Cedar Grove

Announcements: Saturday, June 16, 2016, Radio Revival will be coming to you live from Goose Pond Park on Highway 31 in Clanton, brought to you by our very own local Radio Station WKLF. Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Pastors from surrounding community churches will be bringing the gospel to us. We invite everyone to come on out bring your lawn chairs, join us in Praise and Worship of our Savior.

Prayer concerns: Our pastors, our church family, our Nation, those in nursing homes and hospitals, spoken and unspoken request.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s Text: Genesis 45:1-7 “Super Natural Power”.

We begin with Joseph and his coat of many colors, Joseph was the favorite of Israel, but not of his brothers, they hated Joseph. Joseph had a dream of his brothers and family bowing to him which he shared with his brothers. Joseph’s brothers hated him all the more, wanted to kill him, but one of the brothers Reuben prevented his murder. So they threw him in a pit for a time, then sold him into slavery. Joseph went through some harsh trial and tribulations, he sure enough did, but Joseph had God with him. God was with him two years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

The Pharaoh at the time had a dream; he brought Joseph out of prison to interpret the dream. Joseph was elevated to leadership of all the King’s people and lands. There came a drought as described in pharaoh’s dream, but because Joseph had obeyed God there was grain aplenty in Egypt.

Joseph’s brothers and ultimately his father came to be under Joseph’s rule as he had seen in his dream long ago as a child. His brothers were so afraid of Joseph, but he reassured them it was God who had sent him before them to save lives by a great deliverance.

We are not to lean on our on understanding, but lean completely on God no matter what happens. good, bad, or otherwise God is the Answer.

Moses was born a Hebrew, but raised by an Egyptian, as God’s Plan to deliver his people out of bondage. He could have chosen to stay in the palace, fit for kings, but instead chose to join his brothers and sisters in slavery. He killed an Egyptian soldier for abusing another Hebrew, but even the Israelites hated Moses because his action set into motion more abuse than before by Pharaoh. Moses was cast into the wilderness where he was tending sheep one day and saw a burning bush, but it was not burned up. No one else had the courage to go on the mountain (of God), but Moses said, “I am going to see why the bush does not burn.”

When God saw Moses there, he spoke to him from the burning bush, “Moses, Moses take off your shoes for where you stand is on Holy Ground,” from here God sends Moses to free his people from Egypt. Moses by the Super Natural power given to him by God brought on plagues, disease, changed water to blood, but had to kill the first born of the Pharaoh before he would let the Israelites go.

Joshua became the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. God told Joshua “I have delivered the land of Canaan to you, it’s king and the mighty men of valor.” It is shut up, no one comes out, no one goes in Jericho. It is the strongest among all the cities, with room for chariots atop the outer walls. They were that strong.

The people’s hearts had melted with all the miracles they had heard God had done for the Israelites. God had Joshua instruct the people to march around Jericho once daily for six days, “And seven priest shall bear seven trumpets of rams horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priest shall blow their trumpets. It shall come to pass when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet that all the people shall shout with a great shout, then the wall of the city will fall down flat and the people shall go up every man straight before him.”

Now folks, I do not know about you, but I do not believe the marching of the Israelites around Jericho, blowing trumpets, caused this mighty fortress to fall flat, the Almighty hand of God. We as Christians sometimes forget that we have the ability to tap into this Super Natural Power of the Holy Ghost, or we miss out due to unbelief. We have come from God sending Moses to bring his people out of Egypt, to lawlessness, immorality, wickedness, evil abounding, straying away from God to death, hell and destruction. We have the Declaration of Independence, yes, America Home of the free, yes. Brothers and sisters I tell you, true freedom did not come for us until the Hill Of Calvary. Jesus says “who the son sets free is free indeed. “

New Salem Baptist Church

New Salem Baptist Church 11:00 AM service opened with the adult choir singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” The congregation then sang “America the Beautiful.” Brother Reeser made the announcements and read the prayer requests. The veterans present were recognized and we pledged the American Flag.

Brother Reeser’s text was from Psalms 85:1-6 and his theme “A Miracle for America.” Even if there are problems in America, God can restore it. Unfortunately we are not a Christian nation anymore, but this is God’s country and God can still save. We have to ask, are we gathered as a church for the right reason? Do we take the word of God out to the world where we live? God needs people that will plant seeds, spread the word. Just as Satan accused God of having a hedge around Job, God has protected America, but how much longer is He going to allow us to violate His laws until His anger rises upon us? As he wrote in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” We must turn from our sins and turn our eyes upon Christ: serve him with steadfast love. Christ must live first in our lives.

We find many today that talk the talk, but they fail to walk the walk of faith in Christ. Some feel that because they attend a church service, donate something when the plate is passed they are alright. However, John wrote in his book, “These things I have written so that you might know” If Christ should come for you right now, would you be ashamed to stand before Him?

