Samaria Baptist Church

Our services Sunday were very exciting due to our Pastor Shane Wyatt being back from his mission trip.

It was very rewarding to hear about the wonderful works of God the Father while in a foreign land on mission. We are grateful for his safe return, and we jokingly tell him he cannot go again.

Prayer concerns today are for the Smitherman family, Diane Bullard, Paul Shearon, Garrett Lenoir, the Pattersons, Diane Greer and Drusilla Hudgins.

Our group of Floyd Collins, Jerry Greer, Cheryln Stoneback, Lauren Wyatt, Stacey Wyatt and Diane Greer sang “Jesus is Coming Soon.”

This is a theme that everyone is promoting today as the world becomes more eroded with sin and degradation.

We do not always want to believe it, but Jesus is going to return some day and we must be ready to meet him. Happy birthday greetings go out to Gaines Silas and Floyd Collins.

Our Pastor’s sermon was taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8. Satan stays busy everyday trying to keep us from worshiping God.

We have a lot of fears and phobias that hinder us from giving everything to our Lord Jesus Christ. We will be happy and free if we allow the Holy Spirit to control us.

One of the most damaging causes of mental anguish is a strong fear of the unknown. It is frightening to go through life with inhibitions of fear gripping at us.

We cannot enjoy anything in life if we are continuously fearful of what tomorrow may bring.

God is already in tomorrow, so it is very simple that we surrender our days and nights to him, knowing that he is able to sustain us if we trust in him.

Paul’s letters to Timothy were written as Paul sat in prison, knowing that Paul’s days were diminishing, and his time was almost over.

He needed Timothy to become emboldened and ready to carry on the Ministry of Jesus Christ.

Circumstances can often cause us to react before we think our situation through. In times of stress and distress, let us examine ourselves by looking in the mirror to evaluate where we are spiritually.

We must realize that we all make mistakes, but seeking the power of a living and loving God who longs to see us become warriors for him will make a difference in our lives.

Satan has lost the war, so please make sure he knows who your battle leader is, and do not give him the satisfaction of seeing you fail.

God bless and keep you today is our prayer. Amen.

Submitted by Diane Fisher Greer

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawerence’s message was from Luke 4 and dealt with our spiritual battle.

Every day as Christians we have a battle inside of us. It is not a physical battle we can contend with.

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness.

We are fighting against Satan. The battle really begins when we trust Jesus. Satan is trying to get us out of the will of God.

Temptation is a big part of this war. Satan confronts us with it, but if we have the Bible in our heart and can quote it like Jesus did, we can have victory over Satan.

We need to study our Bibles and apply it to our lives so that we will know how to fight Satan when these battles come.

The word of God is our offensive weapon against Satan.

Floyd will be having “Family Night” on Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be plenty of food and fellowship, and everyone is invited.

Everyone is welcome to come worship with us at Floyd. We are located at 3439 County Road 59 in Verbena.

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

There is not any better way that I can think of to celebrate Valentine’s Day than gathering in God’s house with other Christians.

For many, Valentine’s Day is a time for showing love to those special people in their lives. Bro. Travis continued God’s message to us from John 3:16 on “Love of God”.”

No human love can ever match this love. Love always give what we need, not what we want. This is what we have in the gift of Jesus Christ. He is what we need.

In the giving of Jesus, God turned the world upside down, but not in the way the people were expecting. The law did not offer the perfect way.

He did not give a long list of dos and don’ts because he knew man’s sinful nature could not fulfill them. The way he gave is simple and takes us as we are. It is offered and available to whoever will accept it.

We find this good news at the foot of the cross. What God gives satisfies whatever need you may have.

This love satisfies the full wrath of God. It paid the wages of past sin, present sin and all future sin.

The love of God satisfies a longing and void in man’s heart that nothing else can. It fixes the biggest problems, ceases strife, and brings peace to a troubled soul.

God’s love is a true love. Why would you turn so great of a gift away?

Going along with the message from John 3:16, our evening service began with Kaitlyn Burnette signing to the very inspiring song “What Love is This.”

Bro. Travis continued the message by reminding us even though things of society are getting complex and complicated, but the way to the cross is not.

The love of God has simplified the way of salvation for us. He did this because he loves us and wants us to know where our trust needs to be placed.

The message is simple and needs to be shared that God is love! He does not reject or turn away anyone that will accept this message. God loves sinful men.

