By Emily Agee

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his son and this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his son.” (1 John 5:1-11)

Thought for the week: “Faith”

“I know my heavenly Father is ever by my side, as I travel unknown pathways, he’ll always be my guide. Although sometimes the twists of fate, the way ahead obscure, I know that with my Lord to lead, my progress will be sure. When people ‘round me prove untrue or friends my trust betray, I turn for solace to my God, who hears me when I pray. When my earthly sojourn ends, in faith I’ll stretch forth my hand, knowing that God will take me straight to his promised land.”

Announcements

The World’s Church of the Living God in Clanton will celebrate its 36th church anniversary and pastor appreciation for Pastor Elijah Good and Mother Ruth Good on Sunday, March 31 at noon. The church is located at 1205 Second Ave. N. in Clanton. Everyone is invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the senior choir. The scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Bro. S.T. Brown and Willie Nunn. Songs sung were “Glory Hallelujah,” “Running for Jesus” and “Salvation Is in the Room.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Do You Love God’s Church (Not the Building)?” Christ died for it. He is coming back for it. Are you a part of God’s church? Ephesians 4:11-16. Learning to love Christ’s church; what is the church to you?

The church is a group of baptized believers coming because of who he is and what he did for you. The church is the center of your relationship with Christ. Understand the price Christ paid to purchase the church. What is your mentality toward the church? How important do you see the church?

The church is a filling station for saints. The church is one body. It’s God’s instrument to save souls and win souls for Christ. Never pretend you haven’t done anything wrong. Share your testimony. The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ. Stand for right. Everybody has some good; don’t be afraid. Learn how to love people in the church and everyone else. Love God, church and people. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Mary Jo Griffin, Mary and Joe Sexton, Harold Frazier, Willie McGee, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Lee Anna Worthy, Anita Nunn, Martha Binion, Evelyn Austin and Kennedy Agee. May God 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.