Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist Church met at 10:00 a.m. and sang, “Heavenly Sunlight”. It was followed with a devotional by Bro. Larry Miller, “Peter’s Remembrance of This Event,” II Peter 1:16-19. Peter’s life on earth was drawing to a close, beginning in v. 14 and he wanted the people to remember all the things he had taught them from the Holy Word of God. He had heard God speak while he was with Jesus, James and John at the Mount of Transfiguration, Luke 9:288-36. He wanted the people to remember the event which is recorded in these verses.

Following the devotion, we were dismissed with a prayer to S.S., after which we sang “Take Time to Be Holy,” “Wonderful Grace Of Jesus,” “When I Get To The End Of The Way,” and “When I Can Read My Title Clear.”

The announcements were made:

Fifth Sunday a.m. services followed with lunch in the fellowship hall. After lunch we will pass out VBS flyers in the community and surrounding areas, no p.m. service.

Upcoming June Events: June 11- AMD meeting in Mobile, AL, 1p.m., decorate church for VBS. June 15- Vacation Bible School, June 21-23- National ABA Meeting in Tulsa, OK.

Prayer requests were made known, there was a prayer and offering.

Bro. Aubry brought the a.m. message, “He fought the battles, but I (We) enjoy the Victory.” Whether we know it, live it, or accept it once we are saved, we will be in the presence of the Lord when we die. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” For the Lord’s sake, it was better for him to live and spread the gospel, but for him it would be better for him to die and be in Heaven with God (Jesus).

We have victory over death and the grave. Death should not be a terror to the child of God. We know that all of us will die, and we need to spread the gospel to everyone. There is a universal fear of death, but Jesus Christ conquered death and the grave in I Corinthians 15:53-57. Death, in II Corinthians 5:1-8 has no victory over the child of God. God will give us a new body and a new home in Heaven.

God has given us the earnest guarantee of His Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, willing to be absent from the body, and be with Christ. Philippians 1:21-23. Even at the end of his life, the apostle Paul realized he would be better being with Jesus in Heaven that alive on earth. I Thessalonians 4:13-18, we shall see Jesus on day when He comes back to earth.

If you have not accepted Jesus into your heart as your personal Savior, be saved today. You never know when life on this earth will end, and we will either be in Heaven (if saved) or Hell (if lost).We closed the a.m. services with a prayer and song “Victory in Jesus”.

P.M. services opened with a song “Follow Jesus Every Day.” Bro. Aubry then delivered the p.m. message from John 4: 43-54. Jesus, after being in Samaria for 2 days, left and went to Galilee, His home country. He said a prophet was not received in his own country and was received of many because of all the things he did at the feast at Jerusalem. He went to Cana of Galilee where he had performed the first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast. In v. 46, we see a man who had a son who was sick and in v.47, the man came to Jesus asking for him to heal his son. The man was desperate for his son to be healed, therefore he did as Jesus told him in v. 50, to “Go thy way; thy son liveth.”

The man believed Jesus and went his way. Jesus had performed a miracle. Today we have no need for miracles being performed; we have the entire Word of God. In v. 51 his servants met him, saying your son is alive. He knew in v. 52 that his son lived at the moment Jesus had spoken to him. V. 53, he and his whole house was saved. His family was not saved because the father was saved, but because they themselves believed the Word of God and that Jesus had come to save those who believe, admit they are a lost sinner and ask Him to forgive them their sins and accept Him into their heart as Savior. Be saved tonight. We were dismissed with a prayer.

Our prayer list includes: our church, Bro. Aubry and Shirley, Grace, Lisa Rodriguez Morton, Journey Baptist Mission and the Pastor, Bro. Paul Armstrong and his family, Barbara T. Williams, Melissa Peppers, Phillip Vick, Jenny Hayes, Colyn and Sherry, Vikki and Helen M., Charlotte K, Paulette W, Peggy W. and the family, Evelyn K, Harold T., Sherry and Justin Gray, James and Jean G., Jane Vines, and most of all, those who are not saved.

