Christ Independent Methodist Church

Our service began with congregational singing of three beautiful old hymns: “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus,” Covered by the Blood” and “He is Lord.”

The Rev. Dr. Mac Stinson’s scripture was taken from John 20:19-31. His sermon title was “Peace Be With You.”

It was evening of the first Easter Sunday. Earlier that morning, Peter and John had been to the tomb and discovered it empty. They saw the strips of linen, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. They knew something important had happened, but they were not sure what.

Mary, however, stayed behind and had a somewhat mystical experience. Weeping, she bent over once more to look into the tomb and saw what appeared to be two angels in white seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and one at the foot.

Then Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then John adds these words: “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” The rest of the story is that Jesus stood among them. He spoke to them and said, ”Peace be with you.”

Jesus wants his followers to have peace, which is our greatest need. Jesus says to each of us this day, “Peace be with you.”

Continue to pray for Bobby Varden, Mary Ann Carden and all of our members who are traveling.

This Sunday, we will continue to see the movie “24 Hours that Changed the World.”

We will have a yard sale on June 7. The money raised from the sale will go to our Community Fund to help others in need. As you are doing your spring cleaning, remember that anything you would like to get rid of, we would like to put in the sale. For more information, see Michelle Lutza.

Have a blessed week.

Samaria Baptist Church

Who will and who won’t? Individuals can be saved but unfortunately, everyone won’t be. Bro. Shane chose his text from Luke 13:23-28. We know we all have sinned and come short. Even as children, we learned that we have to invite Jesus into our lives. As he knocks on the door of our heart, it is up to us to accept his invitation to be saved. As much as God wants all to come to repentance, the time will come when he has to say, “That’s it!” Many will strive to enter in but it will be too late. We all need to take a long look at where we are spiritually and where we stand with Jesus.

Paul was a terrible persecutor of Christians. He looked for ways to punish and imprison those who claimed Christ. Knowing the mercy that our Lord showed to Paul and the forgiveness he received in order to become a minister of the gospel. We know that when we are saved, we make our reservation in heaven. While heaven is the greatest reward, it is not the only one. We have the grace and mercy of Christ while here on earth. This gives us joy and peace, even in the midst of trials. We have a Savior to turn to. We cannot judge others, but we all notice when other people have life-changing behavior. This is the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who trust and obey him.

We are not saved just because our parents are. It is a one to one proposition. Jesus is the way. Why waste time looking elsewhere for the only hope for a better life? When we have heard the Word proclaimed, and have read the message of Jesus, never again can we proclaim that we did not know what to do. Excuses are over. Today is the day to be saved for all eternity.

Prayer needs are for Betty McCary, Bro. Bennie Mims’ family in the death of his sister, Walter and Drusilla Hudgins, Harper Coker, Charles Bryant and J.T. Lloyd.

Special music today was “How Long Has It Been?” by Bro. Floyd Collins.

Join us at Samaria. Something good happens every Sunday. God bless you all.