Bethany Baptist Church

For our Easter services, we sang “Lead Me to Calvary,” followed by a devotional, “In Tribulation, Peace” from John 16:33. Without God, peace during tribulation isn’t possible. The source of tribulation is the world; only in Christ can we have peace. Turn to God’s Word, the Bible— not the world—for peace.

We were dismissed in prayer to Sunday school. Afterward, we began worship service by singing, “Were You There,” “The First Lord’s Day” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” the choir special “It is Finished,” and then “Christ Arose.”

Bro. Aubry brought a great message of salvation, “The Message of the Resurrection,” from Matthew 28:1-7. Jesus was made sin for us, even though he had never sinned, so that we could have salvation. What is the real meaning of the Easter holiday? Four thoughts sum up this message: Come, Jesus bids all who will to come to him for salvation. Salvation is ours, but we must claim it. Open your eyes; don’t just look, but understand. Christ is in heaven interceding for us. After trusting Jesus as Savior, we need to go. Tell the world the good news of Jesus Christ, how that he died, was buried, and on the third day, arose from the grave to sit at the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:6-8, 1 Peter 3:15). That is the message of Easter.

We closed with the hymn “Just As I Am” and a prayer. We then enjoyed a pancake lunch fellowship. Our prayer list includes Wilma Jones, our church, Bro. Aubry and Shirley, Elwyn, Grace, Jackie, Billie, Bro. Hubert, missionaries, Journey Baptist, Glenda Wallace, John Rodriguez, Phyllis, Wayne Smith, Jenny Hayes, Colyn and Sherry Cooper and Lisa Rodriguez.

Samaria Baptist Church

On the most reverent day of a Christian’s life, Bro. John Shearon formally introduced our new pastor’s family: Bro. Shane Wyatt, his wife Stacy and their lovely daughters. We are so blessed to have this wonderful family to lead our church going forward.

Our birthdays today are Ashley Shearon and Austin Pickett.

Special music today was “Christ Arose” by the choir. Darrell and Ashlyn Willis sang “Oh Glorious Day” and Stacy Wyatt sang “He Grew the Tree.” Our young ladies group was led by Lisa Shearon.

Bro. Shane chose John 14:1-7 to begin the message today. We need not be troubled. For where he goes, we can also go. The question that Thomas had trouble with was, “How do we know how to get there Lord?” Jesus’ answer still resonates with believers today: “I will come again and receive you unto myself.”

Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Imagine Jesus standing up in the borrowed tomb, as he shook off grave clothes and walked out of the tomb. The pain and suffering that our Lord endured was a gift that we must take personally. He would have gone to the cross for only you and only me. This makes it a very personal relationship. He loved us so much that he would go through that agony so that we could live forever in him.

He provided the bridge between our sin and eternal life. His love for us was just that great, and it remains today. He rose from the dead to prove to Satan that he was all-powerful. He is alive, and Satan can do nothing to keep him in the grave.

We are justified through Jesus Christ. He went to Calvary for our personal justification. The sin of Adam (one man) brought condemnation to all. Jesus’ gift of redemption saves many. Whosoever will may come. Jesus can bridge the gap in each of our lives. Only trust and believe him. Receive him on this holy day.

Continued prayers are for Harper Coker and the Don Fisher family.

If you want to be a part of what God is doing at Samaria, please join us. God bless you.