 

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

As all of you are aware, there are so many things happening around us today that can cause us to be a doubtful, downhearted person, if we only dwell on them. I am sure there are things, people, or events that bring us pleasure and enjoyment. They don’t have to be big or earth shattering things. As we gathered for worship last Sunday, I was reminded of just a few of these things as they are seen through the eyes of children. A few of them are the excitement of the last day of a school year, a birthday that takes you into the teenage years and getting a new pet. What a blessing it is just to be able to share joys and sorrows with family and friends.

Our morning service started with Libby Warren playing for our penny march. Following our congregation songs, our special music was presented by Kaitlyn Burnett playing and singing the inspiring song “It’s Under the Blood”. Bro. Travis Burnett continued blessing us by delivering another God given message on “John the Baptist – The man, mission, and message”. He used verses John 1:4-9 for his scripture. John was performing the mission that God had given him to do. That was to be a witness of the person of Jesus Christ; to be a witness to a people; and to be a witness for a purpose. The witness of the person included proclaiming the fact that He, Jesus Christ, is the Light.

Do you like light or darkness? He is the light that darkness can’t overcome. He shines in the darkness to expose, expel, and exhaust things that are harmful and destroys. To expose something means to reveal that which is hidden and to cause things to be seen as they really are. Jesus, the Light, exposes people and acts as they really are. Everything that has been and ever will be, whether good or bad, will be exposed by God. This includes even our thoughts and good things done with the wrong motive. These, and all sins, can be covered by the forgiving blood of Jesus that was shed on Calvary. When you are searching for something that is lost in darkness, you need a light to find it. Christians need to be a shining light in a dark world that will direct those that are lost to Jesus, the true Light.

On Sunday evening, Bro. Travis continued with God’s message to us on the work of Jesus as the Light. Light exposes your pathway. It allows us to see what we may encounter that would cause us to stumble and fall. There could be obstacles that may keep us from advancing in our Christian life. Light exposes sins in our lives that we are unaware were even there. It can expose things such as depressed anger and bitterness that hinder our growth as a Christian. Light enables us to take the right path and follow detours when they are needed. The Light shows us where we have been (our past), where we are going (our future), and where we are now (our present).

Our hearts were saddened this week by the death a member of our church family. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Hilda Cary. She will be missed. We have several special prayer needs in and connected to our church family. At the time of this writing, Myron West, a missionary serving in Africa, is in the hospital in serious condition struggling with Malaria and other problems. Please say a special prayer for him and his family. Also, Mary Ellen Campbell is in a hospital in Texas. She became ill while there with her husband Phillip. We pray that she will have a complete and speedy recovery. Others on our prayer list include Minnie Childress, George Campbell, Elladene Mims, Gladys Franklin, Ruthie Jean Giles, Robert Childress, Mary Dean Higgins, Reba Chandler, Christy Lowery and Mary Maudlin.

Upcoming events: Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 a.m., there will be a ladies prayer breakfast in the Fellowship Hall with Kayla Carroll as special speaker. A special invitation is extended to all ladies to attend. On Sunday, May 29th, we will have a Memorial Day devotion and cook out. Time for this will be announced later.

 

Samaria Baptist Church

We had a wonderful day of worship at Samaria, as always. We enjoyed a Spirit filled message from Jesus through Pastor Shane Wyatt. Special music today was “I saw God today” by Darrell Willis and daughter Ashlyn. Prayer needs are J.T. Meank, Tucker Jones, Diane Bullard, Anna Wilson on mission, Floyd Collins, Kim McDaniel, Jacob Jamison, and Davey Spencer.

