We are back after many days of illness among our congregation. It seems we have had an uphill battle for some time, but praise God we are all on the mend. Pray that you are also doing well.
We surely were blessed with many visitors this beautiful Lord's day. I am fearful that if I try to call names, I will forget someone. So I will just say we are glad for each of you and pray you were blessed by all the word that was delivered by Pastor Bob Cartwright.
There were two of our members that were blessed with another year. Happy Birthday to Brother Bobby Bryant and Sister Joyce Walters. We were also blessed by a song titled "Please Search The Book Again" by Sister Geneva Testerman.
Pastor began his message with a scripture found in 1 Corinthians 15:19, which just happens to be one of my favorites. It tells a very true statement that is not only an encouragement, but a reason for obeying God's Word. It says, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." There are many people who do not have this hope because they have refused to accept Jesus as their Savior. Our purpose in this life is to live a life before the world so they will desire to find this same hope in Christ.
You see, Satan does not care if you believe as long as you do not make God the center of your spiritual life. John 14:1 makes it very clear what is expected of us. We are told let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Jesus Christ. Then he tells of a great promise for the believers. In verse 2, he says, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." Verse 3 reminds us that he will come again and receive us so that where he is there we may be also. There is that precious hope.
In order for us to prepare for this place of many mansions and peace, we must build a life that is pleasing to the Lord. It's like a building you might see being built by master builders. They use only the best materials and labor to add strength and beauty to the finished structure. God has laid our foundation and it is up to us how we build.
In verse 14, we are again told, "If any man's work abide which he hath built and stands the storms of this life, he shall receive a reward." It is not enough to just say I follow after the ways of my Father in heaven. Luke 6:46 asks the question, "Why do you call me Lord and do not the things which I say?" Obedience is better than sacrifice! The 1st chapter of Romans tells us that if we deny him, we seal our doom. That is pretty straight to the point that there are instructions in His Word and we must abide by each and every one.
In closing, Pastor Bob read from Psalms 127, where we are told, "Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build."
We invite you to come worship with us at the Cove Mission of Hope on Sunday or Wednesday. For more information, call Pastors Bob and Naomi Cartwright at 417-436-2329.
Religion on 02/23/2017