Make Up Your Mind Today

Our choir brought us a special this morning, even though they were well down in numbers.

Associate Pastor Ryan Crawford brought us the following Sunday morning message: "Make Up Your Mind."

And as always, we stood for the reading of God's Holy Word. His text was from I Kings 18:17-39 with his focus verse being verse 21.

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." I Kings 18:21

Bro. Ryan explained the meaning of the word halt in that verse meant hopping back and forth.

"Elijah the Tishbite. Elijah from Tish. Ever heard of Tish? Anyone know where Tish is? God often uses the insignificant to confound the wise. So even if you are from Pineville, Mo., God can still use you in a mighty way," Bro. Ryan explained. "And just like Elijah, you have to go where God commanded, to get the blessings of God."

"God gets mad when His people don't pray; read the Bible; tithe; and keep His laws and His statutes."

"Make up your mind today. Today is the day of Salvation. We are not promised tomorrow. We are promised a rapture, but we do not know when that will be. When we couldn't save ourselves, God's Son saved us. When we were doomed to an everlasting Hell, because of our sin nature, He interceded for us."

"Make up your mind today. Today start serving God. He did not save you to sit. He saved you to serve. And sometimes you have to stand alone, like Elijah did. One true follower of the Lord God Almighty, verses 450 men of Baal. But if he could do it, so can you."

"Make up your mind today. And make your worship authentic. Christ deserves the real thing, as He is the real thing. Is instant masked potatoes the real thing, if you want authentic, real smashed potatoes? Is 7-Up the real thing if you want a Mountain Dew? So how do you know your worship is real? First, you can't use what the world uses to worship. Like the worshipers of Baal did. To worship God authentically put the Book, the Holy Bible, in your hands, and in your heart, and in your mind. It will tell you what pleases God. And it will tell you to serve God, in Spirit and Truth, by getting others to worship God, correctly."

"God showed up when one man stood up and worshiped God. And God will show up when we worship God. He will show up, every single time and He will be on time. Not necessarily in your time, or in my time, but in His own perfect time."

"True worship always showcases how good God is."

"Make up your mind, church! No more hopping between two options."

We are so blessed to have Associate Pastor Ryan, especially when Dr. Larry Crawford is ill.

Many were the prayers for Dr. Crawford, that he be back soon, in the pulpit.

Right after the morning service we were witnesses to one baptism. Thank you Jesus, for still moving in people's hearts and lives.

We were all reminded of the needs in the nurseries. A list is on the table in the lobby and also posted on the bulletin board. Need more information? Contact Jessica Cole.

Our church pantry appreciates donations any time, but especially for the next few weeks until after Christmas. Any questions? See Kenny and/or Bobbi Bowers.

Friday night, Bible Study canceled until Jan. 9, 2015.

The Christmas card exchange box is up in the foyer now, waiting to be stuffed.

AWANA continues Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (always canceled if school is closed ); transportation provided. Would you like to help out with all these precious children (three years through sixth grade) God has trusted us with? Listeners and volunteers, are always needed. Contact the AWANA commander.

Angel Tree requests up on the Angel Tree in the sanctuary. Let us see how fast they fly away.

Don't miss Dr. Larry Crawford's radio broadcast message starting at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning on KURM 100.3FM.

We would love for you to join us off the northeast corner of Pineville square, just behind U.S. Bank.