Without Peace There Is No Happiness

Dot Harnar was celebrating a birthday as we gathered to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church.

We were greeted by Wayne Johnson who opened our service with prayer. Thanks were expressed from the Lett family, praise from Jimmy Easter and prayers for Wayne Johnson. As we stood and sang "Standing on the Promises," we were led in song by Karen Gardner with Becky Johnson at the piano. We were blessed with special music from Bob Obenshain. Tyrel Lett asked God's blessing and then he and Mitchell Lett served as offertory ushers.

Bro. Mark Hall continued his "Fortifying Our Faith" sermon series on the Voice, Venture and Sunday's sermon "The Vision Principle." Bro. Mark looked at Abraham and his family who lived in a tent and reminded us that, "This world is not my home, I am just passing through." He told us that when we get too attached to this world, our faith gets weak. "Faith is the way God gets His will done on earth. Our citizenship is in Heaven. If we lose our heavenly vision, our faith will decline. The Bible warns us of our friendship of the world."

James 4:4 says, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." Bro. Mark told us that, "When you become a friend of the world, you become conformed to the world. It is so important to know the will of God. You must have the mind of Christ to know the will of God."

Scripture reference was from Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Bro. Mark asked, "What are your primary personal goals? Your vision changes when you become heavenly minded instead of worldly minded. Real faith sees the invisible -- things not seen. We need a faith that sees what God has in store for us."

II Corinthians 4:18 says, "While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." Bro. Mark said we must also have a vigilant principle. "Your faith will be tested. You must share your faith. Try and try again to share your faith with people just like rounding up cattle -- sometimes you have to make another run at it. Not all lost people are outside of the church. Trust Him for spiritual, but not material things. Trust Him for eternity, not just for things for next week. Faith does not shield you, faith sustains you. In this fallen world, faith is what sustains us. God did not save you to be healthy, wealthy and wise, but to be holy and righteous so you can have a home in Heaven." As Bro. Mark talked about the Victory Principle, he told us our faith in God overcomes the world. "You can have all the worldly goods and not have victory, but you can have nothing and have victory. Jesus brings you peace and you cannot have happiness apart from peace. Are you really happy? Not as a result of your salvation, but as a result of your faith. There are two happiness killers -- pleasures and guilt. Do you have pleasures in your life that weigh you down with guilt?"

Romans 14:22 says, "Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." Bro. Mark continued by saying "Without peace there is no happiness. A Christian who argues with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit is miserable because to win the argument you must turn your back on your faith. Be obedient and be happy. Your pleasures do not dictate your happiness." I John 5:4 says, "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" In closing, Bro. Mark said, "Have you been looking for happiness without peace? There is no peace outside of faith. Is your faith a little weak? How is your faith? Does it need fortifying?" Our hymn of invitation was "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" and Wayne Holly gave the benediction. Next week's sermon "Jesus Our Faith Fortifier" will focus on the benefits of being saved and walking with God. We invite you to worship with us.

We had a wonderful crowd and several guests for our watermelon feed and ice cream social last Sunday evening at the church. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and was entertained by the watermelon seed-spitting contest won by Jake Allison. Gene and Karen Gardner placed second and third. Thanks to all of those who helped put it together.

We invite you to worship with us and be a part of the Mill Creek Baptist Church family. Everyone is always welcome.