📖Sunday Recap

In Matthew 5:21–48, Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not about polished behavior but a transformed heart. The religious leaders had reduced God’s commands to outward compliance, but Jesus says the issue goes deeper. Anger sits at the root of murder. Lust begins adultery in the heart. Casual promises reveal shaky integrity. Retaliation exposes pride. The standard isn’t lowered — it’s intensified. Jesus shows that sin isn’t just what we do; it’s what we dwell on, nurture, and refuse to surrender. God isn’t after surface-level rule keeping. He wants the inner life fully aligned with Him. The call is personal and practical. Who is shaping your heart — Jesus or the voices of culture, social media, and convenience? Are there grudges you need to release? Habits you need to cut off? Words that need to become more truthful? Jesus’ words confront us, but they also invite us to grace. We cannot perform heart surgery on ourselves, but the One who raised the standard is the same One who went to the cross to redeem us. So don’t just try harder this week. Surrender deeper. Let Him transform what’s beneath the surface so your actions naturally reflect a changed heart.

Happening This Week

Wednesday:

Friday:

A family friendly wedding shower for Hannah Clodfelter and Ethan Howard. The bride requests guests to bring a favorite recipe from your family kitchen to her family kitchen.

Sunday:

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

K-2 Class Starting: A new K–2 class on Sunday mornings has started. Students in kindergarten through second grade will be released before the sermon and will have their own lesson in their own space. Our toddler class will still meet as usual, this is an additional class created just for our K–2 kids. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Ryan.

OIL BELT CHRISTIAN SERVICE CAMP Ladies Day 2026 Saturday, March 21

All ladies of the church are invited to attend Ladies Day at Oil Belt. This is a great event at camp. If there is enough interest we will take the church bus. If interested please sign up at Church, the cost is $25. This years program includes:

Featured speaker: Lydia Florence Worship: Salem First Christian Church Worship Team

Easter Day Camp - April 2 - 12:30 - 5:30pm 3-year-olds thru 5th grade students are invited to attend this day even tat Church as we explorer the importance of the Biblical events of Easter. Use the Q code below to register.

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for: Rita Giese - health issues Michael Walter - health issues Keiffer Mewes - broken hand Kendal Loudermilk - health concerns Elizabeth Stevens - Grayville nursing home Jerry Mason - strength & recovery Teresa Schnautz - upcoming cataract surgeries 23rd & Mar. 2nd Scharlene Fewkes - hospital Olivia Smith - 8-year-old diagnosed with Type I diabetes Adelyn Vallette - eye infection Wes Clodfelter - surgery recovery Kayanna Smith - health issues Joann Garrison - cancer Family of Rodney Harder Family of Jeff Carlson Family of Kenny Martin Family of Richard Judge Family of Alechia Roosevelt Family of Kay Mason Family of Gale Balding

If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.

See you Sunday!