Whom Do You Say That I Am?

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it, Matthew 16:24-25.

Mark Alumbaugh welcomed the church, Megan Yotter played, "Jesus Loves Me" during the penny drill, and Bill and Nick Thomas received the morning tithes and offerings. Pastor Scott led the congregation in prayer for the many praises and requests that were heard -- God is good! Megan and Tara Stephens led the worship service with "He Set Me Free," "At Calvary," and "Redeemed."

Jesus asked His disciples a very important question, "Whom do you say that I am?" This is a question of the heart and it is one we should all ask ourselves. When we believe as Peter, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," then we believe the truth in common and of one accord. It is a powerful truth and the church is built upon it. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18.

After Peter's powerful statement, Jesus promised them the keys to the kingdom and told them He would suffer many things, be killed, and raised on the third day. However, Peter rebuked the Lord, because his eyes were not on the things of God. But he turned, and said unto Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men," Matthew 16:23. Satan opposes the truth, Jesus came to be our Savior, it was God's plan and God's will for Him to die to save us. When we pick up our cross and follow Jesus, we deny ourselves, because it is not about what we want but what God wants. He wants His children to return to Him. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. Pastor Scott gave the invitation and Charolette Spencer dismissed the congregation in prayer.

Hilltop Mission is a nondenominational church located approximately 2.5 miles west of Anderson on F Highway. 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 check out our website at hilltopmissionchurch.com.