As we gathered for Sunday morning worship at Mill Creek Baptist Church, we were greeted by Doug and special prayers were asked for many, including rain. Wayne shared a eulogy.
The adult Sunday school lesson was “Divided,” a study of 1 Kings 12:6-19. The text made three points: “Wise leaders seek the advice of experienced advisers before making important decisions, arrogant advice leads to selfish decisions and selfish decisions cause painful divisions.”
Rick and Tyrel served as offering ushers and Susan and Karen led congregational hymns, with special praise music by Karen.
Titus 2:11-15 was the text of Pastor Mark Hall’s message on the four things we must do to be ready for the Lord’s second coming. Last week’s sermon touched on the first two: stand firm in grace and say “no” to ungodliness. This Sunday Brother Mark spoke about the last two: seeking self-mastery and serving God.
As Brother Mark was talking about self-control, he referred to verse 11, which tells us that the grace of God brings salvation and it appears to all men at some time to receive salvation.
“The Bible teaches us to have self-control but be guided by the spirit. We grip the wheel of life until our knuckles are white, but the only thing we can really control is ourselves. The Bible teaches us that if we don’t have self-control, we will be slaves to the things that control us like lust, money, and our words. If we don’t maintain self-control, we will be overwhelmed by the consequences of having no self-control. When you recognize the problem, look inward, not outward. What do you need to control?”
Brother Mark told us that “a lack of self-control keeps the prisons, hospitals, and divorce courts full and the churches and family tables empty.” He referred to the good conduct explained to church members, women and men in Titus 1:5-9, 2:1-5, 6-8.
“We hear all kinds of stories about people who are supposed to be Christians, but they lose their temper. Self-control is one of the greatest hallmarks of a Christian. If you lose your temper- cold, you’ll never have peace and we all need peace in our lives.”
Brother Mark told us that the fourth thing we must do to be ready for the coming of Christ is to serve God, as he referred to Titus 2:11-15.
“As we look forward to the Second Coming, there is a question: How do you use what God has given you to advance His interests? You did not get it to advance yours only. ‘use for joy and to make a living, but the number one reason is for God.”
Brother Mark referred to Matthew 25 and the parable of the talents and asked, “What do you do with what God has given you to further His interest?” He will take care of you if you do. Does God get a return on the talent He has given you? Ask God what that talent is. Is it generosity, kindness or to make others feel good? Use God’s talent to take care of yourself and Him. He will take care of you if you do. What are you doing with the talents God has given you to serve His interests? It is to serve God.
Our invitation hymn was “Lord, I am coming home”. Wayne gave the blessing.
We invite you to join us for Sunday School at 10 a.m., Worship at 11 a.m., and Bible Study on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
The opinions expressed are those of the author.
