Samaria Baptist Church

What a beautiful day to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Celebrating birthdays this week are Jeff Smith, John Jamison while next week will be Jacob Jamison.

Special music was provided by Darrell and Ashlyn Willis who sang, “Word of God Speak.”

Special prayer concerns are for Lisa and John Shearon, Cathy Willis, Barbara Collins, Diane Varden, Brother Shane, Jimmy Hardee and the group returning from Belize.

Our pastor will return on Tuesday of this week. We thank God for protecting him on his missionary journey.

Brother John Jamison brought our message titled “When Enough is Enough.”

How often do Christians endure wrong in our lives?

So often we just take and take until we snap. Then, we might lash out at the ones we love the most.

All the stressors in the world should not cause us to turn away from the power that we have within us. When we do the same things over and over, it is the definition of insanity. Doing the same things, and getting the same negative result.

We are not following the Lord closely enough when we open ourselves up for the abuse and negativity of Satan.

We should be daily ready to extend our faith, in order to receive the blessings and promises of God the Father.

In Matthew chapter 9, we find that Jesus was busy with many of the people who had great needs of healing, salvation, and blessings of all kinds.

He did not even realize that the woman was there with the issue of blood until she touched his garment, and he felt the power flow from him.

This woman had gone through 12 years of suffering. She was an outcast to the town, and wasn’t allowed to live near other people. Jesus changed her entire world when she exalted her faith in his direction.

She made the step of faith, and by his Grace the rest was easily taken care of. For her, Jesus was her last resort.

Why do we wait until we try everything else to call upon the name of Jesus for our troubles and trials?

We figure that God gives us a brain to figure things out for ourselves. Yes we are blessed with ability to study, reason and learn. However, when we get to the place when we think we can handle our every trial, then we are about ready to fall.

Falling on our knees is not sissy or cowardice. It is the example of strength in a man to meet God on his knees, and it is the epitome of a Godly mother to be seen kneeling and praying for her children.

Do not just tell friends that you are praying for them. Pray with them, visit them, call or send a card to them. Act on the compassion that comes with Christianity.

We must not be the hypocrites that non-believers shield themselves behind.

Step out on faith today, and let others see the living and loving Jesus in your daily lives. Join us at Samaria, where Jesus is Lord. God bless you.

Submitted by Diane Fisher Greer

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “This Grace.”

Bro. Ken’s (Daniel) message was from 1 John: 18-24 and was titled “Love is the Theme.”

God is love, and God’s definition of love is action.

Bro. Ken’s evening service message was from 2 Corinthians.

Paul established the church of Corinth on his second missionary journey. He was not welcomed by some, but Paul had two devout followers.

The synagogue was filled with “God fearers.” There were problems in the Corinthian church that included spiritual immortality, sexual sin and confusion.

Once Christians understand the principles of total sharing, they can begin to stand upon the other promises of God.

Happy birthday to Fay Powell.

Prayer requests for Fay Powell, Liby Fanning, Kenny Lock and family, Matthew Jones, Clint Parrett, Faye Honeycutt, Stanley Allison and family, Liby Verner, Betty Mims, Rachel Lowrey and May Irwin.

Opportunities for the week include:

Monday: Building and grounds meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Fellowship supper for the youth at 6 p.m.; Prayer and Bible study of 2 Corinthians at 7 p.m.; Friends/R.A.’s, G.A’s and youth at 7 p.m.; Adult choir rehearsal at 7:45 p.m.

Thursday: Free guitar lessons for those with a guitar, dedication and willing to practice from 5-6 p.m. in Friendship Fellowship Hall.

Saturday: Valentine supper for college/career and adults at 5 p.m. Crystal Russell “Claudine” will bring a bit of humor after supper. The menu will consist of either pork chops or baked chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert. The cost is $6 per person. Senior adults will be shuttled from their home and back. Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Opportunities for the future include:

Feb. 20: Antiquing from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch at Steak ‘N Shake for $6-9. See Pam for more information.

Feb. 26-27: Together at the springs marriage event will cost $254 per couple (includes lodging, meals and program costs). Visit www.togetheratthesprings.org.

Feb. 27: Renew, a day with friends for women of all ages at Westwood Baptisti Church in Alabaster from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Money is due Feb. 14.

