On Sunday we celebrated with several of our church family who followed the Lord in water baptism. Those baptized included Kim Funk, Christopher Baney, Justine Baney, Ethan Stewart, Danae Ketter, and Emelia Stone.

     We had a wonderful time of praise and worship led by Andy Hoffecker and the worship team, which was followed by a special time of prayer at the altars. Ryan Summers blessed us with special music, “To Know You.”  

     Pastor Roger’s message on Sunday morning was entitled “The Civil War Inside You.”  Using scripture text from Romans 7:14-25, Pastor noted that every Christian has two natures: a new nature (which comes from God when one becomes a Christian) and our old sinful nature which tries to creep back in our life after we are saved. In these passages, the apostle Paul describes the struggle a Christian has with the two natures: “For what I want to do, I do not do; but what I hate, I do” (vs. 15). We must recognize that when we try to live by our own energy and power, we’re doomed to failure. In the natural, the old sinful nature will always win out. True freedom and victory over the old sin nature will only come when we “give up” and surrender all to Jesus Christ - when we allow the Holy Spirit to take over our life and direct us (Romans, chapter 8). Religion can not save us; water baptism can not save us. But as long as we stay close to Jesus, and walk with him, we will be set free!

     Upcoming summer event: We will have a Kid’s matinee every Thursday, July 15-Aug 12, from 1:00-3:00 pm in the gym on a 14 foot screen. It includes a free movie, free popcorn and free drink for elementary-aged children. The community is invited to join us. For questions, contact the church office at 580-3708.