Mt. Carmel No. 1

On this cloudy Sabbath, we had a glorious time with the Lord. We were few in number, but knowing Jesus is the most important treasure that God can give us. We were thankful to be with our friends and visitors this Sunday morning.

Following the song service and the singing of “Onward Christian Soldiers,” Bro. John Dennis brought the message titled “Preparing for War,” Ephesians 6:13-18. Paul was in prison at this time. Looking at the Roman soldiers and all their armor, Paul said for the Christian to put on the whole armor of God, truth and righteousness, your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us we are called to defend our faith. We have to stand firm on our faith. Helmet of salvation, our guarantee of eternal life. How do we have this eternal life, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit?” We experience discouraging situations every day, but God is your strong deliverer and your comforter.

Sunday night, Bro. John preached from the book of Proverbs 22:1: “The Value of a Good Name.” A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. We looked at the names we are called. Believers – by faith and belief, we please God. Brothers – when we become saved, we are born into the family of God, brothers and sisters in the family of God. Disciples – to be a disciple, we agree to follow the leadership of God. Saint – to be a dedicated person, a brother to God, called to be set apart. Christians – we are called Christians because we are supposed to be “Christ-like.” We should have the desire to be Christ-like and strive to live a life to be Christ-like.

Wednesday night Bible study will be the study of Moses. Read about Moses and come study with us at mid-week service.

Remember Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., the Evangelism Rally will be held at Clanton First Baptist Christian Life Center. Dr. Bob Pittman will speak, and music will be by Paid In Full. We will move our Sunday night service to Clanton Christian Life Center.

We come to church so we can grow stronger in faith, and we draw strength from each other. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Come worship with us or go to the church of your choice this Sunday. God bless you. Remember to pray for the sick ones and all our prayer requests.

Christ Independent Methodist

Our morning service began with congregational singing of our hymns of praise, “Praise Him, Praise Him” and “Our Riches in Christ,” followed by our statement of faith repeated in unison, “The Apostles’ Creed,” and “Grace Greater than Our Sin” and “We Bring the Sacrifice.”

Dr. Mac Stinson’s sermon title was “Enough Craziness.” His scripture reading was from Ephesians 5:15-20. In this scripture, the Apostle Paul writes that we are to “make the most of every opportunity.”

Paul continues then, “Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Regardless of age, one question we all must answer is how do we make the most of every opportunity while avoiding the pitfalls of life? The first serious advice the Apostle Paul give us is to keep a clear head.

The Lord gave us a brain to help make decisions. We are on our own to avoid the addictions that are destroying people’s lives. When we cloud our brain’s ability to think clearly by the use of drugs, alcohol and wrong companions, we are on the road that leads to debauchery. If we could keep people from driving while drinking, many innocent lives could be saved.

God wants all Christians to enjoy an abundant life. But he does not force his will on anyone; he gave each of us freedom of choice. He did leave us his word in the Holy Bible as a road map to lead us to the heavenly home he has prepared.

Let us take Paul’s words from Ephesians “to make the most of every opportunity” and put behind us “enough craziness” that we encounter here on earth.

Continue to pray for Dr. Mac Stinson, his daughters, Anne and husband John, on their way home from Africa as medical missionaries, Carl and Anne Glass, Ople Miller, Mary Ann Carden, Cathy Lufta, our military, their families, our community, church, and each other, Christians worldwide, and little Israel.

Sunday we enjoyed our One Dish Dinner following morning worship. We surprised our pastor with a birthday cake and then helped him enjoy eating it.

Mark your calendar for our Homecoming Celebration on Sept. 16.

As our August Community Project, we prepared care bags for JMS, JHS and CCA teachers. Men, women and youth from our church met to prepare these care bags and were assisted by our pastor, Dr. Mac Stinson and wife, Glenda.

Our Bible study classes on Wednesday and Sunday nights are informative and interesting. We invite you to come and learn along with us.

Have a blessed week.