Will Your Soul Live On In Heaven?

Thursday, June 28, 2018

We were greeted by Jerry Abercrombie, who also welcomed our visitors, including LeRoy Ruede. Special prayers were requested for Adalyn, Jessica Johnson, June Sherman, Jimmy Easter, Dean and Susan, and Goldie Hatfield's grandson. In announcements, the business meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday evening, and Vacation Bible School "Goin' Fishin'" will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14. All children, 4 and up, are invited and welcome to attend.

"What Do You Believe?" was the devotional that Linda Abercrombie shared with us as she read Luke 12:6-7. God is a loving and forgiving Father who can help get us through trials and tribulations. Those times of suffering are to strengthen us, not weaken us.

Congregational hymns included, "Count Your Blessings" led by Becky Johnson and Karen Gardner. We were blessed with special music from Jerry and Linda. who sang "Life's Railway to Heaven." A song that reminds us that in life's railway, we need to keep our hand on the throttle, our eye on the rail and remember that God is our conductor on the winding train of life. Rick Lett and Tyrel Lett served as ushers and collected the offering.

Brother Tom Sharp brought us God's message and read 1 Peter 1:3-12. Brother Tom reminded us that when we are born, we have nothing except what is in our body. Everything is ahead of us -- our talents and what we will be. "The body is only the covering of our soul. As time goes by, our body gives way to physical disorders. We get worn out on this earth, but our soul lives on. We have the assurance of eternal life with Jesus Christ with the realm of salvation. It is our decision where our soul will spend eternity. The choice is ours whether we will spend it in heaven. We have a choice to be saved and be born again. A new life produces new hope."

Brother Tom told the story of Nicodemus, who in this day would have had a doctorate degree. He had heard about Jesus and the need to be born again but didn't find that in any textbook. Brother Tom said, "Smart people ask questions. Nicodemus didn't understand and went to Jesus to ask about being born again. You can't see the Kingdom of God unless you are. We are born twice. Jesus tells us that, the first time we are born of water-natural birth. The second time we are born of the spirit. It is a spiritual birth. We are born into sin, but the Holy Spirit can help you be forgiven, come into your heart and be born again with the promise that God will always be with you. The spirit takes up residence in the body on the second birth giving us living hope, a new life and the promise of hope from God. God's promise is firm. When He comes into our heart, nothing can take Him away from us. He keeps us and will go with us to Heaven. We are on life's railway to Heaven. We will be with Him in glory. Our hearts may get broken on earth, but not our hope. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are promised to inherit a new home in Heaven that is already built for us. Our salvation is God's guarantee that He will never let go of us. We will have trials and burdens that put us to a test, but the Bible tells us that these are to strengthen us."

In closing, Brother Tom told us that "if, as Christians, we didn't have anything to worry about and everything was perfect, we would grow complacent and not depend on the Lord? Would we still get on our knees and pray? Without trials and tribulations on earth, our faith would grow bland. They are a reminder that, we still need to keep our faith in Jesus Christ. Our trials are only for a season, and then God will tell us 'well done my good and faithful servant.' Our reward is in Heaven. Do you possess the joy of knowing that, should you pass on today, you have that salvation and will be in glory?"

Our hymn of invitation was "Without Him," and LeRoy Ruede gave the benediction.

We invite you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11 at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Sunday school begins at 10. Mill Creek is located 3 1/2 miles east of Noel just off Highway 90. Everyone is always welcome.

Religion on 06/28/2018