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As Price Chapel AME Church launches into the next dimension of inclusive Christian service, It is an honor and pleasure to have Rev. Jeffery Clark and his spouse Mrs. Le'Shune Clark as our pastor and first lady. We are blessed by his leadership, wisdom, strength, commitment, guidance, and direction.
We are ready for a new commencement as the church on the corner of Alviso and Slauson elevates to a new domain of excellence and greatness. Here at Price, our doors are wide open in hopes to create an environment of unity filled with love where you can connect with people, learn about Christ and grow in your faith. We love you in the Lord and there’s nothing you can do about it. |
OFFICE CONTACTTEMPORARY ADDRESS
Emmanuel - H.M. Turner AME Church 5200 Compton Ave. Los Angeles 90011 SUNDAY Service - 11:00am Sunday School - 8:30am (323) 296-xxxx office email: [email protected] |
SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School is breakfast for the meal to be received during our Sunday worship time. Won't you join us and break bread spiritually?
For More Information Contact Alicia Howard Sunday School Superintendent |
BIBLE STUDIESMorning Bible Study Wednesday Daytime 11:00am Evening Bible Study Tuesday Evening 6:30pm |
Price Chapel Bible Study Q & A
What did Jesus eat after fasting forty days in the wilderness? The Bible is silent on what Jesus ate. However, we know He was hungry long before the forty days were over. One of the things that the devil tempted Him with was turning rocks into bread. Perhaps to satisfy a physical hunger. Matthew's gospel states that the angels came and ministered to Him.
During the Assyrian captivity, which area was captured by them from the Promised Land? First Chronicles 5:26 tells us that the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were the first to be taken into Assyrian captivity. While this specific text doesn’t state that the Assyrians occupied the land, it may well have been, or by other Canaanites who repossessed it after their departure. The incursion of the tribes on the western side of the Jordan River would have come from the north side. This would have included the tribes of Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Dan. The tribes of Benjamin, Judah, and the land of Simeon were not controlled by the Assyrians; they fell under Babylonian captivity.
In Genesis chapter 49:13, Jacob offers blessings for his son Zebulun. There it is said that Zebulun would dwell by the sea and be a haven for ships. When we look at the land divided in Joshua 19:10-16, Zebulun is shown as an inland city. Why? Some scholars seem to think that the phrase, “by the sea” should be taken in a broader sense not literally. They suggest that Jacob meant that Zebulun would thrive from trade or commerce from the sea-faring vessels. While Zebulun isn’t coastal it is relatively close to the Mediterranean Sea; thus the prophecy wasn’t precise.
*Below is a map showing a view of the land of Israel occupied by the Assyrians. Look at the middle map for the area in dark red.
Why Was Saul’s name changed to Paul? In the thirteenth chapter of the book of Acts, we get the statement that Saul was also known as Paul. In that timeframe it was very common for a legal Roman citizen of Hebrew birth to have two names. Little is said of the writer of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, but Mark was also known as John. The ninth chapter of Acts is where many believe that God changed Saul’s name. However, when Jesus appeared to Saul on the Damascus Road, He called him Saul. Thus, Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Roman name. There was no change of name. After the thirteenth chapter of Acts, he is exclusively referred to as Paul.
At the baptism of Jesus, what was said as John baptized Him; was it necessary for Him to be baptized? Baptism is given unto us as a means of obedience to indicate that we have become a believer of Jesus Christ. It was necessary for Jesus in the flesh to be baptized in obedience to the will of the Father. His baptism wasn’t indicating that He had been cleansed but that He is the cleansing agent. John said to Jesus it is not right that I baptize you, You should be baptizing me. John stated, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Matthew 3:15, “Jesus replied, ‘let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented.’” The words if any, that John spoke over Jesus are not recorded in the Bible. Matthew does tell us that a voice from Heaven declared, “This is My Son, the Beloved, with whom I Am well pleased.”
Joshua 12 states that the Israelites had defeated the Canaanites. Where did the Canaanites come from whom they saw and desired to have a king in a similar manner in the book of Judges? While Joshua chapter twelve discuss the victories that Israel had against the Canaanites, it clearly states in chapter thirteen that there was much land left to be conquered. One aspect of this question is that they hadn’t totally conquered Canaan; thus, there were many people left. Secondly, there is some overlap in the timeframe between the two books. Joshua comes first, Judges picks up near the death and after the death of Joshua. Lastly, the focus of the two writers is different. That is, Joshua seeks to describe the swift victory for Israel, while Judges seeks to remind Israel of their disobedience. Canaan was used as God’s instrument of punishment.
