Service began with the congregation repeating the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible. It's wonderful to have the freedom to honor and worship in the spirit of God. After worshiping in song, Sister Louine Gardner read a self-written, precious poem.
Sister Louine Gardner and Sister Joyce Walters sang an old hymn, "Where Could I Go." There is a very important message in this song. It makes everyone think about where to turn when times are so troublesome. Stop and think, where would people go, not knowing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? God knows every need and is always there to walk those needing help through the valley and to plant their feet on higher ground to obtain the victory.
The answer to prayer often comes from unexpected people. For example, this week was blessed by two different couples that met a very serious need in my life. May God Bless them is my prayer. Pastor Bob Cartwright voiced his opinion of the heart-breaking way that children are being deceived. They so desperately need to hear the word of God. They must learn to separate the good and evil that they face daily. A wonderful story is found in the 13th chapter of Matthew, beginning with the 24th verse. It tells of a man who planted wheat, and while he slept, the evil one came and sowed tares among the wheat. Let us realize that those who sleep spiritually, let down their defense. Everyone needs to remain alert and watch for the tares that can enter one's life. The enemy is just waiting for that time of sleep.
In verses 26-30, "The workers asked the man who planted the wheat, why the tares sprang up among the wheat?" Then they asked, "Should the tares be pulled up?" One would think the man would welcome the offer to remove the weeds from the crop, however, the reply was, "The enemy has done this and if the tares are pulled, the wheat will also be uprooted." Just let both grow together until the harvest and in time of harvest, the tares will be bound together in bundles and burned. Then gather the wheat and take it to my barns." The wheat represents a person who is living for the Lord and the tares are people in the church who only cause damage to the work of the Lord.
A good, sound Christian will know the difference but for fear the members might be hurt and possibly fall away, one will leave the matter in the hands of the all-knowing God who will, one day judge all men, rightly dividing the good and the evil. There is a way of escape for those who fail and choose to follow the ways of Satan. Even though they have failed and fallen by the wayside, there is forgiveness. In Psalms 103:10-18, we read that God extends his mercy and forgiveness to those who fear him and keep his commandments. It is each and everyone's choice that leads to heaven or the other to an eternal hell. Yes, there are only two choices and everyone wants to go in the path that leads in the footsteps of the Lord. Romans 3:23 wants us to know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We are all sinners by nature and only the cleansing blood that was shed by Jesus Christ can make everyone as white as the snow.
In closing, parishioners took Communion. Then Pastor gave the 11th chapter of 1 Corinthians, where those only eat and drink the morsels that represent the body and blood of Jesus. Only if everyone is truly living life according to the scriptures in His holy word.
Join the congregation in hearing the true word of God at the church at the top of the hill with the beautiful steeple pointing souls to Calvary. Come to hear more of the truth at the Cove Mission of Hope located in Lanagan, Mo. Services are held at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, with Bible study at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Everyone is welcome, and may God bless.
Religion on 09/05/2019