Feb. 28: G.A. recognition service.

March 3-6: Ladies’ beach retreat coast $150. See Anita as soon as possible if interested.

March 19: Pancake breakfast is a fundraiser for the youth department from 7-11 a.m.

April 9: Save a life week. See Alisha for more details.

May 2: Senior Adult Evangelism Conference at Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission and no registration.

May 8: Sandi Patty’s Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour at First Baptist Church in Prattville at 6 p.m. Cost is $25 and $18.50 for seniors 60+.

June 3: Men’s fishing trip. See Dusty for more details.

May 12: OASIS 2016 is a refreshing event for senior adults at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Hebron West Baptist Church with Allison Durham Speer, Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon and Frank Jones. Tickets are $15 if purchased by April 22.

Oct. 17-20: Celebrations Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. with Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Phil Waldrep, Dennis Swanberg, Greg Buchanan, Michael W. Smith, Steve Green, The Gaither Vocal Band and Charles Billingsley. Visit www.celebrators.org.

Corinth Baptist Church

We had a wonderful service this past Sunday. We hope you can join us Wednesday night at 6 p.m. for our Study of Acts. This will be our last week in Acts.

Also, feel free to join us Sunday mornings 10-10:45 a.m. for Sunday School and 11 a.m.-Noon for worship and preaching. We would love to see you there!

Is anyone else tired of hearing the hypocritical cries to only bring Christian refugees to America? I certainly am.

What kind of a Christ-like attitude is that to have? We’ll help the refugees, but only the Christian ones. Why? Because someone stating that they are a Christian automatically means that they are one? Or more importantly, that claiming to be a Christian means that they are perfect people and will do no harm to their fellow man.

Yeah, that is not how it works, people. We are not here on Earth to only save the Christians or even the “good people.” We are here to save everyone.

Not everything is how the media portrays it to be either. When it comes to getting your information or news, do not rely on one media source. Check sources and facts.

The media will often stretch the truth or word things in a way that makes the news sound like something it is not. Never rely on a known biased media source.

You want to get all of the story, not just what that particular source wants you to hear.

Do not let fear guide you. Sure, there are a good number of bad people out there… but there are still some really good ones too.

If you go about your life only listening to what the media tells you to do, you are not going to be a very good witness for the Lord.

Take those blinders off and look at the world for what it is. See all those flawed and imperfect people? They are just like you.

No one is perfect, we all need Jesus’ saving grace. It is time that Christians stopped looking down their noses at people and started humbling themselves as Jesus did.

If you do not humble yourself, don’t be surprised if Jesus does it for you.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you, and we hope to see you soon!

Submitted by KJ Bowen

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our worship service began with Bro. Cleve giving recognition to those having birthdays this month.

Bro. Justin welcomed everyone and gave our ministry opportunities.

Music maker choir sung “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” with a solo from MaKenzie Edwards.

Special music was provided by Celebration Choir who sang “The Glory of the Blood.”

Bro. Justin preached about the power of prayer and brought his message from Acts 2, 12:1-19

Evening service Bible study and Wednesday night family supper will be held at 5:30 p.m., while Outlet for Students Bible Study and Children’s Choirs will follow at 6:30 p.m.

The church’s business meeting will also take place Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Pray this week for Paul Price, Stephanie Hinton, Chad Mix, Peter Daugherty, Kinlee Till, Kathy Fitzgerald, Melissa Langford, Mike Smith, Lynn Cox, Caleb Harrison, Hunter Moore, Donna Vick, Elaine Bridges and her baby, Judy Smitherman, Bobbie Tipton, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Glasscock, Brooke Bone, Debra Mims, Betty McGee, Myra Burnett, Brayden Cooper, Joan Moore, Zoey Neiman, Shanna Carraway, Evlyen Green, Wendell Hand, Allen and Casey Daniel, our country and leadership, those facing cancer, our homebound, assisted living and nursing home residents, those who need salvation, CareNet Center, Betty Bennett, Ruth Carter and Dreamma Thomas.

