Christ Independent Methodist Church

Our congregational songs were “O Worship the King,” “He Never Has Failed Me Yet” and “Nearer My God to Thee.”

Dr. Mac Stinson’s sermon title was “The Narrow Door.” His scripture was taken from Luke 13:22-30.

Luke was the most literary of the gospel writers. Tradition connects him with Antioch in Syria. My Bible says that Luke wrote his gospel to meet a practical need. With conversion went instruction in gospel history.

A characteristic of the third gospel is its avowed historical purpose. Luke intended that others should be instructed by his gospel.

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, “Lord, are there few that are to be saved?” And he said unto them, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many I say unto you will seek to enter in and shall not be able… and he shall say unto you, “I know you not whence ye are.” And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last: Luke 13:22-24,30

Jesus says, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and shall not be able to.” What does he mean by “the narrow door?”

Dr. Stinson said, “We can’t definitively say what Jesus meant when he said that the door is narrow, but we do know that anything worth having in this world requires work.” And that applies whether you are working for a strong marriage, advancement in the work force, a good spiritual life or any other of life’s examples. But none of these things will get you into heaven, for we are not saved by our works alone. We only belong to Christ if we are obedient to his teachings.

Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” Jesus answered, “Make every effort to enter by the narrow door…”

Of course, Jesus was not referring to a physical door, but to our requirement to live according to the laws set down for us in the Holy Bible.

When you pray, remember our pastor’s son, Bobbie Sammons, Dwight Sammons, Dell Moody, Cindy McCavitt and all others in need of the Lord’s help.

Remember our Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 25.

We are continuing evening worship service “The Handwriting on the Wall” at 5 p.m.

Congratulations to Michelle Lutza on completion of her master’s degree in counseling. She begins work on her doctorate soon.

If you are new to our community, we invite you to worship with us. If you have been here a while, you are welcome also.

Pray for our military, our leaders, community, church and each other.

Have a blessed week.

Mount Carmel No. 1

On this beautiful Sabbath, we had a glorious time in the house of the Lord. We were few in number, but knowing Jesus is the most important treasure that God gives us. We were thankful to be with our church family and visitors on Sunday morning.

The morning message was “A Firm Foundation” taken from 1 Corinthians 3:11: A firm foundation is very important in a Christian’s walk. A firm foundation is led by God. Where is your foundation? Our Christian foundation has to be 365 days a year. We have to have a firm foundation, even though life around us looks glum and discouraging. Why build your foundation upon Christ? Because any other foundation shall be revealed by fire.

The Bible is the number one tool for a firm foundation, the second is the church and the third is Christ. These three tools work together to build a form foundation in the name of Jesus Christ.

Following the service, it was a joy to welcome Danielle Hayes to be baptized into our family of God. We love you, Danielle, and so does Jesus.

On Sunday evening, Bro. Derrell spoke from Matthew 11:25 with a sermon titled “How’s Your Heart?” We need to know where our hearts are with God. Are our hearts fixed on God and willing to listen and learn of God, or have we shut off our ability to learn and listen. It is hard to listen to the parts that point out our wrongs and tell us to repent. Some of those to whom Jesus spoke listened and took it to heart. Are you one who will listen, open your heart to God’s teaching and be used by God?

May God bless you in your position as a teacher or officer in our church this coming year. Let us all pray that we will do what God would have us do as we fill our positions.

Dates to remember:

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Campbell reunion will be held in the church fellowship hall. Lunch will be served and you are invited.

A bridal shower for Jennifer Bowman will be held in the church fellowship hall at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Remember to pray daily for all of the prayer requests of our church and the names on our church prayer list.

You are always welcome to come and worship with us at Mt. Carmel.