“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” (Romans 10:8-17).

Thought for the week: “Just Hold Still”

“The power of God knows no limit, nor any impossible hill; don’t strive for your way, he hears when you pray, and you needn’t hold out, just hold still. There are no un-crossable rivers, when you abide in His will, keep trusting in Him, though the way grows dim. You don’t need to hold out, just hold still. The hairs of your head are all numbered, he’s there in the storm and the chill, take the straight narrow road, he will help with the load, you won’t need to hold out, just hold still. There’s a mansion awaiting in Heaven, where His glory the city does fill. Heaven knows no despair, lift your eyes; see Him there; you don’t have to hold out, just hold still.”

Announcements

The Oak Grove Baptist Church Youth Department in Stanton will hold a workshop today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme will be, “Building a Better Tomorrow With Today’s Youth.” Alabama State Sen. Hank Sanders will be the special guest. All youth are invited to attend. The Rev. Billy Cabbil is pastor. Lunch will be served.

Your presence is requested for the drama, “Broken But Not Destroyed” written by First Lady Theresa Sailes and Bro. Dante Sailes and performed by Hopewell Drama Team at Hopewell Baptist Church in Clanton on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. The Rev. Larry Sailes is pastor. All are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service led by the senior choir with prayer, scripture and songs. Scripture was read by Perry Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Kevin Nunn and Carl Singleterry.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Part 2: How to Become a Complete Christian.”

Lots of people want to be saved, but is the Church in position to bring them to Christ? Are you in fellowship with God? Have you been introduced personally to Jesus, and is he your Lord and Savior? As Christians, our task is to seek and save that which is lost. Tell sinners what God did for you.

Three things must happen before you can help: 1) Stop doubting God. Nothing is too hard for God. Don’t find ways to hurt others. Let the word chastise; let God tell what’s wrong, and don’t attack people at Church. Get to know folks, and God will change them. Tradition creates doubt; stick to God’s word.

2) Obey God’s instructions and do it his way. Read and ask questions, but obey him. Seek guidance from him.

3) Be available to tell the story — the story of Jesus. He died but arose the third day, and because he got up there is joy. I can be saved. Cornelius and his whole house heard the story and accepted Jesus. Tell sinners he is a healer who will never leave you.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mary E. Peoples in their time of bereavement. Mrs. Peoples will be funeralized today at 2 p.m. at Bethel Grove Baptist Church in Plantersville. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Luther Lee, Linda Clay, Lee Anna Worthey, Queen Worthey, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Robert Robinson, William White, Judy Martin, J. D. Scott and Joseph McCall. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Note: Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.