tor i«lf at or\ in th“ ad *<lverlised pnce in each AAP Store etcept at tpecificaHy noted ) 52?£I?tiSI£,!3^THRU SAT- °cl 24 ATA*p 2400 freedom drive ^ ITEMS OFFERED FOR SALE NOT AVAILABLE TO OTHER RETAIL DEALERS OR WHOLESALERS 2400 Freedom Dr. A&l* (H Ain Y FKKSHFY Ground Beef :i lbs. Or .More A&P QUALITY HEAVY WESTERN BOTTOM Boneless Round Roast 188 FKOZKX Totino's Pizza [• Fepperoni •Cheese •Sausage 12 oz •Hamburger pkg. ~~- LAGO-PROZEN- -- Sliced 2 pZ: 89 c BIRD’S EYE Cool Whip bowl 89' A&P REGULAR Pie Shells % pkgS. 99c SEALTEST LIGHT N’ LIVELY Cottage Cheese ^ 59* U^S.D.A. INSPECTED FRYER Box-O Chicken . 45' A&P QUALITY Beef Franks Meat Franks 12 oz. 12 oz _pkg. _ PkS Red Band Fleur •Sell-Rising •I'nbleached JB u> C ® bag # if j SII.YKHHHOOK (iKAI)K A' Homogenised Milk 189 jug | I S. NO. I KASTKRN CALIFORNIA CRISP SALAD Head - Lettuce 3 100 large ■ heads HiDri 2 Towels White Potatoes 15 49 bag FLORIDA GROWN WHITE Grapefruit Sweet and Tasty f 5 99* LAUNDRY DETERGENT Wlsk Liquid 1 ** 1 FABRIC SOFTNER • 15 cents oil label Final Touch S°z 99* Have A Weekend "Get Together" STROII LIGHT OR Stroh's Beer Ctn. Ot ANIIEL’SER-BUSCI! Natural Light Beer
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Oct. 22, 1981, edition 1
7
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75