What is happening in 2 Corinthians 12:1-5? Paul has been in defense of his calling as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a group who doubts his authenticity, people he calls the super-apostles. Paul must take a position of authority to be heard by those who have been fooled by the false apostles, yet to do so lessens in his mind the dependency on Christ. To boast about what Christ has done through him is sacrilege for Paul’s understanding. In chapters 11-13, Paul skillfully tells us that all that matters is knowing Christ and His word. As we turn our attention to chapter 12, Paul has shifted from speaking foolishly as he said in chapter 11 when talking about what Christ has done through him. Thus, he speaks of himself and an incident that happened 14 years ago. This man (Paul) was raptured into the heavenly realm and saw and heard things too wonderful to speak of. If these super-apostles think that such a man isn’t worthy of serving God; then let them think again. Paul has been privileged to spiritual insight that comes from a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. He is ultimately qualified to be an apostle. Given this pseudonym, Paul can boast of the things that he has done by the power of Jesus. To humble him, God put a thorn in his side. So that Paul would know that everything is by the power of Christ and not us. Humility in service to God!
What is the sin that leads to death? 1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother committing sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. To understand what John is presenting we must define what death means. In a Biblical sense, death is a two-phase process consisting of physical death and spiritual death. As best we know there is no Biblical relationship between sin and physical death; thus, John must be talking about spiritual death. Spiritual death is the eternal separation of the soul from the presence of God the Creator. The apostle Paul informs us that the wages of sin is death in Romans 6:23. In this text John speaks of the sin that does not lead to death. Our best understanding of this is that he means immediate death. The sinner may in repentance ask for God’s forgiveness and receive it. The sin that leads to death is the unrepentant, persistent rejection of God’s grace. Some examples of what man may think of as this type of sin, are blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and apostasy (falling away from God). However, it would be better for us not to try and understand such a heinous thing. Our time would be better spent pondering the amazing grace of God!
Why did Paul say that they were not like the Gentiles born into sin? Keeping this quote in context, Paul is addressing Peter’s behavior when others from Jerusalem come to town, and in their absence. Paul notes that Peter openly eats with the Gentiles while others from the Jewish leadership are around, but reframe from eating with them while they are there. When we get to verse fifteen we find the subject quote. However, we need to go back to verse six of that same chapter. “But from those who seemed to be something; whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man; for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.” Here Paul makes it plain that the Jews are not better than the Gentiles. To my best understanding, Paul is suggesting that the Jews were born into the covenant relationship because of the faith of Abraham. Yet, they each must have a faith relationship with Jesus. The same is true for the Gentiles, they must have a faith relationship. Thus, I believe Paul was using extreme language to grab their attention that if you who are born in a right relationship are sinners and may be saved by Grace; so to are those who were born into sin and accept Jesus.
What do the ashes mean for Ash Wednesday? Ashes have a symbolic meaning besides the overdone mourning and repentance theme. Another meaning is mortality. Dust we are, and to dust we shall return. Our bodies are made up of the same stuff as the dust of the earth, and to the dust of the earth we shall return. But we are more than our bodies, we are also Spiritual beings animated by the Breath of God. As Spirit, we belong to God eternally. Another symbolic meaning of ashes is cleansing. Before the development of soap, ashes were used for cleaning. As an abrasive, ashes were scrubbed on and then washed off with water. Ashes as a cleaning agent might be a helpful way to view the “ashes” situations in our lives; they cleanse us and prepare us for what comes next.
What are the core principles of Christianity?
.As Christians, there are a multitude of things we believe. Yet, across the various denominations there are some core principles that we all adhere to:
What is the gall given to Jesus in the Bible? In the gospel of Matthew and Mark Jesus is offered a wine mixed with gall before he is crucified. This combination was often given to deaden the senses as to ease the pain. Matthew tells us Jesus didn’t drink it after tasting it. In the gospel of John, it states that Jesus was given a vinegar wine. Most scholars think that these two are not the same. Gall as noted was to deaden the senses. The vinegar wine given to Jesus was to satisfy a thirst. It is possible that Jesus was offered both drinks at different times while on the cross; although this isn’t specifically stated. Yet, it is a speculation to think that Matthew and Mark, were talking about the same incident as John.
Is it a sin to be cremated when you die? The Bible itself does not address the issue of whether cremation is a sin. In general, the Bible talks about bodily burial. There is a reference to the cremation of King Saul and his sons in 1 Samuel 31:12-13. It wouldn’t be fair to say that this means that the Bible condones it. In my opinion what we do with the body is far less important than how we lived. Some of the reasons that people have a poor disposition against cremation is because they think somehow it might affect a bodily resurrection. The Bible does tell us in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 that we will be resurrected with a body like Christ (Spiritual). There is no Biblical support for stating that cremation is a sin.