On Saturday night, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks to everyone that had a part in planning, decorating and preparing the food for this special time.

The children and youth did such a great job serving the adults. We are so proud of them.

Following the meal, we had a great time playing bingo. The food, fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all.

Each week we share names of those in our church that have special needs. Most of the time the needs are physical, but sometimes the need may be something that is not physical.

It is such a blessing to know that God can take care of any need we may have.

Our list this week includes Mary Ellen Campbell, Jennifer Watley, Lou Liveoak, George and Jean Campbell, Hilda Cary, Frances Higgins, Dee Roper, Mary Dean Higgins, Mary Maudlin, Leona Liveoak, Gladys Franklin, Elladene Mims, Virginia Church, Minnie Childress, Robert Childress, Derrick Griffin and several unspoken.

We had several praise reports telling of how God has answered prayers this past week.

Looking ahead to things that are happening: Saturday there will be a Brotherhood breakfast at 7 a.m. followed by a men’s workday; adult choir practice after Sunday evening service; a bridal shower for Abby Mueller and Jonathan Bowman will be held on Feb. 27; VBS Association Clinic at 7 p.m. March 15.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

Rocky Mount Methodist Church

We look forward to celebrating the birth of our preacher’s first grandbaby, Ariel Rae Russo.

Next Sunday we will have our regular Sunday School at 10 a.m. followed by Worship at 11 a.m. and a Lenten lunch together with a bowl of soup.

We will shower Ariel and her mother, Mary Guin Russo, with gifts and love. You are invited to join us at 2 p.m. Sunday.

If you would like to help them get started but cannot make the shower, leave a message at the church office if would like someone to pick up your gift.

The Christian Broadcasting Network joined us last Saturday and did some filming for an upcoming segment on our gun range.

We enjoyed having them as our guests and look forward to seeing their presentation. They were very complimentary of our setup and the hospitality shown them.

Sunday’s scripture came from Luke 4:1-13 and was entitled “Temptation is at Every Corner.”

Just like all of us, Jesus was tempted, yet he did not sin. Jesus resisted Satan with the word of God.

So many popular people have fallen victims of temptation and fallen from their positions. We must know the scriptures and use them to resist, and you need to be aware of what God expects of you.

Study the scriptures and hold to the truth.

Submitted by Betty Janney

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “Beulah Lord.”

Bro. Ken’s (Daniel) message was from Luke 3. He titled his message “Loving if Forgiving.”

Who is right and who is wrong?

Mercy and grace was introduced, and we need to be careful not to judge. The key is a loving relationship.

During evening service Bro. Ken’s message was from 2 Corinthians 1:12-22. His title was “The Relationship Aspect of Ministry.”

Bro. Ken talked about Paul’s affliction in Asia. Paul’s sincerity is reported and his itinerary and visit to Corinth was delayed.

Paul’s pastoral burden was also discussed.

Our homecoming committee is looking for old pictures or mementos to use for our 100- year homecoming.

Opportunities for the future include: Feb. 26-27: $254 per couple at the Springs Marriage Event which includes lodging, meals and program costs. Visit www.togetheratthesprings.org.

Feb. 27: Renew, A Day Away with Friends–Women of all ages at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 28: G.A. Recognition Service.

March 3-6: Ladies’ Beach Retreat.

March 19: Pancake Breakfast–Fundraiser for the youth department from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

April 9: Save a Life Walk–See Alisha for more details.

May 2: Senior Adult Evangelism Conference at Taylor Raod Baptist Chuch in Montgomery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission and no registration.

May 8: Sandi Patty’s Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour at First Baptist Church in Prattville at 6 p.m. Cost is $25 and $18.50 for seniors 60-plus.

May 12: OASIS 2016: A Refreshing Event for Senior Adults at Mt. Hebron West Baptist Church beginning at 1:30 p.m. Allison Durham Speer, Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon and Frank Jones will all be there. Tickets are $15 if purchased by April 22.

June 3: Men’s fishing trip–See Dusty for more details.

June 20-24: VBS–Cave Quest.

Oct. 17-20: Celebrators Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. with Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Phil Waldrep, Dennis Swanberg, Greg Buchanan, Michael W. Smith, Steve Green, The Gather Vocal Band and Charles Billingsley. Visit www.celebrators.org.

Happy birthday to Lauren Davis Collum.

