By Emily Agee

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, “Who shall ascend into heaven” (that is, to bring Christ down from above)? Or, “Who shall descend into the deep?” (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, “Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, “Lord, who hath believed our report?” So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, “Have they not heard?” Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:1-18)

Thought for the week: ‘Dare to Stand for Jesus’

“Dare to stand for Jesus, dare to face the foe;

Dare to be like Jesus, everywhere you go.

Christ will go before you; he will see you through;

Dare to stand for Jesus, no matter what others do!

Dare to serve the Savior, dare to let friends know;

Dare to follow Jesus; he would have it so.

Christ the Lord will guide you; he is ever true.

Dare to stand for Jesus, no matter what others do!

Dare to go to battle; fight for Christ your King;

Dare to have convictions; victory will he bring.

Christ will stand by you;

Dare to stand for Jesus, no matter what others do!”

Announcements

Worship at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service, led by the Senior Choir with songs, scripture and prayer. Perry Nunn read the scripture, with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Minister Brown and Robert Callen.

Songs sung were “Let It Be Real,” “Lord, I Want You to Move” and “He Said Live Right.”

Pastor Kenneth Dukes gave the morning message. His title was “Don’t Believe the Negative Report. Hear God; He Has the Last Word” from 2 Kings7:4.

Where do we go from here? When we get stuck in certain situations, we get stressed out, don’t know what to do and go into depression. You ask, “Where do I go from here?” Don’t listen to ungodly counsel; it gives negative reports. Can you go back? If God has delivered you, never go back. Even through hardship, hold on. Don’t be satisfied to stay there, go to the next level; go forward. Don’t depend on folks to hold you up; depend on God. You know you need to go in, but how? God is on your side. Go in and God will remove your enemies. God can move, just trust him.

What you do with the rest of your life is in your hands. Trust God. Don’t be content to sit, but get moving and God will be with you. Don’t let fear and doubt hold you down. Through Christ, we can do all things.

Pastor Dukes gave the benediction.

We ask you to remember these on our sick list this week: James Singleterry, Martha Binion, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Nathan Shortridge, Barbara Gail Nix, Dorothy Sims, Larry Wilson, Diane Dennis, Lisa Wright and James Booker. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each week.