And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17
Dennis Yotter welcomed the congregation and announced ladies Bible study on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Brett Woodard and Bill Thomas received the morning tithes and offerings after the little children joyfully gathered money for the penny drill. Pastor Scott led the congregation in prayer and praise for many blessings. Tara Stephens and Megan Yotter led the worship service with "Count Your Blessings" and "When I See the Blood."
Baptism is the beginning of our commitment to God and is an act of obedience and love. At the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus went to John to be baptized, but John forbade him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" Matthew 3:14
Jesus came as a man to take all our sins upon Himself and even though He was perfect and blameless, He still needed to be baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness. Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and shows the power of God to lift us up. What we used to be, our old self, dies and we become a new creation and we no longer have the same outlook, attitude or self-centered nature; we are led by the Holy Spirit just as Jesus was.
Pastor Scott gave the invitation. Gene Buchite dismissed us in prayer. After service many were baptized at the river, heaven was surely rejoicing today.
Hilltop Mission is a nondenominational church located approximately 2.5 miles west of Anderson on Route F. Visitors are always welcome. For transportation or other needs contact Pastor Scott Leonard at 417-540-6573. For more information, please find us on Facebook or at hilltopmissionchurch.com.
Religion on 08/21/2014