Our congregation included many guests as we gathered to worship, fellowship and celebrate 114 years of Mill Creek Baptist Church. We were greeted by Doug Cory, who opened our service with prayer. Alesia Parish, Susan Cory and Ashton Cory were celebrating birthdays. Special prayers were requested for Silas, Wayne Johnson, Polly and Alvie Ritter, Gracie, Calvin Reece and Ron Buchite. Jeanette Easter shared a praise.
"God Works" was the devotional that Linda Abercrombie shared with us as she read Romans 8:28. We don't know how things will turn out in our lives, but God does. We know the works of our God. He works for the good of those who love Him. He is the author of our salvation and in all things He is all-inclusive.
Rick Lett and Tyrel Lett served as ushers and collected the offering, and the congregation sang "The Gloryland Way" led by Becky and Karen. We were so blessed to have "Spring Street" with us to share wonderful gospel bluegrass music during our song service.
"Give A Brother A Break" was the title of Brother Mark Hall's message. Philemon verses 17-18 says, "If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account." The book of Philemon tells us that Philemon was very wealthy and converted to Christianity with Paul's ministry and held church at his home. Slave Onesimus was not a good one.
He wound up in Rome where he got saved under Paul's preaching and wanted to make it right with God and the people he had wronged. Brother Mark told us, "Any man can mess up but it takes a certain (kind of) man to go back and clean it up. Onesimus wanted to make up to Philemon but was worried because he could have him beaten. Paul wrote Philemon on behalf of Onesimus (verses 10-21). We have to be able and willing to give each other a break every once in a while. If we admit that we have failed, why can't we give others a break, too, just like we want others to do for us when we mess up? Why do we hold others up to a higher standard than we do ourselves? God doesn't grade on the curve, he grades on the cross."
Brother Mark told us that as Christians, we are to act like Christ. "Paul came close. If anyone wrongs you, Paul says to put in on his account. Jesus paid it all. When you have His spirit of grace, you can extend it to others. If you get grace, can't you give it? Extend it to others? If you realize that you need that grace, you have to go back to God and accept it just like Onesimus did. Have you been one of God's runaways? God knows what you have done, but he will take you back. God's grace is there for you to accept." 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
After our morning service, we enjoyed fellowship, lunch, more wonderful praise music in the afternoon from Spring Street, and the reading of the history of our 114-year-old church.
We invite you to join us at Mill Creek Baptist Church on Sunday mornings to worship with us. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and 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.
For information, call 417-475-7633 and leave a message.
Religion on 08/23/2018