Laurelbrook’s church service on January 18, 2020 began with a welcome by Rodney Herra. He announced that a baptismal class would be started next Sabbath.
Jacqueline Miller played the introduction for the service. Warren McDaniels had the invocation. The congregation sang “When We All Get to Heaven”. Rodney Herra had the Morning Prayer; the congregation sang “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord”.
Eric (senior) announced the time for the church offerings had come. Daryll Ellis and Larron (junior) collected the tithes and offerings. Any money not designated for a particular purpose went toward the local church budget. The congregation sang “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”. Eric prayed for the offering.
Rodney Herra told the children a story about life in his family he was five. He was teasing his dog, and high dog bit him on the nose. Show animals love.
Daniel (sophomore) and Maria (senior) played “The Holy City” on their violins for special music.
Nadine read Revelation 14:6-12 “6 ¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
Warren McDaniels had the sermon. The congregation sang “Redeemed!” Warren McDaniels had the closing prayer.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Rodney Herra – head local church elder / owns his own auto repair business near Laurelbrook
Following are some notes on the sermon:
- Romans 11:8 “(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”
- 1 Kings 20:35 “And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.”
- 1 Kings 20:36 “36 Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him. 37 Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded [him].”
- God was showing a point He needed to get to Ahab’s attention – I told you how to get rid of your enemies, and you didn’t.
- The Syrian king wanted anything from the Jewish homes.
- 1 Kings 20:31 “31 ¶ And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel [are] merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life. 32 So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and [put] ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said, Thy servant Benhadad saith, I pray thee, let me live. And he said, [Is] he yet alive? he [is] my brother.”
- Ahab refused to kill the enemy of God – an active prophecy.
- Another active prophecy – Hosea’s marriage to Gomer.
- God’s people neglect His message to the whole world and should be awakened.
- Stay strong and separate from the world, not arrogant.
- 1 Kings 20:42 “And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of [thy] hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.”
- God has appointed us watchmen on the wall. All should be working in God’s Work. Laurelbrook was organized by the Lord to train for this.
- Like Paul are we taking the battle to the enemy?
- God will give you your desires.
- Judgment has started, Babylon is fallen, and Babylon is being given the mark.
- Be baptized if you have not done this.