March 22, 2026
“… by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” ~ Romans 5:17 (NIV) ~
NATIONAL (YOU FILL IN THE BLANK) DAY
Have you ever noticed that most every day on the calendar is “National Whatever Day” for some item or cause? In fact, often there are multiple items or causes being highlighted. For instance, this coming Monday (March 23rd) will be one those days. Just before I sat down to begin writing this weeks’blog, I heard on the radio that Monday will be “National Chips and Dip Day”. I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do with that, but just thinking about it is making me hungry.
However, the radio guy went on to inform me that Monday will also be “National Puppy Day”. Now, how can you go wrong with that? I was tempted to run down to the animal shelter and pick out a puppy but then I remembered what went on at my daughter, Leslie’s home. Nine years ago, they brought home a puppy they were told was a Collie/ Shepard mix. They wanted a good “outdoor” dog. The vet informed them that their seven-week-old bundle of energy and sharp little teeth, was really a Collie/Saint Bernard mix. She has turned out be a great “outdoor” dog after chewing up much of their indoors! (These days she actually spends much more time indoors than out.)
But wait the radio guy then told me there is one more “special” thing for this Monday. It’s “National Chia Pet Day”. You know, those little clay figures that you smear chia seeds on and let them grow green hair or fur. They’ve been around since 1982. Why a day for a chia pet? Beats me but I’m guessing a new chia pet is a whole easier to take care of than a new puppy!
ScheduleforSunday,March22,2026:
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Preschool Worship opens @ 10:15 AM KID CITY
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ (K-6th) dismissed during Morning Worship Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday - The Forgotten Sayings of Jesus @ 10:00 AM Men in Room #202
“ - The Fruit of the Spirit @ 10:00 AM Women in Fellowship Hall
“ - Good News Club @ 3:00 PM @ Granville Elementary School
“ - Choir Rehearsal @ 6:20 PM in Room #203
Wednesday - Youth Group @ 6:30 PM in Cabin
Thursday- Mid-Week Bible Study @ 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall with our activities.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Tuesdays, 10 AM March 10-31 ~ Fellowship Hall
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays @ 10 Room #202
Tuesdays 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Gospel Conversations
Total : got questions?
Tuesday @ 6:20 in Room #203
THURSDAYS @ 6 PM inFELLOWSHIPHALL
Most of these “special days” are days that go unnoticed by most of us. But let me remind you that coming up in two weeks are two days that will be remembered for all of eternity. We are coming up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. They remind us of the two most important events that ever took place in history or that ever will.
Romans chapter 5 reminds us that all the way back in the Garden of Eden, one man brought death into our existence. WhenAdam sinned, we all became guilty. We all had placed upon us the sentence of death physical and spiritual separation from God who created us to love us. What’s more there is not one single thing we can do to change that death sentence on our own.
In this narrative and here is where these coming two weeks are profound God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to break this death cycle. Jesus came to suffer in our place.
Currently I am preaching a nine-part sermon series titled: Worship the King. It is the story of the Passion of Jesus. PASSION. The word in English comes from the Latin word “suffering”. Jesus came to suffer! Currently we are following the final hours of the life of Jesus, using the account we find in Matthew’s gospel. Our journey has followed Jesus to Gethsemane, through the trials, and will finally lead to the cross. We will conclude this part of the journey by observing the Lord’s Supper one week from now, on Palm Sunday.
I hope that you will choose to make these worship experiences of primary importance. These are not normal, everyday experiences that some radio guy tells us to remember along with two or three other “special” things. These are “world changing” experiences that the Bible tells us to remember.And not only to remember, but also to participate in.
You see, when you believe and trust in who Jesus is, and what He did 2,000 years ago for you, you are changed. You participate in “ … God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness… through the one man, Jesus Christ.”
ONE MAN ONE CROSS
and a world that was CHANGED FOREVER!
Here at First Southern, we are those who believe that the world was changed forever by that one man that one man who did not bring death upon us, but rather, that one man who brought life to us. That one man, Jesus Christ!
Blessings on your week as you take time to consider what the Passion Week meant to Jesus and what it means to you today.
Pastor Terrell
P.S. In case you’re wondering, the very first Chia Pet in 1982 was a ram. I don’t know why a ram but is does remind me that Jesus was the Lamb of God who suffered and died for us.
Morning Worship at a Glance
“Lord, Reign in Me”
“My Savior, My God”
“You Are My All in All”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer Gideons’Presentation
Kidz4Christ dismissed
“Who You Say I Am”
“Now I Belong to Jesus”
“Awesome God”
Worship the
King
Becoming Fully Devoted Disciples of the Risen Lord Getting Out of Matthew 27 Matthew 27:27-65
“Follow On”
Offerings and Connection Cards will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center, as well as in the Office Hallway.