Bethany Baptist Church

Sunday morning’s message by Bro. Steve was taken from Matthew 27:36-37. His sermon was titled “The Watchers at the Cross.”

Who were those people who were sitting and watching Jesus dying on the cross? The Roman soldiers, of course, whose job it had been to carry out the execution and protect Jesus’ body. There was a great crowd of people there, possibly curiosity-seekers and onlookers, some jeering and mocking. There were the rulers, chief priests and elders, who were probably glad this person was going to be taken care of and out of their way. There were the two thieves, one of whom believed that Jesus could save him. He received the promise from Jesus that he would be with him that day in paradise. There were several women, including Jesus’ mother, who wept and sorrowed for their loss. There was also the Apostle John, the beloved disciple, who watched with compassion and devotion, and who consented to care for Jesus’ mother as his own. Did these people realize they were watching the most important event in history? Nothing has affected the world like the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Sunday night, Bro. and Sister Vickers gave a favorable report on the national association meeting in Dallas last week. The scriptural theme at the meeting was I Corinthians 15:57-58: “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding to the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Bro. Steve challenged us that the work we are called to do is here, and let us be abounding in the work.

Prayer list: Betty Biggs, the family of James Bixler, Doris and Verdie Glenn, the family of Vesta “Becky” Hart, Bro. Danny Jones, Billie Neeley, Ron Peppers and Grace and Elwyn Robinson.

See you Sunday!

Cedar Grove Church

What a mighty God we serve!

Bro. Jeff Carroll’s sermon text came from Luke 21:20-28. His sermon was titled «How Do You Handle Fear?”

What are you afraid of in your life: financial disaster, losing a loved one, dying, being robbed or you marriage breaking up? The list could go on and on. Jesus tells us to fear not, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Fear shows mistrust, a lack of faith that God is able to do whatever needs to be done in our lives. Satan wants to sew fear, doubt and confusion in your mind and keep you captive to your sin. Jesus, through his grace and love, has set us free from our captivity through our submission to him for our salvation. Glory to God!

Bro. Heath Vines’ sermon text came from John 14:1-7. His sermon was titled «Good News For The Church.»

Jesus can take us from the “guttermost” to the “uttermost.” Thomas, a disciple of God, was a doubter; he asked Jesus, “How are we supposed to know the way?” Jesus answered saying, “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one can come unto the Father except through me.” Jesus is the only way to heaven. God has a plan for our lives and he is going to take care of us. Only in Jesus can we have peace, even in the biggest storm of our lives. The closer we get to God, the madder we make the devil. He throws more trials our way, trying to turn us away from God and make us doubt.

God is the same today, tomorrow and forever. Jesus is still coming back. Call on Christ while he is yet near. We see a lot of churches and Christians today compromising God›s truth to please man instead of God. God is faithful; please do not miss out on everlasting life to be a people pleaser instead of a God pleaser. People will fail you, but Jesus will never fail us nor forsake us. The ultimate choice is still ours; what will you do?

Have a blessed week. God bless!

Announcements:

July 15-19: VBS/Youth revival. All are invited

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

Aug. 19-23: Revival. Everyone is invited.

We want to thank everyone who came out to support our youth at the car wash on Saturday sponsored by Advanced Auto Parts. It was a great success. Praise the Lord!

Prayer meeting will be held on Friday evenings at 7 p.m.

Prayer concerns: Vern, Peggy Pearson, Bro. Ken, Janet Wyatt, Joyce Scott, Bro. Gary, Roger Cleckler, Renee Cleckley, spoken and unspoken requests.