Our theme for today is “Open our eyes to His great work.” Scriptures of reference today are Philippians 4 v.8., Matthew 12:35, Proverbs 4:23 and 19. We can never discount the power that satan uses to cause trouble and conflict in our lives. He seeketh whom he may devour, as he goes about meddling in our daily affairs. We know that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. But we also know that God provides us with a protective armor. If we leave the path that God has mapped out by His Word and in His will, then we are prime targets for satan’s attack. We have an amazing Lord and Savior to which we must cling, if we are to enjoy daily living and eternity in heaven.

The devil will try anything, but one of his consistent attacks is to make us doubt that we have ever been saved in the first place. Allowing him to confuse us creates distance between us and God and we are not good witnesses if we are insecure about ourselves. God’s promises are true, and He requires us to remain faithful to Him. He will take care of everything else, but we must keep our faith alive in Him. Listen to the truth of God, true, honest and know that if it isn’t of Him. We have God’s purification method available to us and He is able to cleanse and purify our souls. When we are devoted to walking with Him, He gives that blessed assurance that nothing is too hard for Him to help us get through. If we fix our eyes on the things of God and submit ourselves to Him, He promises to wash our sins away and make us whiter than snow, where dirty sin used to be.

Nothing tears people down faster than negative conversation and people who find nothing good about anyone or anything are not pleasant to be around. When we desire to have a closer walk with Him, we can overcome negativity and we can be drawn to His pathway to eternal peace and joy. We can do all things through Him…so why not begin to let others see Jesus alive in you today? Sin will pull us down, but a desire to have more of God will pull us through every situation. Let’s put our confidence in a real thing today, and trust a Savior that cannot lose. God bless you all who read this and please know that you are welcome to worship with us where Jesus is Lord, and forgiveness is free.

 

New Salem Baptist

New Salem Baptist Church’s 11:00 a.m. service opened with the adult choir singing “I’ll Fly Away.” The congregation then sang “There shall be showers of blessings.” The adult choir sang, “One day”. Brother Reeser made the announcements and read the prayer requests. Two birthdays were acknowledged, Mrs. Jan Mims and John Owen Porter.

Brother Reeser’s text was Psalms 128:1-6; his theme was “Contentment in the home.” Reference was made to the Apostle Paul who wrote in Philippians 4 that he was content in whatever situation he was in, even in prison. The devil likes for us to become upset over situations because it allows him entry into our minds. Being content is not becoming complacent. Churches decline because of complacent. We should be content thanking God for what He has done for us instead of wanting more. Paul assured us that God will supply our needs, not necessarily our wants. We brought nothing into the world and can take nothing with us when we depart this life except what we have done for Christ and our fellowman. We may not have much to show in this life, but if we put God first and stay true to Him, we will be more than rich when he rewards us in heaven.

During the 5:00 p.m. service, Brother Reeser’s text was Luke 3:21 and several other passages in which Dr. Luke pointed out how Christ took advantage of every situation to pray. He went to the mountain where he prayed while alone with God. He was in constant prayer and healed many among the way.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with us: Sunday Morning 10:00 AM Sunday school; 11:00 AM worship; 5:00 PM Evening worship service; Wednesday 6:00 PM Bible study and prayer meeting. Presently we are studying the life of Moses. 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

 

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church of Clanton wants to say a special thanks to all who came out and took part in services this past week. Sunday morning services included a message from Esther 1:1-12 on the subject of “God is able to save.” We looked at how Esther, an adopted daughter, had found favor and gotten into the kingdom; an amazing picture of what God is doing today through the church. After Esther you have the book of Job as a picture of the Jews through 42 months of the tribulation period. Then the book of Psalms is next, which opens up with the declaration of salvation that is for all righteous and perdition to all the unrighteous. What a picture of the coming earthly kingdom and the end of sin. God indeed has given us an amazing book and put it together in such a way that any saved person would be excited to see what God has in store for his people.

