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Dear EBC Family,
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
When you hear this invitation, you have a right to question who offers it to you. The world is full of imposters, cheats, scams, deceivers, and liars. The value of a promise is only as good as the one who makes it. But the speaker of this invitation is the most trustworthy man that has ever lived. He is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. He is one who is Almighty, very God of very God. He has all power in heaven and on earth. What He promises He is able to perform, and He always keeps His word.
The invitation He gives is for those of us who are laboring and are heavy laden. Because of the entrance of sin into the world, this is true of all of us. Since the Fall of Adam and Eve, all of creation groans, and life is filled with heavy burdens that press us down. The heaviest burden of all that we bear is the inward burden of our own guilt. And if you are one who is laboring and heavy laden, this invitation from Christ is for you. If you have a broken heart or a guilty conscience, if you are looking for rest for your soul and peace for your guilty heart, Jesus is speaking to you.
You may think this invitation isn't for you because you aren't good enough to be invited by Christ. But Jesus doesn't speak to the good, but to those who are laboring and are heavy laden. If the terms "laboring" and "heavy laden" resonate with how you feel, then Jesus is speaking to you. Mercy is available for you in Christ. Don't turn your back on the mercy and peace that He invites you to receive. Don't allow pride, fear, or self-righteousness to cause you to reject Christ's offer. Go to Christ today, and He will surely receive you and give you the rest for your soul that you long for.
Sunday Worship Guide
Sunday morning worship is a Saturday night decision! One of the best ways to get the most out of our time together in corporate worship is to come prepared, going to bed early on Saturday night, and by reviewing the sermon text, our song list, and our responsive readings. To help you prepare for Sunday worship, I've provided each element of our worship below for your review prior to Sunday.
- Sermon Text – Genesis 3:8-24
- Song List
- Responsive Reading
- Confession of Sin
- Leader: I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5)
- All: Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24-25a)
- Assurance of Pardon
- Leader: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. (Psalm 130:3-4)
- All: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love… He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:8, 10a)
Announcements
- 3rd Thursday Prayer – Please sign up for 3rd Thursday Prayer this Sunday. Without the Lord's help, we can do nothing. On the sign-up sheet, you will notice a slight change. The 11 AM time slot will be a time for corporate prayer. If you are available, please meet us the church at 11 AM so that we might pray together during this time.
- Secretary & Treasurer Position – Annette Reid has been filling both our secretary and treasurer position for quite a while. We have been searching for a secretary, but there's been little interest in the position. Annette has offered to fill the secretary position as a volunteer, but she is requesting that someone alleviate her of the treasurer position. If you have a financial background and are willing to serve our church in this capacity, please reach out to me directly.
- 5th Sunday Fellowship – On Sunday, November 30, we'll be having a time of fellowship during the Sunday School hour in the fellowship hall. I hope that you will join us! Donuts, milk, coffee, chocolate milk, and orange juice will be available.
- Wednesday Nights – Next Wednesday night we'll be studying the Eighth Commandment in Exodus 20:15. Last week we met in the coffee area by the foyer, and I thought it was a positive change. If you plan to attend, plan to join us in the coffee area.
- Theology for Breakfast – This is a men's discipleship group that meets on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month at 6:30 AM at The Coffee House South. We spend time sharing our struggles and prayer needs with one another, and then we spend the rest of our time discussing a book that we are reading together. If you are interested in joining, please let me know.
- Trail Life/American Heritage Girls – Trail Life and AHG meet at the church each Thursday night at 6:30 PM. If you are interested in serving as mentor/volunteer, please contact Tom or Michelle Ridley.
- Classical Conversations – The homeschool group, Classical Conversations, meets at our church on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.
- Bible Study Fellowship – The women's BSF group meets at our church on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM. If you would like to join the current study, visit bsfinternational.org, click "Find a Group," locate the Excell Baptist Church group, and click "Request to Join."
Upcoming Events
- November 30 – 5th Sunday Fellowship during the Sunday School hour (9:00 AM)
- December 5 – International Missions Meal
- December 14 – Holiday Meal
In Christ,
Hunter Hanson
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