Samaria Baptist Church

What does Easter mean to you? Do we really acknowledge the deepest and truest meaning of this question?

We can ask ourselves further, what has Easter done to change my life?

We know the story of Jesus’ Crucifixion and the wonderful miracle of His Resurrection, and we’ve all heard the story our entire lives.

Jesus came at Christmas as a baby born in a stable. He came for one purpose, which was to die for us in order to save us from Hell and eternal death.

We enjoy the meals with family and the children enjoy the egg hunts and parties.

These are all nice events and anything that emphasizes family is good. But if we have bypassed the true meaning of Easter, then we have merely celebrated a holiday that the world has enhanced and made money from.

Jesus is the reason we have this wonderful day. Our lost souls are the reason He found it necessary to go to Calvary in the first place.

When the women visited the tomb and found that Jesus was gone, the angel assured them that He had been raised just as He had promised.

Matthew 28:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 were the major scriptures for Sunday’s message.

Life without the Master is a waste and has no hope. Suicides multiply and depression grows in the lives of those who do not know Him.

He has a way of giving us an outlet to talk to Him about all our troubles and tribulations.

We find strength in the empty tomb. It means that there is a Savior who has overcome death and the grave.

Because of Him we can overcome our problems and He will show us the answers to our perplexing questions in life.

When He said “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” He was saying that He wants us to let everyone know who we belong to and to let our lights shine to the world as to what we have in our hearts that they so desperately need.

If a sinner cannot see the difference in your life and theirs, then something needs to change.

We need to experience Jesus every day, acknowledge Easter every day and stay connected to Jesus through prayer and Bible study.

Matthew 6 says to us that our treasures are in Heaven, and where our treasure is there our hearts will be also. Amen.

Carly Wyatt celebrated a birthday on Sunday while Harold and Alice Fraser celebrated an anniversary.

Special music was sung by Darrell and Ashlyn Willis, “O’ Glorious Day”, and Stacy and Lauren Wyatt sang “Jesus is alive and well.”

Prayer concerns are Elvie Patterson, Tracy and Bennie Mims, Betty Davis (John Parrish’s sister), Paul Shearon, Walter and Drusilla Hudgins and special prayers for the families of these precious deceased: Jason Snipes, Jacob Jones, Deborah Taylor, and special prayer also for Nita Smith.

God bless those who know Him and let us reach those who do not. He is risen and He is coming again.

Submitted by Diane Fisher Greer

 

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

On Easter morning, the congregation sang the hymns of, “He Lives,” “Victory in Jesus,” and “I Have Somebody with Me.”

Bro. Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from Matthew 22:32.

God is happy with us while we are living for His glory. He gave us a breath of air to come to church and to lift our hands up to Him.

After Sunday School, Ricky Cleckler welcomed everyone with the hymn, “Are You Washed in the Blood?”

Roger Cleckler sang “The Blood is Still There,” and Sheri Moates sang, “For the Life of Me.”

Bro. Don Graham preached from Luke 14:24-27, 33.

Is Jesus Lord of your life? What is involved when having Jesus as Lord of your life?

First of all, there should be no rival for the Lord’s place as Lord of your life (Luke 14:26). No rival for His place of supremacy. He will be Lord of all or not at all.

You cannot be His disciple if you love someone or something more than you love Him.

Next, there can be no refusal (Romans 14:27). If you are not willing to bear your cross, you cannot serve the Lord.

To Jesus, the cross was an instrument of death. It should become that for you as well, as you should die daily.

If Jesus said yes to the cross for us, how can we say no to Him about anything?

Lastly, there can be no retrieval (Romans 14:33) and no turning back.

Bro. Graham shared one last verse from Luke 9:62: “And Jesus said unto him, no man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Have you let go of that plough or are you holding on more loosely? Is Jesus Lord of your life?

Sunday evening, Ricky Cleckler led the congregation in the hymns of, “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder,” and “I’ll Be Listening.”

Hannah Vines did sign language to, “Watch the Lamb.”

Bro. Graham preached about forgiveness from Matthew 6:5-15. If we are not willing to forgive, we will not be forgiven.

Submitted by Savannah P.

 

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

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

We are very thankful for the visitors we had and want to encourage you to come back for any of our services.

Sunday morning services included a message from Luke 24 on our risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We reflected upon what these came looking for early on that Sunday morning.

People often times attend a church service looking for things to suit them when the main reason for coming to God’s house is to be looking for God.

The Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost and he is looking for you. When you go earnestly looking for him there is little doubt that you will leave disappointed.

These two began their travel sad and disappointed but found great joy after they personally came to know Jesus through the opening of the scriptures and the breaking of bread. Then they worshipped and were continually in the temple and had great joy.

Church is not just about a religion that you try on as a coat to see how comfortable it feels but rather it is about having a close personal relationship with Christ and his body of believers.