Happy birthday this week to Jack Lyster, Shelia Kidd, Patti Tuma, Audrey Moore, Lisa Merrill, Marie Barrett, Jessica Jones, Gabriell LeBlanc, Ralph Edwards, Makinlee Mims, Eric Lowey, Tabitha Teel, Chelsea Ousley, Katie Littlefield, Tori Michell,

Bill Smith, Sharon Thornton, Allen Ewards, Alden Moore, Hazel Cackey, Julie Hunter, Kaylen Bradberry and Morgan Cullum.

Have a blessed week and come worship with us on Sunday.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Announcements: A tentative date of Feb. 27 has been set for another live radio revival broadcast from Cedar Grove Church through a local Clanton radio station.

Wednesday night service will begin at 7 p.m. entitled “Study On The Rapture” and brought to you by Bro. Wayne Castleberry.

Prayer Concerns are for our pastor, our church family, our radio broadcast, those in hospitals and nursing homes and for the spoken and unspoken request.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text came from John 17:1-5 and focused on “The Three Prayers Of Jesus.”

Prayer is a tool to reaching Jesus. Jesus is on the main line, we are praying for the anointing of God, courage, wisdom to understand God’s word and obey his guidance.

To have Holy Ghost power would mean to be stronger in faith and more like Jesus.

Jesus’ prayer for himself: “Father the hour has come glorify your son, that your son may glorify you.”

Jesus’ glory was at this point about to be put on the old rugged cross for us, when Jesus said: “And this is eternal life that they may know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Jesus knew he could walk back through the door to the father. People are looking for glory in this world, but there is no greater glory than to be able to walk through the gates of Heaven.

After Jesus was placed in the tomb, he went down to hell, to take the keys to death, hell and the grave from Satan.

When Jesus rose from the dead he was in a glorified body. Jesus said: “And now O father, glorify me together with yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was.”

Eternal life is only available through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is not a span of time, and there is no measurement to eternity. Eternity is life in Jesus Christ, and a relationship with God.

There is no limit if you know and believe in Jesus, you will never die. Jesus has a great desire for us to make it to eternal Heaven. The soul that sinned shall surely die.

Jesus was void of all sin but chose to die on the cross that we might be redeemed.

In Closing: Jesus did all that he could so we could have everlasting life that so many care so little about. Jesus desires that we be hot or cold, not lukewarm or lack of desire is what makes us lukewarm, a condition which will cause Jesus to have to say depart from me for I never knew you.

We are to strive to be more Christ like, have a relationship with God the father. We are to have no worry of time.

What do you suppose Jesus is doing, right now at this moment? He is making intercession for us.

How is your prayer life? Do you have Jesus on the main line? Do you have a relationship with Christ our Lord and Savior?”

Submitted by Naomi Gillespir

New Salem Baptist Church

Morning worship at New Salem Baptist Church began at 11 a.m. with the adult choir’s call to worship, “I’ve Been Changed.”

J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing “Victory in Jesus.”

The adult choir sang “Sheltered in the Arms of God,” and Pastor Larry Reeser made the announcements and read the prayer requests.

Special music was provided by J.C. Pierce in singing “The Longer I serve Him.”

Pastor Reeser’s text was from 2 Timothy 3:1-5. and was entitled “Who will go to heaven? And who will not inherit the Kingdom?”

The game of golf has a procedure called the “cut” method to select those who compete in a tournament.

A lot of people seem to believe that God will select those into heaven who have the best score in the game of life.

A recent survey interviewed people and asked the question, “are you going to heaven?”

Ninety-four percent answered in the affirmative. They were then asked, “why do you think you are going to heaven?” Their answer was “because I am good.”

Romans 3:12 says, “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

I Corinthians 6:9-10 contains a list of some that will not inherit the Kingdom: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.

Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists will inherit the kingdom of God.

Then Paul had some good news for some: And such were some of you. You were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God.

These who were “washed, sanctified and justified” were those who had been saved through Jesus Christ.

Jesus will save those who come to him in repentance, but most do not come because they are not convinced repentance is needed, because they are good in their own eyes.

Max Lacado, pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas has an excellent CD on “How good is good?”

One of the thieves being crucified with Christ realized his need and asked Christ to remember him when he came into his kingdom. Christ said, “Verily I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Certainly the man was not good, but he was saved when he realized his condition and asked for forgiveness. You are not this bad, but you still need to repent and ask God for forgiveness.

