By Emily Agee

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I hear record of myself, yet my record is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come” (John 8:10–20).

Thought for the week: ‘God’s Hall of Fame’

“Your name may not appear down here

In this world’s hall of fame;

In fact, you may be so unknown,

That no one knows your name.

The Oscars here may pass you by,

And neon lights of blue;

But if you love and serve the Lord,

Then, I have news for you!

This hall of fame is only good

As long as time shall be;

But keep in mind, God’s hall of fame

Is for eternity!

To have your name inscribed up there

Is greater, yes, by far,

Than all the hall of fame down here,

And every man made star.

This crowd on earth they soon forget

The heroes of the past;

They cheer like mad until you fall,

And that’s how long you last!

But God, he never does forget,

And in his hall of fame,

By just believing in his son,

Inscribed you’ll find your name.

I tell your friend, I wouldn’t trade

My name, however small,

That’s written there beyond the starts

In that celestial hall

For every famous name on earth

Or glory that they share;

I’d rather be an unknown here,

And have my name up there!”

Announcements

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the choir with Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lowery directing. The message for today is: “The Power of Words.”

It’s easy to let whatever pops into our heads pop out of our mouths, but the Bible reminds us that our words have power. We’re responsible for how we use that power. Will we hurt or heal? Build up or tear down? Allow faith to help you choose wisely. It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

For some people, faith is a very private part of their lives. But you have a story to tell that others need to hear. Sharing how God is at work in your life gives others permission to ask spiritual questions. Don’t worry about not having all the answers. You can’t. An infinite God will always be bigger than our finite minds can comprehend. But saying aloud what you believe is part of living and growing in your faith. Benediction was by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Mrs. Berth Pasley in their time of bereavement. Funeral services were held earlier this week. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week, we ask you to remember in your prayers: James Singleterry, Lee Anna Worthey, Martha Binion, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Dorothy Sims, Mildred Archie, Nathan Shortridge, Larry Wilson and J.R. Booker. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in his care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.