Sunday night services included a message about “a second look at that empty tomb.”

We read I Peter 1:1-5 and saw how this group of early believers had been scattered under persecution and yet Peter was able to encourage them through a lively hope that we have because of the resurrection.

We hope that you are saved and faithfully serving God in a local church near you.

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

Submitted by Oscar Mims

 

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

It was a rainy start to our Easter Sunday, but maybe your enthusiasm for worshipping our Lord and Savior on this special day wasn’t dampened.

We had a wonderful crowd that included visitors that had been out sick and some members that had just not been for a while.

We welcome all of you back anytime.

Our sermon for the day was presented in song. The adult choir, directed by Jim Hayes, performed the Easter musical “Nail Scarred Hand.”

The songs of this musical tell the story of Jesus starting as a child with tiny soft hands that held on to His mother’s fingers to a man with rough and nail-scarred hands.

These scars were the results of the crucifixion that Jesus endured. Crucifixion was not uncommon during those days so what was so special about this one?

First, the crucifixion was punishment for crimes that were committed but this man named Jesus was only guilty of loving mankind.

He had done nothing that merited punishment.

Second, while on the cross He showed love and mercy to one that asked for it and asked His Heavenly Father to forgive those that had nailed Him there.

Next, the death He experienced on the cross was predicted, executed and temporary. The empty tomb and His appearing to His disciples and others were proof that He had risen just as He said He would.

The most important thing about the crucifixion and resurrection is that it provides a way for all to have forgiveness of sin and to experience an eternal life in Heaven.

Jesus stated that it was a glorious thing for those that saw and believed, but it was even greater for those that had not seen yet they believe.

This invitation is opened to whoever will accept it. It is a free gift paid for by the death of Jesus on the cross.

All you have to do is to place your hands in the nailed scarred hands of the one that died for you and paid the debt we can’t pay.

To those that reject this gift, there is an eternity of pain and suffering awaiting them in Hell. It is your choice.

Even though we were experiencing a time of worship and praise to our Lord, our hearts were saddened by the death of Jacob Jones.

Jacob touched and inspired so many lives during the five and half years that God gave him this side of Heaven. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Justin, Erica and all the family during this time. Please remember this family as you pray.

Others in or connected to our church family that are in need of special prayer are Gladys Franklin, Leona Liveoak, Elladene Mims, Virginia Church, Minnie Childress, Marlene Hayes, Mary Dean Higgins, Ruthie Jean Giles, Elijah Warren, Mary Ellen Campbell, Libby Warren, Reba Chambers, Christy Lowery, George Campbell and Mary Maudlin.

A special thank you goes to all those that had a part in the egg hunt that we had at the church last Saturday. We had a great turnout teaching of the meaning of Easter with lots of fun and food.

On April 5, Senior Celebration will be at Bell Lane Baptist Church. If possible, please make plans to attend. All ages are welcome.

If you do not have a regular place of worship, you are welcome to worship with us at Mt. Carmel.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

 

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our Easter service was great with special music by our “Music Makers” singing “Happy Happy Easter, The Joy of Easter Day.”

The celebration choir special was “Hope is Alive.”

Bro. Justin preached from Luke 24:1-12 and his message was entitled “Resurrection Day.”

There was no night service.

Wednesday night family supper will be held at 5:30 p.m. with adult prayer meeting and the outlet for students, children’s choirs to follow at 6:30 p.m.

Pray this week for our country and leadership, Debra Mims, Dreamer Thomas, Charles Bryant, Allen and Casey Daniel, Mya Burnett, John Flowers, Walton Aaron, Bob Thrasher, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Glasscock, Bobbie Tipton, Caleb Harrison, Lynn Cox, Mike Smith, Melissa Langord, Kathy Fitzgerald, Stephanie Hinton, Paul Price, all who have the flu, those facing cancer, our homebound, assisted living and nursing home residents and those in need of salvation.

Happy birthday this week to Bradley Bardett, Brianna Moore, Abigail Power, Lorrie Hubbard, John Braxton, Carol Kelley, Regan Crawford, Gary Wayne Ledbetter, Lewis Andrews, Sharon Williams, Jessica Carlee, Tim Milford and Shannon Wright.

Men’s Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday and the church fish fry will be held Sunday.

A bridal shower for Sjohna Pierce will be Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

AWANA award store donations are Sunday. It will be the final night of AWANA with a special thanks to Jason Hill.

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

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

 

Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.

We certainly had a wonderful time at our annual Easter Social. We had a great crowd and lots of fun.

The camp out was a success and we were even able to all stay dry from the weather.

It was great watching the sunrise with everyone and being able to connect that feeling of that fateful sunrise so many years ago when Jesus had risen.

Exciting things are happening at our little white church on the hill. We hope you are able to come join us for one (or all) of our services and events.

We have Bible study every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday services start at 10 a.m. for Sunday School and 11 a.m. for worship and preaching. Childcare is available during preaching.

