Though we were few in number, we gathered in faith to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Doug Cory greeted the congregation and special prayers were requested for Norman, Michael, Carol Norman, the Iva Barton family, David, Makala and Bentley, the Kelly Sharp family, our country as we deal with the health crisis in our nation and our leaders.
Congregational hymns included "Jesus Loves Me" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," led by Karen Gardner with Susan Cory at the piano. David Collingsworth and Wayne Holly served as ushers and collected the offering.
"Gambling on Eternity" was the title of Sunday's message with scripture from Luke 12:22-34 and Mark 10:17-22. Brother Mark Hall told us that there are a lot of people who gamble about where they will spend eternity. "There are people who will take up one day in hell and wonder how they got there."
As our pastor talked about Luke 12:22-34 he told us there were three things about the boy who was a rich, young ruler, who approached Jesus and asked Him what should he do to inherit eternal life. "He was respectful, he was righteous and he was hardworking. Jesus told him what he was lacking." In verse 21 Jesus told him, "One thing you lack; go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come take up the cross, and follow Me."
But verse 22 tells us that the boy couldn't do it. He couldn't give up his riches. "But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." In verse 22, the boy says that he has kept all the commandments, but he broke the first one, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me," because his possessions were his god.
Brother Mark said, "He didn't love God more than his possessions. Don't feel guilty for having things, but keep things in perspective. Love God more. You can't trust in yourself. The only treasure we really have is the one we have in heaven because it is for eternity. The boy wanted eternal life, but he walked away from it for his possessions. We still do that now. We want the promise of heaven, but we are not willing to give up our earthly treasures for it."
Brother Mark read Luke 12:15-21 and said, "That is where our mindset ends up when Jesus warns the people who trust in themselves. Life isn't just what we have. We live in uncertain times. Put God first and follow Jesus. He will see that you have the things you need. Sometimes we live right, the wheels fall off and we wonder, but we must always have the faith of a child. God is in control no matter what. It is better to have treasures laid up in heaven than to worry about possessions on earth." In Luke 12:31, 34 Jesus says, "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
In closing, Brother Mark told us that we must have that eternal perspective when we get worried. "Real salvation means having an eternal perspective."
Our hymn of invitation was "Have Thine Own Way," and Doug gave the benediction.
Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Religion on 03/26/2020