Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawrence’s message was from Galatians 5:22. Goodness is a fruit of the spirit. We are to do good things to other people even when our human nature tells us to take care of No. 1 (ourselves). The Holy Spirit produces fruits in our life for the glory of God. We should display these fruits so that non-Christians should desire to become Christians.

Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not reformation but is regeneration. Changes in a Christian are not imitation but it is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Christians should have a good disposition.

A good disposition comes from a close walk with God.

It is loving others as God loves us, unconditionally. We should love others and not expect anything in return.

A good attitude or a person with a good attitude is easy to approach, friendly, and difficult to anger. Jesus befriended the hurting and the needy. He looked for sinners to save.

We should have a desire to do good to others. Good works give God glory. Faith without works is dead. Visiting the sick is an example of a good work. We should help carry others burdens and help the poor and hurting.

Everyone is invited to our fall festival Oct. 17.

We will have games starting at 4 p.m. and food at 5 p.m.

Come for plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

Everyone is welcome to come worship with us at Floyd. We are located at 3439 County Road 59, Verbena, AL 36091.

 

Corinth Church News

We had a wonderful service this past Sunday; if you weren’t there, you missed out.

We ask that everyone be in prayer for us as we search for a new pastor, and if anyone is interested in the part-time pastoral position, you can send resumes to Corinthmissionarybaptist@gmail.com.

Also, don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook to keep up with all the latest happenings and events.

As I sat down to write this article on this foggy Monday morning, my inbox was flooded with motivational quotes and pictures for “Motivation Monday.”

Sometimes we all need a little motivation.

Whether it be for a goal we set, or something to simply help us get out bed each day, we all need a little poke every now and then.

There is so much out there that can inspire and motivate us, and the Bible can do just that.

You just have to know here to look.

There is an answer to everything in there. It may not always be easy to find, but I can guarantee if you ask God, he’ll show you the way.

This week, as you go about your daily life, if you encounter something that worries, scares, depresses or makes you feel lonely, look to these verses for encouragement.

Worried? 1 Peter 5:7; scared, discouraged or lonely? Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:8; depressed? Psalms 34:18; tempted? 1 Corinthians 10:13.

There are so many more that can help you through life.

All you have to do look. You can check the album “Motivation and Inspiration” on our Facebook page for a daily dose of motivation, and if you have a great quote or picture you would like to share, post it on our wall.

My all time favorite verse, however, is John 8:32, “And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

That is a great feeling; freedom. As Americans, we experience a degree of freedom, but it is nothing compared to the freedom God offers. At the end of the day, if you know the truth, it is a wonderful, calming and peaceful feeling.

What more motivation do we need than to know that God loves us and we will one day walk and talk with Him?

I have been set free; have you?

Submitted by K.J. Bowen

 

Bethsalem Baptist Church

A baptism service opened the worship services up with Dillon and Katherine Simson baptized by Bro. Justin.

Sharion Williams directed the music for the service, and a celebration choir special was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

Bro. Justin preached from Galatians 3:25-29, 4:1, 5:16-17 and John 20:26-28 on the mark that never goes away.

Bible study for the evening service and Awana is held every Sunday night.

Prayer requests for the week included the students ministry in Florida, country and leadership, Allen and Casey Daniel and triplets, Linnie Hathcock, Marie Smith, Chuck Scott, Tim Scarbrough, Wendell Hand, Dyland Collum, Elaine Bridges and baby, Donna Vick, Bud Pike, Hunter Moore, Caleb Harrison, Buddy Knudson, Samantha Fitzgerald, Kyle Fulford, Michael Arnold, Kinlee Till, Peter Daughtery, Chad Mix, “MaMa” Mims, Kelli and Tim Milford, Stephanie Hinton, Paul Price, Myra Burnett, those facing cancer, the homebound and those living at an assisted living or nursing home.

Happy birthday this week to Alan Rice, Margie Littleton, Kendra Padgett, Hunter Moore, Anniston Payne, Tanner Payne, Taylor Payne, Thomas Payne, Stacy Jr., Cooper, Khloe Cox, Johnny Kelley, Dale Scott, Jared Chandler, Chris Easterling, Colton Chism, John Fleharty, Kim Carroll, Somer Granier, Austin Barber, Regean Parris, Stacey Porter, Brandon Blow, Beau Battaglia, Destin Ellison, Cameron Wright, Shawn Thorton, Nathan Emmerich and Dallas Lasiter.

Next Sunday morning, students in “D-Now” will share in the service time. Next Sunday evening, there will be an Awana fall festival.