Is pouring, or sprinkling an acceptable form of baptism? This question must be cast in the light of what it means to be baptized. Baptism represents an outward expression of an inward change. That change is from not believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, to believing that we are saved through faith in Jesus. Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Thus, Baptism is a public statement that the person is believer in Jesus Crist. What is the significance of water? It represents cleansing and purification, a washing away of sin and spiritual impurity, signifying a new beginning and a commitment to faith. The true question is how much water is needed for this expression. The AME Church and most protestant religion state that the amount of water isn’t significant. Thus, pouring and sprinkling are acceptable form of baptism. Note that Matthew in the Great Commission didn’t state how much or whether immersion was the only form.
During the Assyrian captivity, which area was captured by them from the Promised Land? First Chronicles 5:26 tells us that the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were the first to be taken into Assyrian captivity. While this specific text doesn’t state that the Assyrians occupied the land, it may well have been, or by other Canaanites who repossessed it after their departure. The incursion of the tribes on the western side of the Jordan River would have come from the north side. This would have included the tribes of Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Dan. The tribes of Benjamin, Judah, and the land of Simeon were not controlled by the Assyrians; they fell under Babylonian captivity.
In Genesis chapter 49:13, Jacob offers blessings for his son Zebulun. There it is said that Zebulun would dwell by the sea and be a haven for ships. When we look at the land divided in Joshua 19:10-16, Zebulun is shown as an inland city. Why? Some scholars seem to think that the phrase, “by the sea” should be taken in a broader sense not literally. They suggest that Jacob meant that Zebulun would thrive from trade or commerce from the sea-faring vessels. While Zebulun isn’t coastal it is relatively close to the Mediterranean Sea; thus the prophecy wasn’t precise.
*Below is a map showing a view of the land of Israel occupied by the Assyrians. Look at the middle map for the area in dark red.
Why Was Saul’s name changed to Paul? In the thirteenth chapter of the book of Acts, we get the statement that Saul was also known as Paul. In that timeframe it was very common for a legal Roman citizen of Hebrew birth to have two names. Little is said of the writer of the Gospel according to Saint Mark, but Mark was also known as John. The ninth chapter of Acts is where many believe that God changed Saul’s name. However, when Jesus appeared to Saul on the Damascus Road, He called him Saul. Thus, Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Roman name. There was no change of name. After the thirteenth chapter of Acts, he is exclusively referred to as Paul.
At the baptism of Jesus, what was said as John baptized Him; was it necessary for Him to be baptized? Baptism is given unto us as a means of obedience to indicate that we have become a believer of Jesus Christ. It was necessary for Jesus in the flesh to be baptized in obedience to the will of the Father. His baptism wasn’t indicating that He had been cleansed but that He is the cleansing agent. John said to Jesus it is not right that I baptize you, You should be baptizing me. John stated, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Matthew 3:15, “Jesus replied, ‘let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented.’” The words if any, that John spoke over Jesus are not recorded in the Bible. Matthew does tell us that a voice from Heaven declared, “This is My Son, the Beloved, with whom I Am well pleased.”
Joshua 12 states that the Israelites had defeated the Canaanites. Where did the Canaanites come from whom they saw and desired to have a king in a similar manner in the book of Judges? While Joshua chapter twelve discuss the victories that Israel had against the Canaanites, it clearly states in chapter thirteen that there was much land left to be conquered. One aspect of this question is that they hadn’t totally conquered Canaan; thus, there were many people left. Secondly, there is some overlap in the timeframe between the two books. Joshua comes first, Judges picks up near the death and after the death of Joshua. Lastly, the focus of the two writers is different. That is, Joshua seeks to describe the swift victory for Israel, while Judges seeks to remind Israel of their disobedience. Canaan was used as God’s instrument of punishment.
What is happening in 2 Corinthians 12:1-5? Paul has been in defense of his calling as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a group who doubts his authenticity, people he calls the super-apostles. Paul must take a position of authority to be heard by those who have been fooled by the false apostles, yet to do so lessens in his mind the dependency on Christ. To boast about what Christ has done through him is sacrilege for Paul’s understanding. In chapters 11-13, Paul skillfully tells us that all that matters is knowing Christ and His word. As we turn our attention to chapter 12, Paul has shifted from speaking foolishly as he said in chapter 11 when talking about what Christ has done through him. Thus, he speaks of himself and an incident that happened 14 years ago. This man (Paul) was raptured into the heavenly realm and saw and heard things too wonderful to speak of. If these super-apostles think that such a man isn’t worthy of serving God; then let them think again. Paul has been privileged to spiritual insight that comes from a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. He is ultimately qualified to be an apostle. Given this pseudonym, Paul can boast of the things that he has done by the power of Jesus. To humble him, God put a thorn in his side. So that Paul would know that everything is by the power of Christ and not us. Humility in service to God!
