Mars Hill Baptist Church

Spring has finally arrived, and this Sunday was a beautiful day to serve our Lord. No matter what is going on in the world outside the church doors, men should be in the house of God, worshipping in spirit and truth. The church is where we draw our strength to make it through another week, and where we find the resources we need to fight the devil every day. If you aren’t fighting the devil, you better check up; he may already have you!

Bro. William Short’s message this week, titled, “Who Do You Believe, What Do You Believe and When Do You Believe It,” was taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-12. Verse 6 tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. As children of the living God, we should not fear what man can do to us, but rather what God can do. Man may take your life, but he can never take your soul — that belongs to God. So whom do you believe: God or man? I believe there is nothing impossible with God. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God, who rose from the dead. I believe that all people who are lost, who have not accepted Jesus as their personal savior, will die and go to a devil’s hell. I believe that every Christian has a responsibility to tell everyone they come into contact with about Jesus and his saving grace. I believe Jesus can cure the drug addict, heal cancer, free the alcoholic and reform the child abuser. Who do you believe?

There have been many books written about the life of Christ, but more have been written about worldly things. Most books are only popular for a few weeks until another one comes along. The Bible was written more than 2000 years ago, and it is still one of the best-selling books on the market because it is the word of God, not the word of some superstar this week or movie star or football team the next week. Jesus Christ is the superstar of the Christian life — no other. Paul, the writer of 2 Timothy, suffered for Christ. He was imprisoned and beaten; yet he still stood for Jesus. When asked what he believed, he was never ashamed to tell of Jesus Christ.  He was appointed by Jesus to be a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles. Paul knew in whom and what he believed. It’s been said that if you don›t stand for something, you will fall for anything. Paul stood firm, never ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What do you believe?

That brings us to “when do you believe it.” Now is the accepted time, today the accepted day. While the church is still here on earth and the spirit of God is with us is the best time. God will draw you to him if you will open your heart and mind. Don›t get caught up in the crazy things of this world. Your future does not depend on what the world says about anything, but what God says in his Holy Word. Confused about same sex marriage? Read what God has to say about it. God›s spirit won›t always strive with man. There will come a day when it’s too late to pray, too late to tell Jesus that you are sorry for your sins. Don›t wait, friend; ask Jesus into your heart now. Jesus is the light of the world, and you can make him the light of your world today. Amen.

The Relay For Life is on April 26, and you don›t want to miss this. We have many people in our church who are survivors of cancer. Come out and show your support for them.

The Association Senior Celebration is April 30 at Union Grove Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until noon. Please make your plans to attend. You will be blessed!

On April 14, a VBS meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. All workers and helpers please attend.

Please pray for our pastor and his family, our church, our children, the sick, the lost, the hurting, our country, our government and our troops. God is great, all the time!

Bethany Baptist Church

Sunday morning, Bro. Steve delivered a message taken from John 21:1-14, which he called, “Let’s Go Fishing.” This is the third time Jesus appeared to some of his disciples after he was raised from the dead. Some of the disciples had decided to go back to fishing. When the risen Christ approached them, they did not recognize him. When Jesus called several of the disciples three years or so before, they were at their occupation, fishing, but they obediently followed him to become “fishers of men.”

In this scripture, there are three main lessons: 1. Uncertainty causes us to retreat to safety of the past. Jesus used the events of this encounter to remind Peter of his calling. 2. Obedience is the door to God’s blessing. Peter obeyed the Lord in casting the net. We are never far from success when we let Jesus give the orders. 3. God’s grace gives us the assurance to stay on task. Jesus uses this to remind Peter of his task.

The Lord wants us to be “fishers of men.” Obedience means believing God’s word and acting on it. Our efforts are in vain without the direction and blessing of God.

On Sunday evening, Bro. Steve’s sermon was taken from Matthew 9:37-38: “Then saith he unto his disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers unto his harvest.’” There is a great need for Christians to have a vision and compassion for the lost. There is also an urgent need for laborers in the harvest. The Lord said for us to pray for more laborers. When we pray, he will send.

Prayer list: Betty Biggs, James Bixler, Jean DeLoach, Doris and Verdie Glenn, Billie Neeley, Kurt Wallace, Douglas Wilson and Glenda Wallace.

See you Sunday!