Christmas in July

Kenneth White and Dot Harner were celebrating birthdays as we gathered to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Wayne Johnson opened our service with prayer and special prayers were requested for Wyatt, Jessica, Lisa, Ruth Briggs, Fred Hall, Joe, Barbara and Freddy. Linda Abercrombie led us in the responsive reading from II Corinthians "Testimony" and Jerry Abercrombie led the congregational hymns including "Victory in Jesus." Tyrel Lett asked God's blessing and he and Rick Lett served as offering attendants. We were blessed with special music from Bob Obenshain who sang "He Touched Me," and Susan Albertson who sang "Rock of Ages."

Our Pastor, Brother Mark Hall, began God's message for us "Christmas in July" with scripture from Luke 21:20. Brother Mark talked about Jesus being born in Bethlehem and how Jesus changes lives. "Jesus changed the lives of the shepherds just by meeting them. They were set free." Brother Mark talked about all the changes that we have seen in our lifetime including a humorous story about the evolution of the telephone.

Brother Mark told us "Jesus gives us freedom. We should tell everyone we have been set free and show our happiness about our freedom. How does Jesus set us free?" Brother Mark read John 8:31-36 and John 14:6 which says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Brother Mark said, "There is no substitute for the truth and life. When you have Jesus, you have everything you need to set you free. How do you know the truth and how do you use it to set you free? Read God's word and get in God's church to know the truth. To know the truth, abide in His word to set you free. The Bible is a living book."

Brother Mark continued by asking "What are we set free from? Sin and death. There is a lost world out there today. The unbelievers think as Christians we are foolish for believing. Only through the power of God are we set free and get eternal life. God's unconditional love was that baby in a manger. Our faith in Jesus gives us access to the grace of God. Unconditional love sets us free and changes our life. Jesus died for us while we were still a sinner because He loves us. The death of Jesus sets us free, saves us from hell and sets us free from death. Trust in Jesus. Do you still have that fear that if something happens to you this week, you are afraid where you will spend eternity? You don't have to have that fear if you know Jesus."

After our hymn of invitation, David Collingsworth gave the benediction. It was a wonderful service as Kenneth White dedicated his life to the Lord and we welcomed Mary McCain as a new member at Mill Creek. She will be baptized next Sunday.

We invite you to worship with us at Mill Creek Baptist church located 3 1/2 miles east of Noel just off Highway 90. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. We will hold our annual Homecoming on Sunday, Aug. 16. The Goulds, a gospel group from Joplin will be in concert at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day at the church. We will also have a fellowship lunch at noon. Everyone is always welcome.