Have a blessed week.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

 

Cedar Grove Church

A Harvest Fest will be Oct. 31 with details to follow. Prayer concerns include our pastors, our church family, those in hospitals and nursing homes, spoken and unspoken requests.

Pastor Jeff Carroll taught from John 11:17-44 titled, “Resurrection Power.”

Killing is a powerful action, as we see every day on the news.

The power to raise from the dead is far more powerful in itself, though as witnessed in the case of Lazarus, brother to Mary and Martha who had been dead and buried four days. Jesus wants us to hear and understand; he is the resurrection and the life.

We know anyone can take a life. Everything about us is tied in with Jesus, we do not control our destiny. We live in a world where the leader of countries, including ours, think they are in control and in power.

You know as a Christian who you are and where you stand with Christ.

Whosoever believeth in Jesus shall never die, but have everlasting life.

God does not have conditions. When we have exhausted every avenue, and we feel like we are at the end of our rope, or at the bottom of the barrel, that is when Jesus shows up right on time.

Jesus wept for two reasons including his human side for the hurt Lazarus’ death caused Mary and Martha and because of what sin had done to humanity.

God’s heart is breaking today, and he is grieved for those of us that are lost and not right with him.

God did not weep for Jesus when he hung on the cross because he knew Jesus would be OK; he wept for those of us and the ones in Jesus’ time on earth that have rejected Jesus.

All of this with Lazarus has happened to let us see the glory of God by him raising Lazarus from the dead.

Jesus had to call Lazarus by name because the resurrection power was at the opening of the tomb in the graveyard. Had he not called Lazarus by name, all the dead would have come forth when Jesus said, “Lazarus come forth.”

We were wrapped up in our clothes of sin, dead in our sin, when Jesus called us forth by name from that darkness.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His spirit who dwells in you.”

When you breathe your last breath, and your heart beats its last beat, where will you be? Do you have the assurance of the resurrection power?

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

 

Mt. Carmel No. Baptist Church

God granted us a wonderful day at Mt. Carmel last Sunday. We were blessed to have Bro. Bobby DuBois bring our morning message. His grandson, Jackson, was with him. He used scripture from Revelations 1:1-6 to deliver a message to say, “Help is here.”

Do you sometimes get to the point that you feel as though you need a help button to push? These verses are words from God sent through John to His people to let them know that help is on the way.

This help can bring happiness for those that keep these words. A clear understanding of these words leads in the right direction. We may have to go through rough times, but we can be sure God is with us.

We can have hope during the rough times. This hope is given to us by God’s grace. We can have peace during the difficult times knowing that God is always present. God is greater than any trouble that comes into our lives. He is willing to take our troubles when we become willing to give them to Him.

Bro. Travis Marler, his wife, daughter, mother, and mother-in-law were with us for our evening service.

Bro. Travis brought us an inspiring message from God he titled “You are not Forgotten.” He used 2 Samuel 9:1-13 as his text.

Have you ever been discouraged while waiting on God? These verses tell a story that should give us assurance that we are not forgotten no matter how bleak and dark the

circumstances of our lives become. The conditions surrounding the life of Mephibosheth was about as tragic as could be, but he had not been forgotten. Even though he felt unworthy, blessings beyond his expectations were bestowed upon him from the king.

Mephibosheth received these blessings because of the kindness his father had shown to the king. No matter where you are or how desperate your situation may be, God’s eyes never leave you and He is never too busy for you.

What we see as problems, God sees as possibilities.

It is great to have Mrs. Minnie Childress home from the hospital and able to attend church. Please continue to remember her as you pray.

Others on our prayer list this week are Jennifer Watley, Jenny Hayes, Elladene Mims, Leona Liveoak, Tammy Harmon, Kathy Smith, Christy Lowery, and Hilda Cary.

Upcoming events include: Oct. 18, Justin Nelson will bring our morning message; Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m., a fall festival will be held in the Family Life Center; a brotherhood breakfast will be held on Oct. 31, and during the Wednesday evening prayer meeting there will be a study on the book “14 Traits of an Effective Disciple.”

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

 

Bethany Baptist Church

On Oct. 11, Bethany Baptist Church met at 10 a.m. with a song, “His Way With Thee” and a devotion, “Solving Personal Disputes” from Matthew 18:15-17.

You have a dispute with one of the members of the church to which you are a member, you should go to the person and try to solve the dispute between yourselves.

If the member will not hear you and does not want to solve the matter, then you should take two or three more church members with you.

