Bethany Baptist Church

We have been blessed this month by singing songs about Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and his wonderful resurrection. Bro. Steve’s messages have been focused on the events leading up to Christ’s betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection. Bro. Steve’s sermon on Sunday was “The Seven Sayings From the Cross.” his outline topics were “Forgiveness,” “Salvation,” “Affection,” and “Victory.”

Jesus’ first words from the cross were, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” showing his marvelous grace, and expressing concern for sinners and forgiveness for his enemies. The thief on the cross expressed his faith in Jesus and believed his promise: “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Jesus expressed his care and love for his mother: “Woman, behold thy son!” (speaking of John); and (to John), “Behold thy mother!”

Jesus shed his blood on the cross, accepting as his own the sin and guilt of every person in the world. This was the only time fellowship was ever broken between God and his son. God had to look away. Jesus cried, in Matthew 27:46, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)

Hanging there on the cross, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, Jesus said “I thirst.” The verse in John 19:30 contains Jesus’ words expressing his finished work and the sin debt being paid with the words “It is finished.” He then bowed his head and gave up the ghost. His final words are recorded in Luke 23:46: ”Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Hallelujah, what a Savior!

After the sermon on Sunday night, the church observed the Lord’s Supper, then we sang a hymn and dismissed.

Prayer list: Betty Biggs, James Bixler, Jean DeLoach, Doris and Verdie Glenn, Billie Neeley and Glenda Wallace.

See you Sunday!

Mars Hills Baptist Church

Jesus was born of a virgin in Bethlehem. He was born in a stable, his cradle a manger. He was raised the son of a carpenter in Nazareth. The same Jesus sat in a temple at the age of 12, listening and asking questions. His ministry lasted less than a handful of years, yet the world has not forgotten him. Jesus, the man of miracles, made the lame to walk, the blind to see, healed the leper and raised the dead. He inspired faithful disciples to follow him and become fishers of men. He was betrayed by one of the twelve, then arrested, beaten, and nailed to the cross. Jesus gave up is life for you and me, then was buried in a borrowed tomb, for he had no use of a permanent one. He rose from that tomb on the third day, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus: there’s just something about that name. Jesus is the reason for this blessed Easter season.

His teachings brought hope to a world filled with grief and sorrow. His death brought hope to the whole world. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.

His resurrection provided the way for all men to receive him and go to heaven to be with him; Jesus, who became sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” Jesus, the only perfect man, became sin on that old rugged cross of Calvary so that you and I might not dwell in a devil’s hell, but in heaven with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That old cross, that was so ugly, has become a thing of beauty to the Christian. We wear it around our necks, in our ears, on our wrists, on our clothing and on bumper stickers on our cars, but if we don’t wear him in our hearts, none of the other matters. Jesus: don’t betray him today. He stands at the door of your heart, asking to come in and dwell with you. Have you opened your heart’s door to him, the one who gave all he had to give, his very life, so that you and I might live forever? You can make this Easter the most special time of year for yourself and your family by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. When he knocks, open that door and let him in. You will never be the same again. Amen.

Our Easter service this Sunday will begin with Sonrise Service at 6 a.m., breakfast at 7 a.m., Sunday School at 8 a.m. and worship service at 9 a.m. Come out and be a part of this special time at Easter.

Please continue to pray for our church, our pastor and his family, the sick, the lost, the hurting, our country, our troops and our government. Please pray especially for our school children this week, out for Spring Break, that God will keep them safe from harm. God is good, all the time. Amen.