‘Doctrine of the blood sacrifice’
It was a great day to be in God’s house to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Doug Cory greeted the congregation and we lifted Raye Dean and Roger up in prayer for healing.
Rick Lett taught the Sunday school lesson from Genesis 28 about Jacob’s ladder, which reminds us that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. Believers can find peace in knowing God is faithful to His promises and can experience the joy of His presence.
Linda Abercrombie shared a devotional, “Joy Stealers,” from “A Preacher and His Barns” and read Romans 12:2. Why do people want to emphasize the negative and focus on complaints? Focus on what God does in your life. Don’t be conformed to this world and let it steal your joy. Find joy in simple things and remember that God is in control.
Tyrel Lett and Rick served as offertory ushers, and Susan Cory and Karen Gardner led the congregational hymns. We were blessed with special praise music from Jerry Abercrombie, who sang “For God So Loved.”
Our pastor, Roger Gill, brought us God’s word in Sunday’s message, “Doctrine of the Blood Sacrifice,” with scripture from Hebrews 9:11-28.
He began by telling us that there is no remission without blood and the difference between the old and new covenant. “We live under the new covenant today because of the sacrifice of the blood of Christ.” As Brother Roger talked about the limited value of the Old Testament sacrifice, he talked about the ceremonial cleansing from Leviticus 5 and the responsibility.
“We must confess our sins to worship God in spirit and truth. The blood sacrifice was placed on Jesus
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:6-7
Christ.” Verse 14 says, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Brother Roger talked about the limitless value of our Lord’s sacrifice from verse 14.
“The first value was the cross of Christ. No one has given themselves for everyone except Christ. Man has a will, spirit, and choice to come to Christ, who had no sin but died for ours. The second value is the freed conscience of the believer. Christ’s sacrifice removes the memory of sin, renewing our inner man. It brings us to fellowship and relationship with Christ.”
As Brother Roger talked about the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice, he told us that “Jesus’ death liberated those under the first covenant for our redemption. It was an act of paying the price that frees us from sin, death and judgment. The blood covered our sins. The blood in the scripture always includes two thoughts: a life offered and a death suffered. We are validated by the shedding of Christ’s blood in the new covenant. It was blood that was shed for the forgiveness of sin and makes us accepted before Christ.”
In closing, Brother Roger told us that “Christ entered the presence of God for us. Christ appeared one time for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. Christ will appear a second time to bring salvation to all who wait for Him. We will be saved in the presence of God.”
We then observed the Lord’s Supper as we were reminded of what Christ did for us. Before dismissing, Brother Roger read Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
We would love to have you worship with us on Easter Sunday as we share in the joy and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the kids immediately following the worship service. Everyone is welcome!
Mill Creek Baptist Church is located 3 1/2 miles east of Noel, just off Highway 90. Enjoy the beautiful dogwood trees in bloom on your drive. They are another reminder of what Christ did for us.