The 5 p.m. service opened with a congregation song, as Bro. Reeser read from Ephesians chapter 4.

The success of any institution depends upon the unity between the members.

Within the church there should be a unity of Spirit: “Being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God the father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-5).

Birthdays this week were Aiden Turner and Mott Burnette.

This Sunday the youth will serve breakfast at the church beginning at 9 a.m.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with us. Our services include Sunday School at 10 a.m. followed by worship at 11 a.m..

A 5 p.m. worship service will be held Sunday, while Bible study and prayer meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Presently we are studying the book of Revelation.

You are invited to join with us at any of our services, and if you need additional information call (205) 389-1102.

Submitted by: Lucille Price Pierce

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

We were blessed by God with a great day at Mt. Carmel last Sunday.

To begin our time together we had a short video on the mission work that is done through the gifts that are made to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

Libby Warren played “When the Saints Go Marching In” as the children received our mission offering for the day.

The offerings that we receive through the last Sunday in April will go to the Annie Armstrong Offering. Thanks to all that give each week.

After several congregational songs, Tammy Harmon played “I’ve Got a Mansion” as a piano special and Jim Hayes sang “Search Me Lord”.

Bro. Travis Burnett used John 3:16 to deliver the first part of God’s message to us titled “Love of God.”

Even though most of us can quote this verse, we will never understand this kind of love as long as we are on this side of Heaven. God always knew that his Son would be sent and have to die for the sin of mankind.

In our sinful state God is seeking for us because he loves us. From the beginning of time it took the shedding of blood for the remission of sin. Jesus’ blood that he shed was the ultimate sacrificial blood that covers the sins of mankind.

Because God loves us, he gives us what we need and not what we want. True love is an action, not just words. Unlike humans that pick and choose those they show love toward, God loves us all the same.

It is because of his longsuffering love that we have the opportunity to repent of our sins. It is our acceptance of this love that allows us to miss Hell and gain Heaven.

As time has passed, man has lowered their standards of love, but God’s will never change. We must have God’s help to keep his standards.

Our evening service began with the children’s choir singing “All We Like Sheep” with Kaitlyn Burnett signing along.

Bro. Travis continued his message on “God’s Love.” God’s love is constant even though we do not deserve it.

As we know breaking the law (sin) results in punishment. The punishment that we deserve for our sin was paid by Jesus. All that does not accept this gift of divine justice will have to stand before God, the just judge, and give an account of their sin.

Those that have accepted it will have Jesus to stand for them. Which assembly do you want to be in?

The list of dos and don’ts that some try to convince you must be followed will be no good at this time, as salvation has been provided by Jesus.

No man can live a perfect life. The good news is that our sinfulness is covered by the precious sacrifice of God’s Son. We had nothing to give. He gave us everything.

There are several activities planned for this month. On Saturday at 6 p.m. there will be a supper for the adults with the children and youth doing the serving, while on Feb. 20, at 7 a.m., the Brotherhood will meet for breakfast followed by a work day.

Adult choir practice will begin Feb. 21 after Discipleship Training. If you have aluminum cans please bring them by Sunday. We are now collecting plastic eggs and candy for the children’s Easter eggs hunt.

Our prayer list this week is quite long. At the time of this writing, George Campbell is in the hospital. Please pray for him.

Others on our list this week are Mary Dean Higgins, Pat Hayes, Donald Liveoak, Frances Higgins, Leona Liveoak, Hilda Cary, Winston and Barbara Liveoak, Derrick Griffin, Marilyn Griffin, Juanita Childress, Gladys Franklin, Jacob Jones, Christy Lowery, Minnie Childress, Robert Childress and Mary Maudlin.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to thank everyone who attended services this past week.

Sunday morning services included a message from Jeremiah about “The Apostasy of a People, a Nation Punished and Yet Unrepentant.”

We looked at a people who had a time of apostasy, a time of admonishment, and yet were not a people with a time of awakening. Today we can see these very same things happening in this great nation in which you and I live today.

We need to be a people of repentance, a people of revival, a people of renewal for our God, for our country, and for our people.

The passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14 should be in our hearts and on our minds every time we find our quiet time to humble ourselves and pray. We just went through Super Bowl Sunday and there was a time here in America when no such games would have been played on a Sunday, for if they had been, nobody would have attended.