Prayer requests for Wendi Kendricks’ family, Betty James, Faye Honeycutt, Patty Headley, Susan Davis, Ernest Fike, Matthew Jones, Pat Holt, Rachel Lowrey, Mr. McCall and Joann Lyles.

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to say a special thanks to everyone who attended services this past week. Thank you each and every one for all you do for the purpose and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday morning services included a message from 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 and other passages titled “A Church on Fire or a Church in the Fire?”

We looked at passages about the purging and purification process and how judgment must first begin at the house of God.

This is God’s way of getting the things out of the way that hold may us back from being in a better position to receive the blessings that God wants us to have.

For every impurity that is removed God is wanting to fill that spot with something much better, we just need to trust God when we are going through the fire.

Sunday night services concluded our study through the Book of James, and as we finished James chapter 5 we looked at “The Lord’s Will Be Done.”

In this chapter alone we can see the Lord’s will being done in the heathen. We can see the Lord’s will being done through the believer’s, and the Lord’s will being done through his word.

We pray that you are saved and seeking the Lord’s will for your life today.

We are located in south Clanton just past Dollar General right off U.S. 31 on Fulmer Drive. Please come visit with us this Sunday.

Our regular weekly services include Sunday School starting at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship services Sunday at 10 a.m., as well as Sunday services beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday services start at 6:30 p.m., and we have a Bible study on every other Tuesday 7 p.m.

Check us out on Facebook or Twitter, and for other services and events visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com or call Pastor Oscar Mims at (205) 755-9399.

Submitted by Oscar Mims

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

Sunday morning, Ricky Cleckler led the congregation in the hymns of, “Joy Unspeakable,” “Just a Little Talk With Jesus” and “Fill My Way Everyday with Love.”

Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 & 13 that was entitled “Love Can be a Rock.”

Love when it is given away is true love. Take a look at Jesus on the cross, and that is true love.

God is love. We know how to love, when we love God.

Bro. Randy Munter preached from 1 Peter 5:8-9 and spoke about how the works of the devil are a dictatorship.

He does his best to bring fear and intimidation into our lives to freeze us in our place. The subtle servant will deceive, warp, and pervert the word of God as he tries to fill you with doubt. There is nothing good about Satan.

Despite the works of the devil, God is completely sovereign and in control of all of his creation.

We do not know how are strong our faith is until we are tested. God will not let you be put under any more than you can bear. God is over all things. God is bigger.

Sunday evening, the congregation sang the following hymns: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” “Higher Ground” and “O I Want to See Him.”

Brad Shaw brought the devotion Sunday night from 1 Peter 3:15 and Matthew 4:1. We need to stay in God’s word so we will be ready when we go out into the field to tell others about God. God knows how well you know his word. Be ready and locked into his word all week, not just on Sunday.

The more you study God’s word, the deeper you want to go.

Roger Cleckler sang, “Just Any Day Now,” while Bro. Munter preached from 1 Samuel 14:24 and 29.

You cannot export what you do not have. We are to be energized with Christ so we can present Christ to a dying world.

Bro. Randy titled his message, “Enlightened with Honey.”

Honey is the emblem of the purest wisdom and the glory of God in his word. When we taste of the honey (God’s word), we are empowered. Be changed every day. Be free every day. Stay in God’s word to obtain the life of God in you.

If you want eternal life, you must have the eternal word of God. Everything we need to enter into the presence of God is gained through the knowledge of God.

Through the word, we are given great and precious promises. Be full of the word of God.

Submitted by Savannah P.

Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Announcements: A tentative date of Feb. 27 has been set for another live Radio Revival Broadcast from Cedar Grove Church with a local Clanton radio station. Wednesday service begins at 7 p.m. entitled “Study On The Rapture” brought to you by Bro. Wayne Castleberry.

Prayer Concerns include our pastor, our church family, our radio broadcast, those in hospitals and nursing homes and for the spoken and unspoken request.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text came from John 17: 1-5 and was titled “The Three Prayers of Jesus.”

Prayer is a tool to reaching Jesus. Jesus is on the main line and we are praying for the anointing of God, courage, wisdom to understand God’s word, obey his guidance, to have the power of the Holy Ghost, be stronger in faith and more like Jesus.

