Bethany Baptist Church

Prior to the Sunday morning message, a ladies group sang “Only Trust Him.” Bro. Steve used Amos 3:1-8 for his sermon, “Walking With God.”

God loves his people and chastens them when they are disobedient. In Verse 3 of the text, God asks if two can walk together except they be agreed. This can be used for many relationships, but is most important in our walk with God. Bro. Steve used three ways that God and we can be agreed and walk in harmony. First, we must be reconciled to him by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. Second, to walk with God in fellowship, we must continue on in the Word of God so that we will move in the same direction and purpose as God. Third, we must conform to the Son of God. The more we yield our will to his will, the more like him we will be. This week, let’s walk with God.

Sunday night, Bro. Steve’s message was “The Power of the Tongue” from James 3:1-12. Because our words, and how we use them, are very powerful; we should keep them under control. Words can be destructive, like fire, and can spread quickly. Once spoken, they can’t be brought back. Verses 7 and 8 say that wild animals can be tamed, but the tongue is unruly and can’t be tamed; it is full of deadly poison. The words we use reflect what is in our heart. We should praise God with our mouth and use kind words to encourage each other.

Prayer list: Betty Biggs, James Bixler, Doris and Verdie Glenn, Hubert Griffin, Mildred Griffin, Ernestine Hatch, Laverne and Dick Hayes, Ethel Kelly, Billie Neeley and Skipper Wallace

See you Sunday!

Mars Hill Baptist Church

It was truly great to be back in the house of our Lord today, and “Great” was the theme of the message from our Pastor, Bro. William Short.

The sermon was taken from Psalm 38:16-22, “For I said,’Hear me, lest they rejoice over me. Lest, when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me.’” We are not a perfect example of Christ, not on any given day of the week, and when we slip and fall out of grace, our enemy, Satan, is there, ready to remind us of our shortcoming. He’s ready to drag us down into the pit with him, but God is great and he forgives us our sin. He sets our feet on the path to heaven when we fall on our knees and ask him to do so. Yes, great are those who are against Christians. We are a minority on this earth and there are those who are just waiting to bring us down, gossiping about us when we fall, pushing us a little farther off the road. God is great. He never leaves us nor forsakes us, and he is there when we need him. God is almighty, the creator of this world in which we live.

We are fighting a great enemy. It’s time to stand up and let our voice be heard. I hope you voted this week, and whether your presidential candidate won or lost, it’s now up to you and me to pray for our leaders. It’s time to get America back to God, and the only way that can happen is through feverent prayer, on bended knee with heads bowed to a Holy God, asking him for the help that only God can give.

Our sin is great. The Psalmist, in verse 18, says that he is in anguish over his sin; his sin, not someone else’s sin. We have a great tendancy to feel the sin of others is much greater than our own. We place blame on our circumstances, the economy, our family, everywhere but where it truly belongs, which is on our own shoulders. The bible says, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” It also says that a tree is known by the fruit it bears. Are you a fruit bearing tree, or is your spiritual life barren? Are you standing on the promises or sitting on the premises? We serve a great God; ask him for guidance about visiting that neighbor who never goes to church or that family member who is not saved. You can bear fruit through the guidance of a great and holy God. Our problems, as a family, church, country and nation, rest with you and me. Only when we take responsibility for our own sin can we begin to grow and move forward in Christ. Jesus did nothing wrong, but he died on the cross for our sin. We may go our entire life without ever being invited to dine with the governor or the president, but Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, has invited us to his house. The invitation is issued to all who will hear and ask him into their hearts. He wants us to come and dine with him, to be his child. He will take care of you always. Are you ready to dine with Christ? If not, ask him now, today, and he will forgive your sins and make you a child of the King. Yes, we slip and fall, and others laugh. Our sin is great, but our God is greater. We are weak, but he is strong.

We appreciate our visitors this week and hope that you will come again. Our Thanksgiving meal will be on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Everyone is invited to come, bring a dish and enjoy great food and fellowship. On Nov. 25 at 5 p.m., the Kempters will be bring us worship in song. Make your plans to hear this wonderful group of Christian singers; they will bless your heart.

Pray for our church, the sick, the lost, our troops and our country. God is great all the time. Amen.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

How far are you willing to go for Jesus Christ and Christianity? Bro. Phil started off Sunday’s worship service by relaying a very interesting story of Christian X, the King of Denmark, during World War II. A German flag was found to be flying over a hotel in Copenhagen. The king observed this and told a German soldier that this was a violation of the armistice agreement, and that it must be taken down. The King was advised that it would not be taken down. The king told him that it would be taken down or he would send a soldier to take it down. Again, he was told it would not be taken down, and if a soldier was sent to take it down, he would be shot. The king responded, “The soldier will be me!” According to the story, the flag was taken down.

Christians are dying daily for their faith, yet we find it hard to believe how many will not even stand up to be recognized as a Christian. Along with our beliefs, we need to have a true relationship with God. We need to continue to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus’ last words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We, too, must ask for forgiveness and be willing to forgive others. Love those that are hardest to love. Love yourself and others, and love God in exchange for his love for you. We love because he first loved us.

On Nov. 18, following the morning worship, we will have a Thanksgiving potluck lunch. You are invited to bring a dish and join us in a time of thanksgiving and fellowship.

We hope you are receiving a blessing from hearing our Sunday morning sermon on WKLF 95.5 FM on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. Our church office number is 688-2204. Feel free to call and leave a message. Someone will get back with you as soon as possible.