What is the sin that leads to death? 1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother committing sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. To understand what John is presenting we must define what death means. In a Biblical sense, death is a two-phase process consisting of physical death and spiritual death. As best we know there is no Biblical relationship between sin and physical death; thus, John must be talking about spiritual death. Spiritual death is the eternal separation of the soul from the presence of God the Creator. The apostle Paul informs us that the wages of sin is death in Romans 6:23. In this text John speaks of the sin that does not lead to death. Our best understanding of this is that he means immediate death. The sinner may in repentance ask for God’s forgiveness and receive it. The sin that leads to death is the unrepentant, persistent rejection of God’s grace. Some examples of what man may think of as this type of sin, are blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and apostasy (falling away from God). However, it would be better for us not to try and understand such a heinous thing. Our time would be better spent pondering the amazing grace of God!
Why did Paul say that they were not like the Gentiles born into sin? Keeping this quote in context, Paul is addressing Peter’s behavior when others from Jerusalem come to town, and in their absence. Paul notes that Peter openly eats with the Gentiles while others from the Jewish leadership are around, but reframe from eating with them while they are there. When we get to verse fifteen we find the subject quote. However, we need to go back to verse six of that same chapter. “But from those who seemed to be something; whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man; for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.” Here Paul makes it plain that the Jews are not better than the Gentiles. To my best understanding, Paul is suggesting that the Jews were born into the covenant relationship because of the faith of Abraham. Yet, they each must have a faith relationship with Jesus. The same is true for the Gentiles, they must have a faith relationship. Thus, I believe Paul was using extreme language to grab their attention that if you who are born in a right relationship are sinners and may be saved by Grace; so to are those who were born into sin and accept Jesus.
What do the ashes mean for Ash Wednesday? Ashes have a symbolic meaning besides the overdone mourning and repentance theme. Another meaning is mortality. Dust we are, and to dust we shall return. Our bodies are made up of the same stuff as the dust of the earth, and to the dust of the earth we shall return. But we are more than our bodies, we are also Spiritual beings animated by the Breath of God. As Spirit, we belong to God eternally. Another symbolic meaning of ashes is cleansing. Before the development of soap, ashes were used for cleaning. As an abrasive, ashes were scrubbed on and then washed off with water. Ashes as a cleaning agent might be a helpful way to view the “ashes” situations in our lives; they cleanse us and prepare us for what comes next.
What are the core principles of Christianity?
.As Christians, there are a multitude of things we believe. Yet, across the various denominations there are some core principles that we all adhere to:
- Monotheism – One God, who is all-powerful, ever-present, and all-knowing!
- Salvation through Jesus Christ – There is no other way to be saved.
- Eternal Life – Physical death is not the end.
- Grace – God unmerited favor for those who believe in Him.
- Sufficiency of the Scriptures – The word of God contains all we need to know God’s will for our lives.
- Love of God and Neighbor – We are to love others in a similitude of that which we love God.
What is the gall given to Jesus in the Bible? In the gospel of Matthew and Mark Jesus is offered a wine mixed with gall before he is crucified. This combination was often given to deaden the senses as to ease the pain. Matthew tells us Jesus didn’t drink it after tasting it. In the gospel of John, it states that Jesus was given a vinegar wine. Most scholars think that these two are not the same. Gall as noted was to deaden the senses. The vinegar wine given to Jesus was to satisfy a thirst. It is possible that Jesus was offered both drinks at different times while on the cross; although this isn’t specifically stated. Yet, it is a speculation to think that Matthew and Mark, were talking about the same incident as John.
Is it a sin to be cremated when you die? The Bible itself does not address the issue of whether cremation is a sin. In general, the Bible talks about bodily burial. There is a reference to the cremation of King Saul and his sons in 1 Samuel 31:12-13. It wouldn’t be fair to say that this means that the Bible condones it. In my opinion what we do with the body is far less important than how we lived. Some of the reasons that people have a poor disposition against cremation is because they think somehow it might affect a bodily resurrection. The Bible does tell us in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 that we will be resurrected with a body like Christ (Spiritual). There is no Biblical support for stating that cremation is a sin.
Is pouring, or sprinkling an acceptable form of baptism? This question must be cast in the light of what it means to be baptized. Baptism represents an outward expression of an inward change. That change is from not believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, to believing that we are saved through faith in Jesus. Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Thus, Baptism is a public statement that the person is believer in Jesus Crist. What is the significance of water? It represents cleansing and purification, a washing away of sin and spiritual impurity, signifying a new beginning and a commitment to faith. The true question is how much water is needed for this expression. The AME Church and most protestant religion state that the amount of water isn’t significant. Thus, pouring and sprinkling are acceptable form of baptism. Note that Matthew in the Great Commission didn’t state how much or whether immersion was the only form.