Jesus’ prayer for himself: “Father the hour has come glorify your son, that your son may glorify you.” Jesus glory was at this point about to be put on the old rugged cross for us. This is eternal life that they may know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Jesus knew he could walk back through the door to the father. People are looking for glory in this world, but there is no greater glory than to be able to walk through the gates of Heaven.

After Jesus was placed in the tomb, he went down to hell, to take the keys to death, hell and the grave from Satan.

When Jesus was raised from the dead he was in a glorified body, Jesus said “And now O Father, glorify me together with yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was.”

Eternal life is only available through Jesus Christ. Eternal life is not a span of time, but there is no measurement to eternity.

Eternity is life in Jesus Christ, and a relationship with God. There is no limit if you know and believe in Jesus, you will never die.

Jesus has a great desire for us to make it to eternal Heaven. The soul that sins shall surely die, and though Jesus was void of all sin, he chose to die on the cross that we might be redeemed.

In closing, Jesus did all that he could so we could have everlasting life that so many care so little about.

Jesus desires that we be hot or cold, not lukewarm our lack of desire is what makes us lukewarm, a condition which will cause Jesus to have to say depart from me for I never knew you.

We are to strive to be more Christ like, have a relationship with God the father. We are to have no worry of time.

What do you suppose Jesus is doing, right now at this moment? He is making intercession for us. How is your prayer life?

Do you have Jesus on the main line? Do you have a relationship with Christ our Lord and Savior?

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our Valentine’s Day of worship was wonderful, and Bro. Cleve sung a special “How He Loves Us So,” while we read scripture.

Bro. Justin preached from Acts 2:42-47 and 2 Corinthians 5:11-14. It was entitled “Love Daily Giving, Do We Trust God for His Love.”

Our celebration choir special was “Amazing Love,” and it was beautiful.

Come worship with us on Sunday nights, as we have Bible study.

Wednesday will be a family supper at 5:30 p.m. with adult prayer meeting and the Outlet for Students, children’s choirs following at 6:30 p.m.

Pray this week for our country and leadership, Judy Smitherman, Bobbie Tipton, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Glasscock, Debra Mims, Ruth Carter, John Flowers, Cassie Green, Brayden Cooper, Zoey Neiman, Shanna Carraway, Evelyn Green, Wendell Hand, Pat Littleton, Dreama Thomas, Allen and Casey Daniel, Donna Vick, Caleb Harrison, Lynn Cox, Mike Smith, Melissa Langford, Kathy Fitzgerald, Kinlee Till, Peter Daugherty, Chad Mix, Stephanie Hinton, Paul Price, our homebound, assisted living and nursing home residents, those facing cancer and all who need salvation.

Happy birthday this week to Drew Edwards, Aylene Enriquez, Roy Martin, Michelle Evans, Devan Gallet, Kayla Knight, Shirley Wesson, Robbie Thomas, Cody Stange, Reese Sims, Janet Hand, Joel Gray, Vicki Wilson, Katye Bevers, Perry,Benjamin, Carleigh Mims, Breanna Britton, Andy Gaither, Patty Staggs, Robbie Thormell, Jeff Pack, John Allen Britton. Seth Wendell and Katie Wilkins.

Have a blessed week and come worship with us on Sunday.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson.

New Salem Baptist Church

Sunday services begin at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the youth.

Afterwards, they presented a video of their recent trip to Tennessee. The breakfast was well attended and enjoyed by all.

The morning worship service began at 11 a.m. with congregational singing, as Bro. Reeser’s message was taken from John 3:16.

Christ came to offer his life as a substitute for us. He freely gave his life and left his message on the cross, “I love you.”

As he hung between heaven and earth he prayed for those who were putting him to death, and then he cried out “it is finished.”

The plan of God to redeem fallen man was complete. The shed of blood was for each one of us, but no one is refused of his offer of eternal life if they will accept him and repent of their sin.

As Paul wrote, “believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord.”

The 5 p.m. service opened with a congregation song. Bro. Reeser called the church into monthly business meeting following a short devotion by J.C. Pierce.

Birthdays this week were, Bro. Larry Reeser, Alan Reeser, Judy Payton, Jayden Covington, Shirley Easterling and Brooklyn Reeser.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with us.

Weekly services include: Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study and prayer meeting at 6 p.m. Presently we are studying the Model Prayer.

You are invited to join with us at any of our services, and if you need additional information call (205) 389-1102.

Submitted by Lucille Price Pierce