As always, keep an eye on our Facebook page for all our latest happenings and events.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you. We hope to see you soon.

Submitted by K.J. Bowen

 

Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Announcements: Radio Revival will be coming to you live from Cedar Grove Church, via local radio station WKLF on April 9 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Preaching service mission outreach will include five pastors from surrounding churches. We invite you to please tune in.

You can also sit in on the service during the live broadcast at the church. All are welcome to attend.

On April 13, there will be “Revival” at Mt. Bethel Church. Pastor Tim Scott has invited all to attend.

Bro. Franklin Graham will be hosting a rally at the Capital in Montgomery on April 14. The rally will “Take A Stand For God” and all who can are invited to attend. If you cannot attend, please be in prayer for this and all outreach events.

Prayer concerns go out to our pastors, our Church family, the radio revival mission outreach, those in hospitals and nursing homes and the spoken and unspoken requests.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text was John 20:1-10 and was the fourth part of “From The Garden To The Cross.” It was entitled “The Cross.”

In the Garden of Adam and Eve, they had a perfect relationship with God until Satan entered the picture enticed Eve to partake of the Tree of Life which was forbidden by God.

Eve then persuaded Adam to partake of the Apple she took from the Tree of Life and therefore brought to light not only their nakedness but also their sin, which caused a broken relationship with God from that point on.

Jesus comes from heaven to be born of a virgin, to be about the father’s business of spreading the gospel, then to ultimately die on the cross for our sins that all who believe and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life.

When Jesus died on the cross, it was prophesied that he would rise from the dead on the third day after being placed in the tomb, but how many were at the tomb awaiting Jesus to rise from the grave?

We know from the Bible’s teachings that not one person was there, not any of his closest followers. Mary Magdalene was strongly devoted to Jesus and was the first person to arrive at the tomb but she was going there to finish embalming the body. She arrived while it was still dark.

Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb was empty and began to weep. She ran to tell Peter and the other disciples.

Peter and John the beloved went running to the tomb. John got there first and looked inside and saw the linen clothes lying there but did not go in.

Peter however, did go in and saw the linen cloths lying there and the handkerchief that had been around his head not laying with the linen cloths but folded together in a place by itself.

When eating a meal if a person folds his napkin and lays it on his plate, that means he is finished eating you can remove his plate, if he folds the napkin and lays it beside the plate that indicates he is not done and is coming back to finish.

Jesus’ handkerchief that was covering his face thus was folded together in a place by itself, because he was coming back just as he said on the third day.

The only thing lacking now as then is the enthusiasm the zeal in our belief.

One of the greatest enemies of our faith is what we can touch and see being the determining factor in our faith.

All the gospels record Jesus’ Resurrection, and there are angels all around us to protect and watch over us.

Our work is to go and tell others about the gospel of Jesus. We plant the seed and God gives the increase.

In Luke’s gospel, the angel of the Lord asked “why seek ye the living among the dead?”

In Closing, the greatest fatal spiritual failure in mankind today is unbelief.

The power of God keeps families from falling apart and heals the sick of disease.

The greatest miracle that Jesus ever performed was rising from the dead on the third day. Sunday is here and Jesus is alive and well.

We know all is not lost and that our sins are covered under the blood of the one true Lamb of God. It is our choice to believe or not believe.

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

 

New Salem Baptist Church

Morning worship service began at 11 a.m. with the children’s choir performing “Because He Lives.”

The program featured solo parts by several of the children as well as narratives by three of the boys.

It was a well-rehearsed performance excellently performed. Following the children’s program our pastor Bro. Reeser brought an Easter message taken from 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

His theme was the Jesus died for our salvation, but He didn’t stay dead. Instead He rose on the third day, just as He said.

Reference was made to the famous escape artist Houdini. It was said that when he was dying he told his wife that he would rise on the first anniversary of his death.

His wife went to the grave to wait, but nothing happened. For ten years, his wife checked on his grave on the anniversary dates but he didn’t come back.

However, on the third day after Jesus’ death on the cross the women who went to the tomb before sunrise found the tomb empty.

Paul wrote that if Christ had not risen from the grave, our preaching would be in vain.

Paul offered proof of the resurrection in verse 5 that Jesus was seen by more than five hundred people, as well as James and all the apostles.

But then Paul said, “I saw him.” As the song points out, “Living he loved me; dying he saved me; rising he justified freely forever.”

Jesus defeated death and offered to everyone this victory over death, but only if we believe in him.

Because he arose and now lives at the right hand of God the Father, we who believe in him can rejoice in the fact that we too will reign with him forever in heaven.

Evening service was called off.

Lily Langston had a birthday this week.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome for all to worship with us. Sunday mornings begin with Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship services at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meeting are held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. We are presently studying the life of Moses.

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

Submitted by Lucille Price Pierce