Cedar Grove Church

To God be the glory!

Pastor Bro. Jeff Carroll’s text came from Luke 15:1-22. His sermon was titled “The Prodigal Son.”

The tax collector’s and sinners drew near to him to hear him. The Pharisees and scribes complained saying, “That man receives sinners and eats with them.” Jesus spoke a parable to them: “What man of you, if you had a hundred sheep and lost one, would not leave the 99 to hunt the one that was lost, and when you came home gather all your friends around you to rejoice because you had found that one sheep that was lost?” Likewise, there will be great joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents. Jesus came to this earth for us sinners not those seeking position with pride.

In the Parable of the Lost Coin, the woman having ten coins lost one, lit a lamp and swept the whole house looking for the one coin. Having found it, she called all her friends together saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece I had lost.” Likewise, there is joy in the presence of the angels in heaven over one sinner who repents.

In the Parable of the Lost Son, the younger of two sons went off to a far-away country, fell into riotous living and lost all that he had. He started working for a man and feeding his swine. He became so hungry, he would have gladly eaten what the swine were eating, but no one gave him anything. He soon realized his father’s servants had more than he did. He went home with the intent to beg his father to let him be a servant for him, but his father saw him coming on the road, ran, fell upon his son’s neck and kissed him because he was no longer lost. The father ordered the best robe for his son and a ring upon his finger. His father also had his servants get a fatted calf for a great feast. The older son came in from the fields and became angry with his father. He would not go into the celebration so his father came to him. The son said, “I have been here all these years and you did not have a fatted calf for me.” His father begged him saying, “You have been here; all I have is yours, but it was right that we make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again; was lost and was found.”

The older son’s response is not unlike that of the Pharisees and scribes at the thought of sinners becoming acceptable to Christ. Little did they know, as do some of us today, that our pride makes us think we are better than others. That will take us straight to hell. No matter how bad we look, how we have lived, or what we have done, once we repent and are washed with the blood of Jesus, we are no longer dead to sin, but alive in Christ who lives in us. What greater blessing can there be than the merciful forgiving love of God? Do you know him today? If not, do not delay; repent today and have everlasting life.

God bless and have a great week!

Cedar Grove has some exciting things happening. All are invited to attend these events:

June 14 at 7 p.m., we will begin having Friday night prayer meetings. Everyone is invited to attend.

June 22: Youth car wash at Advance Auto Parts. All proceeds to go to the purchase of a much-needed church van for our youth. All donations welcome.

July 15-19: VBS/Youth Rally

Church Camp will be the second week in July. All children and youth wishing to attend should see our youth pastor, Bro. Clay Collins.

Aug. 18: Homecoming (mark the date for the third Sunday in August instead of the fourth) Guest will be Bro. Randy Perry.

Revival: Aug. 19-21

We would also like to invite everyone to come out and worship with us. Sunday services: Sunday school: 9:45 a.m., praise and worship at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday service: 7 p.m.

Prayer concerns: Peggy Pearson, Joyce Scott, Mary McGuire, Renee Cleckley, Janet Wyatt, the Billy Wyatt family, Lorene Gothard, Jean Varden, spoken and unspoken requests.

Rocky Mount UMC

We were blessed on Sunday with special music and a sermon from Ron Jennings. He and his lovely wife, Dee, shared a special song, “Then Jesus Came.” Interestingly, it went right along with his sermon, which dealt with taming the “Tombstone Terrorist.” With scripture reading from Mark 5:1-20, we first heard the story of the demon-filled man who lived in the caves near the region of Gerasenes. The man would break loose from all his bindings and go about scaring people with his constant screams.

This is another case of a hopeless situation that was healed by Jesus. As with this poor man, Jesus sees through the problems and sees “us.” This poor man was like those who don’t know Christ. They are trapped in a deprived world, running around aimlessly, not knowing which way to turn. Thank God for the endless compassion of Jesus! He weathered the storm to get across the water to this man just as he weathered the storm of Calvary to get to you and me. Jesus released him from all his problems, instructing him to go home and tell what had happened to change him. We all can be changed through Jesus, and then we need to go tell everyone about the change.

Thank you, Ron, for stepping in and sharing with us as Bro. Phil recovers from his recent medical problems.

Come join us Saturday, June 22, as we host a community-wide singing at 7 p.m. Bring your instrument, your voice ready to sing and your ears ready to listen. We’ll sing the old favorites! If you have any questions, call us at 688-2204 and leave a message. We are located at 14731 County Road 51 between Jemison Elementary and the interstate bridge.

Join us on Thursday mornings at 7:30 AM on WKLF- FM 99.5.