Sometimes that is not enough. If not, then you should tell the matter to the church, not the outside world, and if he will not hear you then, it will be time for church discipline.

The church should let him go, and though he will not lose his salvation, he will not be a part of the church until he asks forgiveness.

At this time, the church should restore him or (her) back into the fellowship of the church. The matter should not be brought up again, and all church members must truly forgive the person.

Church discipline is not to be done in a hateful manner, but in a loving manner so as to make the person know that he was in the wrong and needed to ask forgiveness.

We were dismissed with a prayer to Sunday School, followed with singing “When I See the Blood,” “Each Step I Take,” “At Calvary,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Bro. Aubry made the announcements and asked for prayer requests.

He then brought his message from Luke 7:11-17, “He Came to Me.”

The day after Jesus had healed the centurion’s servant, we find Him in Verse 11 coming to a city called Nain.

We, as saved people by the spiritual birth, are children of God.

When born again by the kingdom of God, because through the preaching of the Word, we hear the plan of salvation, trust Jesus that He will save us from our sins, then we accept Him as our savior. Jesus saves perfectly, completely and eternally.

In this passage of scripture, Jesus came to the city where a man was dead, his mother was widow.

Jesus came to her, had compassion on her and brought her son back to life.

We need to witness to the lost world, invite them to come to church, give them the plan of salvation, and if they accept the free gift of salvation, He will save them.

The people of the city of Nain who had come to the funeral of the dead man did not attend a funeral, but witnessed a miracle of Jesus.

Because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, he would die.

At the moment he ate, he died spiritually, then at the age of 930, he died physically.

Because of Adam’s sin, we were all born sinners.

Hebrews 9:27 tells us that it is appointed unto man to die, and after this comes the judgment of God.

We are made in the likeness and image of God. We live forever, either in hell or in Heaven.

Once saved, the Holy Spirit lives in us forever.

Psalm 9:17, the wicked (unsaved) will go to hell.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, shows that the wicked shall be revealed, and Ephesians 2:1,2 because of Adam’s sin, we were born dead, that is, sinners.

God wants us all to be saved. Come to Jesus, and ask Him to give a new life; He will!

When Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, came to us, we were dead. We can be saved and walk with God forever. Our physical body will die, but our spiritual body lives forever.

We closed with a song, “Wherever He Leads,” and a prayer.

Evening services began at 6 p.m.

We opened with a prayer and a song, “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Bro. Aubry welcomed our visitors and the Mattingly Family gospel group.

He then accepted prayer requests, and after a prayer, turned the services over to the Mattinglys.

They blessed our hearts with several songs and a message of what God can and will do for us.

We closed the services with a prayer and a song, “I Surrender All.”

A time of food and fellowship followed in the fellowship hall of the church.

Our prayer list this week includes our church, Bro. Aubry as pastor, and his upcoming surgery; sister Shirley Henry Moore, Myra, Grace, Debbie, Frankie, Jeanette and her entire family, J.C., Lisa, Colyn, Barbara W., Jenny, Vikii, Helen, Glenda, Charlotte, Evelyn K., missions and missionaries, Journey in Calera and missionary pastor Bro. Paul Armstrong and his family.

Most of all, pray for the unsaved that they will be saved.

Submitted by Jane Vines

 

Samaria Baptist Church

What a great day to be in the house of the Lord and know that we are washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Pray this week for the Headley family, Walter and Druscilla Hudgins, Debbie Brooks, Scotty Brantley family, the Stevens family, the Macon family, and Myra Davis.

Happy birthday this week to Mat Brander, Aubrey Brown and Kent Willis.

Stacey Wyatt blessed us with special music, “God Will Make This Trial a Blessing.” As the song says, “there’s no need to get discouraged. There’s no need to talk defeat. God will make this trial a blessing and the whole wide world will see.”

Bro. Shane’s message came from Proverbs 25:14, “Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.”

Do people see Christlike actions in us or are we clouds that look like rain, but no

rain falls?

God is calling us to be what he wants us to be, to follow his direction, and not just say that we are Christians. Some people want to call themselves a Christian only when they are around certain people. Do people know who you are?

Religion without change is like clouds without rain.

We religiously do a lot of things, but if we are going to be a Christian, things in our lives must change.

We can’t live two separate lives.

Everyone who “says” they are a Christian will not spend eternity in Heaven. We can hide things from people, but nothing is hidden from God.

James 1:22 says, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.”

We hear what we should do, but we have to make a decision of what to do with what we hear. God doesn’t force us to do anything, but he gives us the opportunity to follow him. Don’t be a “generic” religious people.