Today money, sports, education and many other things are much more important to us than where our families and friends will be spending eternity.

What is a soul really worth to the people of America today, when even physical lives seem to be of little importance. Can we expect God to keep extending us grace if all we do is use it for our greed?

Sunday night services included a study through James chapter 4 as we looked at how brethren can get farther away from God.

We looked at the instructions we get through James on how to humble ourselves, submit ourselves unto God, resist the Devil and he will flee from us. If you have found yourself seeming to be distanced from God we encourage you to draw nigh unto God and he will draw nigh unto you.

If you have gotten out of fellowship with other believers, gotten out of bible study and thinking it is so hard to get back in a right relationship with Christ and his church, do not let the devil keep you there.

Every church needs you, to fill the pews, to help pay the bills and many other things, almost every church would love for you to visit them.

However, there is a church that you need and that is the one you need to find.

A church that will build you up in faith and by edifying you in knowledge of the word of God you grow spiritually and are not only able to stand against the wiles of the devil, but also are able to serve God in ways that you may never have thought were possible.

If you are in or near Clanton and looking for a church to visit with, we would love to see you at Calvary this Sunday.

We are located in south Clanton just past Dollar General right off U.S. 31 on Fulmer Drive.

Our regular weekly services include Sunday School at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship services following at 10 a.m. as well as a 5:30 p.m. service on Sunday

Wednesday services start at 6:30 p.m. and we have a Bible study on every other Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Check us out on Facebook or Twitter, and for other services and events visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com or call Pastor Oscar Mims at (205) 755-9399.

Submitted by Oscar Mims

Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist met at 10 a.m. Sunday with a song “Jesus Loves Me.” We then were blessed with a devotion entitled “The Testimony of the Heavens,” from Psalm 19:1-6.

The physical world and search for happiness was part of our Sunday School lesson.

People have always wondered about creation and what is beyond the realm of the natural eye. The creation declares the handiwork of God and the need for a creator.

When we look at creation, there is order and a pattern for everything that happens. Scientists will not admit that God created everything, but they know that something unusual happened.

Even children look for the things of the creation. They are more open to the idea that there is a God of the universe than are many adults.

We have the responsibility to explain to the world how and by whom the world was formed. It is in man to worship someone or something not understanding that the universe is telling us that there is a God who made everything and that he truly is the one and only awesome God.

We were dismissed to Sunday School with a prayer and afterward sang “Saved By The Blood,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” “Tell It To Jesus” and “To Worship, Work and Witness.”

Bro. Aubry then gave the announcements that included our church Valentine Banquet Saturday at 6 p.m., Men’s Meeting and Ladies Auxillary Meeting Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and State Meeting and AMD Meeting hosted by Bethany on March 4 and 5.

Bro. Aubry brought the message “Almost” from Acts 26:24-30.

The apostle Paul had been falsely accused before these verses and was defending himself in a court of law. We have the governor Festus who thought Paul was crazy, but Paul assured him that he was not crazy.

King Agrippa believed the scriptures as did Paul. The difference between the two men is that Paul believed and was saved, King Agrippa believed and remained lost.

King Agrippa was almost persuaded to be saved, because Paul appealed to Caesar, which was not a good thing to do and he was not set free.

According to Romans 8:28, we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.

This was God’s way of Paul witnessing to the lost in Rome. Sometime it is necessary to do things that could harm us in order to do God’s will.

In Sunday’s text we saw Festus, the Apostle Paul and King Agrippa. Each had a different feeling of God.

Festus represented those who hated the Lord. When we go out into the world, we will face opposition.

The apostle Paul represented those who honor the forces, while King Agrippa represents those who are holding out on the Lord, on the way to coming to church.

An almost saved person remains unsaved. Many stand at the door and want to know what goes on in the church. An almost saved person is still a lost person.

We need to give God our love. What does it mean to be almost? It means you are still lost! People can be saved by reading the Bible.

We closed the morning service with a prayer and a song “Almost Persuaded.”

The evening services began with “At The Cross,” Bro. Aubry finishedhis morning message.

We are going back to King Agrippa. Paul had the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. The scriptures speak for themselves, no need to argue the scriptures.

