Skip to main content

Homegoing Service for Minister Walden, Jesus > Religion (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/24)

For those who have not heard, our own Minister Candice Walden passed away last week. It was sudden and took us by surprise. We saw her last Sunday presiding over the service.  But what takes us by surprise does not surprise God for He is sovereign over all things. Our lives are but a vapor and the death of a saint reminds us that we must be on mission for God "while it is day for when night comes, no man can work" (John 9:4).  We know that Minister Walden loved God and trusted Christ and is in His presence now.  Let us pray for her children and entire family.  The Homegoing service will be at Mt. Zion on Tuesday at 2pm.  It will be preceded by a viewing at 1pm.

Last week, we talked about how the world's religions teach salvation by works.  By religion, we mean "false religion".  Man's self-righteous attempts to reach God.  But Christianity is about the Person and work of Jesus Christ.  We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

It is a gift from God not the results of works. You cannot boast in yourself for being saved. You can't take credit for believing, for it too is a gift from God.  Everything is the gift of God.  Salvation does not come from our self-reliance or individualism but from God's initiative.  It is a gift that must simply be received and thankfully accepted.

So enjoy this video.  Many of you may have seen this video already as it went viral when it came out some months ago.


                          (Click here if you can't see the video)

This month continues to be important for us to stay on budget.  Thanks to all who sacrificed to give more. We are asking that you please continue to give at least 5% more.  If you are able to give more, please do so.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Responding to the Flooding, Christmas in July Food Drive, New Sermon Series (Pastoral Emphasis for 7/13)

Responding to the Flooding All of us are painfully aware of the devastating flooding that struck our nation recently. As of Friday evening, the confirmed death toll in Texas has risen to 129, with at least 150 individuals still missing across the state. Our hearts are heavy, and we grieve for the lives lost and the families enduring unimaginable pain. One of the first things people tend to do is look for someone to blame. Was it the fault of the warning system not being early enough? Was it the fault of the government (state and federal)? Was it the fault of God? If God is so good, why do we suffer with natural disasters like flooding that takes the lives of seemingly innocent people like young children? The reality is that the fault lies with us. Humanity decided to rebel against the Creator God, thereby, ushering in sin and the fall from God's perfect creation. Natural disasters happen because we live in a fallen world ravaged by sin. Natural disasters like these floods are trag...

Baby Announcement, MLK Dreamfest, Prayers for California (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/12)

A Joyful Announcement: Welcome Baby Eliana! We are thrilled to celebrate the birth of Eliana Corena Thompson , daughter of Lachonya and Robert Thompson. Eliana arrived on December 21st , weighing 6 lbs 2 oz and measuring 19.25 inches long.  Her beautiful name, Eliana, has a special meaning in Hebrew: “God has answered.” This precious little one is indeed an answer to countless prayers. Congratulations to the proud parents! ---  EQUIP Conference 2025: A Call to Commitment This year’s EQUIP Conference will inspire us to deepen our COMMITMENT in every area of life: God, Family, Church, Work/School, and Trials . Mark your calendars for:  March 14th (7 PM–9 PM)  March 15th (9 AM–12:30 PM)  This conference is for everyone ! Registration opens on January 19th , so don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative event.  ---  MLK Dreamfest: Honoring the Dream Together We are excited to participate in the Town of Cary’s MLK Dreamfest ! Join us in r...

Congrats to High School Graduates, JA Lewis Scholarship Winners, VBS (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/8)

 🎓 Congratulations to Our High School Graduates!   (l to r: Zeb Merrill, Uriah Bracey, Kalyn Clark, Gabrielle Harris, Logan McDonald, Avery Carranza (missing)) We are so proud of each of our students who have completed this important chapter of their journey. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. As you step into this next phase of life, remember Proverbs 3:6 — “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 🏅 JA Lewis Scholarship Winners We’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s JA Lewis Scholarship: 2nd Place ($500): Brooke Logan McDonald 1st Place ($1,000): Zebulin Merrill Congratulations to both recipients for their academic achievements and pursuit of excellence! 🎓 Honoring Our College Graduates We also celebrate our members who have earned college degrees this year: Undergraduate Degree Recipients – Your perseverance is commendable. We pray continued blessings on your future endeavors. 📚 Small ...