If you are a Christian, you should want people to know that you are a Christian. We should do all we can to live up to God’s call on our lives.

James 2:17 says that faith without works is dead. If we have faith, we must trust God. We can say we have faith, but it is nothing unless we take the step to trust God.

The hands of God will never fail. If we never truly trust the power of God, we will never have real faith.

Love without sincerity is like clouds without rain. We can say we love Jesus, but until we show our love, love is only four little letters.

Are we just trying to keep up with the “look” of a Christian?

We must allow the love of God to change our lives. We can put on a show, but Jesus says that there will come a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.

If we have only had the “look” of a Christian and never asked him to forgive us, repent, and allow him to be Lord of our lives, he will say, “depart from me, for I never knew you.

Our words don’t mean anything unless our life reflects what we say.

God tells us that just as he controls the clouds and the rain, he can change us and make us whiter than snow. Do we really love Jesus or are we practicing “generic” religion? Who would God say that you are?

Submitted by Connie Popwell

 

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to say a special thanks to the ones who came out to worship with us this past week.

Sunday morning services included a message from Proverbs 8:12-14 and other passages about “wise men still seek the Lord Jesus Christ today, but where are the wise?”

We looked at how the fear of God is where the wisdom of God begins, this wisdom comes from God, this wisdom has to be sought, this wisdom is attainable, and this wisdom found in ones receiving the word of God.

We hope that you have a scriptural fear of God as described in Proverbs 8:13 and have a desire for the wisdom that comes from God.

If so, no doubt you will be seeking even more understanding through careful and intentional study of the word of God.

Sunday night services included a message from Isaiah 38:1-22 on “An Appointed Time.”

Hebrews 9:27 makes it clear we all have an appointed time in death; other places in scripture make it clear we are not promised tomorrow.

But if today was all we had, would our house be in order?

If not, we like Hezekiah, need to turn to God in earnest prayer and get things right with Him.

There is a time appointed, there is a time for preparation, there is a time past, and if we get things right with God today, today will be a time for praise!

The sun had set for Hezekiah and darkness was setting in, but God turned back some time for Hezekiah.

There is no praise from the grave, death cannot celebrate, and if one goes down into the pit there is no hope for the truth, get things right with God while you still have today.

God’s perfect will for an imperfect people is that all will be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth, a will proclaimed by many, believed by few because it is still being rejected by most.

We hope you have received the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you are looking for a place to fellowship with believers and a place where the Bible is preached and taught, we would love for you to come visit us.

This Sunday is homecoming and “old fashioned day.”

We are looking for all kinds of folks that would like to come help us worship the Lord Jesus Christ and celebrate this special day that He has given us.

We are located south of Clanton just past the Dollar General off of U.S. Highway 31 and Fulmer Drive.

Our regular weekly services include Sunday School at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship services Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., Sunday evening services at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday night services at 6:30 p.m., and a Bible study every other Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Make plans to be with us for homecoming/old fashioned day Oct. 18 starting with the 10 a.m. services.

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

Submitted by Oscar Mims

 

Mt. Springs Church

Bro. Kenneth Moates started off our Sunday morning service with the following hymns: “Come Unto Me,” “I’d Rather Be an Old Time Christian,” “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” and “Where the Soul Never Dies.”

Before Sunday School, Trey Coker brought a devotion from 2 Chronicles 20:15, “Leave your battle in the Lord’s hands.”

How do you let God fight your battle? You should realize the battle is not yours, but it is God’s, recognize your human limitations, pursue God’s interest and not our own, and ask God for help in your daily battles.

After Sunday School, Bro. Heath Vines preached from Acts 9:31.

We should be walking in the fear of the Lord. God expects us to walk a certain way. We are told to work out our “own salvation with fear and trembling,” (Philippians 2:12).

Fear is having a reverent respect for God.

Trembling is being afraid to offend God in any way.

We can escape the fires of hell if we walk in fear of the Lord.

If you are not walking in fear, you will have no blessings, you will be compromising, you will not see the power of the cross, you will not repent, you will not walk through the pearly gates, and you will have no hope.

You have a choice to make.

Ask God to place that fear in your life. Are you willing to fear the Lord? You will answer. We need the fear of the Lord in our lives.

To start off Sunday evening’s service, Ricky Cleckler led the congregation in “Amazing Grace.”

Bro. Kenneth then brought a devotion from Thessalonians chapters 1 and 2, as he talked about Paul’s entrance, his message, and his results.