Rocky Mount UMC

In Act 15:1-11, we learn that Peter is incensed by the demands of the traditional Messianic Judean community in Antioch. They are demanding that Gentiles follow the original Mosaic laws before they can consider themselves fully saved by the blood of Christ. Human nature is the same today as then. We want to establish criteria for acceptance that insures those sitting next to us in church match our standards for Christianity. Pastor Guin drove home the point that we can’t learn, earn, work, buy, sing, teach, preach or lie our way into salvation.

When were you saved? For all believers that occurred on the cross of Calvary by the precious blood of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago. When will you accept that gracious gift of salvation is the real question. Look around you and recognize the signs. Don’t wait for the right time to confess your sins and believe on Jesus Christ. Do it now!

Join the Rocky Mount community as we lift up Ashlyn Blankenship’s softball team as they travel to the World Series for softball. We are proud of their accomplishment and want to pray for traveling mercies as they go to represent our community.

For those of you who like good food and fellowship, mark Thursday, July 10 on your calendar. Rocky Mount will host our monthly Hobby Day, “It’s Sew Fun.” This group supports many mission projects. In past meetings, dresses for orphanages in Cambodia and Guatemala, preemie blankets and lap quilts have been created. There have been other types of craft projects too numerous to list accomplished as well. Bring a dish and join the group for a blessed time. It’s always fun!

Samaria Baptist Church

Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 clearly explains that we must make an active choice. “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” By not making an active decision to serve God, the choice is made to serve the evil one. We cannot ride the fence, nor can we serve them both. We receive the opportunity to make a choice to give our lives to the Lord, because God doesn’t force us to accept him. However, the choice is very clear. There is no good that comes from delaying our decision. We must choose life so that all generations will be blessed with life as well. If we love him, we are to keep his commandments. He deserves our faithful service and dedication.

When we try to be part-time Christians, Satan uses this as a way to convince us that we need to give up and that our lives are not going well with God. This is another lie, and we are responsible to maintain our own spiritual growth and stay faithful to God. Never give the devil a chance to move into our lives. The end will surely be destruction. Praying every day and staying in the Word enables us to stay close to the Father, who will never leave us. This is how we are able to face the battles of tomorrow and make the decisions that are best for our lives.

If you knew your team would win the baseball game, you would watch with that inner confidence, no matter how hopeless it might look for a time. So it is with Christ. We know he will win the battle vs. Satan, and even when life situations look insurmountable, it is our faith in him that will make us winners against the devil.

There was very special music today. Darrell Willis sang “God bless the USA.” Stacy Wyatt sang “In Christ Alone” and “Nail It to the Cross.” Our birthdays today are Bro. Shane Wyatt, and daughter Lauren Wyatt on Monday, July 7.

We celebrated the birth of our nation last week. Let us continue to pray for God’s blessing on this great America. Join us at Samaria; you will be blessed.

Vacation Bible School begins on July 12 with registration, and then continues the following week. Pray for God to move in our children’s lives.

Prayers for Sam Dawson, the Bunion Porter family, Hank Stoneback, Barbara Collins, Tracy Mims, and our folks traveling to return home safely. Don’t forget: we have to choose.