By Emily Agee

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

Thought for the week: Peace on earth, good will toward men

“God placed the peace he promised into the hands of man, but has never kept that peace since endless time began … For man has never understood, either now or then, that peace comes not through battles but ‘doing good unto all men!’ And when we meet with strangers on life’s busy thoroughfares, be not forgetful that thereby oft angels pass us unawares, and when we are at peace with God then only will we find the peace on earth he promised and eternal peace of mind.”

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with a praise service by the praise team. Songs sung: “Jesus, A Wonderful Child,” “I Give Myself to Jesus” and “Thank you Jesus for Blessing Me.”

The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Willie Nunn.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes with his theme: “What it means to come together.”

There is no excuse to be negative. Walk in forgiveness, not sadness and shame. Every Christian is a forgiven person. (Acts 2:42-47). Fellowship that produces commitment starts in Christ. We expect Christians to treat each other a certain way with one common goal- that’s Jesus. Does it bother you to fellowship with fellow Christians? Don’t let the devil stop you from fellowshipping. Commit to grace; be devoted.

God can change your plans. Get on the Damascus Road like Paul. He started as Saul and ended as Paul. Don’t limit yourself. Always be a giver, be a friend, give time, do your work and be there for others. Look for ways to bless others.

You need to grow personally. Continue to grow daily. Attend church, Bible study and Sunday School. Have common ground, spend time together, change your socialization group and come eat together. It’s important for Christians to gather together. Commit to giving. Give to those that need and help other people. Learn to do things together. Learn to trust God. Growth takes place based on God’s will. God will add to the church who he will. Benediction and fellowship was led by Pastor Dukes.

Announcements

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Amos Davidson in their time of bereavement. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. at Union Baptist Church in Marbury. Agee Brothers Funeral home directing.

On our sick list, we ask you to remember in your prayers: Inell Mitchell, Lee Anna Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Dorothy Sims, Harold Frazier, Evelyn Austin and Rena Dickerson. May he heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.