The 5:00 PM service, Brother Reeser read from 1 Samuel 26:23 and spoke on “the faithful God.” If we examine our life we can often see just where God led us in the right direction when we thought it was all wrong. If we have faith to know that he is working to complete his purpose in our life, and that everything happens for our own good. The Baptist Newspaper reported that people are leaving the churches resulting in many churches having to close. God is looking for faithful members who join together and carry the Good News to those who need to hear. One of the ways John wrote that we may know we have salvation, is we love to be around other born again Christians. Someone once asked, “If you can’t spend an hour with someone each week, how will you spend eternity with them? Think about it.

Vacation Bible School will be July 11-15 6:00 PM to 8:00PM. Kick-off for VBS will be Sunday July 10th. 4:00 PM. 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. We are learning about the 12 Disciples of Christ. You are invited to join with us at any of our services and if you need additional information call 205-389-1102.

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

CIBC of Clanton wants to thank everyone who attended services this past week. Sunday morning services included a message from Acts 22:25-30 on “The Value of our freedom is not always based on what we paid for it.” We looked at how to some it cost very little, to some it came at a very high price, to all it is a position of blessings, and to all it is a place of freedom from bondage. Wonder what America would be like if the “professing Christians” of our day actually took their freedom as an opportunity to worship and serve the Lord Jesus Christ as Paul and others of the early church did.

Sunday night services included a message from Psalms 33:12-22 on “a nation blessed of God.” The beauty of it all, the benefits of it all, and the blessings of it all. God has chosen some people for his own inheritance and it is such a blessing to be a little part of what God is doing today. We hope you are saved and faithfully serving the Lord Jesus Christ in a bible teaching and preaching church near you.

If you are looking for a church to visit in Clanton we would love to see you this Sunday at Calvary. We are located in South Clanton just past the 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.

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

Once again God has blessed us to enjoy another Independence Day. Even with all the bad things we are experiencing in America, it is still the most blessed country on Earth. As we take time to be thankful for the freedoms we have in this great country of America, let us not forget to be thankful for the opportunity we have been given by our Lord to have freedom from eternal punishment for our sins. Accepting this gift is the only way we can have complete freedom.

Our service started Sunday morning by paying tribute to those that have served and are now serving in the military. It is an honor to say thanks for the sacrifices they have made. These sacrifices are made because of the love these men and women have for others and their country. Our tribute was followed by everyone standing to say the pledge of allegiance to the United States Flag, the Christian Flag, and the Bible. Libby Warren played “Just as I Am” for our penny march. Our special music was presented by Ashley Liveoak and Kaitlyn Burnett. Ashley sang and Kaitlyn signed to the song “Before the throne of God Above”. Jim Hayes led the congregation in singing several patriotic songs.

Bro. Travis Burnett used the scripture from John 1:10-12 to bring our morning message. Looking at verse 11, we see a crime that was committed by God’s chosen people. They did not acknowledge Christ as God’s Son, the Messiah. So much of mankind is still guilty of that crime today. They refuse to accept Christ as Savior and Lord. Those that refuse to acknowledge God may think themselves to be wise.

But those that don’t believe in and acknowledge God have made themselves to be foolish in thought and deed. There will be consequences for all decisions made whether they are good or bad. We are going backwards when we fail to recognize God and His blessings upon us. Decline begins when God is pushed aside by selfish desires. God and His Word must be the standard for our lives in order for us to rise. Our wicked ways will cause us to be oppressed and eventually destroy us. The judgement of God will come upon the sin of mankind. The grace of God is what it takes to cause things to mend and rise above evil. It is free and offered to everyone. Each individual is responsible for their decision.

On Sunday night we had a unique service. It started with a special time of prayer. Prayers were offered up to God for our country. Bro. Travis read Daniel 9:3-6. This was Daniel’s prayer to God for his people. Daniel included himself in admitting the sins and iniquity in their life. He confessed the fact they had rebelled against God’s ways and failed to heed the words of the prophets. Can you see any of this same behavior in the world around you today? There is a great need for confessions of wrong actions and disobedient ways of mankind in order for healing to come to a world that is hurting. We are given the answer to how this healing can be obtained in II Chronicles 7:14. Following the special prayer service, we enjoyed a time of fellowship. We had homemade ice cream and cake supper. Thanks to everyone that participated in this event.

In addition to our country, special requests were made for Pat Hayes, Gladys Franklin, Minnie Childress, Elladene Mims, George Campbell, Mary Dean Higgins, Phyllis Cofer, Erica and Justin Jones, Keith Jackson, Robert Childress, and several that had lost loved one this past week.

Our VBS classes ended on June 30th, but seeds were planted in the lives of children that hopefully will be watered and increase as those children grows from day to day. May God bless each one that had a part in making this week a great time for all. A special thanks to Mrs. Pat Hayes for all the work she put into this event. It was disappointing that she was unable to attend the commencement on Thursday night because she had an auto accident Thursday afternoon. We pray she will have a speedy recovery.

