It was a good Sunday morning to be in God's house at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Doug Cory greeted the congregation and special prayers were requested for Debbie and Waylan, Jimmy, Don, Gene, Bill, Ken, Christina's family, Cleo's granddaughter, the Loretta Baker family and for rain. Rick, Kitty and Susan shared praises. We recognized our pastor, Brother Mark, for pastor appreciation. Jerry and Linda will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a celebration at the Full Gospel Church in Southwest City.
Rick Lett taught the adult Sunday school lesson, "God Listens," from Isaiah 37. The lesson told us that prayer does not inform God of anything. What prayer does is remind us of what we already know, adjusting our hearts and heads to be in line with who God is and what He is doing. The lesson made three points: "Believers can approach God with bold requests because of who God is; God calls on believers to trust Him as He responds to our prayers according to His will and purpose; and God responds to our prayers in ways that demonstrate His power and are in accordance with His plans."
Linda Abercrombie shared a devotional, "Overwhelming Victory," and read Romans 8:37-39. Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ. When calamity threatens, remember nothing can separate you from God's love.
Susan Cory and Karen Gardner led the congregation in singing "Heavenly Sunlight," and we were blessed with special praise music from Jimmy Easter who played "Amazing Grace" and "Why Me, Lord?" on the canjo, Jerry and Linda who sang "Because He Lives," and Karen who sang "Sheltered in the Arms of God."
Brother Mark Hall brought us God's word as he began a sermon series, "The Offenses." Sunday's message, "Getting Over It," began with scripture from Philippians 3:12-14. Brother Mark began by telling us that we all have or have had things in life we need to get over. "Victimology is viral these days. In Luke, Jesus told us that it is impossible that no offenses will come. Everyone is a victim and everyone is offended. Do we live in the United States or the United States of the offended? Offenses and being offended are two separate things. Offenses are inevitable and being offended is optional. We can choose happiness or anger. Bitter people will sometimes envy those who are not. Thinking that those folks never had reason to be, but the truth is all have had reason but only those folks were able to get over it. We cannot experience that abundant life until we get over it."
Brother Mark referred to Ephesians 4:2-3, "With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Brother Mark told us that telling someone to get over it is easier said than done. "Sometimes we think it depends on what 'it' is. We are all different and feel things differently. Different things affect people differently when it comes to pain, loss, rejection, feelings, etc. We have all been a victim of someone's actions or behavior. For peace and spiritual growth in life, the burden is on you to get over it. We can do that with patience, understanding, tolerance and love."
Brother Mark said, "You may wonder how do you know that you need to get over something? If you are always looking back on it, you need to get over it. Live looking forward. You can't go forward without turning around. Get out of the past and reach ahead. If you find yourself telling others how people have done you wrong, get over it. Live forward for the bond of peace and the sake of unity. When we deal with people, we will always have problems. Get on with life with patience. We all have our weaknesses. We are all thankful for God's patience, so why should we be any less patient with anyone else." 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Brother Mark referred to Galatians 6:9 and told us that it takes patience to deal with people. "You will get burned and will be a victim of one circumstance or another. It doesn't mean you have to like being a victim, but it does mean that we can get over it for the sake of peace even if it wasn't your fault. Offenses come from the ones you forget, but real offenses come from relationships with people you care about -- your friends, family, neighbors, etc. You have probably been offended by Jesus Christ if you have a relationship with Him because He is the way, the truth and the life. The truth is what offends us. For peace and unity, you need to get over it. The burden of repair is on you for spiritual growth. Sometimes, we have to walk through some offenses to get to our miracle. Being offended is optional."
Our hymn of invitation was "The Savior is Waiting," and Jerry gave the benediction. After the service, we witnessed the baptism of Raydean and Jeanette. Brother Mark presented them with Bibles and certificates of baptism. May God bless them.
We invite you to worship with us next Sunday as God's message will be "Understanding, Tolerance and Love." Worship service begins at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 10 a.m.
Mill Creek Baptist Church is located 3 1/2 miles east of Noel just off Highway 90. Everyone is welcome.
Opinions expressed are those of the author.