Samaria Baptist Church

Our message was brought by Bro. Shane Wyatt. His message was titled “Our Vision.” Initially, his text came from Luke 12-35-41. He asked the important question, “What have we done in 2013 and what will we do in 2014? We must have a vision to serve Jesus and allow him to lead us in all we do in his name. Where are we today? This is a great time for a thorough evaluation of what we have done for Jesus and what he can do through us if we are submissive to his will.

God deserves our praise. He has earned anything we can possibly do to serve him. God is always with us. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. His Holy Spirit is the method by which he remains by our side and in our hearts. This comforter is here, loving us and wanting only the very best of life for us. Our thoughts, actions, attitudes and intentions must be surrendered to him in order for him to use us effectively. We are made to be overcomers by the supreme overcomer of Christ.

We are in a battle and we must decide if we will allow God to direct us into the next year, or if we will we go into it led by our struggles, hurts and pain. It’s up to us to decide who we will follow. God has all the answers. He has given us all we need in his word to fix our problems in life. So, is it our vision or his?

God gives everyone a talent or an ability of some kind. We should use it by his blessing to turn into a vessel for him. If we don’t, then it will dissolve into wastefulness. Let us multiply our talents and fit them into God’s vision for our lives and for his cause.

We don’t know when, but we know that Christ will return. This is a promise we all can depend on. Let us be a light for him until that day. We don’t want to see anyone go to hell. Let others see Jesus in you, and do not be ashamed of him.

Let us not be weary in well doing. May the God of heaven be with you and your family throughout this new year. May you have peace in him, and always know that if you need a church home, you are welcome at Samaria.

Stacy Wyatt blessed our hearts with a beautiful song today titled “What Love is This,” a truly wonderful sermon in song.

Rocky Mount UMC

Happy New Year to everyone from Rocky Mount! We hope that you will come visit us, especially if you are looking for a new church to start out your new year.

We had a great gathering Sunday, although we were missing many due to illness, accidents and vacations. We hope there is a great tend toward recovery as we start this new year, even with the cool temperatures to deal with.

Sunday’s scripture came from John 1:1-18. As Bro. Phil began our message, we heard some interesting stories about names and nicknames—he was even bold enough to tell us the story of how he got a nickname that still follows him when he is in his hometown, and it is a name that he does not like! (Brave, isn’t he?) We even heard the long list of “J” names that the Dugger family chose to use in naming their children. While all those “J” names are cute and special, each in their own way, the greatest “J” name ever recorded in history was the blessed name of Jesus! If you don’t know Jesus, you are destined to an eternal life that nobody even wants to think about.

People all over the world are struggling because they don’t know Jesus. What are you doing to share the love of Jesus? You must believe and receive to have the power of the name of Jesus. One person can make a difference, so we each must do our share. By the way, if you will listen to our services on WKLF-FM on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m., you will be blessed, and this week you can find out the nickname that Bro. Phil dislikes but shared!