Gett God Doesn't Change

"He is Risen" signs greeted us on our way to worship Easter morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church, and the beautiful dogwood blooms reminded us of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. The sanctuary was decorated with Easter lilies and the shadows of three crosses on the wall and a crown of thorns. The ladies' Easter bonnets could be seen in the congregation, and the children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt on the lawn after the worship service.

Special prayers were requested for Tom Collingsworth, Jim Boston, Susan Cory's mother, Del Hawkins, Dot's nephew and Mertie Harmon. Darlene Mitchell thanked Brother Mark Hall for the Widow/Widower's luncheon last Sunday. A thank you was shared from Angela Hamilton. We also welcomed Eileen Hawkins as the newest member of our Mill Creek Baptist Church family.

Linda Abercrombie led the congregation in the responsive reading, "The Risen Lord," with scripture from John 18:19-20. Brother Mark gave a children's sermon about a really good gift being the one that God gives because it is perfect. "People aren't perfect, but all perfect gifts come from God. You can always count on His love for you."

Mitchell Lett asked God's blessing upon the offering, and he and Tyrel Lett served as ushers. We were blessed with special music from Karla, who sang about how Mary felt at the cross, and Karen Stroud, who sang "Mt. Calvary." With Susan at the piano, congregational hymns included "Christ Arose" and "At the Cross."

"God Doesn't Change" was the title of Brother Mark's message. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Brother Mark began by talking about how we don't like change, especially the older we get. "As a Christian, things in 2000 years haven't changed. There are five things that haven't changed."

Brother Mark told us that first, our mandate hasn't changed. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us what our mandate is: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

The second thing that hasn't changed as Christians is our master hasn't changed. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Brother Mark told us that Jesus hasn't changed. "The one on the cross is there for us today. The world has tried to change Him, but He is the same."

Thirdly, our message hasn't changed. Brother Mark read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and told us that, according to the scripture, the gospel hasn't changed. "Friday, crucifixion day, was not a good day. Sunday, resurrection day, was a good day. 'Up from the grave he arose,' that's how we know we can live forever. Easter Sunday is a forever day."

Fourth, our methods haven't changed. Brother Mark read 1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Brother Mark said, "Always be ready. Are you? Are they asking? If not, is your hope showing? They will ask if it is. People ask, 'why are you so happy all the time?' Your hope shows even on bad days."

Brother Mark told us that the fifth thing that hasn't changed is mankind. "Mankind still has two problems: everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"), and we will all die (Hebrews 9:27). We all have a sin problem and we will all face death. Jesus Christ paid for the sins of all of us. If we believe in Him and trust Him, we will go to judgment with our Maker in confidence. Jesus Christ gave His perfect life for our sins. That is a perfect gift. There is nothing more simple than what Romans 10:9 tells us, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Our hymn of invitation was "Have Thine Own Way, Lord," and Jerry Abercrombie gave the benediction.

Mill Creek Baptist Church is located 3 1/2 miles east of Noel, or 8 1/2 miles west of I49, just off Highway 90 on Upper Mill Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m.

Religion on 04/25/2019