September 27, 2025 Issue, Page 4 of 12

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RELIGION 4• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 The Elk City News JESUS, PAUL AND PERSECUTION spond with compassion, re- 4:8–9, he reminded believ- flecting the Father’s perfect ers that though Christians love. may be “hard pressed on In John 15:18–20, Jesus every side,” they are “not reminded His disciples, “If crushed,” because God sus- the world hates you, keep tains them. in mind that it hated me Paul also urged believers first… If they persecuted to respond without ven- me, they will persecute you geance. In Romans 12:14, also.” He explained that he instructed, “Bless those persecution is an inevitable who persecute you; bless consequence of obedience and do not curse.” This Area Church Directory to Him, yet He also prom- echoes Jesus’ command ised the unfailing presence to love enemies, showing Sunday School 9:15, Worship 10:30 Assembly of God Wed Prairie View Troops 3:30 580-225-2266 of the Holy Spirit, for the agreement in their teach- Wed Prayer Meeting 6:30 Dixie Yoder strength to endure (John ings. Paul pushed further Assembly of God Seventh-Day Adventist 15:26–27). in Romans 12:17–21, telling 115 W. 5th St., Erick Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor: Gary Griffin Retrop Baptist Church In the Gospels, Jesus con- Christians not to repay evil Intersection Hwy 6 and 55 11375 N. 1990 Rd., Elk City From its earliest days, the sistently shifted the focus with evil but to “overcome 580-303-0791 580-472-3472 Christian faith has been from avoiding suffering to evil with good.” Assembly of God Service times: marked by opposition, suf- faithfully standing firm in Importantly, Paul con- 7th and Locust St., Sayre Catholic 2:00 pm Bible Study fering, and persecution. 580-928-4296 2:50 pm Church Service it. “Stand firm, and you will nected suffering with shar- Jimmy Blanken, Min. Queen of All Saints Both Jesus Christ and the win life” (Luke 21:19). For ing in Christ’s own mis- 914 N. 5th St., Sayre Apostle Paul prepared be- Jesus, persecution was not a sion. In Philippians 1:29, First Assembly of God 580-928-2385 Methodist lievers for this reality, not sign of failure but of faith- he wrote, “For it has been Rev. Danny Grover 2701 S. Randall , Elk City United Methodist only by predicting it but fulness. granted to you on behalf of 580-225-1167 by giving clear instructions St. Mathews Catholic 702 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk Paul’s life embodied suf- Christ not only to believe in Kevin Akins, Min. City on how to respond. Their 3001 E. Hwy 66, Elk City fering for Christ. From im- him, but also to suffer for 580-225-0066 580-225-0262 teachings emphasize endur- prisonment to stoning and him.” To Paul, persecution Grandview Assembly of God Rev. Danny Grover Scott Rodgers, Rev. ance, love for enemies, and beatings, he experienced was a privilege that linked Pioneer and Country Club, Elk City unwavering faithfulness to firsthand the cost of dis- believers to the sufferings 580-225-7742 Christian United Methodist God, setting a pattern that Bryan Herrick 320 S. Magnoliea St., Erick cipleship (2 Corinthians of Jesus Himself (Philippi- Antioch Christian continues to guide Chris- 11:23–27). Yet his letters ans 3:10) 3200 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City 580-526-3949 tians today. Baptist consistently encouraged be- Jesus and Paul taught 580-243-0066 Jesus never promised Jeff McDowell United Methodist lievers to face persecution that persecution is an op- Great Plains Baptist Assn. 802 N. 4th St., Sayre • 580-928-2146 His followers an easy life. with courage and hope. portunity to increasingly 1902 Watts St., Sayre Instead, He warned them Christian Church Sun School: 9:30 AM/Worship:10:45 Paul urged believers to be bear witness to the Truth, 580-928-2585 that persecution would in- 1 S. Walnut, Erick Nazarene realistic about persecution. to love enemies, while joy- 580-526-3284 evitably