Sunday night services included a message from Colossians 1 and other places about “Counterfeit Christianity.” We looked at what America really needs is more people who are reading the word of God. Then the ones reading need to be going out teaching others who can go out and teach others also. If we are saved and a Christian, we are to be following Christ. Soul winning for Christians, Christ like people, should not be a last minute alternative but rather a first priority.

Jesus said follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Been fishing lately? Salvation is so simple, if you want to go to heaven, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Want to go to Hell? Trust anything else. We hope you are saved and serving the Lord Jesus Christ in and through a local church near you. If you are looking for a church to visit with this Sunday in Clanton, we would love to see you at Calvary.

We are located in South Clanton, just past Dollar General, right off 31 on Fulmer Drive. Our regular weekly services include Sunday School 9:00 am, Children’s Church and Adult Worship Services Sunday Morning at 10:00 am, Sunday Night Services 5:30 pm, Wednesday Night Services 6:30 pm, and a Bible study on every other Tuesday Night at 7:00 pm. For other services and events check us out on Facebook, Twitter, visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com , or call Pastor Oscar Mims at 205-755-9399.

 

Corinth Church News

We had a wonderful Homecoming service this past Sunday. It was great to see our visitors, we’re glad they could join us for some good ol’ hymn singing. A big thank you to everyone involved in getting it together and to all our special performances.

Don’t forget Saturday June 18th from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm is our VBS this year. The theme is Christian Olympics. We hope you can bring your kiddos out for an awesome time!

All too often I hear people state that churches are full of hypocrites and I can’t help but chuckle. Churches aren’t there for the perfect. If that were the case, not a single person could grace the steps of a church building. We don’t go to church because we have our lives in order, we go to GET our lives in order. I can promise you that the person sitting in the front pew has just as many skeletons in their closet as the person sitting in the back pew. The great thing about going to church is that we can be one big mess together and help each other through this mayhem called life. None of us are perfect and we certainly shouldn’t claim to be, so stating that you don’t want to go to church because of all the hypocrites is like saying you don’t want to go to the gym because of all the out of shape people. We are neither born perfect, nor with gloriously chiseled bodies. We’re all a work in progress.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you and we hope to see you soon!

Submitted by KJ Bowen

 

Mt. Springs

Sunday morning, the choir sang “I Feel Like Traveling On,” “I Want to Know More About My Lord,” and “Where the Milk and Honey Flows.”

Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from Psalms 100:1-2. When you don’t feel like going to church, go to church anyways. Do you feel bad? Come to church anyways and give God the praise. When you leave, you’ll feel much better!

After Sunday school, Roger Cleckler sang, “I’ll Do the Miracle.”

Bro. John Pullen preached about the King James Version Bible. He started with the verses Psalm 12:6-7. The Word of God has to prove itself by being pure, infallible, and without mistakes.

Bro. John then said that there over 430 different Bible versions. He shared the verse Revelation 22:18-19: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (KJV) Bro. John then shared other versions of the Bible and pointed out their differences from the King James Version Bible.

Sunday evening, the congregation sang, “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Fill My Way Everyday With Love.”

Bro. John Pullen started his sermon from 2 Timothy 2:7-15. It DOES matter what you believe! He shared the definition of dispensationalism, which is “God dealing with different people in different ages using different spokespersons, sometimes through different methods”. All scripture is for you, but not to you! He compared verses using the fact that people used to be under the law, but now we are under GRACE!

 

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawerence’s message was from 2nd Corinthians 5:10. We live in an age of appointments. Whether it’s the doctor, dentist, mechanic, barber shop, etc., we have to make an appointment. There is an appointment ever Christian must keep. We must all appear before The Judgement Seat of Christ. Unlike earthly appointments, we cannot reschedule this one. There is one for the unsaved also at The Great White Throne of Judgement. You don’t want to be at that one. This one is for the ones that never accepted Jesus as savior. All at this one will be cast into Hell.

Everyone is welcome to come worship with us at Floyd. We are located at 3439 County Road 59, Verbena, AL 36091.