September 20, 2025 Issue, Page 4 of 12

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RELIGION 4• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 The Elk City News POLITICAL TURMOIL a riot (Matthew 27:24). His earthly political goals. decision was politically mo- This disconnect led to tivated, prioritizing stability confusion and a sense of over justice. The Jewish lead- betrayal. While crowds wel- ers manipulated this tension, comed Jesus as king during warning Pilate, “If you let this His triumphal entry into man go, you are not Caesar’s Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9), friend” (John 19:12), imply- they later demanded His ing that Jesus’ claim to king- crucifixion (Luke 23:21). The ship was treasonous. people were easily swayed by The Jewish religious elite— religious leaders and disil- Area Church Directory primarily the Pharisees, Sad- lusioned by Jesus’ refusal to ducees, and chief priests— lead a political uprising. The Sunday School 9:15, Worship 10:30 held significant influence release of Barabbas, a known Assembly of God Wed Prairie View Troops 3:30 580-225-2266 Dixie Yoder over temple worship and le- insurrectionist (Mark 15:7), Wed Prayer Meeting 6:30 Assembly of God Seventh-Day Adventist In light of the tragic as- gal matters. The Sanhedrin, instead of Jesus, highlights 115 W. 5th St., Erick Retrop Baptist Church Seventh-Day Adventist sassination of Charlie Kirk the Jewish ruling council, the crowd’s preference for Pastor: Gary Griffin 11375 N. 1990 Rd., Elk City Intersection Hwy 6 and 55 on September 10, I think it was responsible for main- a revolutionary over a spiri- 580-303-0791 580-472-3472 taining religious order. Jesus’ tual redeemer. Assembly of God Service times: would be helpful to remem- 7th and Locust St., Sayre Catholic teachings and actions, such Jesus was arrested follow- 2:00 pm Bible Study ber that this is not the first 580-928-4296 as His cleansing of the temple ing Judas Iscariot’s betrayal Queen of All Saints 2:50 pm Church Service time or the worst time of Jimmy Blanken, Min. (Matthew 21:12–13), directly (Matthew 26:14–16). The tri- 914 N. 5th St., Sayre political turmoil, nor will it 580-928-2385 Methodist be the last. The times we live challenged their authority al before the Sanhedrin was First Assembly of God 2701 S. Randall , Elk City Rev. Danny Grover through personally always and exposed their hypocrisy rushed, secretive and lacked United Methodist 580-225-1167 702 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk feel worse than the ones we (Matthew 23:27–28). credible witnesses (Mark Kevin Akins, Min. St. Mathews Catholic Jesus’ growing popularity 14:55–59). The charge of 3001 E. Hwy 66, Elk City City read about in the history 580-225-0262 threatened the religious lead- blasphemy (Matthew 26:65– Grandview Assembly of God 580-225-0066 books because our emotions Rev. Danny Grover Scott Rodgers, Rev. are engaged on an entirely ers’ control. After witnessing 66) was insufficient under Pioneer and Country Club, Elk City different level. The political His miracles and hearing His Roman law, so the leaders re- 580-225-7742 Christian United Methodist Bryan Herrick 320 S. Magnoliea St., Erick climate in which Jesus and teachings, many began to framed it as a political threat, Antioch Christian believe He was the Messiah accusing Jesus of claiming to 3200 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City 580-526-3949 His disciples functioned is a Baptist (John 6:14). Fearing that this be “King of the Jews” (Luke 580-243-0066 case in point. Jeff McDowell United Methodist At the time of Jesus’ minis- movement could provoke 23:2). Great Plains Baptist Assn. 802 N. 4th St., Sayre • 580-928-2146 Roman retaliation and jeop- Pilate, under pressure, 1902 Watts St., Sayre Sun School: 9:30 AM/Worship:10:45 try, Judea was under Roman 580-928-2585 Christian Church control, with Pontius Pilate ardize their position, the high handed Jesus over to be cru- 1 S. Walnut, Erick Nazarene serving as the Roman gov- priest Caiaphas declared, “It cified. The inscription placed Bible Baptist Church 580-526-3284 First Church of The Nazarene ernor (John 18:28). Rome’s is better for one man to die above the cross—“Jesus of 1018 W. B Avenue, Elk City 816 W. 6th St., Elk City 580-225-5344 First Christian Church primary concern was main- for the people than that the Nazareth, King of the Jews” (Diciples of Christ) 580-225-2026 taining order and collect- whole nation perish” (John (John 19:19)—was both a 1500 N. Randall, Elk City Rev. Andrew Dages Central Missionary Baptist ing taxes. While the empire 11:50). This statement re- mockery and a political state- 1205 W. B Avenue, Elk City 580-225-7801 allowed the Jews a measure veals the political motivation ment. It reflected the charge 580-225-0212 Pentecostal behind their decision to seek that led to his execution: First Christian of religious autonomy, any 1601 N. 4th St., Sayre Grace Temple threat to Roman peace was Jesus’ death. claiming kingship in defiance Eastside Baptist 601 W. 20th St, Elk City 421 N. Booth Avenue, Elk City 580-928-3639 swiftly suppressed. Crucifix- Many Jews in the first cen- of Caesar. Lindell & Nequita Brown, Pastors tury hoped for a Messiah who Infinite Grace Ministries 580-225-0742 Church of Christ ion was a Roman method of Chase Brower, Min. would liberate them from is a great place to learn how Church of Christ Iglesia Evangelica Cristo Es La execution reserved for the Pena Roman rule and restore the to respond to life’s fearful and Fairview Baptist 216 N. Adams Ave., Elk City worst rebels and criminals. 580-225-0718 600 W. Main, Elk City Pilate’s role in Jesus’ trial kingdom of Israel. Jesus’ mir- unfair situations. The darker 312 S. Lusk Avenue, Elk City Pastor, Jose Reyes 580-225-0203 Gantt Carter, Min. reveals the tension between acles and teachings stirred the atmosphere around us, 580-799-2964 Roman law and local unrest. these hopes, but His message the brighter the light of the 301 S. Magnolia Ave, Erick First Baptist Douglas Holland, Minister Presbyterian Though Pilate declared, “I of a spiritual kingdom disap- courageous and obedient 1600 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City pointed those expecting po- choices we make because of 580-225-7951 816-726-6988 find no fault in Him” (John Bible Study 10am Sunday First Presbyterian 18:38), he ultimately autho- litical revolution. He stated the love and mercy of God. Worship 11am Sunday 217 N. Washington Ave., Elk City clearly, “My kingdom is not Call 580-774-2884 to learn First Baptist 580-225-3130 rized the crucifixion to ap- 400 S. Sheb Wooley, Erick Ladies Bible Study 10am Wednes- pease the crowd and avoid of this world” (John 18:36), more about this essential 580-526-3375 day distancing Himself from ministry. 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