accompany disci- Writing to Timothy, he stat- fully anticipating eternity Bible Baptist Church First Church of The Nazarene pleship. In the Sermon on ed plainly: “Everyone who with Christ. Together, their 1018 W. B Avenue, Elk City 816 W. 6th St., Elk City 580-225-5344 First Christian Church the Mount, He declared: wants to live a godly life words remind believers 580-225-2026 (Diciples of Christ) “Blessed are those who in Christ Jesus will be per- that the Christian response 1500 N. Randall, Elk City Rev. Andrew Dages are persecuted because of Central Missionary Baptist secuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). to persecution is not fear 1205 W. B Avenue, Elk City 580-225-7801 righteousness, for theirs Like Jesus, Paul viewed per- or retaliation, but stead- Pentecostal 580-225-0212 is the kingdom of heaven” secution as a normal feature fast faith, love, and hope. First Christian (Matthew 5:10). Far from 1601 N. 4th St., Sayre Grace Temple of Christian living, not an By enduring hardship with Eastside Baptist 601 W. 20th St, Elk City portraying persecution as 421 N. Booth Avenue, Elk City 580-928-3639 exception. Christlike character, believ- Lindell & Nequita Brown, Pastors meaningless suffering, Je- He also emphasized per- ers glorify God and bear 580-225-0742 Church of Christ sus described it as a mark of severance, not vengeance. witness to the transforming Chase Brower, Min. Church of Christ Iglesia Evangelica Cristo Es La true discipleship. He even In Romans 5:3–4, Paul power of the Gospel. Pena Fairview Baptist 216 N. Adams Ave., Elk City called believers to “rejoice declared that “suffering Infinite Grace Ministries 600 W. Main, Elk City 312 S. Lusk Avenue, Elk City 580-225-0718 and be glad” when insulted produces perseverance; is a great place to learn Gantt Carter, Min. Pastor, Jose Reyes or mistreated for His sake 580-225-0203 580-799-2964 perseverance, character; more about the transform- (Matthew 5:11–12). “But I and character, hope.” Far ing presence of the lov- 301 S. Magnolia Ave, Erick tell you, love your enemies First Baptist Douglas Holland, Minister Presbyterian from weakening believ- ing and merciful God, our 1600 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City and pray for those who per- ers, a godly response to Creator and Father. Call 580-225-7951 816-726-6988 secute you” (Matthew 5:44). Bible Study 10am Sunday First Presbyterian trials will strengthen our 580-774-2884 for informa- 217 N. Washington Ave., Elk City This radical command went First Baptist Worship 11am Sunday faith and deepen our reli- tion about personal Biblical Ladies Bible Study 10am Wednes- 580-225-3130 beyond mere endurance; it ance on God’s grace. Sim- guidance and Bible studies. 400 S. Sheb Wooley, Erick called His followers to re- 580-526-3375 day ilarly, in 2 Corinthians Jason Klechner, Min. Evening Open Bible Study 7pm Non-Denominational Wednesday The Way Church First Baptist 201 S. Jefferson Ave., Elk City 504 N. 4th St., Sayre Church of Christ Elk City 580-928-5518 Meets at Pioneer & Bell 580-225-5295 Elk City Community 120 S. Randall Ave., Elk City First Hispanic Baptist 580-225-1184 919 W. 8th St., Elk City Northeast Church of Christ 580-225-7901 616 N. Locust Avenue 580-225-4395 Gateway 4227 W. 3rd St., Elk City Main Street Baptist 580-225-1184 1101 N. Main St., Elk City Westside Church of Christ 580-225-3052 Curtis Newton, Min. 580-225-2938 Church of God The Link Mt. Carmal Baptist 200 S. Main, Elk City 1801 W. A Avenue, Elk City 501 W. 1st, Elk City 580-225-2061 580-225-0227 Joe Thompson, Min. Trinity Fellowship Sayre One Church Jehovah’s Witnesses 580-928-2345 200 East Broadway, Elk City 580-210-8881 Jehovah’s Witnesses 402 E. Washington Ave., Sayre Christ Ministiries Kevin Brosius (pastor) 804 W. 6th St., Elk City 580-928-9330 580-243-9708 Prairie View Baptist Lutheran I-40 & S Hwy 34, Elk City Pastor Tod Thornton Christ Lutheran 1023 W. 2nd St., Elk City Call today to support the church page! 580-225-3000