Christ Independent Methodist Church

On a perfect Sabbath Day, it was a blessing to go to church and give thanks for that opportunity.

Our service began with the congregational singing of three beautiful old hymns: “To God Be the Glory,” What a Day That Will Be” and “Spirit of the Living God.”

Dr. Mac Stinson’s sermon title was “Right in Front of Our Eyes.” His scripture was 2 Peter 1:16-21 and Matthew 17:1-9. This is often referred to as Transfiguration Sunday. That big word is not one we use very often. Quite simply, the word means to change.

Matthew tells that Jesus invited his closest three disciples—Peter, James and John—to go with him up on a high mountain. There, Matthew tells us that Christ was transfigured before them. Matthew tells us, “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light.“ Then the disciples saw two other individuals on that high mountain talking with their Master. The two newcomers were Moses and Elijah. But while Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

When the disciples heard this, they fell face down on the ground, terrified. When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus, who said to them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” But later, Peter told about this experience.

At the baptism of Jesus, a voice from heaven was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Moses and Elijah, who had been physically dead for hundreds of years, were standing there with him. They all heard the voice of the Almighty.

Join us next Sunday night for a special Singspiration Service. We will sing some favorite hymns and praise music, and we will have a couple of guest singers via YouTube. Hope you will join us.

Continue to pray for Mary Ann Carden, Bobby Varden, Sally Adams, Annelle Smith, Horace Carden, Bobbie Sammons and all others in need of prayer.

It was a joyful surprise to see Anna Adams in church on Sunday. She is in college in Kentucky and it is always nice to see her in church when she is home.

We welcome all visitors to our church and welcome you to come again. Have a blessed week!

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

It is such a blessing to have a time to meet with friends away from all the distractions the world has to offer and just let the Lord speak. If you are not taking advantage of this blessing, you are missing more than words can say.

As we gathered, we missed Bro. Derrell being with us, but God sent us a great message through Bro. Nolin Maudlin. The message, “Recipe for Revival,” was taken from 2 Chronicles 7:12-14. When things around us and the times we are experiencing are not as Christians would want them to be, there are reasons. There are also remedies for correcting these times. Conditions must be met. Just wanting changes to occur is not enough. We must be willing to take action. It is the responsibility of the Christian to be obedient to God in order to see changes. Being humble, submissive and willing to repent are requirements set by God. Asking God to show us what is wrong in our life is not a favorite thing for us to do, but it is necessary. If we don’t think anything is wrong, how can we know a change is needed? When Christians are willing to be obedient to God’s commands, revival and healing of our land will happen. This is just one of God’s promises to us.

Sunday evening’s message came to us from Luke 15:11-24. It was simply titled “Hog Pen Trail.” What are you doing with the life that you have been given? What kind of road are you traveling? As we look at these verses we might be made aware that our lives could be compared to one of these two sons. If we do identify with either of these sons, we are sure to cause our Father a lot of heartache. Our actions do have consequences. Both straying from the Father and being jealous of others are offenses that can break our fellowship with the Father. Repenting is what it takes to restore this relationship. If you have strayed, don’t let pride keep you from coming back to the Father’s house. He will welcome you with open arms.

We have many in our church family who need a touch from God. As you pray, please remember Tammy Harmon, Doug Liveoak, Jenny Hayes, Frances Higgins, Elladene Mims, Libby Warren, Gladys Franklin, Sarah Scott, Winston Liveoak and Barbara Liveoak.

On Thursday, March 13, we will have our monthly Prayer Walk at 4 p.m. This time of prayer will be followed by a church cleaning. Mark your calendars and make your plans to be a part of these events.

On March 18, the Association Vacation Bible School Clinic will be held at Mt. Carmel No. 1. If you are planning to work with your church’s VBS this is an event, you don’t want to miss.

Everyone is always welcome to worship with us at any time.