'Made In His Image'

This morning I took the time to look at our beautiful church. We are so blessed to sing praises in a building that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We should realize there are people who are not so fortunate. In some countries people struggle to find a place to worship, if allowed that privilege. Then they walk miles to attend the service.

Brother Randy Richardson reminds us that we are living in a country that at this time allows us freedom of worship. We have this because of the men and women in our military who protect our rights to life filled with places to worship freely. It is so important that we pray for these brave individuals. So we ask you to join us in lifting these dear ones in prayer.

After our time of prayer we were reminded of the living water that rains down on us. This very stirring song was sung by Brother Carl Wayne Cartwright. When our service was turned over to Pastor Bob Cartwright, we were told the title of the message was "Made In His Image." Wow, what a privilege we have to be made in the image of the almighty one who knows all and holds us in the palm of His hand.

In Genesis, we are told that not only are we made in his likeness, but he gave us dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, the cattle over all the earth and over every creeping thing. Think about the responsibility that was given to us. He formed us from the dust of the earth and breathed life into us so we became a living soul. Just to think he made each one of us our own person, not any two of us are the same, nor do we look alike. We are made in his image. Just as Adam and Eve, we have choices to make, will we choose a life pleasing to our creator or fall to the temptations of this life. He gave us this very important choice.

In 1st Corinthians we find that Adam failed the test, he chose to follow after his own lust. In the beginning Adam and Eve had a perfect life, then they took things into their own hands. Do we try, as they did, to blame someone else for the results of our decisions? When we take charge of our lives, without he leading of the Holy Spirit, we find the outcome much different than we planned.

In Romans, we are again warned of the choice we must make. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. We often forget what we are striving for. You see if we had hope in this life only we would be very miserable creatures. I'd say that we must be as the writer Paul who proclaimed that he dies daily to the things of this world. He is coming for those who believe that he died and rose again.

In 1st Thessalonians, we are told that the dead in Christ will rise first. Can you imagine being near a grave and being allowed to witness the Saints waking from their sleep to meet Jesus in the air. That should bring a shout to the lips of all who remain. Then he says we are next if among the living. We shall be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. This is more proof that we are made in his image. Even as he rose we also will rise to go to our eternal home. If we live according to His word, we should find comfort in these words.

In Philippians, we are told that we are to let this mind be in us that is in Christ. He took on the form of man and made himself a servant. He was a humble man, obedient unto death, even the death on the cross. We learn that God hath highly exalted him and gave him the name Jesus which was a name above every name. One day soon, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. To be ready for this event we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We know God works in us that we may be found, as in His image, blameless and harmless, without rebuke. This is very difficult in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. We are called to shine as lights in a world filled with darkness, even as he is the light of the world.

In closing, Pastor made a strong statement, "We are not only made in His image, but we are called to walk in his footsteps. We owe him our all. He gave His life for sinners like us. Search your heart and yourself, would I die for my fellow man? I am so moved by this message because I know that at times, I fail. Its only with His help that we can achieve our goal. This is to be forever in His presence."

Take time to examine your life and please be with us at the Cove anytime you are in our area. For now we just say God bless until the next Lord's day. Our morning service begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening we begin at 6 p.m.