Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

At this time of the year we experience a lot of changes, such as the feel of the changing seasons in the air and the changes in children as they get back into the routine of school, but there are things that do not change: God’s love for us and the way to heaven remain the same.

After a time of praising God in song and stringed instruments, a piano special by Libby Warren and prayer, Bro. Ricky Hatchet brought a two-part message to us from Matthew 7:13-14 titled “Which Way to Heaven?”

Even though our time on earth is short—as a vapor—we do have an eternal destination. We must make our decision during this short span of time we have on earth as to where our eternal home will be. There are only two choices: heaven or hell.

There are a lot of gates to hell, but only one gate to heaven. The way to heaven is narrow, and the gate is strait; all along this narrow path are blocks put there due to the failures of mankind. The love that God has for his creation provides a way to remove these blocks and open up the gate. That love is given to us through his Son Jesus Christ.

When our daily choices are ones that are against God’s will and cause us to stumble on our path, we have to be willing to repent in order to be restored to our walk with God. Accepting Christ as our Savior is the first step on this road to heaven.

Choosing Jesus instead of the world may not be a popular thing to do with the people around you, but it is the only way to enter into the strait gate to heaven. Don’t be deceived by a false, easy access way that seems right but doesn’t have any restrictions. The broad way that leads to destruction is full of things that are enticing and self-fulfilling.

The criteria for entering the gate to heaven were set by God. The rewards of entering the gate to heaven are eternal. Also eternal is the punishment received by those who enter into the wide gate that leads to hell. Which one will you choose?

Before Bro. Hatchet brought the second part of the sermon to us on Sunday evening, he sang “Love Grew Where the Blood Fell.”

At the time of this writing, Minnie Childress is in Shelby Baptist Hospital in Alabaster. We ask that you remember her and her family as you pray.

Jennifer Watley will be returning to Houston next week for surgery. Please keep Jennifer, Wade, her boys and her parents lifted up to God during this time. There is no doubt that God can perform a complete healing in her if it is his will.

Also on our prayer list are Elladene Mims, Christy Lowery, Leona Liveoak, Libby Warren, Jenny Hayes, Tammy Harmon, Hilda Cary and Mary Maudlin.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

Samaria Baptist Church

What a mighty God we serve! We offer praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of little Caleb Harrison. Prayers are also offered for Bobby Patterson’s grandson, Sally Davis, and Aubrey Brown and his family in the loss of son Tim.

Even in the midst of sorrow, we all have so much to be thankful for. Jesus promised never to leave nor forsake us; therefore, we have hope in all things.

Stacy blessed our hearts with a beautiful song titled, “When God Has Another Plan.” It is such a blessing to have a pastor and his wife who serve so selflessly and exhibit the love of Christ.

Bro. Shane’s message was titled “Are You Listening?”

We know that a God who created the world and all that is in it doesn’t do this without a plan. Every man, woman and child is given an opportunity to know about Jesus. Nobody is left out. That’s not to say that everyone will accept Jesus, but there is not one person who will not be given the knowledge of Jesus and what he has done and will do for them.

We are touched by Jesus in so many ways, whether by beautiful singing, preaching or just a walking example of a Christ-centered life. He will find a way to reach us. The important thing is that we open our hearts to receive what he has in store. So in these days of pain and sorrow, of danger and ungodliness in our nation, we can know without a glimmer of doubt that God still cares about everything about you and me. He promised never to leave us, and that is not to be taken lightly.

Some people may think if they hide from God long enough that he will go away and they can live as they please. God loves us; He wants to save and care for us, and he will give every possible opportunity to us to be saved and transformed by his grace. We have an inner voice or tugging at us that tells us when we are doing something wrong. We also have the still small voice that speaks in love and guides us through when we submit fully to him.

We can have pure peace and joy in life, but only in his perfect will. So now that we have established that it’s never too late to begin again, when you hear the knock at the door, you can know that God’s time is now. He has the answers we seek, and it doesn’t matter where you are. Come to him, and leave all your burdens at his feet. “Are you listening?”

Please join us for wonderful worship at Samaria. We welcome you to join us. God bless you.

Submitted by Diane Fisher