Easter and Jesus well done my good and faithful servant

"He is Risen" signs directed us to church as we gathered to worship on Easter Sunday at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Easter lilies adorned the altar and the ladies wore their Easter bonnets. Wayne Johnson led the congregation in the Lord's Prayer, and special prayers were requested for the Steve Killion family and Erica Price. Darlene Mitchell thanked Brother Mark and Shelley for hosting the Widow/Widowers Luncheon last Sunday.

Linda Abercrombie read Hebrews 12:1 and the devotional, "Faith Will Take You Places." The life of faith is meant to be active. Faith is like riding a bike -- you climb on and start peddling to get to where you want to go. To act on faith, you have to put it into action.

Becky Johnson and Karen Gardner led the congregational hymns, including "He Lives" and "Christ Arose." Amy Rice and Karen sang a duet, "Because He Lives." Rick Lett and Tyrel Lett served as ushers and collected the offertory.

Brother Mark recited John 3:16 and gave a wonderful children's sermon, "Easter and Jesus." We have to believe in Jesus for everlasting life, and we need to tell people that Jesus loves them just like missionaries tell people that Jesus loves them. The children randomly went around the congregation and told others that Jesus loves them.

After reading Matthew 27:11-36, Brother Mark shared God's Easter message with us, "What Makes A King," about Jesus' crucifixion. He told us that as people, we have a fascination with kings. Mohamed Ali was the king of boxing, Clark Gable of Hollywood, George Jones of country music, Jerry Lewis was the king of comedy, Michael Jackson of pop and Elvis was the king of rock and roll. But they weren't really a king. There is only one king. That is Jesus Christ who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Brother Mark asked, "What makes a king? It is not about talent or appearance. It is about character. Jesus is a King because of His character, not because of His appearance. The Bible talks very little about His appearance. He is the most complex figure and yet the simplest. He has an unbending conviction but approachable and has passion without prejudice. We don't need role models because they always disappoint. Jesus will not disappoint. He the King that never fails."

Brother Mark talked about seven things that make a great leader a great king. He talked about Jesus and His character and what the scripture tells us. He is a King for everybody (Matthew 8:5); Jesus wasn't self-promoting (Matthew 3:13); He was obedient to the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:1-2); He shared a vision so simple that everyone could understand, like using parables (Matthew 13:10-15); He was a team builder and built a team of 12 disciples from all walks of life; He was cool under crisis, even calming the sea (Matthew 8:23); and even with all of His fame, celebrity and power, He still always prayed (Luke 5:16).

Brother Mark told us that when you look for a leader, look for a praying man. "Everyone has solutions, but the only chance we have is through prayer. Jesus was born on Christmas, died an rose on Easter. The Jesus, we see that is coming back, is the one we need to be concerned about. That is what makes a King. Jesus Christ is the King of many things. He rewards the diligent, He is the gateway of glory and the Prince of Peace, His name is wonderful. The grave couldn't hold Him. He is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever." In closing, Brother Mark read John 19:11-16.

Our hymn of invitation was "He is Lord," and Jerry Abercrombie gave the benediction. After the service, the children enjoyed a fast Easter egg hunt. We hope that you had a joyous Easter in remembrance of what Jesus Christ did for us.

Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and the worship service at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Mill Creek Baptist Church is located three and one-half miles east of Noel, just off Highway 90.

Religion on 04/05/2018