No person except Jesus through the Holy Spirit can save a lost soul. King Agrippa had the testimony of a saint of God in chapter 26:1-23, the Apostle Paul.

Before defending himself, Paul witnessed to King Agrippa. Paul was the greatest of sinners prior to being saved. The Lord can change the heart of the most evil person living.

We must be obedient to the word of God in order to be saved. If lost and undone, you need to be saved. Saved people are only sinners who have been changed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

If saved, you know it and if you are lost, you also know that you are lost. If saved, you should be able to tell others about your experience of salvation

Numbers 21 tells us about the children of Israel and the poisonous serpents. Once bitten, they would die unless they looked upon the brazen serpent. This was a picture of Jesus Christ and what he would one day do for the entire world while on the Cross.

According to Isaiah chapter 45:22-25 Jesus said “Look unto me and be ye saved.”

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. If we live a Godly life before our children, more than likely, they will be saved.

People in the Bible times and now are trying to disprove the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must remember and tell the world the price Jesus paid for our sins. You must truly believe what you are telling people about Jesus.

What causes people to not believe? The power of sin!

King Agrippa was addicted to the sin of adultery and was not willing to give up his ungodly lifestyle to be saved. He knew that if saved, he would change his lifestyle. There is no such thing as cheap salvation. Jesus paid the huge price when he died on the cross of Calvary.

Almost is not enough. Almost will not get you to Heaven. Be saved today.

We closed our services with a prayer and sang “Nearer My God To Thee.”

Our prayer list includes, our church, Bro. Aubry and Shirley, all our visitors, missionaries and missions, Grace, Lisa R., Jenny H., Colon, Wayne S., Barbara W., Henry and Myra, Debbie R., Frankie and their families, Jeanette, Evelyn, Vikii, Helen, Charlotte, Harold T. and last but most important for the unsaved.

Submitted by Jane Vines

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

Sunday morning, the congregation sang the hymns of, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “I Would Not Be Denied” and “I Want to Know More About My Lord.”

Bro. Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from Leviticus 19:1-2.

When you say you are a Christian, you are identifying yourself as being like Christ. We will never see God without holiness. Would God be pleased?

After Sunday school, Roger Cleckler, Kandice Cleckler, and Ricky Cleckler sang, “Homesick” and Roger Cleckler sang “Didn’t Throw the Clay Away.”

Bro. Randy Munter brought a message from James 4:8. This is the promise. If we draw near to God, he will draw near to you.

Bro. Randy said that, “You’re really going to have to seek God and actually spend some time doing it to draw near to God.”

We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice for the Lord. Sin prevents that and creates distance. The more we draw close to him, the more we want to rid ourselves of the sin in our life.

Draw close to God in sincerity. Do not just give God your third or fourth best. God is jealous to be your first love.

Come into God’s presence in reverence. The most broken and humble are the closest to God. Do you have such a longing and such a desire to draw near to Christ?

Sunday evening, Ricky Cleckler led the congregation in the hymns of, “Victory in Jesus,” “Where the Milk and Honey Flows” and “Where the Soul Never Dies.”

Ronnie Moates brought a devotion from Psalms 139:17-18.

David was comforted that God knew all about him. God knows all about us. He thinks about us continuously. No matter what shape we are in, God is thinking about us.

Kandice Cleckler, Roger Cleckler and Savannah Parrish sang, “Long as I’ve Got King Jesus.”

Bro. Munter titled his message Sunday night as, “Love Precedes Marriage.”

When you have a love for God, it is like a fountain that wells up inside. The only way that we can truly love one another is if we have the love of God inside of us. Everything we do as Christians should be guided by the love of Christ. The love of God is completely selfless. We can see this selfless love by looking at how Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

We can have a surface love for God, one that is emotional. We can have our mind made up to love God, but when something bad happens, we may blame God.

The best kind of love is to love with our spirit. It is not a love on the surface, or a choice, but it is a complete surrender.

It is when Christ possesses you and fills you with himself. It is when our hearts are completely owned by God.

God desires your heart. Christ will find the depth of your heart whether it is an emotional, mind, or spiritually deep love.

Love Christ first to be sure you can take part in that marriage one day soon. (Revelation 19:7-9).

Submitted by Savannah P.