Bethany Baptist Church

Morning services began at 10 a.m. with a song, “One Day,” led by Lori Knight and a devotion by Glenn Vines from Philippians 2:3-8: We as saved church members must never do anything for Christ unless we do so with a humble attitude, always thinking of others before self. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth in the form of man and humbled himself as a servant. We should be a servant of God. Following a prayer and Sunday school, we began worship service at 11 a.m. by singing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Over In Bethlehem,” and Joy to the World.” Bro. Aubry brought the morning message, “A Look at the Judgment Seat of Christ,” from 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 5:20, John 19:30, and 1 Peter 4:10. The judgment seat of Christ is for the saved. The subject of salvation will not be brought up at this time because only the saved will be there. The unsaved will appear before Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment. We will be judged on the works we do for God after we have been saved. All the sin we committed before salvation was taken care of by the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. At the point of salvation, all our past sin is removed from our record. Only what we have or have not done for Christ will after salvation will be judged. Some of the things on which we will be judged will be our faithfulness and our motives for our works (to glorify Christ, or for the praise we receive from man). We must build on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and without salvation, we cannot do this. There are two ways to ruin a good building: with a faulty foundation (not building on Jesus Christ) and faulty materials (what we do after salvation). Salvation is not a reward for good works; it is a free gift from God!

Evening services began with “Here at Thy Table, Lord,” followed by the monthly business meeting and the Lord’s Supper. Bro. Aubry read scripture from Luke’s recording of the events of the Lord’s Supper. This followed the Passover meal and only consisted of the disciples of Jesus Christ who later became the apostles. They made up the local New Testament church, which Jesus had established when he called out his first two disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. These were the only saved people who made up the local Church, although many more had been saved. The Church of the Lord has a special place in the Lord’s heart.

Wednesday service will be held at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to come be a part of our services.

Announcements:

The Christmas cantata will be held on Dec. 15 at 11 a.m., just after Sunday school. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall after the service. There will be no evening service. We welcome you to come and visit with us on this day, any other Sunday or on Wednesday night. Prayer requests include Bro. Aubry, Shirley, Elwyn and Grace Robinson, Billie Neeley, Jackie, John Rodriguez (surgery was on Wednesday, Dec. 11), our church, missionaries (especially Bro. Paul Armstrong and his family at Journey Baptist in Calera), Betty Biggs, Mary Knight and many others.

Mount Carmel No. 1

Our Bible study, titled “The Gift You Can’t Give Yourself,” was taken from the book of Romans. Forgiveness is offered freely; all that remains is for people to accept it. It is a gift that can place them in right standing with God.

During our morning worship, we had a special service for the Hanging of the Green. Bro. Derrell narrated as the children and youth marched in to hang the greens while the congregation sang Christmas carols. The special music by Tory Mims was “Amazing Grace.”

We had a glorious time on the cloudy Sabbath Day as we gathered in the house of the Lord. Bro. Derrell’s sermon was taken from Luke 2:4-7 titled “In a Moment.” Mary and Joseph went from Galilee to Bethlehem, where she brought forth her firstborn son. The birth of Jesus was a miracle that changed the whole world. God chose to send his son into our world as a humble baby born in common surroundings. It was God reaching out to all people: the poor and the wealthy, the simple and the wise. He is the King of kings.

On Sunday night, we had a special time of singing, which included the singing of some old hymns. We were blessed by a very special arrangement of “The First Noel,” sung by Holly Smith and Ricky Cofer. They did a good job and everyone enjoyed it.

“Christmas J-O-Y” was the title of our evening sermon, taken from Galatians 2:20. This verse gives joy to any Christian. Christ lives in me. How can you have Christmas joy? The “J” stands for Jesus. Focus on Jesus, the reason for the season. The letter “O” reminds us to focus on others. Acts 20:35 teaches us that is more blessed to give than to receive. “Y” stands for you. Don’t allow worry and stress to rob you of the meaning of Christmas.

We want to make Christmas as special and magical as possible by remembering those who have gone on to be with the Lord. Place a potted poinsettia on the church altar in their memory.

There will be a Christmas card post office box in the foyer for Christmas cards. All postage money received will be used for our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

The Christmas party for the Adult II class will be held at the home of Hershel and Sarah on Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. We will have fun, games, fellowship and finger foods. We will also play Dirty Santa. You are invited.

Please join with the children’s choir and others on Dec. 21 as we go Christmas caroling, visiting the nursing home and shut-ins throughout our community.

You are invited to our Christmas program, “Two Nights Before Christmas,” which will be held on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.

December’s Prayer Walk will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. We are thankful for answered prayers. Join with us as pray for our church, our nation and other requests.

You are always welcome at Mount Carmel.