RICHMOND — “May the God of all grace, who called us to eternal glory by Christ Jesus, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” (Peter 5:10)

A father who truly loves his child will discipline him so that the child can become all that he is intended to be. God, as our heavenly father, is no different, and in the midst of suffering or trial, we are encouraged to see God’s gracious hand at work refining and preparing us to be vessels for his glory.

Our text tells us that suffering is meant to perfect, established, strengthen and settle us. The Greek word used here offers insight on what God wants to accomplish through this process. Perfect means to complete what is lacking. Establish points us toward turning resolutely in a certain direction. Strengthen means to confirm in spiritual knowledge and power. And settle refers to the laying of a foundation.

Be encouraged today! Suffering or trial, in whatever area of life you are experiencing, will be used to further God’s purpose in you. He is giving you with spiritual strength and laying the foundation of your future! Amen

We greet you today with life love and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Thought for the week

“God loves us so much until he gave all he had himself.”

NAACP meeting

The Richmond/Madison County Branch of the NAACP meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in First Baptist Church, 302 Francis Street, Richmond. No registration fees.

Upward Bound Ministries, Inc.

As we see the drug addiction epidemic escalate in our community, and see the high risk of people losing their lives to drugs as well as innocent people on our roads and highways, we must stop and think what we are doing to decrease this risk. At Upward Bound Ministries, we feel that a drug addict’s mind must be challenged by something for greater than man and its judicial system. We know from our experiences in this field that the only thing that will affect a drug addict’s way of thinking is the Word of God. If you are having issues with drug addiction, we love you despite what you have done or may be still doing. There is hope for you. Come and experience a changed life and a new way of thinking as Upward Bound Ministries, Church on the Rock 1049 Rd., every Friday at 7 p.m. in Berea. Directed and founded by Darnell Hill since 1998.

Fall revival

The New Liberty Baptist Church Bobtown will have a big three-night fall revival Sept. 15 to 17 at 7:30 p.m. each night. On Wednesday, Sept. 15, Elder John Settles of Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church in Waco will preach. The service on Thursday night, Sept. 16 will feature Pastor Jerome reed from Leesburg. Friday night’s service will feature Pastor Melvin Gross of the Little Zion Baptist Church Avon. Everyone is invited. The host pastor is Alonso Kenney.

Missionary day

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church will observe its annual missionary day on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. Evangelist Irene Sweat will deliver the morning message.

Church anniversary

The St. Paul AME Church will observe its 138th Church anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 12. The special guests at 11 a.m. will be Licentiate Juann Johnson. The 3 p.m. special guest will be Pastor Floyd Ballew, and the choir and congregation of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. Dinner will be served. Sis. Marie Waford is the chairperson. The host pastor is William Hale.

Church yard sale

Yard S.A.L.E. (Serving All in Love Everybody) Giveaway will be Saturday, Sept. 11 at First Baptist Church on Francis and Collins Street from 8 a.m. to noon. All items are free. Hosted by: Children’s Fellowship. For questions or donations, please call 624-2045.

Money  

Most people don’t understand it, and all people want it. Come out to our Bible study and learn about money and giving. Since we have begun the study, we have seen God move already. One of our students already has been blessed with their school tuition paid in full with more money left over for books. Another was blessed when a real estate deal came through that would not move for months. We believe this is just the start. Do you need God to move in your life or your prayers answered? Come out and join us while we are still in this study. Bible study starts promptly at 7 p.m. Greater Faith Ministries is located at 201 Aquaduct Dr. A-1, Richmond, Ky. 40475. For more information, call 893-3321.

New church

The Old Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ with the Indian Bottom Association is establishing a new church in Richmond.  We are meeting the first Sunday of every month at the Best Western Holiday Plaza, exit 87 on the Eastern Bypass. Everyone is welcome.  For more information, call Elder H. B. Reedy Jr. at 1-859-333-7138. And service time is 9:30 a.m.

Why are so many people sick?

Sin is not the answer! If you want to know the answer, come to Grace Evangelism Ministries of Kentucky, every Sunday at 2:30 p.m. We share the answer. We are located at 373 N. Estill Ave., Richmond Ky.

Special note

To all churches and civic organizations: To place your church or civic activity in this column, please send all information at least one week in advance via the U.S Postal Service. The new address is: Church & Community Focus, 246 Sunset Ave., Richmond, KY 40475. E-mailed announcements should be sent to: tpollary@roadrunner.com and all announcements must be received by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week you wish you announcement to appear in the newspaper.

Until next week

May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds until we meet again.