On Sunday, July 10th, Rev. Matt Hilyer will bring the messages at Mt. Carmel. Our Homecoming will be on July 24th beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Kempters will be the special singers for the day. Former pastor, Bro. William Short will bring the message. Lunch will follow the message and singing. There will not be any services in the afternoon and evening.

Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist Church opened the a.m. services at 10:00 with a song “Where He Leads, I’ll Follow,” and a devotional from Romans 12:17-21, “Dealing with Our Enemy.”

If we are saved and trying to live like Christ, the world is our enemy. Living a Christ like life will bring criticism from family and friends who are lost. Do not do evil for evil which is easy to say, but hard to do. The Bible tells us that we are to try to live peaceably with everyone around us. Do everything you can to have peace. Many in the world have the idea of “an eye for and eye, and tooth for tooth. Vengeance belongs to God, He will pay. Turn all problems, burdens and enemies over to God.

If we have an enemy who is hungry or thirsty, give him food and drink. This applies to all needs. God’s ways are opposite to our ways. By being nice to our enemies is more effective than getting revenge. You will heap coals of fire upon his head. We should be a light for Jesus. The only way to be a light for Him is to be a living witness for Christ. Actions speak louder than words. Overcome evil ways of man with good ways of God.

After having been dismissed with a prayer and after S.S. we sang “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” My Country Tis of Thee,” and after pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, we sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” We were blessed with an offertory by Lori Knight, “God Bless the USA.”

Bro. Aubry announced upcoming activities, Sunday, July 10 we will have the men’s meeting and Ladies Auxiliary Meeting at 4:30 on July 10, Monthly Business meeting at 5:00 on the 10th, Fifth Sunday services followed with Lunch at 12:00 noon with no p.m. services.

Bro. Aubry brought a message from Hebrews 2:1-3, “Why is Salvation so Great?” Salvation of mankind was so important to God that He sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we, by His shed blood and through our faith in Jesus, we could be saved. Regardless of how much man tries to destroy God’s Word and the Christ who brought salvation to the world, they will never, ever be destroyed.

V.3, there is no escape from hell if we neglect accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. There is no middle ground; you at the point of death will either be in hell with Satan and his angels, or in Hell, separated from him forever. God did not intend for anyone to die and go to hell, but if we choose to go to Hell, God will not stop us. Death is sweet for those who are saved. Everyone fears death, but if we choose hell over Heaven, God will not stop us. Death is sweet for those who are saved. Everyone fears death, but if we live like Christ, the flesh will not fear death.” Anyone who believes in the power of the blood of Jesus as their Savior and repents of his, her sin and confesses Jesus as their Savior, will be saved.

There are only two groups of people in the world, lost and saved. If lost, you need to come to Jesus and be saved. Salvation is great because of its ability. God’s plan of salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. I Timothy 1:12-15 we have the words of the great apostle Paul, who had been a persecutor of the saved for many years. He became saved and just as he had been zealous working for Satan, he became the greatest preacher, missionary in the world. I Corinthians 5:17 tells us that once saved, we become a new creature in life. The easiest thing in the world to ever do is to be saved. The Bible teaches that once we are saved, God will keep us saved.

We dismissed with a song and hymn, “Are You Washed in the Blood?”

Evening services began at 5:00 with a song, “In the Sweet By and By”. Bro. Aubry then continued his study in the gospel of John. John 6:1-21, “Jesus Feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children.

In chapter 5, there are 6 things that verified who Jesus was, , John, Jesus himself, the Holy Spirit, God the Father, The Scriptures and writing of Jesus. The O.T. scriptures teach that the Messiah is coming. Jesus was telling the truth about Jesus. In chapter 6, Jesus was teaching and a great multitude followed, not because of His teachings, but because of His miracle. He had gone into a mountain to be with His disciples. The Passover feast was near and it was now about lunch time. Jesus asked where he could buy enough food for the people to eat, although he knew what He would do. Philip said it would take more money than they had. Andrew said there was a lad with 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fishes. There were 5,000 men plus women and children. Jesus took the boy’s lunch and made so much food that they had plenty and filling 12 baskets of leftovers. After seeing the miracle, the men believed Jesus was who he said he was. His disciples left him and got on a ship to go over the sea. It was dark, Jesus wasn’t there. A wind came up and the sea arose and they looked and saw Jesus walking on the water, therefore defying the law of gravity. He told the disciples to not be afraid, it is I (Jesus). When Jesus go on the ship, the waters calmed and the disciples went from being half way across the sea of Galilee, to being on the other side of the land.

Services closed with a prayer and song, “Blest be the Tie That Binds.”

Our prayer list includes, Bethany, Missionaries and missions, Bro. Aubry, Shirley, Sherry S, Paulette and Peggy W, Philip V, Lisa M, Jenny H, Colyn C, and Sherry, Barbara T, W, Melissa, Henry and Myra, Vikii, Helen, Charlotte, Evelyn K, Harold T, Sherrie and Justin G, many more and last but not least, the unsaved.